We were lucky to catch up with Autumn Pippenburg recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Autumn, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?
I had this innate obligatory drive to start the Art of Giving Foundation. I had no money and no resources other than friends. Because I was in such a dire position to succeed; other’s lives depended on it. The need was so great and so urgent, I begged. My friends came to the rescue and agreed to help me build a board of directors to at least get me started, to get my 501c3 status. They helped me build a website, create a logo, develop marketing materials, host a gala, and raise money to build the cause. This group of friends were only supposed to remain on the board temporarily, until I found replacements, but almost every one of them stayed loyal for 3 years.
There really wasn’t any other way, better way, to do it. It sort of just happened the way it did, and I honestly don’t know if I could imagine it working any other way given my circumstances.
Autumn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
It’s always hard to write about yourself but I can tell you I don’t solve any problems otherwise unsolved. There’s just too much need in the world to say I’ve created a solution to the problems I’m addressing. But I can say that I’m making a small dent and I’m affecting individuals on a deep level, improving their lives and instilling their belief in humankind and their hope for a better life. My life was improved by small acts of kindness so I know what we’re doing is working.
I was raised by a single mother, a very hard working lady who although had no idea how to raise a child, knew how to raise one independent. She was troubled from a horrible past and struggled to cope with her reality. Inevitably this led her to demise and my abandonment. I lived with multiple families and in a group home for quite some time, all the while maintaining complete composure and straight A’s. I don’t remember how, but I know I dove into my schooling and chose the path of least resistance. Funny now, I am still taking classes to finish my masters degree because life happened and seven years of college just wasn’t enough (I’m being facetious). As everyone, I have a past and a long story but in a thick nutshell I am a 35 year old woman with a child of my own, just now realizing how hard it was for her and just how lucky I am to be where I’m at today.
I started diving into philanthropy when I was around 25 years old. I came from a very harsh environment and knew posers from ethical souls. It wasn’t hard for me to decipher who was in it for the riches and fame versus who was in it for the right reasons. I chose to branch off on my own and do things my way almost immediately. I was working in Nicaragua for 6 years before I decided to officiate the organization and move all operations to the U.S.A. My main objective was to ensure that children had a voice, and not just ONE voice, but multiple forms of communication. Art was my communication with them and I was driven to show Chicago and it’s educators that we need more empathy and understanding for the youth who cannot verbalize their emotions, problems and troubles. I knew first hand and I guess that’s what sets me apart from some CEO’s. I know how they feel. I know exactly what they need from personal experience.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Honesty and Integrity. You have to have good intentions with everything you do and everything you say. You are their leader and you are the reason they work so hard. In the world of startup philanthropic endeavors, there are no paid employees; so they better believe in you and the cause. It’s easy to spot a poser – they make you feel uneasy and they make you question why you’re putting in the time and energy. It’s easy to spot a liar or a “shit talker.” Anything you say should be said to all parties involved, to gain better communication and understanding. Only speak things that are meant to move you and your team forward.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
In any profession you are going to generate “haters,” for lack of better words. People that find negatives in you or your mission. Welcome them with open arms if you are truly on the right path, because they too will need your guidance one day. If you are not working with ethical integrity – they will be your most silly demise. And rightfully so, because you don’t belong in the service industry.
Compliment often – it activates happiness. Be as real and open as you can with those that you trust. And if you don’t trust them enough to be open, replace them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artofgivingfoundation.org
- Instagram: @artofgivingorg
- Facebook: @artofgivingfoundation
Image Credits
Gaby Abboud