Episode #44: Nathan Runkle – What Non-profits (And Regular Startups) Can Learn From Mercy For Animals

Listen here or on iTunes. "We shoulnd’t let purity be the enemy of progress." NATHAN RUNKLE If there's one thing glaringly obvious from Nathan Runkle's new book, it's that he downplays his role in making Mercy for Animals one of the most influential animal rights organizations in the world. It's always 'we' when he talks of its growth and accomplishments - although he emphasizes the 'I' when he admits he feels like he's only just beginning his work and has much to learn. This, perhaps, is a big reason for his success. Even though Nathan started Mercy for Animals at 15, with no idea of what he was doing, he was wise enough to recognize the need for strategic thinking, and for surrounding himself with the right kind of people. Plus - and this is another thing glaringly obvious, not just from the book, but from everything about him - Nathan Runkle is simply one of those people who are doing exactly what they're supposed to be doing. His mission is to make the world a kinder place for all sentient creatures. His approach to this could very well be used as a model for building a successful business, any sort of business, not just not-for-profits. Hearing him talk about it is both educational, and a huge inspiration. And I stand by my assertion that Nathan should write another book about running a non-profit. Enjoy! Main things discussed in this episode Major milestones and accomplishments of MFA How MFA does AB testing to choose which strategies work best (like any kind of startup should) Why non-profits aren't so different than for-profit organizations Why the focus of non-profits should still be money How to ask for and receive donations without feeling bad about it Why the bottom line should be positive change, not purity Plus an often overlooked side of undercover investigations that's painfully obvious from the book Transcript Nathan Runkle Jerry Sever [00:27] Hi, this is Jerry Sever and you’re listening to Episode 44 of the Plant Based Entrepreneur Show, the podcast for and about the people creating a plant-based future and running vegan brands where you can inspired, learn how they got to where they are, what their approach is, and what works when you’re setting up your own plant- based brand. In this episode today we’re taking a look at the non-profit side of vegan business from the founder of one of the best known and fastest growing animal rights organizations in the world. I’m talking to Nathan Runkle who founded Mercy for Animals in 1999 at 15 years old. Since then they’ve grown into an international non-profit that’s been behind many of the most impactful undercover investigations of industrial animal farming. They’ve achieved legal victories for animal rights, and they’re heavily active in corporate outreach and education. All of that was started by a determined teenager from Ohio farm country who still leads the organization today. Nathan, welcome to the show. Nathan Runkle [01:28] Thanks so much for having me, it’s my honor. Jerry Sever [01:31] The honor is mine. I’m really glad that you’re joining us today. I think you’re one of those rare people who are just completely in tune with their purpose on the planet, at least that’s the impression that I get about you. So what is your purpose, and how long have you been aware of it? Nathan Runkle [01:50] Yes, I think one of my primary purposes in life is to make the world a kinder place for all sentient creatures. This is something that I have really felt in my core and in my being since was a young child. Growing up in a rural environment in a village of less than 2000 people on a farm, I was surrounded by animals from the moment that I...

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Episode #44: Nathan Runkle – What Non-profits (And Regular Startups) Can Learn From Mercy For Animals is an episode from The Plant-Based Entrepreneur Show by Jerry Sever.

This episode is 59:49 long.

This episode was published on Nov 30, 2017.

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