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, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?

Early Days and Major Steps
After ten rewarding years at Christie’s as Chief Communications Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, my role was eliminated—a pivotal point that motivated me to reimagine my professional path. Shortly after, I launched my consultancy, Philanthropic Impact, focusing on advancing social responsibility and purpose-driven initiatives. This new venture prompted me to write my first book, “The Caring Economy: How to Win with CSR,” which articulated many of the principles I was passionate about. The book’s success and the conversations it sparked led naturally to the creation of my podcast on purpose-driven leadership, “The Caring Economy,” now in its 19th season.

Key Challenges
Establishing my own firm required navigating a variety of challenges: defining a unique value proposition in a crowded market, building a reputation as an independent consultant, and handling the logistics of setting up a business—from banking and legal paperwork to branding and client acquisition. Transitioning from a recognizable institutional identity to a personal brand took time and effort, and building trust with clients in my new capacity was an ongoing process.

Lessons Learned
Looking back, I might have leaned into my professional network more quickly; reconnecting with former colleagues and partners sped up my early growth. I also learned the importance of balancing ambition with patience—success takes time, and persistence matters.

Advice for Young Professionals
For those considering starting their own firm, my advice would be:
Define your mission and values early on—they help guide critical decisions and attract like-minded partners.
Leverage your network for feedback, support, and referrals, but don’t be afraid to chart your own course.
Embrace continuous learning; each challenge is an opportunity to grow and differentiate

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.

About Me, My Journey, and My Work

I’m a communications and social impact professional with over three decades of experience helping organizations—and individuals—lead with purpose, care, and results. Growing up, my father’s career meant moving all around the United States, which gave me a lifelong appreciation for diverse perspectives and, later, inspired me to seek out international opportunities and connections throughout my career.

After leadership roles at major organizations like Christie’s, The New York Times, the UK government, Razorfish, and American Express, I founded my consultancy, Philanthropic Impact, with the goal of helping others shape more purposeful, nimble, and sustainable organizations. Along the way, I have served as a board member and fundraiser for nonprofit organizations, given talks around the world, and written books to help others find and amplify their own meaningful paths.

My flagship book, “The Caring Economy: How to Win with CSR,” puts my core message into practice: that organizations prosper when purpose is at the center of what they do. Building on those ideas, I now host “The Caring Economy” podcast—now in its 19th season—where I discuss purpose-driven leadership and social innovation with changemakers from every sector. I’m also often invited as “Funcle Toby,” the fun uncle you always wanted for honest career and life advice.

In recent years, I’ve focused much of my energy on teaching and coaching others in AI literacy. Through my “AI 101” programs, I guide people from all backgrounds to use AI tools strategically to optimize their time, careers, and lives—always with an eye on serving a higher purpose, not just personal gain.

Products, Services, and Problems Solved

–Strategic communications and brand advisory for mission-driven organizations and leaders.
–Philanthropic consulting—helping philanthropists and nonprofits maximize their impact with lean, innovative approaches.
–AI education and workshops (“AI 101”) for professionals and organizations seeking to integrate generative AI responsibly and productively.
–Authoring books and public speaking, sharing insights on CSR, leadership, networking, and personal legacy.
–Hosting “The Caring Economy” podcast, amplifying the voices of purpose-driven leaders and sharing practical, values-based career and leadership advice.

What Sets Me Apart

What differentiates my work is a mix of global experience, a “connector” mindset, and an ability to translate high-level values into daily practices—bridging the worlds of business, social impact, and emerging technology. I strive to make caring and impact not just buzzwords, but actionable advantages for every client, learner, or listener I reach.

What I’m Most Proud Of & What I Want You to Know

–Building an international network rooted in curiosity, generosity, and lasting partnerships that make for a better world.

–Empowering a new generation of leaders—whether in philanthropy, business, or tech—with the tools and confidence to pursue meaningful success.

–Serving as a catalyst for change across sectors, always encouraging others to prioritize both profit and purpose, and to “make a life, not just a living.”

–Remaining approachable and human; whether through the “Funcle Toby” persona or as a private pilot, I always seek new adventures and learning, living my own advice to stay curious and leapfrog obstacles.

For clients, followers, or listeners, the message is clear: together, we can use communications, technology, and caring principles to create measurable value and a lasting legacy—while leading lives rich in purpose and connection.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One book that profoundly shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy is Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Early in my career at American Express, the company offered training based on Carnegie’s core principles, and I’m still grateful for that exposure. Carnegie’s focus on genuine connection, active listening, and empathy became central to how I approach leadership and client relations—even now as a consultant, author, and educator.

From fostering collaboration to handling challenges with grace, the lessons from that book help me build authentic relationships and lasting partnerships. The training reminded me that leading with respect and curiosity doesn’t just improve morale—it accelerates results and innovation. Whether managing global teams at major organizations or helping small businesses and creatives today, those principles remain a cornerstone of my management style.

For anyone starting out, I highly recommend Carnegie’s work and seeking companies that invest in meaningful training and development; it set me on a path of purposeful leadership and lifelong learning.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The turning point in building my social media audience came with the launch of “Funcle Toby”—the fun uncle everyone wishes they had for life and career advice. My very first post as Funcle Toby on TikTok quickly went viral, generating over 1.3 million hits and opening new doors for engagement across platforms. For me, success started by meeting audiences where they are, not where I thought they ‘should’ be—showing up on TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and wherever people seek advice, encouragement, or community.

Continual innovation and iteration are keys to sustained growth. I experiment with new formats and topics, listen closely to feedback, and increasingly use AI tools to optimize content and reach. The original ‘Funcle Toby’ post led to a video profile on Homeworthy.com covering my family and home, which then inspired a multi-page spread in Old House Journal, a print shelter magazine—demonstrating the power of ripple effects and platform synergy.

For those just starting their social media journey, my advice is simple:
• Find your authentic voice and lean into what makes you unique.
• Don’t wait for your audience to find you—go to them, engage in their preferred spaces, and respond with genuine interest.
• Always be open to experimenting, iterating, and leveraging AI for smarter, broader reach.
• Stay consistent, but don’t be afraid to evolve your approach as platforms and audiences shift.
• Most importantly, remember that meaningful impact is possible—sometimes all it takes is one post to spark a ripple effect across audiences, brands, and even demographics.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Toby Usnik