Meet Jodie Blum

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jodie Blum a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jodie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I believe making an impact has been an intrinsic part of me since childhood, rooted in my empathetic nature. As I matured, graduated from college, and embarked on my professional journey, I found myself in a business role that felt self-serving rather than selfless. This stark realization ignited my passion for working in a philanthropic capacity.

Moreover, my profound purpose as a mother traces back to when I was probably just six years old, knowing I wanted to adopt rather than have a biological child. I couldn’t wrap my head around why there were so many children without families. Today, my son embodies my greatest purposewhom I foster-adopted over 10 years ago. I am committed to being a steadfast advocate for foster care and adoption.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As the Founder/CEO of The Co-llective Social Impact Agency, my vision shines brighter, redefining the art of philanthropy. I’ve breathed life into philanthropic visions for globally recognized entertainers, athletes, and brands, attracting partnerships with titans like Cartier, NBA, American Airlines, Mercedes Benz, Coca-Cola, Live Nation, and Puma.

Earlier in my career, my unique blueprint in crafting humanitarian objectives led me to pioneer The Common Ground Foundation alongside actor, artist, and activist Common. This journey earned an Emmy Award nomination for writing and directing “A Minute” in partnership with MTV. As the inaugural Executive Director of the Recording Academy GRAMMY U, I didn’t just build a community; I created unprecedented access for college students pursuing a career in the music industry, curating and activating over 200 nationally branded events annually, bridging students face-to-face with the industry’s most coveted talent and executives.

Furthermore, mental health awareness isn’t a trend; it’s a mission. I’ve forged alliances with the largest and most respected coalitions and provided executive leadership to multiple national organizations. As a trusted voice in mental health advocacy, I’ve been the chorus behind transformative narratives and societal perceptions, fostering dialogues that touch, heal, and impact millions.

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?

Looking back, I believe the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are:
1. Integrity is always number one for me, as it builds trust and credibility.
2. Maintaining high standards for my work and deliverables ensures excellence and reliability.
3. Being innovative and creative with my approach allows me to devise unique solutions and stand out in my field.

For those early in their journey, here’s my advice on developing and improving these qualities:
1. **Do not consider or represent yourself as an expert until you have robust knowledge, experience, and a successful track record:** True expertise comes from continuous learning and practical experience. Focus on building a solid foundation before claiming expertise.
2. **Find a mentor in your chosen field that you can learn from:** A mentor can provide guidance, share valuable insights, and help you navigate challenges. Their experience can accelerate your growth and broaden your perspective.
3. **Volunteer at as many organizations to find different perspectives and discover what facets are of most interest to you:** Volunteering offers hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of your field. It helps you understand your interests better and develop a well-rounded skill set.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has been discovering a deeper level of inner peace. This journey involved focusing on and entertaining only what feels most aligned and authentic to me and my brand. By doing so, I’ve been able to cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling professional and personal life, ensuring that my actions and decisions resonate with my core values and long-term vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theco-llective.com
• Instagram: @collectivesocialimpact
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodieblum/