Sonal Sachdev Patel: Reflections of a Philanthropist in Residence

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In this episode we talk to Sonal Sachdev Patel, CEO of GMSP Foundation, inaugural Philanthropist In Residence at the Marshall Institute at the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and executive coach working with philanthropists and senior leaders. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss:

• How did the LSE Philanthropist in Residence role come about? What is the aim of the role, and what are the key insights so far?
• How did Sonal and her family get started in philanthropy, and what shaped their approach?
• What can philanthropists bring to the table beyond money?
• How do philanthropists use their skills with the required humility?
• How useful is access to a philanthropist’s networks for grantees?
• Do Next Gen wealth holders have distinctive characteristics when it comes to their attitudes towards philanthropy, or their methods of doing it?
• How valuable is it for Next Gen donors to be able to meet like-minded peers?
• What are the rewards and challenges of giving as a family?
• What sort of due diligence and relationship building do you have to do to be able to fund in a trust-based way?
• What kind of advice is necessary or useful for people when starting out on their philanthropy journey? 
• Is it currently easy enough for existing and potential donors to access good advice about philanthropy? How can we improve this?

Further Resources:

• Sonal's blog article, "Reflections of a Philanthropist in Residence"
• Sonal's conversation with volunteer Andrea for the homelessness charity, Crisis.
• Article in The Philanthropist, "From Humble Beginnings to Trust-Based Giving: The Journey of GMSP Foundation" 
• LSE Marshall Institute
• WPM article "Why isn't all philanthropy trust-based philanthropy?"
• Philanthropisms podcast conversations with Kate Symondson, Ewan Kirk and Emma Beeston & Beth Breeze.