Transforming Food Waste into Community Support - Kimberly Smith - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 030

How can businesses leverage technology to simplify food donations while building strong partnerships with nonprofits to tackle food insecurity more effectively? In this episode of the Shift and Thrive podcast, Natalie interviews Kimberly Smith, CEO of Copia, a company revolutionizing food donation through technology. Kimberly shares how Copia automates surplus food redistribution, simplifying the donation process for businesses while supporting nonprofits. The conversation delves into leadership, emphasizing trust, accountability, and fostering a strong team culture. Kimberly also reflects on her career shift, highlighting the importance of following one’s inner voice and embracing change.

Takeaways:

• Use challenging times as opportunities to innovate and improve your organization’s processes. Reflect on how external pressures can drive internal growth and transformation.
• Evaluate your organization's operations and seek ways to simplify complex processes. Technology can be a powerful tool in streamlining tasks and increasing efficiency.
• Foster an environment where vulnerability is encouraged, leading to trust and accountability. This creates a foundation for a healthy and effective organization.
• Spend time understanding the unique challenges and needs of both your customers and partners. Tailor your solutions to address these needs effectively.
• Don’t ignore your inner voice or intuition, especially when it signals the need for change. Personal fulfillment often leads to greater professional success.
• Encourage diversity in thought and experience within your team. Different perspectives can lead to more innovative solutions and a stronger overall strategy.
• Be proactive in educating your market about your offerings and their benefits. Clear communication can overcome misconceptions and drive the adoption of new solutions.
• Invest in strengthening relationships with key partners. Provide them with tools and resources to ensure mutual success and maximize impact.

Quote of the Show:

• “You want a team made up of different perspectives and motivators. You can’t expect everyone to rise to every occasion in the same way”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-trouville-smith/  
• Company Website: https://gocopia.com/ 
• The Advantage: https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Organizational-Health-Everything-Business/dp/0470941529 
• Email: [e-mail]

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change 
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 
• Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  

This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done