Shows
Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactJonathan's Back?! Wins, Struggles, and What We Learned in 2025After months away, Jonathan Hicken returns to Designing Tomorrow — and this time, we're recording from the brand new Seymour Studios at the Seymour Center in Santa Cruz.In this episode, Eric and Jonathan take a real look back at 2025: a year that felt like a grind but delivered surprising wins across the sector. They dig into what the data actually says about giving (spoiler: it's not all doom), why the story you tell yourself shapes your reality, what it means to actually invest in storytelling instead of just talking about it, and the personal lessons they're carrying in...
2025-12-2033 min
Driven by CauseDesigning for Impact, Building Brand Trust, and More with Eric ResslerBranding isn’t just design, it’s strategy. In this episode of Driven By Cause, Eric Ressler, Founder and Creative Director of Cosmic, explains how nonprofits can leverage brand infrastructure to amplify their mission, increase engagement, and drive long-term impact. With a background in design, strategy, and nonprofit communications, Eric leads a team that transforms the way purpose-driven organizations show up in the digital world.
In this episode, Eric unpacks the concept of brand as infrastructure, challenging nonprofits to think beyond logos and style guides to embrace branding as a strategic asset that drives awareness, engagement, and reven...
2025-09-2649 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhat If the Economy Were Built on Care?What if everything you’ve been taught about economic progress is wrong?In this episode, Stacey Edgar — social worker turned social entrepreneur and now executive director of the International Folk Art Market — shares her journey through the “career jungle gym” of the social impact sector. We unpack her concept of artisan economics, a radically human approach to commerce rooted in care, dignity, and connection.From surviving U.S. customs mishaps to rewriting economic theory from a feminist perspective, Stacey challenges the status quo and shows what a purpose-driven economy really looks like — on the ground, in the marke...
2025-09-0929 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Vision Window is Open...For NowHow to recognize and act on the rare moments when transformation is possible.Join the conversation on substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/eressler/p/the-vision-window-is-openfor-now?r=8rkfl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueListeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link.*** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We lov...
2025-09-0207 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactAmanda Litman on How Real Change HappensWhat if real change doesn't begin with institutions, campaigns, or capital — but with the people we invite into our lives?In this episode, Eric sits down with Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and author of When We’re In Charge, to explore how small, human-scale actions can spark transformational impact — from politics to parenting to how we rebuild our social lives post-pandemic.Amanda has helped 225,000+ people raise their hands to run for office — and she’s just getting started. In this candid conversation, she breaks down how we show up, lead, connect, and fundraise...
2025-08-2628 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhat's Your Truth?In this episode, I’m exploring a question that’s been showing up in a lot of our recent work — and in my own thinking:What is your truth?Links: 📝 Read the full essay version on our new Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/eressler/p/what-is-your-truth?r=8rkfl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=podcast&showWelcomeOnShare=trueListeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link.*** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to soc...
2025-08-1905 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Power (and Pitfalls) of PartnershipsEveryone loves the idea of collaboration — but real partnership? That’s harder.From mismatched visions to unclear roles, even the most well-intentioned alliances can go sideways fast. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down what makes partnerships work — and what to watch out for before saying yes.➔ The five elements every partnership needs to succeed (straight from the Collective Impact framework). ➔ The one conversation to have before committing to collaborate. ➔ How to recognize when you’re serving the mission — and when you’re just serving the relationship. ➔ Why a shared measurement system matters more t...
2025-08-0530 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactHow to Build a Strong Case for SupportToo many social impact leaders step into donor meetings with a bold vision — but an unclear case for why anyone should support it.Your case for support isn’t just a fundraising tool — it’s a strategic asset that can align your messaging, mobilize your team, and inspire serious investment in your mission. But only if you get it right.In this episode, Eric and Jonathan walk through a 5-part framework to help you build a clear, compelling case that connects with hearts and minds — and opens doors.➔ Why most cases for support skip the one...
2025-07-2228 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactIs Our Obsession with Efficiency Backfiring?We’re constantly told to “do more with less” — but what if that’s the wrong goal altogether?In this episode, Eric and Jonathan challenge the traditional definition of efficiency and unpack why it can be a trap for social impact organizations. From donor pressure to staff burnout, they explore how the pursuit of efficiency often undermines effectiveness — and what to prioritize instead if you're serious about sustainable, meaningful impact.➔ Why efficiency and innovation often live at opposite ends of the spectrum. ➔ How serving the process can slowly kill your mission. ➔ What to say when funders fix...
2025-07-0827 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactStorytelling For Complex MissionsToo many social impact organizations are stuck trying to explain everything they do — and in the process, end up saying nothing that sticks. When your mission is complex, how do you distill it into a clear, compelling story that actually resonates?In this episode, Eric and Jonathan dig into the storytelling struggles that come with multifaceted missions — and offer a practical framework to help you cut through the noise, focus your narrative, and connect more powerfully with your audiences.➔ The one question every leader should ask before blaming the messaging. ➔ How to tell an emotional...
2025-06-2423 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactPros and Cons of Major DonorsMajor donor funding can feel like the holy grail of nonprofit growth — big checks, deep relationships, and potentially game-changing support. But what’s often left out of the conversation? The risk.In this episode, Eric and Jonathan dive into the real tradeoffs of major donor programs — the power dynamics, the mission drift moments, and the long runway it takes to build trust at scale. Whether you're building from scratch or recalibrating your fundraising strategy, this candid conversation will help you weigh the potential upside and the pitfalls.➔ When a major gift is actually too costly to accep...
2025-06-1034 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactDesigning Impact Reports That Actually WorkAnnual reports shouldn’t feel like an obligation — they should feel like a gift. But for too many nonprofits, impact reporting is still stuck in the past: flat, uninspired, and quickly forgotten.In this episode, Eric and Jonathan unpack how to rethink your approach to reporting — and turn your annual impact story into one of your organization’s most powerful strategic tools.➔ The secret ingredient of high-performing reports. ➔ The real ROI of a well-designed impact report — and how to measure success beyond the PDF. ➔ A simple way to start small: what a minimum viable impact repo...
2025-05-2731 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactHow to Sell a Vision Before It’s RealSocial impact leaders are visionaries — but getting others to see what you see isn’t easy. When your work hasn’t caught up to your ambitions, how do you win over funders, staff, and partners who need proof before they commit?In this episode, Eric and Jonathan explore what it really takes to sell a bold new vision — even when the work is still taking shape.➔ Why internal conviction is the first — and most underrated — step to building external trust. ➔ How to frame your future vision when your current reality doesn’t match it (yet). ➔ The po...
2025-05-1333 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactEric’s 3-Part Content Strategy That Works Every TimeNonprofit leaders know storytelling matters — but many are missing a critical opportunity to move hearts, shift narratives, and deepen support. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan pull back the curtain on why so much nonprofit content falls flat — and how a simple three-step framework can radically transform the way you communicate your mission.➔ Why "naming the problem" is more powerful — and more complicated — than you think.➔ The common trap organizations fall into when showcasing impact (and how to avoid it).➔ How to frame your future vision in a way that rallies donors, staff, and community — even if your mis...
2025-04-2931 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhat to Do When Funders Say "No"Not all “no’s” are equal—and if you’re in fundraising, you know that firsthand.In this episode, Eric and Jonathan unpack the three types of objections every social impact leader will face: the silent no, the vague no, and the hard no. They explore why each shows up, what it’s really signaling, and how to respond in a way that transforms rejection into relationship. Whether you're navigating donor hesitancy or partner pushback, you'll walk away with practical tools to shift conversations from confusion and avoidance to clarity, trust, and—yes—sometimes even a yes.
2025-04-1527 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Sector Is Shifting: Here's How to LeadSocial impact leaders are scaling back, funding streams are evaporating, and public trust is eroding. In this candid kickoff to Season 4, Eric and Jonathan hold space for what’s really happening in the field—and why this moment demands courageous communication, community resilience, and reimagined leadership. This isn’t a time to shrink. It’s a time to show up.The surprising parallels to early COVID-era chaos (and how that can inform today’s crisis response)Why you might need to ‘scale back’ strategically—and how to do it without losing your sense of purpose.The key to rallying donors...
2025-04-0825 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactStuff We've Messed Up (and Learned From)To wrap Season 3, Eric and Jonathan are doing something different — and a little vulnerable.In this raw and unfiltered finale, they look back on the leadership decisions, strategic misfires, hiring blunders, and marketing missteps that didn’t go according to plan. No spin. No gloss. Just two founders owning their hardest lessons out loud.Why end the season like this? Because mistakes aren’t just part of leadership — they are leadership. If we want a social impact sector that embraces failure as fuel for growth, we have to start by telling the truth about what we've go...
2025-04-0137 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactJonathan’s Big ProblemWhat do you do when your mission is evolving… but your brand, programs, and funding strategy haven’t caught up yet?In this episode, Jonathan brings a live challenge to the table: a bold new vision for the Seymour Center that could reposition it as a hub for climate solutions and STEM leadership — but it comes with branding risks, potential backlash, and major funding implications.Eric coaches him through the decision-making, exploring when to stay quiet, when to go big, and how to avoid mission creep without losing momentum. This is real-time strategy, storytelling, and nonpro...
2025-03-2532 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactHow to Build a Sustainable Revenue StreamThe funding landscape is shifting, and relying on the same revenue strategies that got you here may not be enough to take your organization to the next level. Many nonprofits and social enterprises struggle to generate enough revenue—not just to sustain their work, but to fully fund their missions and reinvest in long-term growth.So how do you build a revenue model that works? One that’s not just about survival, but about impact at scale?In this episode, Eric and Jonathan dive into how funding models are evolving, why earned revenue is becoming a bi...
2025-03-1843 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactSocial Impact in the Era of Misinformation & Media ChaosWe are living through the biggest shift in media and marketing of our lifetimes. Misinformation spreads faster than ever, trust in institutions is crumbling, and social impact leaders are left navigating a fractured, chaotic digital landscape.So how do you build credibility, mobilize communities, and create real impact when attention is scattered and trust is eroding?In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down the new realities of marketing and media—the rise of digital tribalism, the fine line between authenticity and performance, and why the old marketing playbook no longer works.Ep...
2025-03-1128 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactBeyond Vanity Metrics: Measuring Real ImpactMost social impact leaders think they’re measuring their impact — but are they really? Measuring impact is especially difficult when change happens over years or even decades, and when the outcomes are tied to complex, systemic issues. On top of that, the process of evaluation and measurement can feel like extra work — another task on an already full plate. But without it, we risk relying on anecdotes and vibes instead of real data to prove we’re making a difference.In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down:The difference between evaluation and measur...
2025-03-0432 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Secret Behind High Growth NonprofitsNonprofit leaders constantly hear that diversifying revenue streams is the key to financial stability. But what if that advice isn't the whole story?Research shows that 90% of high-growth nonprofits rely on a single dominant funding source. Does that mean nonprofits should double down on one funding stream—or is there a smarter way to approach fundraising?In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down the real reasons some nonprofits scale while others stay stuck, the risks and rewards of focusing on a single revenue source, and how to strike the right balance between sp...
2025-02-2529 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactRethinking Failure in Social ImpactFailure isn’t just a possibility in social impact work — it’s inevitable. But are we failing constructively? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down the difference between constructive failure and harmful failure, and why embracing the right kind of failure is essential for innovation, leadership, and long-term impact.From team dynamics and funding challenges to moonshot thinking and psychological safety, this conversation will shift your perspective on what it truly means to fail — and how to fail forward without losing trust, credibility, or momentum for your organization.Episode Highlights:[00:00...
2025-02-1834 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Last Messaging Framework You’ll Ever NeedIf you’ve ever felt like your messaging isn’t quite landing — like people don’t get it or aren’t inspired to take action — you’re not alone. We hear it all the time: “We’re struggling to tell our story.”But here’s the thing: your story isn’t the story that matters most. The real question is: How do you craft messaging that actually moves people?In this episode of Designing Tomorrow, we’re breaking down the last messaging framework you’ll ever need.We cover:The biggest messaging mistake most nonprofits and...
2025-02-1133 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Changing Work Culture in Social ImpactThe way we work is changing — fast. Remote work, shifting boundaries, and evolving expectations have reshaped what it means to work in the social impact sector. But are nonprofits keeping up?In this episode, Jonathan and Eric dive into the unique challenges mission-driven organizations face in building a sustainable, healthy work culture. From balancing remote flexibility with team cohesion to tackling burnout in a sector known for overwork, they explore what leaders must do to attract and retain top talent while staying true to their mission.Plus, Jonathan issues a challenge to nonprofit leaders: Can we...
2025-02-0437 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhy Confident Leaders Build Stronger OrganizationsConfidence: it’s one of the most critical traits for effective leadership, but also one of the trickiest to master. In this episode of Designing Tomorrow, Eric and Jonathan dive into what it truly means to embody confidence as a social impact leader. From personal struggles with self-doubt to lessons on humility, resilience, and overconfidence, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the realities of leadership in nonprofit and social enterprise sectors.How can confidence breed success? When does it go too far? And most importantly, how can you build confidence in yourself, your team, and...
2025-01-2825 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Right Way to Align Marketing and FundraisingMarketing and fundraising are the lifeblood of social impact organizations. But too often, they're working in silos, disconnected, or even at odds with each other.This is a huge problem.Because when these two critical functions aren't aligned, it hurts your ability to build trust with donors, limits your fundraising potential, and ultimately reduces your impact.In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, Jonathan and Eric dig into this age-old disconnect and uncover the strategies that successful organizations use to get marketing and fundraising working in harmony.We explore how aligning...
2025-01-2133 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Art and Science of Trust BuildingTrust is not a given — it’s earned. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan explore how trust is shifting away from institutions and toward relationships, and why that’s reshaping the way nonprofits and social impact organizations must operate.You’ll gain insights on:The hidden power of impact storytelling and why nonprofits often overlook it.The five pillars of trust backed by science—and how to apply them.Why relationships are overtaking institutions as trust-builders.The surprising tension between vulnerability and expertise for leaders.Practical strategies to foster trust internally with your team and externa...
2025-01-1439 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhy Your Team Is Losing Motivation—and How to Stop It.How do you keep your team energized, engaged, and aligned—especially in the demanding world of social impact? Passion and purpose are key, but they’re not enough on their own. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan unpack the essential elements of team motivation, exploring why some teams thrive while others stall, and revealing the missing ingredient in traditional approaches to workplace fulfillment. Plus, hear how strategies like impact storytelling, feedback systems, and even gym breaks can transform your culture and keep burnout at bay. Ready to inspire your team? Let’s get into it.Episod...
2025-01-0735 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactRewind: When You Should (And Shouldn't) RebrandRewind: This episode was orginally published in Season 2, Episode 1. New episodes from Season 3 will continue to publish next week. — You probably shouldn’t rebrand your social impact organization. Except, of course, when you really should. (wait, what?)Because when the conditions are right, a rebrand can be one of the most powerful ways to reach your mission faster.But how do you know when it’s the right time to invest in a rebrand?Let’s be real: a rebrand is a big swin...
2024-12-3130 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactRewind: How Top Brands Win Your Attention. Every Time.REWIND: This episode was originally released in Season 1, Episode 2. New episodes from Season 3 will drop in 2025. —Today, you’ll consume 74GB of information. That’s the equivalent of watching 16 movies. In one day. Our inboxes are overflowing, our social streams are noisy, we doom scroll short form content on apps purpose-built to hijack our attention, designed by the world’s smartest minds.But as the volume of information we consume grows each day, our capacity as humans to focus and make sense of the world remains basically unchanged. And this is the...
2024-12-2415 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhy Most Activation Plans Fail and How to Fix YoursIs your organization struggling to turn awareness into meaningful action? You’ve nailed the brand and the website, but supporters still aren’t stepping up. Why?In this episode, Eric and Jonathan tackle the critical but often overlooked concept of activation: turning passive attention into real-world impact.Whether you’re trying to inspire donations, mobilize volunteers, or drive policy changes, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you succeed.Discover why activation is the hardest—and most important—part of your impact strategy, and how to finally get it right.Epi...
2024-12-1740 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactEnding Low Pay in the Social Impact SectorLow pay the social impact sector is reaching a critical point.Leaders and workers alike are grappling with the harsh realities of compensation in an industry driven by passion and purpose. But at what cost?In the latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, Eric and Jonathan dive deep into this pressing issue, exploring:• The cultural shift around work-life balance and its impact on the sector• Why attracting top talent is crucial for solving intractable social problems• The hidden costs of underpaying staff, from turnover to missed opportunities• Practical solution...
2024-12-1030 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactHow to Stop Planning and Start Doing"Is your strategic plan collecting digital dust?"That's the question every social impact leader needs to ask themselves. We've all been there — investing countless hours and resources into creating the perfect 3-year plan, only to have it sit unused on a shelf.But what if there was a better way? A more agile approach that could energize your team and get your ideas into action?Enter the Minimum Viable Strategy (MVS) framework.In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, we break down this powerful tool for social impact leaders. We...
2024-12-0326 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactSigns You’ve Lost Touch with Your CommunityAre you losing touch with your community? It might be time to reconnect.As social impact leaders, we pour our hearts and souls into our work. But sometimes, in the rush to create change, we can drift away from the very people we're trying to serve.In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, we tackle this critical issue head-on. We explore the subtle signs that you might be losing connection with your community and offer practical strategies to rebuild those vital relationships.We dive deep into:• The telltale signs that you're ou...
2024-11-2626 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactGetting Community Input Without Getting Derailed"This looks great. Let me just get the board's input."Those words strike fear into the heart of every social impact leader. You've poured your heart and soul into a project, only to have it potentially derailed at the last minute.But what if getting community input didn't have to be so terrifying? What if there was a way to gather feedback that actually improved your work instead of watering it down?In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, we tackle the thorny issue of community input head-on. We share hard-won lessons from...
2024-11-1927 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Trap of Transactional MarketingAre you falling into the trap of transactional marketing without even realizing it?In this episode of Designing Tomorrow, we dive deep into why social impact organizations often default to transactional marketing approaches - and the hidden dangers of this common mistake.We cover:The 6 reasons why we fall into the transactional marketing trapWhy "easy" and "inexpensive" marketing tactics can backfireThe false sense of safety in sticking to familiar strategiesHow to balance brand-building with calls-to-actionWhy your marketing culture matters more than individual tacticsWe also explore:The concerning trend of relying too...
2024-11-1221 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhen (and How) to Take Big RisksThe social impact sector isn’t known for being very risky. In fact, it’s often quite the opposite. Too many orgs play it safe, afraid of over-scrutinization (the double standard is real here) and hoping to protect their mission and resources.But here’s the thing — sometimes the most dangerous thing is playing it too safe.In this episode, Jonathan and Eric dive into the topic of risk: when to take it, how to de-risk it, and what to expect if it doesn’t pay off.We cover actionable tips for when (and how) t...
2024-11-0524 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhen Your Purpose Becomes a ProblemIs your organization's purpose secretly undermining its impact?In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, Jonathan and Eric tackle a provocative question: When does your purpose become a problem?We explore the hidden mistakes that can trap even the most well-intentioned social impact organizations, including:• Relying on wishful thinking instead of hard facts• Letting processes become more important than outcomes • Falling into dogmatic, crusade-like thinking• Overvaluing passion at the expense of skills when hiringThese traps can slowly erode your effectiveness and relevance without you even real...
2024-10-2922 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactBrand Building is Hard to Measure. Here’s How You Do It.Struggling to measure the impact of your branding and marketing efforts? You're not alone.Ironically, the more analytics tools we have to measure the success of our marketing efforts, the harder it seems to know what’s actually working. This is especially true of broader brand marketing efforts, which are harder to measure and don’t play nice with our modern measurement platforms that have been optimized for performance and transactional marketing campaigns. In today’s episode, we dig into:• Why traditional digital marketing metrics can be misleading• The trap of vanity metrics (an...
2024-10-2229 min
Social Impact Level UpWin in the Attention Economy with Eric ResslerDive deep into the world of marketing and social entrepreneurship with guest Eric Ressler, founder and creative director at Cosmic. Cosmic is a social impact creative agency that has helped nonprofits and social enterprises thrive by integrating marketing strategies that move humanity forward.
Eric shares his wealth of knowledge on how to elevate your social enterprise's marketing game and how to better communicate your impact to the world. Learn the difference between transactional and brand-building marketing, the importance of relationship and community-building, and why aligning your mission with effective communication is key to long-term sustainability.
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2024-10-1834 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactJustifying the Investment in Brand BuildingBranding/marketing isn’t going to do anything for your org…if you can’t fund it in the first place. Unfortunately, justifying the investment in this work — both money AND capacity — for social impact orgs doesn’t come as easily as it might for other sectors. And right now everyone is still stuck in the “do more with less” mentality. Here’s how to make a solid case for the investment — whether you’re pitching your leadership team, funders, or anyone else that needs buy-in to make it work:1. Empathize with decision-makersUnderstand what dec...
2024-10-1520 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhy Social Impact Brands Under Invest in Brand and MarketingSocial impact orgs aren’t known for being great at branding and marketing.But it's NOT just about limited resources — there's a deeper story here.There’s some big obstacles in the way, like:→ The "overhead myth" that just won't die (KILL IT WITH FIRE)→ A false dichotomy between choosing to invest in fundraising OR marketing (you need both)→ The "scrappiness fallacy" worn as a badge of honor (you don’t look more “authentic” because your brand sucks, sorry!)→ Challenges connecting the ROI to the mission (not always easy!)...
2024-10-0819 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactCosmetic vs. Strategic BrandingBranding is about far more than just slick, eye-catching aesthetics.What truly transforms an organization is a brand built on vision and strategy. Without a clear strategy, positioning, and messaging, the aesthetic elements like logos, fonts, and colors won’t do anything to create lasting impact.Branding goes beyond visuals. It’s about aligning every aspect of the organization with its purpose, values, and audience.A successful rebrand requires more than just a great logo—it demands a strategic mix of:→ Brand Strategy→ Positioning and differentiation→ Messaging→ And, of course, the...
2024-10-0123 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactHow to Get Your Social Impact Flywheel TurningDo you ever feel like you’re just STUCK?Like no matter what you try or how hard you work you just can’t seem to get traction?We’ve all been there before, and it’s NOT a fun space to be in. Here’s the thing: there are going to be sticking points in your social impact journey. That’s pretty much guaranteed. What worked on day 1 — or year 1 — won’t necessarily work for year 3, or year 5. What worked when you were brand new and had a $500k annual operating bud...
2024-09-2426 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactAre You Using Your Power or Giving it Away?Far too many social impact orgs are giving their power away — and they don’t even know they’re doing it. There’s a fundamental tension in the social impact space. A tension between the generosity that powers this sector and the need for social impact brands to leverage their power so they can make a true impact. But when this healthy tension strays out of balance — in either direction — the results can be disastrous. Relying solely on the generosity of your supporters leads to the common “hat in hand” position that leaves many inc...
2024-09-1721 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactCore Values That Actually WorkCore brand values aren’t just fluffy words you put on posters. But without the right approach, that’s all they’ll ever be. Core brand values — when done right — can be absolutely transformative for your organization’s culture, effectiveness, and impact. But you can’t just come up with 5 words that all start with the letter “R” and call it a day. So how do you create core values for your brand that ACTUALLY make a meaningful impact for your team? Jonathan and Eric have some ideas — and some things to watch out...
2024-09-1016 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactCore Values That Actually WorkCore brand values aren’t just fluffy words you put on posters. But without the right approach, that’s all they’ll ever be. Core brand values — when done right — can be absolutely transformative for your organization’s culture, effectiveness, and impact. But you can’t just come up with 5 words that all start with the letter “R” and call it a day. So how do you create core values for your brand that ACTUALLY make a meaningful impact for your team? Jonathan and Eric have some ideas — and some things to watch out...
2024-09-1035 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhat Makes a Great Social Impact Marketing Team?What makes an EXCEPTIONAL social impact marketing team?Often, when we get this question from clients, they are trying to determine what ROLES to hire for. But that’s putting the cart before the horse. Instead, it’s best to think about the QUALITIES and CULTURE of a successful marketing philosophy for your brand. Because you can build a highly-skilled marketing team and still totally flop if:↳ You don’t have vision as a brand↳ You don’t let them create BOLD, scroll-stopping content↳ You micro-manage and add arduous approval processes...
2024-09-0335 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactTest Your Niche with These 5 QuestionsThere’s one thing the most successful social impact orgs get right, every time.They truly define and own a niche.Owning a niche as a social impact brand is probably one of the most important — but least understood — superpowers to further your mission. When we help our clients define and own a niche, they:↳ More easily drive engagement and action for their mission↳ Build capacity and become more effective with their existing resources↳ Reduce friction in securing donations and growing their revenue↳ Build a stronger cultur...
2024-08-2720 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactEmbodying Your Brand in Real LifeYour brand is not your logo. It’s not your fonts, or your colors, or your voice. It’s not your content. It’s not your mission. Your brand is:↳ Whether you come through on the promises you make to your community↳ The actions you take↳ How your team shows up each and every dayBut what happens when you paint a picture of those values and promises, but don’t come through on them for your community?And how can you ensure that your brand values and promises ar...
2024-08-2027 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhen You Should (and Shouldn’t) RebrandYou probably shouldn’t rebrand your social impact organization. Except, of course, when you really should. (wait, what?)Because when the conditions are right, a rebrand can be one of the most powerful ways to reach your mission faster. But how do you know when it’s the right time to invest in a rebrand?Let’s be real: a rebrand is a big swing move. And it’s a tempting play to run when:↳ You aren’t making the impact you need to↳ You can’t seem...
2024-08-1328 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactA HUGE Designing Tomorrow UpdateIn this bonus episode, we're kicking off Season 2 with a new co-host, Jonathan Hicken.Learn about Jonathan’s path to social impact, from being raised by peace corps parents in Venezuela to his current role as Executive Director at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, a marine science museum. You can also learn a bit more about Eric's journey from design school dropout to accidental entrepreneur and what sparked his decision to focus his work at Cosmic fiercely on social impact. Jonathan and Eric cover a lot of ground in this season, and we can’...
2024-08-0610 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactDesigning Tomorrow — Season 2 TrailerWe’re back with Season 2 of Designing Tomorrow, and we’ve got an exciting update. This season, we’re joined by our new cohost, Jonathan Hicken. Jonathan has extensive experience as a leader in the social impact sector, and brings a practitioner’s point of view to the show as he tests Eric’s ideas about brand building and marketing, and introduces ideas of his own. This season, we’ll continue to explore the question that frames our show: “Why do some social impact organizations thrive, while so many others fail to get traction and reach their true...
2024-08-0601 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactAre You Bold Enough To Lead The Conversation?Today’s episode is going to be a little different. Because this is the last episode in our first season of Designing Tomorrow. Today, we’re not going to introduce any new concepts or strategies. Instead, we’re going to challenge you. If you follow the the playbook we outlined over the course of Season One in Designing Tomorrow — truly, actually embody it — you will become a leading social impact organization.And once you begin to experience the benefits of this methodology for your organization, don’t just declare victory and call it a day. Use y...
2024-05-2804 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactStop Chasing Revenue. Learn to ATTRACT it Instead.Is your social impact brand attracting enough revenue to power your mission and build a healthy, sustainable organization? Or do you feel like you’re constantly chasing donors and customers just to keep the lights on?Chances are, the second scenario hits closer to home. If so, you’re not alone. Because the social impact sector has a revenue problem. And it’s not a small one. We’re not just talking about donor retention, or shifting consumer behaviors, or downward trends in giving and support for social impact causes either. We’re talking about deeply root...
2024-05-1421 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactHow to Build a Community People Will ACTUALLY JoinIs community in decline, or is the way we’re participating just changing?The data and statistics, as always, are messy. And there’s valid opinions and arguments supporting different trends here.But whether or not community-engagement is in decline, our relationships with community is going through a rapid transformation. And as a social impact brand, you need community support to power your work. You can’t power your mission and reach your true impact potential alone. But, building authentic, vibrant communities seems harder than ever before. Today, we’re talking all about...
2024-05-0720 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactCreate LESS Content to Get Better ResultsWhat if we told you that there is a way to work smarter, not harder, with your content strategy that can help you get the absolute most out of each piece of content and idea that you come up with?Whether you’re just getting started on your content creation journey or if you’re a seasoned content creator with established workflows and formats, the big idea and framework we’re going to cover today can be an absolute game changer.There’s one trend we consistently see holding social impact marketing teams back in their co...
2024-04-3021 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWhy No One Cares About Your Content (And How to Fix It)Are you tired of putting time and energy into creating content that just doesn’t get meaningful engagement from your community?We’ve all been there. You’re proud of your hard work and effort. A feeling of excitement rushes over you as you hit “post” or “publish.” This one’s going places, you just know it. Only, it doesn’t. It flops. Or maybe a few people engage but nowhere near the level of traction you need to take your mission to the next level. It’s one of the hardest and most dishea...
2024-04-2326 min
People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely PodcastSHORT Eric Ressler founder of CosmicWelcome to Purposely Short, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.
This weeks episode features Eric Ressler founder of Cosmic a creative agency for social impact organisations and brands.
2024-04-1806 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactAre Websites Dead? Not When They Grow Your Revenue Like THIS.Are websites a dying relic of the internet’s past? With so much of our digital engagement today happening through social channels, there’s an ever-growing narrative that your website just isn’t that important anymore.That what you really need to do is nail your content strategy. Get big on TikTok. Tell your story through short form video. Build supporter trust through influencer campaigns. That Gen Z doesn’t even use websites anyway. That narrative couldn’t be further from the truth — especially for social impact brands.In today’s episode, we cove...
2024-04-1625 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactWe’ve GOT to Stop Marketing Like This.Picture this: You’re scrolling through your inbox and see a message from an organization you support. But something’s not quite right.The subject line reads “URGENT! WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!”You open the email, only to be bombarded with more fake urgency around hitting an important fundraising deadline and how you, and only you, can make that happen. You just have to donate RIGHT NOW OR ELSE the organization will fail miserably and the entire world will come crashing down. This may seem dramatic, but these exact tactics and fake urgency messaging...
2024-04-0921 min
Untapped PhilanthropyRedefining Impact: A New Playbook for Social Change with Eric ResslerGuest: Eric ResslerIn this enlightening episode of Untapped Philanthropy, hosts Kerrin Mitchell and Tim Sarrantonio welcome Eric Ressler, the creative force behind Cosmic, to discuss the dynamic intersection of digital innovation and social impact. Delve into a conversation that challenges conventional nonprofit narratives, advocates for a reimagined approach to social impact branding, and emphasizes the crucial role of digital engagement in building community and driving change.To learn more about Cosmic, visit: designbycosmic.comTo learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.ioTo learn more about Neon One, visit...
2024-04-0433 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe ONE THING All Successful Social Impact Brands Get RightThere’s one critical piece of your social impact strategy that you have to get right. When you don’t get it right, it holds back every facet of your growth and progress. We’ve seen it block and hinder revenue and fundraising.We’ve seen it create massive inefficiencies and reduce capacity.We’ve seen it negatively impact engagement, growth, and culture.So, what is this one key thing?It’s your social impact niche. Owning a social impact niche is a fundamental piece of your broader st...
2024-04-0216 min
We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for NonprofitsDesigning Tomorrow: The Modern Playbook for Social Impact Brands - Eric ResslerWhy do some social impact brands thrive, while so many others fail to get traction, build support for their cause, and make meaningful progress towards their mission?Meet Designing Tomorrow, the show for modern social impact leaders and brands, hosted by Eric Ressler, Founder & Creative Director of Cosmic.Think of it as a modern playbook for navigating our rapidly-changing, digitally-driven world that you can use to reach your true impact potential. New episodes drop every Tuesday, and we hope you enjoy this preview of episode 1.Follow + subscribe to Designing...
2024-03-2906 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactHow Top Brands Win Your Attention. Every Time.Today, you’ll consume 74GB of information. That’s the equivalent of watching 16 movies. In one day. Our inboxes are overflowing, our social streams are noisy, we doom scroll short form content on apps purpose-built to hijack our attention, designed by the world’s smartest minds.But as the volume of information we consume grows each day, our capacity as humans to focus and make sense of the world remains basically unchanged. And this is the essence of the attention economy—where information is no longer the scarce com...
2024-03-2613 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactThe Modern Playbook for Social Impact BrandsIn our rapidly-evolving world, today’s social impact brands are falling behind their profit-driven competitors.The old playbook for creating meaningful social impact just isn’t keeping pace with modern culture. The lion's share of attention is dominated by big brands, often leaving social missions unable to remain relevant.But, for those of us committed to pioneering a new path, there’s hope. In the first episode of Season 1, we outline a new playbook that social impact leaders can use to succeed and thrive i...
2024-03-2604 min
I Spark Change PodcastEp#107: The Role of Brand Strategy in Social Impact w/ Eric ResslerIn this episode, Rick interviews Eric Ressler, Cosmic's founder and creative director, a social impact creative agency. Eric is a social impact hero dedicated to helping organizations shape their desired future and propel humanity forward. He believes in the power of compelling impact storytelling, brand awareness, and inspiring action, partnering with a diverse range of organizations in climate action, education, social justice, sustainability, arts, culture, and tech-driven social impact. Eric emphasizes the importance of balance, remaining focused, calm, and open to new experiences to stay creatively fueled in pursuing meaningful change. Join us as we d...
2024-03-0642 minDesigning Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social ImpactIntroducing Designing TomorrowWhy do some social impact brands thrive, while so many others fail to get traction, build support for their cause, and make meaningful progress towards their mission?Now imagine, for a second, what kind of impact you could create? With truly sustainable revenue and resources. With deeper engagement and relationships with your community. With more influence in your social impact category.Welcome to Designing Tomorrow, the show for modern social impact leaders and brands, hosted by Eric Ressler, Founder & Creative Director of Cosmic.Eric brings his experience and insights working with social impact...
2024-03-0501 min
Sense-Making in a Changing WorldSocial Impact Strategies with Eric Ressler and Morag GambleIn this episode, I welcome Eric Ressler - a digital designer helping social impact organisations myceliate their stories into the world through Design by Cosmic. If you've ever wondered about what goes into the behind-the-scenes of a social action group or wanted to start your own, this is a must-listen!As an organisation designer, Eric goes into the nitty-gritty of what the most important steps for catalysing real world change are - from how to activate people through online platforms to the significance of taking a moonshot once in a while.Design by...
2024-01-0354 min
The Influential NonprofitEric Ressler: Thriving In The Attention EconomyEric Ressler is the Founder and Creative Director at Cosmic, a Social Impact Creative Agency. Cosmic empowers social impact organizations to catalyze real-world change by helping them nail their impact story, build brand awareness, and inspire action. Key Takeaways:It shouldn’t be an issue if either a “nonprofit” organization is making a profit, or if it’s failing. Most for-profit businesses take a lot of years before they take off and it’s only right that we give nonprofit businesses the same kind of consideration. Our current digital era has allowed for information to be free a...
2023-12-0738 min
People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast#171 For purpose creative agency, Eric Ressler founder of CosmicEric Ressler is the co-founder of Cosmic, a creative agency working with ‘for purpose’ and mission driven organisations across the USA.
Eric and Cosmics journey, marked by a significant pivot from commercial and silicon valley startup clients to a commitment to empowering mission-driven organisations only.
Despite struggling at school, Eric Ressler has gone on to have a successful career driven by a passion for creativity in various forms, from music and stop-motion animation to videography and traditional art. Eric has also been willing to change with the times, innovate and stay relevant developing his expertise in d...
2023-11-1242 min
EGGS! The PodcastEggs 335: Leading a digital-first approach to social change with Eric ResslerWelcome to Eggs! the Podcast, featuring the best and brightest minds in business leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology. Today, we're breaking into the digital landscape of social impact with Eric Ressler, the Founder and Creative Director of Cosmic — a trailblazing Social Impact Creative Agency.
Eric stands at the forefront of innovation, where technology meets social good, steering organizations through the currents of the attention economy to make a real-world splash.
On this week’s show, we’ll learn how a digital-first approach can empower social change, the secrets to engaging a digital audience with compelling narratives, why acting like a digital media...
2023-11-091h 02