Anthony Shriver Founder, Chairman, & CEO of Best Buddies
May 9, 2024
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Anthony Shriver, founder of Best Buddies, discusses his upbringing, creating a global movement, importance of inclusion, challenges of mental health, commitment to faith and service. The podcast explores his family influences, evolution of Special Olympics, reflections on faith and personal growth, and the unique bond formed through Best Buddies' programs.
Service and joy in helping others shaped Anthony Shriver's life, inspired by his family's emphasis on giving back.
Anthony Shriver's entrepreneurial drive led to the creation of Best Buddies, a nonprofit supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Best Buddies' focus on inclusion extends to employment programs, showcasing the success and contributions of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the workforce.
Deep dives
The Transition to a Life of Service
Anthony Shriver reflects on his father's emphasis on a life of service and joy in helping others. Growing up in a family rooted in Catholicism, he learned the importance of being selfless and impacting lives positively. This philosophy led to initiatives like the Peace Corps, Special Olympics, and Best Buddies. Shriver highlights the joy and fulfillment that service brings, emphasizing the impact of building strong teams and communities dedicated to helping others.
Legacy of Service and Entrepreneurship
Anthony Shriver discusses his entrepreneurial spirit and upbringing within a competitive family focused on service. Despite familial ties to prestigious schools and political campaigns, Shriver chose to create Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization aiding individuals with intellectual disabilities. He attributes his drive and independence to his upbringing, where breaking out on his own and making a meaningful impact were encouraged. Shriver's dedication to service over personal gain exemplifies his family's legacy of contribution.
Best Buddies: Fostering Friendships and Employment Opportunities
Best Buddies Friends, a program in 3,300 schools globally, pairs individuals with intellectual disabilities with student mentors to develop social skills and lasting friendships. Beyond mentoring programs, Best Buddies focuses on employment opportunities, with participants enjoying a high employment rate. Through partnerships with major companies like TJX and Jersey Mike's, Best Buddies emphasizes inclusivity and showcases the success and valuable contributions of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the workforce.
Empowering Individuals with Disabilities through Employment and Housing Initiatives
Employment programs play a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities to find fulfilling jobs that align with their passions and skill sets. Through targeted programs, individuals with disabilities are placed in roles that leverage their unique abilities, such as a person with autism who excels in screen-based tasks. By providing inclusive work environments, like those fostered by a company with a strong belief in diversity, people with disabilities can transition from reliance on social security to earning a sustainable income. Additionally, housing programs and partnerships with entities like a student housing producer contribute to creating integrated living communities near universities, offering individuals with disabilities opportunities to be part of a vibrant social and educational fabric.
Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude and Service Mentality in Nonprofit Organizations
Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization, stands out for its exceptional customer service mentality and commitment to gratitude in engaging with supporters and partners. The organization's founder emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of appreciation and dedication within the team, drawing from his experience in running various businesses. By demonstrating genuine appreciation for donors and supporters, Best Buddies fosters strong relationships and mutual respect, ensuring that contributions are managed efficiently and effectively used to support the organization's mission of promoting inclusion and diversity. The application of a service-oriented approach extends to creating valuable experiences for participants and stakeholders, reflecting a culture of care, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Willy was joined by Anthony Shriver, founder, chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies, the leading global organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inspired by his mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver who started Special Olympics, Anthony has taken Best Buddies from an idea to a leading global non-profit impacting millions of lives.
He and Willy discussed his upbringing and how his parents’ emphasis on giving back shaped him, the story behind creating Best Buddies and developing it into global movement, the importance of inclusion, the challenges of mental health, his commitment to faith and living a life of service, and much more.