Ep #119 - Kyle Behrend: How Not For Profits are putting AI to practical use for positive change

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#MBA #Non-Profit #Business #Marketing #Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman #Dan Bentley #Tracey Newman

39:30

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with David Brem, Managing Director of the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund. David offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a student-led endowment fund focused on early-stage, sector-agnostic investments primarily in the Michigan ecosystem. He shares insights on their unique, founder-first investment approach, how they navigate pre-seed to Series A venture opportunities, and the rigorous due diligence process involving qualitative analysis over pure numbers. David also discusses his roles with global VC networks including Electro Ventures, the London Venture Capital Network, and Level Up Ventures, illustrating how he bridges U.S., European, and Australian venture ecosystems with a special focus on mobility and transportation tech. Highlights include deep dives into emerging trends like eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft), smart city infrastructure, and safety innovations in aviation technology. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how diverse expertise—from military intelligence and management consulting to academic ventures—shapes David’s investment thesis and community-building efforts. The episode also explores the importance of networking, adding value in the startup ecosystem, and practical advice for aspiring investors or entrepreneurs navigating the venture capital world. With stories of successes, challenges, and future outlooks, this episode is a must-listen for innovators, founders, and investors aiming to understand the intersection of academia, technology, and venture capital in today’s dynamic landscape. Learn more about David's work at https://zli.umich.edu/zell-lurie-commercialization-fund/ Connect with David on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lowell-brem/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

about a year ago 37:25

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman are joined by Kyle Behrend the founder and director of NFPS.AI. Kyle's business is educating and empowering not for profits on practical applications of artificial intelligence, and explores both the opportunities and challenges for non-profits in leveraging AI for increased impact and efficiency.
Here is a taste of what Tracey, Dan and Kyle cover in the conversation:

Kyle introduces himself and his work with nfps.ai
Discussion around challenges of staying up to date with rapidly changing AI technologies
Importance of focusing on specific problems organisations are facing and how AI can help
Examples of AI use cases like donor engagement and first draft content creation
Ensuring humans stay in the loop and AI is used as an assistant rather than a replacement
Opportunities but also challenges and ethical considerations around AI

Links from the episode:

The NFPS.AI website: Click here
Kyle Behrend on LinkedIn: Click here
Co-design For Impact - Co-design Training: Click here
The Impacto Consulting website: Click here
Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here

156 episodes

Innovate for Impact

Ep #119 - Kyle Behrend: How Not For Profits are putting AI to practical use for positive change

Innovate for Impact

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Kyle introduces himself and his work with nfps.ai
Discussion around challenges of staying up to date with rapidly changing AI technologies
Importance of focusing on specific problems organisations are facing and how AI can help
Examples of AI use cases like donor engagement and first draft content creation
Ensuring humans stay in the loop and AI is used as an assistant rather than a replacement
Opportunities but also challenges and ethical considerations around AI

Links from the episode:

The NFPS.AI website: Click here
Kyle Behrend on LinkedIn: Click here
Co-design For Impact - Co-design Training: Click here
The Impacto Consulting website: Click here
Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here

156 episodes

#MBA #Non-Profit #Business #Marketing #Dan Bentley and Tracey Newman #Dan Bentley #Tracey Newman

All episodes

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Ep #155 - Bryony Tucker & Abi Cooper - How batyr meaningfully include lived experience in everything they do 36:14

9 weeks ago36:14

36:14

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Bryony Tucker, the COO and Abi Cooer, the Youth Advocacy Lead at Batyr. This discussion explores how their organisation meaningfully incorporates young people's lived experiences into every aspect of their mental health work, from organisational decision-making to program design. They share practical strategies for creating safe spaces, sharing power, and ensuring that young people's voices are not just heard, but actively shape the organisation's mission and approach. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Batyr's mission to create mentally healthy lives for young people Strategies for incorporating lived experience into organisational processes Importance of creating safe spaces for young people's voices Approaches to systems reform and youth-led advocacy Peer-led learning and organisational culture Batyr focuses on addressing mental health stigma through storytelling and education The organisation has a dedicated team and roles for lived experience advocacy Key strategies include: National Youth Advisory Group, Young people on the board of directors, Continuous consultation with young people, Peer-to-peer learning initiatives Creating safe spaces involves sharing power and actively listening to young people Links from the episode: Batyr website: Click here Batyr LinkedIn: Click here Batyr Facebook: Click here Batyr Instagram: Click here Batyr TikTok: Click here Batyr X: Click here Batyr Bluesky: Click here Batyr YouTube: Click here If people want to get involved in our latest fundraising campaign they can jump over to Stigma Free Streamers Instagram, which features our latest digital gaming campaign: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here Innovate for Impact Workshop: Click here…

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Ep #154 - Rohan Feegrade: How Lutheran Care’s Bold Vision is Delivering Results 39:19

11 weeks ago39:19

39:19

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Rohan Feegrade, the CEO at Lutheran Care. This discussion explores the organisation's innovative approach to social services, highlighting their strategic focus on creating systemic change through collaborative partnerships and holistic support across child protection, homelessness, and allied health services. They also discuss about the Lutheran Care's award-winning initiatives, such as the "Be the Village" foster care program and the Toward Home Homelessness Alliance, which demonstrate their commitment to addressing community vulnerabilities by amplifying the voices of those most in need. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Lutheran Care won the South Australian Not-for-Profit of the Year award Developed a strategic plan focused on four key pillars: Best for People, Growth for Impact, Sustainability, and Reputational Growth Launched the "Be the Village" foster care campaign, co-designed with lived experience Leads the Toward Home Homelessness Alliance, supporting 5,500 people annually Implemented the Adelaide Zero Project, housing 1,200 people since 2018 Expanded Allied Health services, including psychology and speech pathology Committed to advocacy and systemic change in child protection and homelessness Foster care program with dedicated Aboriginal cultural workers Homelessness alliance with innovative service model Allied Health services under the "Better Self" brand Emergency relief services supporting 6,000-7,000 people annually Links from the episode: Lutheran Care website: Click here Lutheran Care LinkedIn: Click here Lutheran Care YouTube: Click here 2025 Gala Dinner link: Click here Elcies Thrift Stores Facebook: Click here Learn more about how you can help: Click here Read more about the 2024 Not for Profit of the Year Award: Click here Read more about the AMI national marketing award finalist: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here Innovate for Impact Workshop: Click here…

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Ep #153 - Lucas Patchett: How Orange Sky Laundry Empowers Their People To Continuously Improve Their Service Delivery 29:58

24 weeks ago29:58

29:58

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Lucas Patchett, the CEO at Orange Sky Laundry. This discussion explores how Orange Sky Laundry, a non-profit organisation that provides free laundry and shower services to people experiencing homelessness, has empowered its people to continuously innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve. Lucas also highlights Orange Sky's culture of giving things a try, celebrating both big and small innovations, and maintaining a focus on connection and community impact, even as the organisation has grown significantly over the past 10 years. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Origins of Orange Sky Laundry and how it has grown to provide services across Australia and New Zealand. The discussion focuses on the importance of connection and community over just providing laundry services. Lucas explains how Orange Sky Laundry has embedded a culture of innovation, where people are empowered to try new ideas and learn from failures. Discuss the challenges of scaling and maintaining a culture of innovation as the organisation grows, and shares examples of how they have adapted to changing community needs. Lucas shares the story of how Orange Sky Laundry innovated to use solar power for drying clothes, significantly improving the efficiency and sustainability of their operations. Highlights the importance of connection and listening, sharing a personal story that exemplifies the meaningful impact of their work. The organisation has mechanisms in place to celebrate both big and small innovations, helping to build a culture of continuous improvement. Links from the episode: Orange Sky Laundry Australia: Click here Orange Sky Laundry New Zealand: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #152 - Tony Wai - How Third Age Health's big goal has empowered their people to continuously improve 36:03

26 weeks ago36:03

36:03

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Tony Wai, the CEO at Third Age Health. The discussion explores on how Third Age Health, a medical provider in New Zealand, has been able to achieve significant growth and improvements in their aged care services. It also covers Third Age Health's focus on providing consistent, high-quality care, implementing Kaizen methodology, leveraging digital systems, and addressing workforce challenges - all with the goal of better supporting older people in their care. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Tony discusses his vision to improve aged care services when he joined Third Age Health and the initial challenges the organisation was facing. Explains the company's focus on providing consistent, high-quality care for older people in various living situations. Describes how the organisation adopted the Kaizen methodology to drive incremental improvements and changes. Shares how the implementation of digital systems helped reduce administrative burdens and improve staff retention. Acknowledges the challenges of workforce shortages and discusses the company's approach to navigating these issues. Emphasizes the importance of building trust with staff and clients by actively listening and responding to feedback. Reflects on the successes and challenges of the past few years and shares the company's future plans, including potential expansion to Australia. Links from the episode: Third Age Health Website: Click here Third Age Health LinkedIn: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #151 - Niki Rittinghausen & Magda Ojeda Amplifying Diverse Voices in Aged Care 42:04

31 weeks ago42:04

42:04

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Niki Rittinghausen and Magda Ojeda from Center for Cultural Diversity in Aging. The discussion explores on how they amplify the voices of diverse seniors in the aged care system. Through collaborative community engagement, they were able to capture valuable insights and recommendations to improve cultural inclusivity and accessibility in aged care services. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Explain the goal of the project to ensure diverse seniors' voices are heard in the aged care reform process. The team leveraged partnerships with various community organisations to reach and engage multicultural senior communities. The consultations yielded positive outcomes, including seniors gaining new insights and the valuable contribution of an interpreter. Genuine community engagement and strategic use of resources, such as translators, were key to the success of the project. The report outlines five key recommendations to enhance culturally appropriate care, expand language services, and improve access to information and support. The team discusses the importance of an intersectional approach and the challenges faced by multicultural seniors, such as language barriers and social isolation. Links from the episode: Center for Cultural Diversity in Aging website: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #150 - Charli English: How Oaktree are creating the future they want to create 39:58

33 weeks ago39:58

39:58

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Charli English, the CEO of Oaktree. The discussion explores how the youth-led organisation Oaktree is creating the future they want to see. They are taking a decolonial approach to funding grassroots youth-led initiatives across the Asia Pacific, and co-creating their strategy with young people and partners to challenge perceptions about youth leadership in the development sector. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Oaktree supports grassroots youth-led organisations across the Asia Pacific through their Oaktree Youth Solidarity Fund They have made a bold decision to take a decolonial approach to their funding, providing unrestricted grants to partners rather than tying the funding to specific projects This allows the grassroots organisations to use the funds in the way that best meets their needs, whether that's registering the organisation, paying staff salaries, or implementing their programs Oaktree has also co-created their organisational strategy with young people and their partners to ensure it is truly youth-led and responsive to local needs They are working to change perceptions about young people's capabilities and leadership in the development sector Links from the episode: Oaktree: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #149 - Allison Wainwright: How Family Life use client-centricity and place based approaches to deliver better outcomes 33:50

37 weeks ago33:50

33:50

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Allison Wainwright, the CEO of Family Life. The discussion explores the innovative, community-centered approaches of Family Life's strategic focus on community listening, designing community-driven solutions, empowering local leaders, and collaborating with other place-based organisations to drive systemic change. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Family Life focusing on supporting families and building community networks and has a deep interest in working with children and helping them thrive. Talks about the common anxiety people have about community support for vulnerable individuals and the importance of practical ways to create community models of support. Highlights the importance of community abundance and the need to shift from a scarcity mindset to recognising community solutions. Discuss the importance of a social contract with the community and embedding community listening in strategic planning. Family Life has a formal community listening program, including community listening tours to understand the impacts of events like COVID-19. Explains the methodology of gathering data and hosting events to sense-make community challenges and strengths. Family Life uses a backbone function to help drive community solution plans and connect people and organisations. Creating Capable Leaders program, which helps community members develop the skills and confidence to make a difference and Young Leaders for Change Program, which focuses on upskilling young people in community leadership. Family Life uses technology-based tools like Map Your World to help community members map and address local issues. Allison highlights the need to move away from competition and work together to support community better. Allison introduces Family Life's innovation pillars, which include community activation, addressing loneliness and social isolation, and supporting families. Emphasises the importance of a curious lens and asking "I wonder" questions to drive innovation and community-centered work. Links from the episode: Family Life: Click here Allison Wainwright LinkedIn: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #148 - Matt Barnes: Ways to tell your organisation's story that gets results 23:49

39 weeks ago23:49

23:49

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Matt Barnes, the Owner of Rogue Creatives and Podcast Host of Creating Good. Matt shares about innovative ways for organisations, especially nonprofits, to effectively tell their story and connect with supporters. Matt shares his strategic storytelling framework and insights on reframing nonprofit storytelling to focus on the organisation's expertise and mission rather than just highlighting problems. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Rogue Creatives' strategic storytelling framework helps clients identify their unique character and story. Challenges nonprofits face in storytelling, including the need to spend money on marketing and branding. Importance of reframing nonprofits as conduits for change, not just begging for money Examples of how changing the tone of storytelling can lead to increased donations and support. Collaboration and learning from each other to solve problems more effectively. Links from the episode: Rogue United website: Click here Creating Good website: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #147 - Alison Covington - How Good360 Australia built an incredible platform through partnerships 24:54

41 weeks ago24:54

24:54

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Alison Covington, the Founder and Managing Director of Good360 Australia. The organisation has built an innovative platform to match businesses' brand-new unsold goods with charities and individuals in need across the country. The conversation also covers the challenges and logistics involved in creating this system, the impressive impact Good360 has achieved, and the organisation's ongoing need for support to further scale its operations. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Overview of Good360 Australia's mission to match businesses' brand-new goods to Australians in need. Complexity of connecting businesses with charities through Good360's platform. The importance of providing dignity and hope to recipients through access to brand-new goods. Technology and logistics solutions like e-commerce, options for charities to shop, pick up, or have goods delivered and balancing local distribution and national reach to reduce carbon footprint. Challenges and resources involved in building the platform, including initial outreach and philanthropic funding. Simplicity and impact of Good360's mission to reduce need and waste. Good360's need for financial sustainability and encourages donations and volunteering. Links from the episode: Good360 Australia website: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #146 - Kate O'Hara - How Food Bank WA are using innovative methods to ensure healthy food is available to all 36:37

43 weeks ago36:37

36:37

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Kate O'Hara, the CEO of Foodbank WA, a leading food relief organisation in Western Australia. The organisation has implemented creative procurement methods, expanded mobile distribution services, and rebranded its nutrition education program to ensure healthy food is available as a basic human right for all Western Australians. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: The organisation's mission to ensure "healthy food for all - it's a basic human right" in Western Australia. Foodbank WA has innovated its procurement and distribution processes to reduce food waste and increase the volume of fresh produce available, including: a) introducing new relationships with growers and packing sheds, including providing dedicated collection bins b) minimising handling of fresh produce to preserve quality c) launching a free fruit and vegetable program for cardholders. The organisation has also expanded its mobile van service to reach more communities, especially in remote areas. Foodbank WA's long-running Nutrition Education Program has been rebranded as "nom" and is now offered on a fee-for-service basis to reach more people. Challenges include the large geographic area of Western Australia, rising costs of transportation, and lack of public awareness about food insecurity in the state. Links from the episode: Foodbank website: Click here Nom: Click here Superhero Foods HQ: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #145 - Michelle Greenwood: How lived experience helped Invisible Illnesses to become an impactful organisation 24:07

45 weeks ago24:07

24:07

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Michelle Greenwood, the Founder and CEO of Invisible Illnesses, a charity that provides support and services for people living with invisible illnesses. Michelle shares her personal story of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and how that experience led her to create Invisible Illnesses, which has grown to support over 5,000 members in Western Australia and aims to expand nationally. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Michelle shares her personal story of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and the challenges she faced before getting a diagnosis Michelle explains how her personal experience led to the formation of Invisible Illnesses, which now has over 5,000 members in Western Australia The organisation provides a range of services and support for people living with invisible illnesses, including food hampers, school packs, tutoring, educational programs, and well-being services Michelle discusses the goal of expanding Invisible Illnesses nationally across Australia in the next 5-10 years Michelle highlights the community recognition and personal growth she has experienced through her work with the organisation Links from the episode: Invisible Illnesses website: Click here Invisible Illnesses Facebook group: Click here Petition to change the disability symbol: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #144 - Tamara Searant: How Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are using their mission to create better outcomes for the people they support 20:13

47 weeks ago20:13

20:13

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley speak with Tamara Searant from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, about how their organisation is working towards creating a more accessible and inclusive world by 2030. The organisation is implementing innovative strategies focused on policy, enforcement, and education to address systemic barriers and empower the low vision and blind community. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Guide dogs' mission to create a more accessible and inclusive world by 2030 Removing systemic barriers to inclusion for people with low vision or blindness Accessibility and inclusivity in an office space Accessibility and inclusivity in design, with a focus on advocacy and community mobilisation Links from the episode: Guide Dogs NSW/ACT website: Click here Sign up to become an Access Ally: Click here The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here Innovate For Impact Workshop: Click here…

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Ep #143 - Lots of people are talking about innovation, but not many are doing it. Here's why 16:10

49 weeks ago16:10

16:10

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss the common challenges organisations face in trying to innovate, such as lack of resources, risk aversion, and difficulty measuring impact. Dan and Tracey share a "secret" that successful leaders use to create innovative and impactful organisations - focusing on building a collaborative, innovative culture rather than just individual projects. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Why innovation is elusive for many organisations, despite its importance Leaders face challenges such as overload, lack of resources, and pressure for short-term outcomes Common challenges to innovation include lack of training, risk aversion, and difficulty measuring impact To create innovative and impactful organisations, leaders should: Enable information flow and provide resources to empower employees to innovate Focus on creating a collaborative and innovative culture, rather than just individual projects Establish a big goal or reason for the organisation to innovate Provide creative leadership, client-centred collaboration, and empower people to innovate Links from the episode: The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #142 - Is it innovation or continuous improvement? 8:44

52 weeks ago8:44

8:44

In this episode, Tracey Newman and Dan Bentley discuss the difference between innovation and continuous improvement in organisations. The hosts emphasise that the terminology is less important than the focus on making positive changes and improvements that benefit the clients or people being served, whether through solving problems or pursuing new opportunities. Here is a taste of what Tracey and Dan cover in the conversation: Innovation is defined as making things better than they are, with a focus on positive change for clients/residents. Continuous improvement vs innovation terminology doesn't matter, the focus should be on building adaptable, resilient organisations. Opportunities for innovation can come from identifying areas where technology or processes can be improved. Understanding current processes is important to identify opportunities for innovation. Innovation can lead to new things or improvements on existing things, with the goal of amazing clients. The focus should be on making a positive impact on people's lives through continuous improvement and innovation. Links from the episode: The Impacto Consulting website: Click here Impacto Consulting on LinkedIn: Click here…

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Ep #141 - Sharing decision making at all levels of the organisation 14:55

1 year ago14:55