In the upcoming Episode 15 of the Third Turn Podcast, we talk with Kate Frillmann, a colleague and Senior Consultant with Design Group International. Our topic: taking a forethought approach to charitable giving as seasoned executive leaders entering Third Turns and taking up the Maestro's baton. At this time in life, charitable giving often involves the leader's estate, the capacity to give out of the organization(s) they lead, and the generosity they foster in the work culture - one of the ingredients that makes a company a "great place to work."
Kate has helped guide the development of an impressive list of organizations, where she grew her subject matter expertise on major donors and corporate donors. The American Heart Association, Northwestern University, Michigan State University (I'm sensing a Big 10 theme here!), Hope College, D.A. Blodgett-St. John's, and the Van Andel Institute are all on this list.
Kate walks us through the development of charitable intent and behaviors as executive leadership capacity grows. She has graciously agreed to share more of her thoughts in an upcoming Third Turn blog post. Enjoy!
I believe the Third Turn leader CAN be strategic and thoughtful in their approach to their charitable giving.
The Three Turns of executive leadership development is a wonderful way to also look at how a person develops with their charitable intention. There is especially a connection between charitable giving and the Third Turn as they both are about future value and creating a legacy.
During one’s First Turn, it’s a time to look for opportunities in the community to engage with an organization as a volunteer or leadership advisory board. This is a time for learning. It can be a wonderful way to learn more about an organization and the work it does, and whether or not it would be a place where one would want to make a charitable gift. During this time, the First Turn leader also learns from others who are further along. They can be inspired to grow in giving as they become more financially secure. During the First Turn, for instance, a person might ask their company to consider supporting the organization where they are volunteering with a modest corporate gift.
During the leader’s Second Turn, when they are now in a leadership role within their organization, there can be a more comprehensive approach to their giving. They are able to not only give more themselves, but also to influence the charitable giving of their organization. An example is a CEO or highly placed executive who sees the value of giving back to the community as a way for the organization to be a good corporate citizen, and a means to boost employee morale.
Here is an example: That leader can provide employees the opportunity to volunteer on their own time, or together join in a service project at an organization. The company can provide matching gifts for employees gifts. The leader can be intentional about his/her board service in the community. That leader is in a position to make more significant gifts to an organization and could match the gifts from employees to make a greater impact.
Then in the Third Turn, learning to lead towards future value. I see the Third Turn of charitable giving as an integral part of Maestro-level leadership. Donors in this stage are ready and able to make a significant impact to help others and to consider how their giving will have an impact. They are able to step back and ask themselves, what legacy would I like to leave? They discover how giving will make the world a better place not only now, but for their grandchildren’s grandchildren. Some examples are: the chance to be part of a vision to improve human health, or create educational opportunities for generations to come with scholarships, or invest in programs that break the chain of child abuse. Giving brings joy to the soul, and as the Maestro-level leader moves into the third turn, they are considering what legacy and significance they want to make, and that extends beyond their organization and company with charitable giving that is deeply personal and can help the leader make an impact even beyond their lifetime.
I walk alongside leaders, listening to understand their challenges, and helping them lead healthy organizations that flourish.
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