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Breaking Trail

Breaking Trail. Every other week, Lisa Gerber talks to people who are working to make the world more habitable, more humane, and more loving. In the words of author and environmentalist David Orr, they are the “peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of every kind” that this world needs so desperately. Through their stories, we cover themes of hope, courage, and action. This is a show for people who want to contribute to the world rather than take from it. We are living life on our own terms, defining our own version of success. We are breaking trail. Interested in being a guest? Learn more here. http://bigleapcreative.com/pitch-the-breaking-trail-podcast/ Let me know if you have questions!
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Now displaying: March, 2022
Mar 28, 2022
Today’s story comes from Elizabeta Jevtic-Somlai. Originally from Serbia, now living in Phoenix, Arizona. Liz knows what it’s like to flee a country she loved and to find new roots, a new way in a strange and unwelcoming country.

I have the privilege of working with her at Their Story is Our Story, where we are working to tell the stories of refugees to change the perception, reception, and legislation in a way that supports people fleeing violence and persecution.

Liz lost a great deal when she escaped her beautiful country. But she says, she will not lose who she is or where she came from. 

Here is a bit more about Liz before we jump into her full story. 

Even in her youth, Liz understood that education can better lives, and she loves to learn. She holds a BA in International Relations, a BA, a MA in German/Holocaust Studies, and a Ph.D. in International Conflict Analysis. She is a passionate advocate for human rights, more specifically minority, refugee, women, and children’s rights, and has presented, researched, and published much on the topic of long-term (re-)integration.

She comes to TSOS with extensive professional experience in operations and policy planning at the U.N. level and curriculum and course development in higher education. As a refugee herself, Liz knows that trials are part of the journey and that life is precious. She is always ready for a good laugh, loves engaging young minds in meaningful discussions, spending time with her family, and embracing new cultures, people, and food.

Liz said we can educate people with personal stories - we connect to them and change our perception of that label (refugee). With that, people change their actions. Over time, we see an increase in people wanting to help with food, clothing, integration into communities.

Today: 

  • Get a first-hand experience of what it’s like to sneak out of your country at the young age of 14
  • The trials in starting over
  • How Liz broke the cycle
  • Why sharing the stories of refugees matters
  • How to get involved and help

She wants you to know her story is not meant to be a sad story. It is a story of a survivor.

With that, let’s listen in and gear up for what’s next.

Where to find Liz and other links:

BEFORE YOU LEAVE - If you are enjoying the shows, I hope you’ll subscribe, rate, review, and share with your friends!
 
About Lisa Gerber:
Lisa advises CEOs and senior-level management on how to use the power of storytelling and effective communication to influence action and bring ideas to life.
 
She guides companies through the digital maze of constantly changing tools to build discovery, loyalty, and ultimately help them achieve their own big leaps.
 
When she is not in her office, she might be out skiing or trail running. This is where she does her best creative problem-solving.
 
To learn more about booking Lisa for consulting, speaking, or workshops, visit www.bigleapcreative.com.

Mar 14, 2022
Converting Caring to Action

I invited Scot to be a guest when I saw he was working to save farmland in Whitefish, Montana. In fact, he founded a nonprofit of that name. But first, some critical background about Scott. He is the cofounder of Classy, a San Diego-based social enterprise and software company that creates fundraising tools for nonprofit organizations. They grew the company to 330 employees and have raised more than $4 billion for nonprofits. 

Early this year, they announced a merger with GoFundme which is exciting news in the giving space. Scot now lives in Whitefish, Montana and is the founder of Haskill Creek Farms, an herbal wellness company and Save Farmland, a nonprofit protecting & promoting small farms.

I hope that piques your curiosity because it did mine, and I had many questions for Scot, with the focus on Save Farmland because I”m very interested in what is happening in the west and how lack of thoughtful planning and development is threatening our open spaces.

In today’s conversation, we fill in the gaps of Scot’s story like why he started Classy and how he ended up in Whitefish. We talked:

  • Health and burnout and self awareness
  • Plant-based medicine
  • Regenerative farming
  • Types of conservation
  • The paradox of our housing shortage and desire to keep space open

With that, let’s listen in and gear up for what’s next.

Hope you enjoy!

Where to find Scot and other links:

BEFORE YOU LEAVE - If you are enjoying the shows, I hope you’ll subscribe, rate, review, and share with your friends!
 
About Lisa Gerber:
Lisa advises CEOs and senior-level management on how to use the power of storytelling and effective communication to influence action and bring ideas to life.
 
She guides companies through the digital maze of constantly changing tools to build discovery, loyalty, and ultimately help them achieve their own big leaps.
 
When she is not in her office, she might be out skiing or trail running. This is where she does her best creative problem-solving.
 
To learn more about booking Lisa for consulting, speaking or workshops, visit www.bigleapcreative.com.

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