We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Sharon Elefant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Sharon, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
As a woman and CEO and founder of a nonprofit consulting firm, my generosity comes from a deep-rooted sense of empathy and compassion for others. I believe that we all have a responsibility to use our skills, resources, and platforms to help those in need and create positive change in the world.
Throughout my life, I have been inspired by the stories of individuals and communities who have faced incredible adversity and yet have continued to persevere and make a difference. These stories have instilled in me a strong desire to do my part in making the world a better place.
In my work as a nonprofit consultant, I have had the opportunity to work with organizations and individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities. I have seen firsthand the incredible work that they do, and I am constantly inspired by their dedication and passion.
My generosity also comes from a recognition of the privilege and opportunities that I have been given. As a woman and entrepreneur, I know that I have had to work hard to overcome obstacles and challenges in order to get to where I am today. I feel a sense of responsibility to use my position and platform to help others who may not have had the same opportunities.
Ultimately, my generosity comes from a belief in the power of individuals and communities to create positive change. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that change and to work alongside others who share my commitment to making the world a better place.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a professor, education consultant, CEO, and founder of The Nonprofit Plug, I find my work to be truly special because it allows me to dedicate my career to improving the world through education and nonprofit work.
The guiding principle of Tikkun Olam, meaning “to repair the world,” is at the heart of everything I do. This means that I am not simply focused on achieving individual success or profit, but rather on making a meaningful and positive impact on the world around me.
As a professor, I have the opportunity to shape the minds and perspectives of my students, instilling in them the importance of social responsibility and community engagement. By teaching them about the nonprofit sector and the principles of Tikkun Olam, I am helping to develop a new generation of leaders who are dedicated to making a difference in the world.
As an education consultant, I work with organizations to develop effective strategies for improving educational outcomes and creating more equitable systems. By focusing on education, I am helping to address some of the root causes of social and economic inequality, and empowering individuals to improve their lives and the lives of those around them.
As the CEO and founder of The Nonprofit Plug, I provide invaluable support and resources to nonprofit organizations, helping them to more effectively achieve their missions and make a positive impact in their communities. My expertise and guidance are helping to build stronger, more sustainable organizations that can make a lasting difference in the world.
Overall, what makes my work so special is the dedication and passion that I bring to it, and my unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. By focusing on education, social responsibility, and nonprofit work, I am helping to create a more just and equitable society, one step at a time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I believe that the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful are empathy, expertise, and perseverance.
Empathy has been critical in helping me connect with and understand the needs of the individuals and communities that I work with. It has allowed me to approach my work with compassion and to develop solutions that are truly responsive to the needs of others. To develop empathy, I would advise those who are early in their journey to take the time to listen to and learn from others, to put themselves in others’ shoes, and to approach their work with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Expertise has also been essential in allowing me to provide effective support and guidance to the organizations that I work with. By developing a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, education, and community development, I have been able to provide valuable insights and strategies to help organizations achieve their goals. To develop expertise, I would advise those who are early in their journey to pursue ongoing education and training, to seek out mentors and experts in their field, and to stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends.
Finally, perseverance has been critical in helping me overcome challenges and setbacks, and to continue working toward my goals even in the face of obstacles. To develop perseverance, I would advise those who are early in their journey to stay focused on their mission and to develop a strong sense of purpose, to stay resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges, and to surround themselves with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and friends.
Overall, I would encourage those who are early in their journey to approach their work with a sense of humility, to listen and learn from others, and to pursue ongoing education and training. By developing empathy, expertise, and perseverance, and by staying committed to their mission, they can make a meaningful and lasting impact on the world around them.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Reflecting on my journey, there have been several individuals who have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed to be successful. First and foremost, my parents instilled in me strong ethics and values, which have guided me throughout my personal and professional life.
In addition to my parents, I have been fortunate to have several key partners who have played a crucial role in my journey. My partner Sophia, as the Director of Operations at The Nonprofit Plug, has helped me streamline my business operations and provided me with unwavering support and encouragement. Nekaya Carter of Carter and Carter Inc, has been an invaluable collaborator, offering opportunities to grow our businesses by helping our communities. And Rocsii Frank of The Source LA has who has been an important sounding board, providing me with countless referrals and advice on cross pollinating our platforms.
Of course, I cannot overlook the role that our community of clients and partners has played in helping me achieve success. Their collaboration and support have been essential in enabling me to fulfill my purpose and make an impact in the nonprofit sector.
Overall, I am grateful for the many individuals who have contributed to my success, from my parents and key partners, to the broader community of clients and collaborators. Together, they have helped me to develop the skills, qualities, and knowledge needed to overcome challenges and make a meaningful difference in the world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenonprofitplug.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsharonelefant
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thenonprofitplug
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nonprofit-plug/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thenppfamily
Image Credits
Dustyn Hiett
