In this episode, we are joined by Suzanne Elise Walsh. With a background in philanthropy, higher education, community development, and law, today, Suzanne is the President of Bennett College, where she has served since August 2019.

Suzanne is also the Founder and Manager of Discerning SEWlutions, an organization that works with foundations, nonprofits, colleges, and universities to uncover, imagine, and plan for future possibilities. Previously, Suzanne also served as Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, where she developed a portfolio of over $70 million in postsecondary investments. Additionally, she has held roles at Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, the Lumina Foundation for Education, and The Heinz Endowments. She has received national recognition for her portfolio of work with organizations at the intersection of innovation, technology, and learning.

In this episode, we discuss:

·   The concept of VUCA – Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity, and how it informs Suzanne’s role as a leader in higher education

·   How nonprofits and funders can build transparent, effective relationships that lead to better results

·   The value of funders working with grantees as partners and making space in portfolios for nonobvious partners