[PODCAST] Technology as a Vehicle for Purpose

Technology as a Vehicle for Purpose

You wouldn’t think a fintech guru and founder of a revolutionary app rocking the sector would be all about authenticity and relationships, but Susan Langer is exceptional. In this episode, Susan and Katie discuss how the use and benefits of technology can never negate the purpose of the relationships it helps facilitate. 

What is the Purpose of Technology?

While there is no argument technological advances in fundraising have helped expedite and increase ways to give, these same advances have some drawbacks. As Steven Shattuck reminded us in his recent book, Robots Make Bad Fundraisers, a machine-like system for raising support has glitches. However, the up-and-coming generations of digital natives expect and respect the use of digital fundraising so long as the purpose is still present. At its best, Susan reminds us that technology can be more than a payment gateway. It can be a vehicle for a higher level of relationship and communication around purpose. 

Meet Susan Langer

For over 30 years, Susan Langer has worked in financial services, marketing, and international development. As a result, her career spans corporate, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit sectors. She was a leader at US Bank, General Mills, and World Vision. Susan founded Mosiac Marketing in 1996. Mosiac Marketing worked with small and growing businesses in the financial and high-tech industries. Over ten years, Mosaic Marketing grew revenues to $3.5 million. One week before 9/11, the firm moved to New York City. This led to a professional move to the nonprofit world.

Move to the Nonprofit World

During this time, Susan was an Executive Director for World Vision on the East Coast. She also helped launch a women’s homeless shelter in New York City. In addition, she worked with women and children in the Middle East. Finally, she developed a growth strategy for a nonprofit helping at-risk Minneapolis teens. 

Mosaic Mindshare and LGS

In 2010, Susan changed Mosaic Marketing to Mosaic Mindshare. The firm used Susan’s learned experience in the nonprofit world and with women-led businesses. A few years later, in 2016, she founded Live.Give.Save., Inc. (LGS). LGS is a financial technology company focused on social good. For example, LGS created the first financial wholeness tool, Spave®. In June 2021, Reseda Group acquired 80% of LGS’s assets. Together, they made a new company: Spave, LLC

Thought Leader and Personal Life

Susan is a thought leader in fintech, startups, nonprofit board engagement, fundraising, women, and youth. She also supports plans that help women and children. She wants to empower, equip, and encourage them to reach their full potential. Additionally, she has been on nonprofit boards and on her school board. Most recently, she joined the City of Red Wing Advisory Planning Committee. Susan has two adult children named Roarke and Maddie. She lives in Red Wing, Minnesota with her husband, Gary.

Shout out to our friends at DipJar for making today’s episode possible! This clever cashless donation system has revolutionized our sales and donations at events…Ready to try it?

Susan Langer Technology Purpose Podcast Photo

Katie Appold

Katie’s nonprofit career includes a variety of leadership roles for human service, foundation, and publishing-related nonprofits as well as many volunteer roles. Under Katie’s leadership, nonprofit organizations have developed new programs related to free healthcare, affordable and accessible housing and literacy programs for K-12 students. In her first Executive Director role, Katie increased the annual revenue of the organization she led by 300% and received the top grant prize in the nation for affordable housing through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. Today, she leads Nonprofit Hub and Cause Camp, which collectively serve more than 50,000 nonprofits throughout North America. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in business administration and a masters degree in nonprofit leadership. Katie serves as the board president of Gracious Grounds, a housing organization serving individuals with disabilities. She is an active member of the Grand Rapids Young Nonprofit Professionals, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Cause Network, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

June 17, 2022

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