There’s something powerful about a company that sees its success as a chance to lift others up. When giving becomes part of the mission—not just a line item—it changes how people show up to work. Employees feel seen, not just used. Leaders who care beyond the bottom line often create spaces where real connection can happen, and in turn, that energy feeds the business too. It’s not charity—it’s a shift in how we define what winning really looks like.
Summary:
Marcia Barnes is the founder and CEO of Valve+Meter Performance Marketing and author of Here We Grow: The Marketing Formula to 10x Your Results and Transform Your Future. A passionate leader shaped by a challenging upbringing, Marcia has dedicated her career to transforming businesses and communities through data-driven marketing and a servant leadership mindset. Today, Marcia shares powerful stories about using business as a vehicle for philanthropy and personal growth, highlighting how fostering a culture of giving can elevate teams, build stronger organizations, and create lasting social impact. Her message: growth and generosity go hand in hand.
Quotes:
* "Where your passion, your strengths, and your ability to bear fruit intersect—that's where you should aim your giving, your job, and your goals."
* "God doesn't need our money, he needs our hearts."
* "If you're growing a business and creating abundance, giving is something you need to include as a strategy."
Takeaways:
* Set a giving goal before your revenue goal to prioritize impact over profit.
* Create opportunities for team service projects that build community and share purpose.
* Identify where your passion, strengths, and ability to create fruit intersect to guide your philanthropic efforts.
* Develop an employee emergency fund that team members can contribute to and help manage.
* Practice servant leadership by actively helping colleagues during personal challenges, not just professional ones.
Timeline:
[01:40] Marcia Barnes Shares What Really Drives Her Work
[03:35] How Marcia Turned Pain into Purpose and Impact
[06:49] The Job Offer Story That Brought Marcia to Tears
[09:16] Why Marcia’s Team Sets Giving Goals Before Revenue
[11:57] Moments of Kindness That Reshaped the Company
[16:27] How Real Businesses Are Changing Real Lives
[23:53] The Money Test That Taught Marcia How to Give
[26:06] Where to Learn More About Marcia’s Mission
Conclusion:
When businesses are built with purpose and care, they can do more than make money—they can make a lasting difference. Leaders who focus on service, generosity, and long-term growth create workplaces where people are supported and communities benefit. A company culture grounded in compassion can help break financial barriers and open doors for others. When personal values and business goals work together, both people and organizations are stronger for it. This kind of approach leads to success that matters beyond the bottom line.
Links/Resources:
Website:
https://valveandmeter.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-barnes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.rugglesraabbarnes/
Here We Grow: The Marketing Formula to 10x Your Business and Transform Your Future: https://www.amazon.com/Here-We-Grow-Marketing-Transform-ebook/dp/B0C318MQDR
Generous Giving:
https://generousgiving.org/
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