Unlocking Impact and Superpowers with Devin Thorpe

Founded On Purpose

What does it take to be driven by purpose while tackling some of society’s most complex challenges? In this episode, Devin Thorpe, impact investor, author, and host of Superpowers for Good, shares how persistence, optimism, and a strong belief in collective action have shaped his career and mindset. Devin’s reflections will inspire you to embrace hard challenges and see your own potential to create meaningful change.

Episode Summary:
In this engaging conversation, host Kt McBratney sits down with Devin Thorpe, a champion of social impact, crowdfunding expert and creator of Superpowers for Good. They explore the powerful role persistence and optimism play in making an impact, even when the road seems tough. Devin reflects on key moments in his life, from his early career lessons to his personal experiences raising a son who embodies the belief that we can do hard things. He also discusses the barriers to making social change, lessons learned from mistakes, and the critical importance of play and balance in a purpose-driven life.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an advocate, or someone looking to make a difference in the world, Devin’s insights will leave you inspired to face challenges with confidence, knowing that together we can accomplish the impossible.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Persistence: Devin emphasizes that persistence is his superpower, a trait that's crucial when tackling long-term goals like addressing climate change. Success, he explains, requires ongoing effort, even in the face of mistakes and challenges.
2. We Can Do Hard Things: Drawing from personal stories, including his son’s decision to pursue a PhD in physics and Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio, Devin passionately argues that both individuals and society can achieve incredibly difficult goals if they commit to the challenge.
3. Optimism in the Face of Global Problems: While acknowledging the complexity of issues like poverty and climate change, Devin remains optimistic. He believes that with enough collective effort and innovative thinking, society can rise to the challenge and make a difference in even the most daunting areas.
4. Crowdfunding with Purpose: Devin shares his insights on crowdfunding, including the mindset shift needed when asking for money — it's not about weakness, but rather offering people an opportunity to be part of something bigger.
5. The Importance of Play and Rest: Despite focusing much of his energy on solving major global issues, Devin admits the need for balance. He reflects on how appreciating nature and moments of joy — like watching wildlife near his home — help him maintain perspective and stay grounded.
6. Lessons from Failure: In his honest and humorous way, Devin talks about making mistakes, especially when it comes to his weekly investment picks in his newsletter. He openly shares how embracing failure has helped him grow and learn over the years.

Themes:

• Persistence and overcoming barriers
• The intersection of social impact and entrepreneurship
• Collective action and optimism in solving global issues
• Balancing hard work with play and rest
• The evolving role of crowdfunding in the impact space

Links & Resources:

• Superpowers for Good Newsletter
• Superpowers for Good podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts
• Learn more about impact crowdfunding, including regular events from The Super Crowd
• Books by Devin Thorpe
• Learn more about Renew VC
• Sign the Purpose Pledge
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose

Want more?
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