One of the best things about being in business for so long is seeing the impact something can have down the road.
I recently connected with a philanthropy advisor planning to present at a conference with the executive director of a family foundation I had worked with in 2006 to film the founder’s life story. At the time, the founder was 80, and there was different leadership.
I noticed a written story about the late founder on their website, but no video. I asked the advisor if she would introduce me to their new executive director. I was curious if, after so many years and so much change, she even knew a video existed.
When we finally connected, she was thrilled to hear from me! She said she had heard about this video, but there were no copies in the office, and she was dying to see it. She had never met the founder and was desperate to know more about him – mostly to ensure she honored his values and intentions for the foundation.
After watching the video, she shared this:
Wow, Debbie! The video was wonderful. Having not had the good fortune to know Marvin personally, it was so powerful to hear him speak about his childhood, family, business, turning points, and hopes for his philanthropy. While the Foundation has shifted significantly since 2006, it gave me great comfort that Marvin foreshadowed some of the work we are currently doing, and how we are doing it, when he shared his hopes that the Foundation would one day work to uplift democracy and change systems. As the Foundation brings on new staff and independent (and family) trustees, this video will be an important part of their introduction to who Marvin was and how the Foundation has evolved. What a gift! Thank you!
-Ricshawn Adkins Roane, Executive Director, Weissberg Foundation
Though this video was created 18 years ago and the technology did not include 4K resolution yet, this living record of him is still incredibly effective.
I think it’s hard for family foundations, let alone anyone, to see into the future. It’s difficult to imagine the impact your story will have years later. It takes a lot of foresight and pragmatism to realize that you won’t be around forever.
Though it may feel overwhelming, uncomfortable, or challenging to share your life, those stories and lessons are what others—whether future staff or family members—will be hungry for when you’re gone.
As an advisor, I encourage you to share this concept with your families. While a written document of someone’s wishes and intent is always helpful, there is something so powerful about hearing those same ideas in someone’s voice and seeing their facial expressions while sharing it on camera. It’s a strong differentiator from the written word.
Want to hear more about how to introduce this idea to your family foundation clients? Connect with me today.