PODCAST · business
Changemakers Collective
by Scott Woods and Stephanie Thomas
You started your business to make an impact in the world, but now you’re too busy and burned out on the day-to-day operations to serve your community. That’s where we come in! Hosted by Scott Woods and Steff Thomas, the team behind Silverback Ventures, the Changemakers Collective podcast is here to help impact-driven business owners like you to accelerate their growth through servant leadership.
Episodes
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{Best of 2025} Empowering the Next Generation & Challenging the Education System with David Spellmon, CEO of Positive Archer
We’re taking a little holiday break to rest, reset, and reflect – but in the meantime, we’re counting down your favorite episodes of 2025! This one took the top spot. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the Changemakers Collective this year. It’s no secret that many kids are...
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{Best of 2025} Be a Problem Solver, Not a Problem Identifier | Cultivating a Problem-Solving Mindset in Your Business
We’re taking a little holiday break to rest, reset, and reflect – but in the meantime, we’re counting down your favorite episodes of 2025! This one took the top spot. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the Changemakers Collective this year. Anybody can point out problems and call...
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{Best of 2025} Career Choices in an AI Economy | A Gen Z Job Search Story with Kailyn Kelly
We’re taking a little holiday break to rest, reset, and reflect – but in the meantime, we’re counting down your favorite episodes of 2025! This one took the top spot. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the Changemakers Collective this year. What happens when your dream job isn’t...
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51. How to Scale Without Losing Yourself | Keeping Identity, Vision & Impact as You Grow
Growth can be intoxicating… until it threatens the very thing that made your business meaningful in the first place. In this episode, we unpack what it looks like to scale without losing your identity, whether you’re transitioning leadership across generations, bringing in a partner or investor…
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50. Chaos-Proof Leadership | What to Do When Everything’s On Fire
When you’re the leader, everyone’s looking to you – even when you’re barely holding it together. You can’t avoid the storm, but you can prepare for it. In this episode, we’re getting real about what happens when the pressure ramps up, the team’s looking at you for answers, and you feel like...
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49. The Fractional Fix | Why “Just Hiring a Consultant” Isn’t Working
You’re stuck -- too big to keep doing it all yourself, too small to afford full-time executive hires. So you Google a “fractional CFO” or lean on a buddy who used to consult… and still find yourself doing most of the heavy lifting. That’s the trap of misfiring on your leadership gap. And in this...
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48. Immigration & Empathy at Work | Leading Through Fear, Division & Real-World Tension
Fear doesn’t clock out. When fear enters the workplace, whether from immigration raids, racial tension, or political rhetoric, leaders face a choice: ignore it, or lead through it. In this episode, we’re sharing raw, personal insights on how the current immigration enforcement climate is…
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47. Solo to Syndicate | The Real Reason Solopreneurs Burn Out
Being your own boss sounds like freedom – until the burnout kicks in. You’re doing the work and finding the work. Managing invoices and building systems. Serving clients and planning the next move. There’s no room left to grow, much less rest. That’s the hidden trap of solopreneurship – and in…
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46. Why Busyness Is Breaking Your Business | Choosing Wisdom Over The Hustle with Kristen Stegall of Novice Studios
You’re showing up early, staying up late, and still feeling behind. What if the grind isn’t the answer, and never was? In this episode of Changemakers Collective, we call out hustle culture and make a bold case for a better strategy: wisdom. From time-blocking to team-building, we challenge the...
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45. Leadership Nightmares & What They Teach Us | Gut Checks, Gaslighting & Growth
What if the scariest boss you ever had didn’t just haunt your memories, but quietly shaped how you lead today? In this special Halloween episode, we dive into our real leadership horror stories, from intimidation and gas‑lighting, to passive‑aggressive culture and fear‑driven control. What’s…
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44. Escaping the Legacy Trap | What If You Only Had One Year Left?
What would change about your leadership, your life, or your business if you only had one year left to leave your mark? In this episode, we challenge you to zoom out from the day-to-day grind and rethink success through the lens of legacy. From redefining success beyond money and milestones, to...
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43. How You’re (Quietly) Killing Team Morale | Leadership Habits That Sabotage Trust, Innovation & Culture
What if your leadership habits are quietly holding your team back? In this episode, we unpack the subtle ways even the best-intentioned leaders can erode trust, stifle innovation, and slowly drain morale. If you’ve ever promoted a top performer who flopped, avoided tough conversations with toxic...
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42. The Meeting After The Meeting | Why It Happens & What It Reveals About Your Leadership
We've all been in one: the meeting after the meeting. It’s where real opinions surface and decisions get rehashed, often outside the room where they belong. In this episode, we break down why it happens and how leaders can eliminate it for good. If you're tired of the side conversations, unclear...
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41. What Makes a Strategic Plan Actually Work? | Strategic Planning vs. Agility Planning for Purpose-Driven Teams
You’ve probably left a strategy meeting feeling fired up, only to watch progress stall a few weeks later. It’s not a people problem. It’s a rhythm problem. In this episode, we unpack the essential difference between strategic planning (the long-term vision) and agility planning (the short-term...
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40. Do You Really Need a Strategic Plan? | Long-term Planning Reimagined
Strategic planning is something leaders talk about all the time. But when priorities shift, tech disrupts the market, and teams change, how useful is a long-term plan? In this episode, we challenge outdated models and unpack how to make strategic planning relevant, agile, and truly…
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39. Career Choices in an AI Economy | A Gen Z Job Search Story with Kailyn Kelly
What happens when your dream job isn’t hiring, AI’s doing half the work, and your degree feels outdated before your student loans kick in? In this episode, we sit down with recent college grad Kailyn Kelly to talk about the job hunt in the age of automation, and how today’s young professionals…
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38. A Boomer, A Millennial, & A Gen Alpha Walk Into a Meeting… | Cross-Gen Leadership That Protects The Mission
10,000 Americans turn 65 every day in 2025 and hundreds of CEOs are retiring. What does this historic leadership shift mean for your business? From Boomers to Gen X, Millennials to Gen Alpha, we break down how each generation leads, communicates, and clashes – and what your organization can do to...
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37. Humanity in the Age of Robots | Leadership with Heart in the Age of AI Disruption
AI isn’t the future. It’s already changing everything from payroll to people management, whether we’re ready or not. As leaders, we’re facing a choice: let the pace of innovation pull us off course, or build organizations that use AI without losing our soul. In this episode, we dig into what it...
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36. Leading Through the Chaos (When Life is Life-ing) | Wind Down with Steff & Kristen
Some weeks feel like a sprint on a treadmill with a broken slow down button! In this Wind Down episode, it’s just me, Steff, joined by podcast strategist and Novice Studios founder, Kristen Stegall. We’re talking about what happens when life floods your carefully time-blocked calendar (or your...
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35. What Would Break First? How We Pressure-Test for Growth
This week, we’re unpacking a question we ask every client and ourselves: What would break first if everything went right? If your business doubled tomorrow, would your systems hold up? Would your team? We talk through what it looks like to pressure test your business for growth, not just…
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34. Business Confessional: Unhinged Things We Did When We Started Silverback Ventures
Every changemaker has a few bloopers. Our first workshop flopped. The website said too much. And yes, we paid way too much for software we barely used. In this episode we’re looking back at Silverback Ventures’ early missteps that helped shape who we are—and how we lead. If you’ve ever launched...
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33. Living Your Core Values: The Backbone of A Purpose-Driven Business
In this episode of The Changemakers Collective, Scott and Steff dive deep into the foundational role of core values in building sustainable, purpose-driven businesses. They challenge the idea that values are just buzzwords on a wall, and instead reveal how they are practical guardrails for...
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32. Mission Statements That Actually Matter | How to Identify, Write, and Live the Words That Guide Your Team
It’s easy to treat mission statements like decorative plaques—nice words tucked away and rarely revisited. But what if your mission statement was your daily compass, shaping every decision, client interaction, and team conversation? In this episode, Scott and Steff break down how to craft (and...
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31. Running the Business and the Home | An Honest Conversation for Women Entrepreneurs
You’ve heard Scott and Steff talk strategy before… but this time, we’re switching it up. In this episode, Steff sits with Kristen Stegall to pull back the curtain for a candid conversation about the realities of being a woman entrepreneur, provider, and powerhouse in today’s business world. From...
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30. Grit Looks Good On You: Pushing Through When Progress Hurts | Broken to Better Pt. 3
Everyone talks about the breakthrough. But the truth is, the in-between is where grit is built. In this episode, Scott and Steff unpack what it really means to have grit in business - and how it’s often not about pushing harder, but staying present. Grit is what carries you through the pain of...
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29. From Burnout to Breakthrough | Vision Casting Client Case Study with Kristen Stegall
When you’re over-capacity, stuck in the weeds, and questioning your value - you don’t need a productivity hack. You need a new perspective. In this episode, we sit down with Novice Studios founder Kristen Stegall to talk about the quiet burnout that crept up on her, how she almost disqualified...
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28. Is the Pain of Progress Leading to the Pain of Injury? | Broken to Better Pt. 2
You’re making bold moves, chasing growth, and doing the hard work to get better… but what if the “progress” you’re pushing for is actually doing more harm than good? In this episode, we’re diving into the difference between healthy discomfort and damaging decisions. Scott and Steff introduce the...
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27. The Pain You’re Avoiding Might Be the Way Forward | Broken to Better Pt. 1
There’s the pain of being broken, and the pain of getting better. One leaves you stuck, the other moves you forward. But both can hurt. In this episode, Scott and Steff unpack the difference between pain that signals something’s wrong, and pain that means you’re healing. Whether it’s the slow…
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Be a Problem Solver, Not a Problem Identifier | Cultivating a Problem-Solving Mindset in Your Business
Anybody can point out problems and call out what’s not working, but fewer people actually take the time to meaningfully solve those problems. In this episode, we discuss the importance of being a problem solver, not a problem identifier. This includes the necessity of leadership humility, which...
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26. You Don’t Need More Money, You Need a Better Vision
When we ask business owners and teams what they need to get closer to their mission and vision, 99% percent of the time they all say “money.” And 99% percent of the time, that’s not actually what they need. In this episode, we explain why more money isn’t going to solve your problems, and why...
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25. Creating Harmony Between Your Staff and Your Board
Are your board and staff working together harmoniously… or are they butting heads at every turn? In our experience, it’s usually the latter, so in this episode, we’re sharing how you can take steps to create more harmony between your staff and board. From getting aligned on the same vision to...
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24. Navigating Leadership Changes | Setting Expectations, Staying Aligned on the Vision, and Getting Buy-In
Change is hard, but changes in leadership are another beast altogether. In this episode, we’re diving into how to navigate leadership changes in your organization in a way that keeps everyone aligned on the big picture vision. Plus, we share some behind the scenes intel on our Leadership…
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23. Empowering the Next Generation & Challenging the Education System with David Spellmon, CEO of Positive Archer
It’s no secret that many kids are slipping through the cracks of the education system, but with the right engagement, we can turn this ship around. In this episode, David Spellmon Jr. shares how his organization, Positive Archer Solutions, solves this problem through hip-hop music. Yes, you read...
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22. Scaling to 7-Figures Through Collaboration and Connection with Bryan Boan, Owner of Rock Hill Coffee
Can a cup of coffee change the world? A product-based business can absolutely be impact-driven, and Bryan Boan’s coffee company, Rock Hill Coffee, is living proof of that. In this episode, Bryan shares the wild stories behind starting and scaling his company, how keeping collaboration and...
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21. Building a Board that Multiplies Your Impact & The Ultimate Guide to Serving on a Board
Having an advisory board or a board of directors for your organization can multiply the impact of your organization’s mission… but only if you have the right people in the right seats. In this episode, we discuss the legal requirements for a board, our hot take on pay-to-play boards, and how to...
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20. Volunteers Still Need Leadership | Legalities, Expectations, and Success Tips for Your Volunteers
Have you ever showed up to an event as a volunteer, ready to put some time and energy into a cause you’re excited about, only to arrive and be unsure of what to do? We’ve all been there, and it’s not only a bad look for the organization, it’s also a lost opportunity to make an impact. In this...
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19. Hiring an Intern Is Not a Quick Fix | Creating an Impactful Internship Program for Your Organization
If we had a dollar for every time we heard someone say “we’ll just hire an intern to do that,” we’d be living on the beaches of Tahiti right now. So many people see interns as unpaid (or cheap) laborers that will solve all the problems in their business. In this episode, we’re breaking down some…
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18. Your New Weekly Budgeting Practice + Talking About Money with Your People | Financial Literacy Pt. 3
We wanted to end our financial literacy series by sharing the weekly practice that helped Steff and her husband pay off credit card debt, build savings, and maintain their financial gains. Having a weekly budget might not sound fun or glamorous, but it’s the key to making financial changes that...
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17. Taking Control of Your Financial Future in Uncertain Times | Financial Literacy Pt. 2
There is a lot of uncertainty about the economy right now and how it will impact people personally and in their businesses. Some good news: you still have control over your financial future. In this episode, we discuss the ways you can take control of your financial future through intentional tax...
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16. These Habits Are Keeping You Broke | Financial Literacy Series Pt. 1
Talking about money can be difficult, especially if you grew up in a family that never talked about it. That’s why we’re running a financial literacy series on the podcast to help you understand the basics, starting with our money stories, how (and why) we tend to rack up debt, and our own...
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15. Reducing Team Inefficiencies | Documenting Processes, Taking Accountability, and Getting Time Back for Everyone
Team inefficiencies can be incredibly frustrating for you, your customers, and your team members. In this episode, we’re sharing how to spot those team inefficiencies and remedy them through strategic operational shifts. If you’re ready to get your team aligned on their roles, responsibilities…
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14. Let’s Take the Loneliness Out of Entrepreneurship | Finding Community on Your Business Journey
Entrepreneurship and leading a company is such a fun ride, but man… It gets lonely sometimes. In this episode, we’re speaking directly to that feeling. Whether you’re just now starting your business, or you’ve led a company for decades, you’ve probably felt that loneliness at one point on your...
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13. What in the World Should I Charge? | Figuring Out How to Price Your Products and Services
Figuring out what to charge for your products and services is one of the trickiest tasks for many entrepreneurs. Looking at what your competitors are charging is just one piece of the puzzle - and not even a helpful piece at that! In this episode, we dig into exactly what to include in your...
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12. How Faith Shows Up In Our Business | A Conversation About Religion in Business
Faith can be a very divisive topic, but it is a core value of our business at Silverback Ventures. It doesn’t have to be in yours, but if you’re curious about what it looks like in our business, we’re sharing how we balance being open about being Christian without becoming street preachers, why...
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11. How to Think Like a Non-Profit | Doing More with Less In Your Business
As a consulting firm specializing in impact-driven businesses, we work with a lot of nonprofit organizations to help them scale their mission. Nonprofits tend to get really good at doing more with fewer resources, so in this episode, we’re passing some of those skills onto you as a for-profit...
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10. The Nuts & Bolts of Starting a Business + Free Business Startup Checklist
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we break down the most critical - and commonly missed - elements of starting a strong business. We use concrete examples throughout so you can see exactly what each step looks like in practice. We cover a ton…
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9. Describing Your Everest | How to Write a Strong Vision Statement
If we asked you what your vision statement is, could you tell us right this second, or would you have to look it up? If your vision statement isn’t strong enough that you have it ready to share at all times, it probably isn’t strong enough to align your team on the impact you want to have. In…
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8. How to Grow a Business While Prioritizing Your Family | The Work-Life Balance Myth
If there’s one thing we can agree on about work-life balance, it’s that it doesn’t exist. That being said, prioritizing time for family and self-care shouldn’t always feel like an uphill battle. In this episode, we discuss the unique challenges entrepreneurs face when it comes to spending time…
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7. What’s Your Competitive Advantage? | Finding What Sets Your Business Apart
In an ever-growing business world, it might feel difficult to find a competitive advantage, especially if you’re in a saturated market. Your competitive advantage is the thing you do better, differently, or more targeted than anyone else, and it’s what can propel your business forward at…
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6. Be a Problem Solver, Not a Problem Identifier | Cultivating a Problem-Solving Mindset in Your Business
Anybody can point out problems and call out what’s not working, but fewer people actually take the time to meaningfully solve those problems. In this episode, we discuss the importance of being a problem solver, not a problem identifier. This includes the necessity of leadership humility, which...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
You started your business to make an impact in the world, but now you’re too busy and burned out on the day-to-day operations to serve your community. That’s where we come in! Hosted by Scott Woods and Steff Thomas, the team behind Silverback Ventures, the Changemakers Collective podcast is here to help impact-driven business owners like you to accelerate their growth through servant leadership.
HOSTED BY
Scott Woods and Stephanie Thomas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Changemakers Collective have?
Changemakers Collective currently has 56 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Changemakers Collective about?
You started your business to make an impact in the world, but now you’re too busy and burned out on the day-to-day operations to serve your community. That’s where we come in! Hosted by Scott Woods and Steff Thomas, the team behind Silverback Ventures, the Changemakers Collective podcast is here to...
How often does Changemakers Collective release new episodes?
Changemakers Collective has 56 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Changemakers Collective?
You can listen to Changemakers Collective on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Changemakers Collective?
Changemakers Collective is created and hosted by Scott Woods and Stephanie Thomas.
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