I’m Katya Smyth.
I partner with social change bad-asses to use today’s chaos to open paths for different tomorrows, putting the wellbeing of the people and the planet at the center of our work.
What this looks like
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That means things like:
Crafting seeding events and other mechanisms for communities, government, nonprofits, and philanthropy to forge unlikely alliances.
Finding analogs to your challenge, situation, or opportunity in other fields and sectors, jumpstarting solutions.
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That means things like:
Implementing endings to create value, not chaos. That’s nonprofit closure; it’s also ending programs and strategies, whether you’re a foundation, nonprofit, or government agency.
Working with boards and leadership to shift attitudes and approach to closure and endings.
Equipping foundations to be good partners to grantees in crisis.
Leadership coaching and support through upheaval and endings.
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That means things like:
Illuminating blind spots + identifying new frames that open new solutions.
Co-designing + shepherding system change that sticks in and between government, communities hurt by government, nonprofits, foundations, and networks.
Using wellbeing equity as a design principle for systemic change and action — from public procurement to community mapping to shifting how we address violence to… wherever gears are grinding and change needs unleashing.
Planning using emergent strategy in a time of chaos, with as much emphasis on the strategy part as the emergence so you’re accountable, responsive, nimble, and clear.
Leadership coaching and support through upheaval and endings.
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Keynotes and workshops for events, teams, and boards about systems change towards community wellbeing, nonprofit and philanthropic closure, and what happens when we leave each other well.