Work That's Worth It
You are rich in hours—around 90,000 of them! For many of you, repeating the professional paths of your parents is not appealing. Particularly because their career choices often lacked purpose and put our planet in danger. Or they devoted their lives to a great cause, but money was scarce. You are craving a broader definition of “success” and need inspiration and role models to show you a different way. That much is clear.
Thankfully many young professionals like you want careers that provide income along with impact. More importantly, you are looking for work worth your valuable time, allowing you to be part of something bigger. However, finding real examples across various industries to achieve this balance is challenging. Fortunately, the Work That’s Worth It podcast connects those dots for you.
Each episode features an inspiring ‘Disruptor for Good’ who has transformed their career hours into a powerful force for positive change. Join host Georgi Enthoven for casual, insightful interviews featuring extraordinary role models from around the globe. The hand-picked guests demonstrate how they aligned their ambitious contributions to the world with matching compensation. They will show you that it is possible to combine a worthwhile contribution with meaningful compensation by investing in yourself and making intentional choices.
Whether you're a recent graduate or an ambitious young professional eager to make a difference, Work That’s Worth It offers a roadmap to turn your career into a vehicle for personal growth and a positive impact. Don’t wait for your ‘second act’ in your career. Tune in now to unlock your potential and start creating the change you wish to see in the world from the get-go.
Work That's Worth It
S1E14: Nonprofit Leadership - How a Lawyer Transformed Childhood Cancer Research
Former business litigator Kristin Connor shares how her son's cancer diagnosis transformed her career path, leading her to establish a nonprofit focused on underfunded pediatric cancer research.
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Connor dispels the myth that nonprofit work can't provide financial stability, explaining how the right board and funders understand the importance of competitive compensation to attract talent dedicated to solving critical problems. Her story demonstrates how leaning into personal trauma became the catalyst for creating meaningful change, driven by the heartbreaking realities she witnessed firsthand—from young children enduring treatment to desperate families running out of time and options.
Key Points:
- Kristin Connor transitioned from a 10-year career as a business litigator to childhood cancer advocacy after her youngest son was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2001.
- Only 5% of federal cancer research funding goes to childhood cancers, despite childhood cancers being biologically different from adult cancers.
- Connor's organization, Cure Childhood Cancer, has raised over $100 million during her 19-year tenure as leader.
- The organization follows a dual mission: funding targeted research for childhood cancers and providing comprehensive family support from diagnosis through survivorship or bereavement.
- They focus strategically on the hardest-to-cure childhood cancers and projects that are approximately three years away from clinical impact.
- In 2017, they helped launch the third pediatric cancer precision medicine program in the country, which has become an international leader in the field.
- Connor's team consists primarily of people personally affected by childhood cancer (parents, survivors, siblings), bringing deep empathy to their work.
- Connor emphasizes that nonprofit work should pay fairly to attract and retain talented staff - her board supported increasing compensation as the organization grew.
- The personal connection to families and witnessing tangible research progress provides motivation to continue in emotionally challenging work.
- Critical thinking, strategic vision, advocacy skills (from her legal background), and genuine empathy are key skills that have helped Connor succeed.
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