623. The Art & Science of Convening: Designing Events That Spark Change - Heather Mason

We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
623. The Art & Science of Convening: Designing Events That Spark Change - Heather Mason
May 28, 2025
We Are For Good

Meet Heather, Founder and CEO of Caspian Agency and Impact Lounge. 🤝

She’s the creative mind behind some of the world’s most powerful gatherings. Since launching Caspian in 2005, she has brought a scientifically grounded, strategic approach to high-impact events for organizations like the Skoll World Forum, Rockefeller Foundation, and Dalio Foundation. With roots in film, marketing, and large-scale conference production, she also created the Caspian 10 Essentials, an event methodology now taught in university programs and used by leading global institutions.

In this episode, Heather shares how intentional design, storytelling, and purpose can transform any gathering into a catalyst for change. Whether you're planning a summit, workshop, or community meetup, she reminds us it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it with heart. 💛

This conversation will shift how you think about convening. 🎧 Tune in and walk away ready to gather with more purpose, clarity, and impact.

💡Learn: 

  • The Caspian 10 Essentials framework in creating impactful gatherings
  • Understanding the ‘why’ behind events is crucial for success
  • Events should be designed to foster meaningful connections
  • Events can serve as a catalyst for social movements
  • Small, intentional touches can make a big impact
  • Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential
  • Mindset shifts can empower individuals to challenge the status quo

Episode Highlights

  • Designing Events fro Impact (11:59)
  • Creating Meaningful Connections (24:01)
  • Creating Intentional Gatherings on a Budget (29:55)
  • The Role of Events in Social Movements (36:12)
  • Mindset Shifts: If It's Not Gravity, It Can Be Changed (37:58)
  • Heather’s One Good Thing: If it’s not gravity, it can be changed. (37:00)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/623

Join us at ImpactUp: Movement on July 10th!

It’s a free, one-day virtual event for changemakers who are ready to move their mission forward. You’ll walk away with real, practical tools—like how to use your data to spark action, how to craft a clear and compelling elevator pitch, and how to create messaging that actually moves people.

Grab your free spot at weareforgood.com/impactup 🥳


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