PART 1 | Ben Webb on Leading Without Losing the Mission (International Justice Mission)
“There's a child in front of a webcam right now getting abused. If I'm just working towards my own sense of identity, I'm putting more emphasis on me than I am them.” –Ben Webb
As a leader, facing distractions is part of the job.
Ben Webb, CMO of International Justice Mission (IJM), is committed to finding what he calls “sandcastles” in leadership—the areas we put our energy that just wash away without moving us closer to the ultimate outcome. Through his approach to marketing, he’s helping build an entire culture at IJM of stronger cross-department collaboration, communication, and innovation.
If you’re not familiar, IJM works globally to build a future where children and families are safe from violence and slavery, including human trafficking.
In this episode, Ben shares why compassion (not just for others, but also for yourself!) makes all the difference as a people leader, how inheriting a computer business started his unlikely journey towards nonprofit work, and how organizations let their focus drift from the ultimate mission as they grow.
Ben is a mission-minded leader with a ton of heart, and I can’t wait to hear what you take away from his story.
Links
Key Takeaways
1) Validate the identity of each individual connected to your organization. And don’t assume the mission-based work is already doing it for you. From program recipients to coworkers and direct reports, valuing people with love and respect creates a culture of trust. And when you trust each other, you can run faster toward the mission together.
2) Know the difference between “sandcastles” and “the ultimate outcome.” Which parts of your nonprofit work are impermanent, and which parts are everlasting? Take the pressure off the former to make room for the latter, and keep in focus the actual problem your nonprofit exists to solve.
3) The grace that you give others starts with yourself. It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to recognize moments of pride or short-sightedness. It won’t always be elegant, but practicing this with yourself has the power to ripple outward into your team and organization.
Meet the Guest
Ben Webb is the Chief Marketing Officer at International Justice Mission (IJM), leading global marketing, communications, and brand strategy. Ben’s experience is vast, from music and ministry to startups and creative consultancy. He previously led global marketing at Compassion International, and has also studied leadership at the Kellogg School of Management. Ben is originally from Australia, and now lives with his wife and two kids in Colorado.
