Grant Oliphant on gratitude, speaking truth to power & making room for everyone (We Can Be S4EP11)

The importance of gratitude, what makes a community great, & his hope for what the future holds for the social change realm are among subjects Grant Oliphant covers as his tenure as president of The Heinz Endowments – & as host of “We Can Be” – comes to an end.

 

While the “We Can Be” podcast will continue with new episodes and hosts in the coming months, this episode includes Grant’s  reflections on the 70-plus guests he hosted over the past four seasons and spotlights why supporting those who speak truth to power is crucial.

 

“Challenging the conventional trains of thought takes bravery,” he said. “Sometimes advocates make people in power uncomfortable, and I think that’s OK.”

 

Grant shared the deep gratitude he feels toward the Heinz family and why the work of those in the social change community is critical to our country.

 

“Philanthropy does what government can’t and won’t do,” he said. “Government doesn’t invest in innovation and risk-taking, and philanthropy can – and does. It is an important part of making sure our communities continue to thrive.”

 

Helping envision – and build – a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable community was a cornerstone of Grant’s accomplishments while with the Endowments and will inform his upcoming work on the West Coast with the Conrad Prebys Foundation.

 

“A great community is one that makes room, in a conscious and deliberate way, for everyone.”

 

“We Can Be” has been hosted by Grant Oliphant, former president of The Heinz Endowments, and produced by the Endowments, Josh Franzos and Tim Murray. Theme music by Josh Slifkin. Guest inquiries can be made to Scott Roller at sroller@heinz.org.