Emily Bernhardt is an Empathy Network Specialist at ACE (Advancing Conservation through Empathy) for Wildlife, a network that encourages accredited institutions to foster empathy for wildlife conservation actions. With a degree in zoology, she has experience working for various zoos, including being an Education and Social Media Coordinator at ZooMontana. Emily was also an outdoor educator in the South Carolina salt marshes and studied spotted hyenas in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

When advancing a cause, mission-driven professionals often believe that arming people with knowledge is enough to drive action. Yet this often has the opposite effect as people become overwhelmed with choices and immense responsibility. How can you motivate the public to advocate for your mission?

Passionate wildlife conservationist Emily Bernhardt champions empathy practices in wildlife conservation efforts. Through a network of empathy drivers, she distills complex and abstract concepts into inspiring and relatable stories about specific animals in zoo enclosures. These stories are integrated with simple, actionable steps zoo guests can take to preserve wildlife. These methods allow people to feel connected to a single animal by tapping into their emotions. Additionally, easily accessible technology platforms and video mediums connect people to the mission and foster further action.

In today’s Nonprofit Thrive episode, Ben Freda sits down with Emily Bernhardt, the Empathy Network Specialist at ACE for Wildlife, to discuss the power of empathy in wildlife conservation. She shares research into animal behaviors and emotions, her passion to inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts and animal lovers, and how she leverages technology to connect networks of conservationists.

Francis Court is the Founder and CEO of WONDERSPHERE, an integrated branding, design, and creative communications agency with offices in Chicago and London. With a vision to blend innovative design with strategic communication, Francis has built WONDERSPHERE into a leading agency known for its transformative approach to brand development. Under his leadership, the agency has successfully partnered with diverse clients across various industries, delivering compelling and cohesive brand experiences. Francis’s expertise in both creative and strategic realms has positioned WONDERSPHERE as a trailblazer in the global branding and design landscape.

An office design should strengthen the connection between an organization’s mission and the people dedicated to achieving it. But can design foster a unique culture that transcends mere aesthetics?

Francis Court, a space designer, emphasizes the possibility. He argues that office design creates a powerful narrative embodying a nonprofit's mission, with a clear connection between website design and physical space planning. Both disciplines require a deep understanding of how to create an engaging, functional, and mission-driven experience. By thoughtfully designing office spaces, nonprofits can ensure their environment supports their mission, foster a unique culture, and inspire everyone to work toward a common goal.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrive podcast, Ben Freda welcomes Francis Court, Founder and CEO of WONDERSPHERE. They discuss how digital and physical spaces can strengthen connections between a company’s missions and the people involved in fulfilling those missions. Francis shares his journey from an architect frustrated by conventional office design to a visionary transforming nonprofit spaces. He also explores the synergy between online presence and office architecture, showing how coherence between them can amplify your message and mission.

Nolan Haims is the Owner of Nolan Haims Creative, a firm specializing in visual storytelling for effective communication. With over 20 years of experience in design, branding, and communication, Nolan is a sought-after expert in presentation design and visual content creation. Before founding his firm, he held leadership roles at several renowned companies, including Edelman, where he was Vice President and Director of Presentation. As one of the only 15 Microsoft PowerPoint MVPs in the US, his work spans various industries, helping clients develop compelling presentations that resonate with audiences. Nolan also co-hosts The Presentation Podcast and is a respected speaker and author, sharing his insights at conferences and workshops.

Transforming an ordinary presentation into an extraordinary experience involves more than just sleek design — it requires a strategic approach to storytelling and audience engagement. What are valuable insights and tools to achieve this transformation?

Visual communications designer Nolan Haims offers The Better Deck Deck, a tool that helps presenters enhance their visual storytelling. Besides leveraging this tool in creating compelling, visually captivating slides, Nolan also emphasizes using personal anecdotes and relevant stories to make content more relatable and memorable. Storytelling simplifies complex information and makes it more appealing. These techniques, combined with an audience-friendly structure, transform ordinary presentations into extraordinary experiences, leaving a lasting impression.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrive podcast, Ben Freda welcomes Nolan Haims, Owner of Nolan Haims Creative, to discuss transforming the ordinary presentation into an extraordinary experience. Nolan shares why excessive words can kill your message, the secrets to creating 'glanceable' slides, and his expertise in utilizing personal stories to enhance the impact of presentations in the nonprofit sector.