#114 - Mary Core - From Corporate Success to Community Calling

In this moving episode of Pursue Your Passion, Tyler sits down with non-profit powerhouse Mary Core to map out what it truly means to find your calling by serving others. Mary opens up about her profound "aha" moment, which emerged from one of her hardest personal seasons: facing a leukemia diagnosis for her 16-year-old daughter as a single mother. Through the overwhelming, hands-on support of local non-profits and a devoted faith community, Mary witnessed firsthand the power of a God-given safety net. This life-altering experience sparked her transition from a secure 21-year corporate career to a life dedicated to paying her "civic rent" through impactful non-profit leadership. Listeners will walk away inspired by Mary's practical, no-nonsense wisdom on how to discover their own "why" using simple exercises, like getting radical perspective from close friends, and how to safely navigate the volunteer world. She breaks down how anyone can use their natural professional talents - whether in IT, marketing, or accounting - to fill critical gaps in underfunded organizations. Ultimately, Mary shares an empowering message on leaning heavily on Scripture during times of crisis and building a supportive, faith-filled "posse" to help weather life's storms while actively building a sustainable future for our communities. Key Takeaways Identify What Makes Your Heart Beat: Before jumping into any cause, step back and evaluate who or what truly moves you—whether it's mentoring students, supporting the elderly, or caring for animals. Do Your Due Diligence: Don't give blindly. Use practical, transparent resources like Candid, Charity Navigator, and 990 tax forms to ensure the non-profits you support are financially sound and well-governed. Start Small to Avoid Burnout: You don't have to jump straight onto a board of directors. Start by volunteering for a single event, join a committee, test the waters, and slowly scale up your involvement. Discover Your "Why": Try Simon Sinek's friendship exercise. Ask 3 or 4 of your closest, most trusted confidants what unique value you bring to their lives. Their perspective will help reveal your natural spiritual gifts and calling. Lean on God and Your "Posse": When life throws a crisis your way, anchor yourself in God's promises and don't be proud. Lean heavily on your church family and your personal circle to carry you through. To connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marymendenhallcore/ To get in touch with Tyler: https://www.tylerkamerman.com/