Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Toby Usnik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Toby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Mission and Purpose

Philanthropic Impact, my consultancy, and The Caring Economy, my podcast, are fundamentally rooted in promoting and fostering purpose-driven leadership in both individuals and brands. These platforms serve as powerful tools to:

Showcase exemplary purpose-driven initiatives

Catalyze similar approaches in others

I firmly believe that mission and purpose are synonymous in determining long-term success. This conviction forms the bedrock of my work, driving me to:

Highlight inspiring stories of purpose-driven leadership

Provide strategic guidance to organizations seeking to align their operations with meaningful missions

Create a ripple effect of positive change across various sectors

The Story Behind the Mission

My journey towards this mission began with a realization: businesses and leaders who operate with a clear sense of purpose tend to achieve more sustainable and impactful results. This observation sparked a passion for helping others discover and articulate their own meaningful missions.

Through my consultancy and podcast, I aim to:

Bridge the gap between profit and purpose

Demonstrate that financial success and social impact can coexist and even reinforce each other

Inspire a new generation of leaders who prioritize both business acumen and social responsibility

By leveraging these platforms, I strive to create a caring economy where purpose-driven leadership becomes the norm rather than the exception, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into philanthropy and social impact consulting is a natural evolution of my upbringing and the exceptional leaders I’ve encountered throughout my life. From my education at Hampden-Sydney College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University, to my professional experiences at American Express, The New York Times, Christie’s, and the British Consulate General in New York, I’ve gained a unique perspective on the intersection of business success and social impact.

A pivotal moment in my career was creating the Green Auction, or “A Bid to Save the Earth,” at Christie’s in 2010. This groundbreaking initiative was the first-of-its-kind charity auction to benefit the environment. Building on this success, I launched the first-ever Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in the art world at Christie’s, setting a new standard for the industry.

These experiences led me to establish Philanthropic Impact, my consultancy, and The Caring Economy podcast. Through these platforms, I help individuals, families, and organizations maximize their social impact by aligning their values, passions, and resources with effective strategies for change.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to philanthropy and our belief that great leaders understand their responsibility extends beyond shareholders. They engage and elevate their employees, partners, and the communities in which they operate. We help our clients develop comprehensive strategies that balance purpose, profit, and legacy.

I’m proud of the ripple effect our work has created, contributing to positive changes that extend far beyond our immediate clients. Whether it’s guiding a family foundation or helping a corporation transform its practices for sustainability, we’re committed to creating lasting, measurable impact.

Our mission is to foster a world where purpose and profit coexist harmoniously, driving both business success and meaningful social change. We’re here to support those who want to make a difference, leveraging all available resources – including expertise, networks, and influence – to create positive impact in our interconnected world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience has been a crucial factor in my journey, both personally and professionally. A prime example of this was my experience applying for the Fulbright scholarship. Despite being shortlisted on my first attempt, I didn’t secure the scholarship. However, rather than letting this setback discourage me, I used it as motivation to refine my application and try again the following year. This persistence paid off, and I successfully obtained the Fulbright scholarship on my second attempt.

This experience reminds me of the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini’s approach to seemingly impossible situations. In one of his famous escapes, Houdini was submerged in icy water, shackled and trapped beneath a layer of ice. Instead of panicking, he found the pocket of air between the water and ice, using it to breathe and strategize his escape. This ingenious solution allowed him to survive and ultimately free himself.

I believe this mindset is crucial in both life and business. No matter how challenging or impossible a situation may seem, there’s often a way forward if we keep pushing and searching for it. Like finding that pocket of air in a seemingly hopeless situation, we must always strive to find innovative solutions and opportunities, even in the face of adversity.

This approach has served me well throughout my career, from launching pioneering initiatives like the Green Auction at Christie’s to establishing my own consultancy. It’s a philosophy I try to instill in my clients as well – the idea that with persistence, creativity, and resilience, we can overcome obstacles and create meaningful change in the world.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Here’s how I built my reputation in my market, as I detail in my book, “Connecting the Dots: Building Your Network and Legacy”:

It’s all about the concept of reputational currency and maintaining the highest standards of integrity. I firmly believe in not trading on one’s rolodex, but instead taking the long view and focusing on relationships rather than transactions.

In my experience, your reputation is a form of currency that you build over time through consistent, ethical behavior and genuine interactions. I always strive to engage with others authentically, focusing on how we can mutually benefit rather than what I can gain in the short term.

Maintaining high standards of integrity is crucial. I make it a point to always be consistent in my actions and words, deliver on my promises, and remain transparent in all my dealings. This approach has helped me build trust and respect within my network.

I emphasize that building a strong reputation goes beyond simply having a large network. It’s about the quality of relationships you cultivate, the value you provide to your network, and the trust you earn through your actions.

By taking this approach, I’ve been able to create a network of strong, lasting connections that provide support, opportunities, and growth over time. This strategy has served me well throughout my career, from launching initiatives like the Green Auction at Christie’s to establishing my own consultancy.

Remember, in today’s interconnected world, your reputation truly becomes a powerful currency for success. It’s about playing the long game and always prioritizing integrity and relationship-building over quick wins.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tobyusnik.com/
• Instagram: @toby_usnik
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/tobyusnik
• Twitter: @Tusnik
• Youtube: @tobyusnik8168
• Other: tusnik on WeChat

Image Credits

Credits: Toby Usnik