The Hive Collective Podcast: Shifting Power in Nonprofits

In this episode, we dive into the world of improv with Harrison Brookie, the Executive Director of Alchemy Comedy Theater. Harrison shares his journey into improv, starting from a theater requirement in college to leading a successful comedy theater in Greenville, South Carolina. He explains the essence of Alchemy Comedy, highlighting their weekly shows, classes, and corporate training programs.
Harrison's journey began with a simple requirement: participate in a theater production during his time as an education major at Clemson University. Seeking the least demanding option, he stumbled upon improv. What started as a convenient choice turned into a passion that has now spanned two decades.
Alchemy Comedy Theater, named after the concept of transforming the mundane into something precious, offers a range of classes from beginner to advanced levels. These classes teach students how to create something out of nothing, turning audience suggestions into comedy gold. The theater also engages in corporate training, demonstrating the practical applications of improv in the workplace.
Harrison delves into how improv skills are relevant to management and working with people. He emphasizes the importance of the "Yes, and" principle, where accepting and building on ideas fosters creativity and collaboration. This mindset encourages teams to explore the potential in every idea, leading to innovative solutions that no one person could have conceived alone.
One notable concept Harrison shares is the idea of adding "1% weird" to interactions. This principle encourages participants to spot and highlight unique, interesting aspects of a situation, making interactions more engaging and memorable. This approach not only makes business processes more enjoyable but also helps in identifying patterns and generating creative solutions.
Harrison also discusses the importance of ensemble thinking in improv, which parallels effective teamwork in any organization. He draws from his experience as a high school U.S. history teacher, illustrating how improv techniques enhance storytelling and engage students. He highlights the value of collaboration, where multiple perspectives and contributions lead to a richer and more dynamic outcome.
In a nonprofit context, Harrison explains how improv principles can be applied to team meetings and problem-solving. By fostering a culture of openness and humor, nonprofits can tackle serious issues like hunger with a fresh perspective. He encourages leaders to take themselves less seriously, allowing for a more relaxed environment where creativity can flourish.
Finally, Harrison underscores the role of leadership in creating a trusting and collaborative environment. He shares an anecdote about a CEO learning to accept feedback, illustrating the impact of genuine openness and the willingness to let others take the reins.
Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how the art of improv can transform your approach to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in the nonprofit sector.
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**Credits:**
Guest: Harrison Brookie, Executive Director of Alchemy Comedy Theater
Host: Beth Ellen Holimon
Podcast: The Hive Collective Podcast
Find us on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-ellen-holimon-cfre/
For more information about Alchemy Comedy Theater, visit: http://alchemycomedy.com/
@Beth Ellen Holimon
https://hivecollective.net

The Hive Collective is a strategic partner to nonprofits and NGOs all over the world. Reach out to us at [email protected]
Hivecollective.net
Don't forget to subscribe to The Hive Collective Podcast!

In this episode of The Hive Collective Podcast, we sit down with Sumona Majumdar, the CEO of Earth Island Institute, to explore her journey and the significant changes she has introduced since taking on the role in March of last year. Sumona shares the thoughtful approach she took in her initial months, starting with a two-day retreat designed to foster shared values and build strong relationships within her team.

Sumona discusses how these retreats, held every four to five months, were instrumental in creating an environment of trust and open communication. The process involved engaging activities that allowed team members to connect on a personal level, which paved the way for honest discussions about values and future goals.

A particularly memorable activity was envisioning the impact of their work seven generations into the future, as well as reflecting on their ancestral histories. This exercise helped team members connect on a deeper level, acknowledging their diverse backgrounds while uniting around a common vision for the future.

Central to their transformation was the implementation of collective governance. Earth Island Institute adopted values such as community, adaptability, justice, equity, and power sharing, which have become the guiding principles for their decision-making processes. They established decision-making circles for critical areas like compensation, hiring, and DEI, involving a broader range of staff in these decisions to distribute the leadership load more equitably.

Sumona also reflects on the challenges of this transition, including the initial excitement and the practical concerns of managing increased workloads. Despite some ongoing adjustments, the shift to collective governance has been a positive step towards a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Tune in to hear more about how Earth Island Institute is navigating these changes and the impact of shared values on its organizational culture.

Connect with us:

• Visit Earth Island Institute: https://www.earthisland.org/
• Visit our website: Hive Collective
• Follow Beth Ellen Holimon on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-ellen-holimon-cfre/

@Beth Ellen Holimon

The Hive Collective is a strategic partner to nonprofits and NGOs all over the world. Reach out to us at [email protected]
Hivecollective.net
Don't forget to subscribe to The Hive Collective Podcast!

Hello, changemakers and leaders! In the latest episode of The Hive Collective Podcast, we had the honor of speaking with Latanya Mapp Frett, CEO of Global Fund for Women. She inspired us with stories of feminist leadership, revealing how her grassroots values foster innovation and collective action. We discussed the transformative power of boards embracing diversity and the critical need for equity in philanthropy. This episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to learn why a gender lens is important to leadership.. Join us, champion the change, and reimagine the future of leadership. Stay empowered!

The Hive Collective is a strategic partner to nonprofits and NGOs all over the world. Reach out to us at [email protected]
Hivecollective.net
Don't forget to subscribe to The Hive Collective Podcast!

Don't miss a riveting edition of The Hive Collective Podcast, featuring the exceptional Abby Maxman, CEO of Oxfam America, renowned for her transformative approach to feminist leadership. In this episode, part of our Feminist Leadership Series, Abby shares invaluable insights garnered from her vast experience at the helm of one of the world's leading nonprofits. Listeners will have the opportunity to learn from Abby's dedication to embedding feminist values within Oxfam's culture, her strategic focus on intersectionality, and her commitment to tackling climate, economic, and gender justice. With a spotlight on her visionary leadership and the innovative Gender Action Learning journey at Oxfam America, Abby stands as a paragon for leaders striving to drive change while challenging patriarchal structures. Her candid discussion about the evolution of her feminist leadership journey offers profound lessons for anyone looking to lead with intentionality, inclusivity, and a relentless drive for social justice. Join host Beth Ellen Holimon in a conversation that's sure to spark reflection and inspire action towards gender-transformative leadership.

The Hive Collective is a strategic partner to nonprofits and NGOs all over the world. Reach out to us at [email protected]
Hivecollective.net
Don't forget to subscribe to The Hive Collective Podcast!

In this episode, Beth Ellen, Maya, and Helene delve into the challenges and dynamics of feminist work, particularly focusing on the transition towards professionalization and the need for fair compensation. The conversation illuminates the dilemma faced by organizations in balancing volunteer-driven efforts with the necessity of paid roles, underscoring the impact of this shift on accessibility and inclusivity within the movement. It explores the historical expectation for board members to work for free, a practice that inadvertently reinforces existing power structures by limiting participation to those with the financial ability to volunteer.

They discuss the significance of reevaluating governance and compensation structures through a feminist, intersectional lens to ensure diverse perspectives are included, moving towards a more equitable and effective approach in feminist organizations. They touch on the global context, noting the challenges of professionalizing feminist work amidst opposition in various regions, and the implications for organizational governance and power distribution.

They advocate for a shift from traditional, patriarchal governance models towards frameworks that are inclusive, supportive, and collaborative, emphasizing the importance of intentional restructuring to align internal structures with advocacy goals. This dialogue highlights the journey towards creating equitable, effective, and transformative feminist governance and advocacy efforts, advocating for a reimagined approach to compensation and participation that prioritizes inclusivity and fairness.

The Hive Collective is a strategic partner to nonprofits and NGOs all over the world. Reach out to us at [email protected]
Hivecollective.net
Don't forget to subscribe to The Hive Collective Podcast!