We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jodie Blum a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jodie, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

One of my biggest hero’s is Dr Martin Luther King Jr., and while my respect for him is monumental, I also acknowledge his legacy would not be possible without Coretta Scott King and so many others on my extended hero and shero list.

MLK to me represents selflessness and always standing on the side of what is right to those without an equal voice. At such a young age, this man became an architect for world change. His inspiration touched me early on and continues to light my passion in harnessing the power of high profile voices to amplify change around social justice.
I have learned from his exemplary methods of messaging, what is now considering modern “crowdsourcing”, using celebrity and influencers to maximize reach, and most importantly being fearless – because you are working for the greater good.

Jodie, 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?

Over the past 25+ years, I have designed and implemented global philanthropic initiatives, developed measurable programming and partnerships for high profile individuals and brands. As a renowned social impact executive, I am proud to maximize cause related messaging and redefine strategic philanthropy.

I started my career out of Business School producing large scale events during the Silicon Valley dot.com boom. I was in charge of creating multi-million dollar budget events in NASA hangars with live Ferris wheels, bands and mind blowing creative elements. After it was over, I felt empty- and knew it was because that massive amount of money for a corporate holiday party could have impacted so many lives that did not have the basics. That was where I decided to follow my true passion- giving back.

My next “ah-ha” moment followed in my initial experience working for talent. I was fortunate to work with Academy Award winning actor/ director, Clint Eastwood. It was during this early time in my career that I knew I found my niche to combine philanthropy and celebrity. Mr. Eastwood was one of the kindest and most encouraging bosses/clients that I ever had. In what was (and still unfortunately is) a traditional “mans club” he always let me have a seat at the table and use my voice.

From there, I began to expand my philanthropic management expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Working for NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott’s All Stars Helping Kids Foundation, then I became the original Executive Director of The Common Ground Foundation with artist/actor “Common”. In this Executive role, I received an Emmy nomination for writing and directing “A Minute” campaign around HIV/AIDS testing in partnership with MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation. I also served as the first Executive Director of GRAMMY U at The Recording Academy, known best for the GRAMMY Awards. Lending my talents to develop a unique and fast-growing community of college students, who were pursuing a career in the recording industry. Creating and executing over 200 national branded events a year at over 400 Universities nationwide with the music industry’s most coveted talent and executives.

In 2015, I founded and remain CEO of The Co-llective Social Impact Agency, a creative social impact agency that provides 360 philanthropic consulting and management services.

Some clients include GRAMMY Award Winning Artist’s Ne-Yo, Imagine Dragons, Producer NO I.D, Nascimento Foundation (Pelé Family), NBA World Champion JaVale McGee, NBA Jordan Clarkson, NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year, Ben Jones, Don’t Mind Me Foundation (Founded by Actress Mädchen Amick), Talented Twelve Foundation (Founded by TV Host/Actor Karamo Brown), Hip Hop Public Health, and brands such as iD Tech, Dr. Brandt, StockX, Def Jam, Roc Nation, Patron, Porsche, Sonos and more.

I am proud as a respected boutique agency, to have the ability to work very closely with each individual client to meet and exceed their philanthropic goals and objectives.

www.theco-llective.com @collectivesocialimpact

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am an entrepreneur, women owned business (sole owner and funded), activist and a single (foster-adopt) mother. I am confident to say that takes resilience…daily.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe that my authenticity, integrity, innovation and absolutely high standards has provided a very respected reputation. In addition, I have been instrumental in creating a blueprint in celebrity social impact. Having such extensive experience and discretion with talent, provides a wealth of trust and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theco-llective.com
• Instagram: @collectivesocialimpact
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodieblum

Image Credits:
ESPN