319: A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society for All

The world around us has transformed dramatically—but has philanthropy kept up? For our Finding Brave guest today, John Studzinski, American-British investor and humanitarian and the author of the new book A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society that Benefits Everyone, this question isn't academic—it's deeply personal. His philanthropic journey began humbly, volunteering at a soup kitchen as a teenager. Today, he's recognized globally for transformative work addressing homelessness through London's Passage Day Centre and championing emerging artists through the Genesis Foundation. In the U.S., he serves on the boards of The J. Paul Getty Trust, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

In this inspiring conversation, John shares his views on how the true meaning of philanthropy has been lost and how it needs to transform to inspire the next generation to make a more meaningful impact. John tells us about his book and how it has helped inspire individuals to spend the gift of time serving the common good. From the power and importance of human connection to the essential need for empathy, John shares the critical lessons he hopes readers will take from his book.

We discuss why giving is not very beneficial unless we understand how, at the same time, to receive. John walks us through how he manages his time in order to be of service to his communities the way he does. John goes on to explain what he believes would happen to humanity if people stopped giving and caring about the community. And he teaches us that so much of our dignity is dependent on what we’ve given instead of what we’ve spent or kept.

If you have the desire to contribute in new ways and give of your talents and abilities to support the common good, this conversation will inspire you to action. Every person on this planet has authority that can be used for the common good, and leveraging those strengths and talents for the benefit of our communities is not only rewarding but deeply instrumental and meaningful.

 

Key Highlights From This Episode: 

• A bit about John’s book, A Talent for Giving, and how it’s a call to action to serve the common good with your talents. [04:48]
• How John’s faith inspires him to give to the community, and why he always tries to put himself in another person’s shoes. [12:47]
• John discusses how he stewards his time and manages to do everything that he does throughout the day. [16:27]
• Why empathy is a critical piece in giving, how John wants everyone to read his book, and the most important thing to learn from it. [18:23]
• The concept of shame, setting boundaries around giving, and how giving is only beneficial if you can receive. [24:30]
• What would happen in the world if everybody stopped caring about the common good and giving back. [28:55]
• John tells us about his process of dictating his book and which chapter surprised him the most. [33:30]
• The first place listeners can start if they want to give back to their community today. [38:23]

 

For More Information: 

John Studzinski on LinkedIn

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

John’s book, A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society that Benefits Everyone

John’s book on Audible

Genesis Foundation

Genesis Foundation on Instagram

Genesis Foundation on Facebook

Genesis Foundation on X

PIMCO

 

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Quotes: 

“The multiplier effect of giving is much more powerful than people realize.” — John Studzinski [0:10:09]

“Your greatest gift from God that you have is actually not your talent, but it’s actually your time. You don’t know how many days you have left on the planet.” — John Studzinski [0:14:59]

“If you’re not empathetic, it’s like having your eyes closed and your ears covered. – It’s like putting a bag over your head and not trying to engage.” — John Studzinski [0:19:25]

“If someone asks you for money, I always say, ‘Tell them you’ll donate your time, and if they don’t want your time, you don’t want them because they don’t appreciate you as a human being.’” — John Studzinski [0:25:47]

“Giving is not very beneficial unless you understand how, at the same time, to receive.” — John Studzinski [0:27:04]

“We are very, very dependent on each other. Perhaps more so than we realize.” — John Studzinski [0:30:19]

 

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