Today we’d like to introduce you to Rena Olsen
Hi Rena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in small towns in Texas and Wyoming, I never dreamed Africa would be part of my story or that I would one day encourage every day people to embrace philanthropy for the good of humankind.
The road to Uncommon Philanthropist has been decades in the making. As a storyteller I honed my craft over the years working in small businesses, as an entrepreneur and with nonprofit organizations.
I was the fourth of four children, raised by Depression-era parents who were good and decent people. But there was little charitable giving or involvement in my home.
Sometimes it is the absence of something that eventually drives us to one day fill that gap. I knew that volunteering was something I should do. Little did I know that when I finally did engage in charitable acts of service, that it would transform my life most of all.
As it turns out, giving and serving is good for the soul and has many beneficial properties that help offset depression, stress and anxiety. It helps build community and provides critical support to people impacted by the unthinkable, including natural disaster, abuse, homelessness, poverty, hunger, disease, the environment, addiction, and the list goes on.
Everyone is invited to the table of philanthropy, which means “love of humanity”. Through Uncommon Philanthropist, or UP, my mission is to encourage people to love one another as “uncommon philanthropists”, and actively engage in charitable giving, volunteering and service to one another–either close to home or internationally.
If we all commit to doing something in service to others, tremendous impact is possible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to UP has led me along many different paths. While there have been struggles along the way, looking back those challenges often served to reorient my direction ultimately for good.
While I’ve had a fulfilling career, this last and final chapter began to call loudly from the depths of my soul–to pursue my calling as an “inspirer of others”. I’ve recently made the difficult decision to wrap up my nonprofit consulting role so that I can focus exclusively on UP and other personal publishing projects that have long been on my heart.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a storyteller at heart. My favorite stories to tell have an emotional appeal and encourage someone to take action.
This was often difficult when working for corporate America. There’s usually not much heart in those stories–it’s all about selling products or services.
As a storyteller, it’s difficult to break through the clutter with a feel-good story. Traditional news and the “if it bleeds it leads” or political banter drives much of what the media produces for us to consume. The silly or absurd drives views on social media which is akin to junk food for the soul.
What’s missing are deep, inspirational stories that can have a positive impact on our own personal lives and the lives of others. It’s these types of stories that can compel us to look in the mirror and make a change for the better–to serve one another or make a positive contribution to the world.
That is what I am hoping to do with UP.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Creativity, persistence, heart, excellence, ability to execute, and connection are some of my essential qualities…not in that order.
Encourager and inspirer of others.
I’ve gotten braver as I’ve gotten older.
Competitiveness is over-rated and over-hyped.
Live within your means; being in debt is no bueno.
I’m a ridiculous people-pleaser and hate to have anyone unhappy with me!
Building anything new is not easy (sometimes) and takes time and effort.
I love to laugh but am rarely funny.
A healthy work/life balance is critically important.
Prioritize health and fitness, always be moving.
Being raised in the west, I love a good honky tonk.
God-fear, God-loving, and God-chasing.
My family is everything.
An adored dog in the home is mandatory.
Pricing:
- The model of UP will be supported through sponsorships. Let me know if you’re interested in a proposal!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uncommonphilanthropist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncommonphilanthropist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UncommonPhilanthropist/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaolsen/
- Twitter: https://x.com/UncommonPhilan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncommonphilanthropist
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ybyZ6ZXs6HNRyOFffLlmQ?si=c3be5ad0becb4706&nd=1&dlsi=8f426f8109324960
