podcast logo
The Podcast

SYNERGOS CULTIVATE THE SOUL: STORIES OF PURPOSE-DRIVEN PHILANTHROPY

Different cultures. Different issue areas. Different expressions of philanthropic work. Different inner work practices.

 

FOLLOW US:

apple podcasts logo spotify logo google podcast logo onmy

Cultivate The Soul explores the intersection of philanthropy, contemplative practices, self-reflection and spirituality. Hosts Marlene Ogawa and Melissa Durda are joined by leaders in philanthropy who discuss how they are bringing inner work to outer action and the impact this creates for charities, foundations, and other nonprofits. Presented by Synergos, a global organization helping solve complex issues around the world by advancing bridging leadership, which builds trust and collective action.

SEASON FIVE
Click on the ⓘ each player to see episode description and guest bio.

 

SEASON FOUR
Click on the ⓘ each player to see episode description and guest bio.

 

SEASON THREE
Click on the ⓘ each player to see episode description and guest bio.

 

 

 

Special Series: "Love in Action"
Click the on ⓘ each player to see episode description and guest bio.

 

 

SEASON TWO
Click the on ⓘ each player to see episode description and guest bio.

 

 

SEASON ONE
Click the on ⓘ each player to see episode description and guest bio.

   

Series Hosts

Melissa Durda Melissa Durda is Senior Director, Philanthropy at Synergos and oversees the Synergos Spiritual Civilization Collaborative Community and Funders of Mindfulness & Spirituality programs for members of the Global Philanthropists Circle, a global community of funders working to shape a movement to shift consciousness and accelerate impact. Program activities promote the sharing of projects and learnings, explore and support collaborations, and provide a space for members to engage in contemplative and reflective practices. The Synergos Cultivate the Soul podcast series, Wisdom Square on Instagram and One Minute Wisdom video series examine the intersection of philanthropy, contemplative practices, self-reflection and spirituality. Melissa is a certified holistic life coach and the founder of Global Artisan Life.
marlene ogawa

Marlene Ogawa is Senior Director, R&D. She previously served as Country Director for Synergos in South Africa. She is a highly experienced manager who has worked with NGOs, government and the private sector in South Africa and the SADC Region. Her expertise is in designing and implementing adult learning and sharing interventions addressing both micro and macro needs. Career highlights include designing and implementing a national capacity building strategy that ensured the National Youth Service implementers had the knowledge and skills to successfully guide young people in skills acquisition and service to their country. She was also instrumental in drafting a strategy and convening collaborators for the professionalization of youth workers in South Africa. Ms. Ogawa has worked with youth and youth development practitioners in entrepreneurship, mentorship, education design, information technology for development programs, education policy and volunteer initiatives. Ms. Ogawa is committed to and is passionate about supporting volunteer programs and community initiatives and believes that enhancing peoples’ capacity leads to successful program delivery and positive sustainable change and impact in society. She has an education degree with the University of Johannesburg and various certificates in project management, ICT for development and management..

The podcast is produced by Synergos, a nonprofit helping to solve complex issues by advancing bridging leadership, which builds trust and collective action.