Isa Watson: She’s ‘Envested’ in Giving Back

August 10 - On The Dot
 
FIRST THOUGHT: Generosity of Heart

Have you ever watched that intriguing TV show What Would You Do? Actors play out some questionable, occasionally disturbing scenarios while hidden cameras film bystanders’ reactions. While we think we might act like superheroes when a dude is verbally abusing his girlfriend or a shopper doesn’t quite have enough money to pay for her groceries, we might actually do the complete opposite. We may not be busting into a burning building to save Lois Lane any time soon, but there are always little ways we can make a positive difference in the lives of other people. Today, be on the lookout for opportunities to help others, even if it’s a simple gesture, like paying for the Starbucks order behind you or going out of your way to compliment a colleague.

WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 93 Percent

It turns out when we do good, we feel good. According to Harvard Business Review, that’s also true when it comes to our careers. When employees find real meaning in their work, it results in a whopping 93 percent increase in employee engagement. Creating an encouraging company culture is key. When they feel valued and inspired, employees stick around longer and perform better. And that’s a win-win!

WOMAN TO WATCH: Isa Watson, Founder and CEO of Envested

There are a few ways to help your employees find more purpose in their work. The first step is to create a plan to increase employee engagement. I know what you’re thinking: I’m too busy! My employees are just fine. But you may want to consider getting a little help from some real experts. It’s an investment that will definitely pay off. Isa Watson started Envested with that in mind. Envested helps companies create culture and communities around purpose in a way that’s measurable and easy.

Here’s how: Envested assists execs in building a company culture that includes self-directed giving and volunteering, and enables managers to share what’s most important to them while learning what’s most important to their employees—all while incorporating a tailored strategy based on company priorities. No more office water-cooler complaints that go nowhere. Then Envested cultivates a community by offering social features and engagement initiatives that excite employees. Of course, statistics are mega important when it comes to company culture, so Envested also offers real-time reporting and community-impact analytics.

Isa offers some advice on how to build a company driven by corporate social responsibility, one that positively impacts the people it serves and employs. For instance, does your company help employees beyond a paycheck? Why not give a portion of your company’s profits back to the community and let your employees choose the charitable causes you donate to? This emboldens employees with a real sense of meaning while also connecting them through similar interests and priorities.

The idea to create a business that helps other businesses create encouraging office cultures and communities of purpose was first planted in Isa’s mind thanks to her philanthropic parents—and a tragic experience the tight-knit family faced. While on a chartered bus trip to visit her father’s alma mater, Hampton University, the vehicle toppled, severely injuring Isa’s mother and, sadly, killing her father. After the accident, moving closer to her mother in Chapel Hill, North Carolina—where her parents were well-known and loved—proved to be the best choice Isa could make. Before long, strengthened by the goodwill of her parents in that community, Isa was on her way to building her philanthropic-focused business.

We’re thankful to Isa for creating a thriving business model with social giving at its core, and can’t wait to see what this well-meaning do-gooder does next to change the world!

QUITE THE QUOTE

With Isa Watson in mind, I’ll leave you today with one of her favorite quotes:

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.

To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.

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