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"Whenever we're trying a new thing, if we're going into a new product, if we're going into a new marketplace, –whatever it is, we are running it through that grid; How are we being generous in this space? How are we being humble in this space? How are we being unifying?" - Michael McDonald
Truly satisfying work requires self-fulfillment. During a successful career in the hospitality industry, Michael McDonald was confronted with a welcomed opportunity to extend and challenge his work, but after a series of unplanned hurdles in his personal life, he stepped back to reevaluate what he wanted to gain from the future of his career.
Reconnecting with his past, Michael ventured into the nonprofit space to create something relatable and helpful for those with similar experiences. This endeavor would turn into The Bible Project, a digital platform that produces educational animations of Bible stories.
In this episode, Michael tells his story, and shares the ways in which the core values he established in the hospitality industry carry over into the nonprofit space, and how they continue to influence the culture, growth, and success at The Bible Project.
Contents
1 - International Restaurateur (1:21)
2 - Crowdsourcing at The Bible Project (4:49)
3 - Building partnerships (14:37)
4 - Building a strong internal culture (18:57)
5 - Cultivating innovation (21:26)
Chief Strategic Relationships Officer at BibleProject
Michael McDonald is The Chief Strategic Relationships Officer for Bible Project, a crowdfunded non-profit creative studio dedicated to communicating a single, powerful message to the world: the Bible is one unified story that leads to Jesus. Celebrated for its captivating, animated YouTube videos outlining and simplifying each book of Scripture, The Bible Project is a fan-driven, fan-funded movement that provides its resources worldwide, free of charge.
Michael—a former pastor—brings his years of experience to bear as he connects with leaders, influencers, journalists, and supporters, ensuring they take advantage of the unparalleled content library the organization has to offer. Prior to joining The Bible Project, he served for over a decade in more than 15 countries working to improve people’s daily lives, one community at a time. He primarily focused on educational, micro/macro financing projects, conflict resolution, and economic development.
Michael has also lead thousands of leaders on more than 200 trips to the Middle East, South East Asia and Africa, and also worked in Iraq, Uganda, Somalia, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Haiti. He has also served on a number of boards—including Remember Nhu and Fly Fishing Collaborative—with a focus on ending child sex trafficking.
He lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Melissa
