Meet Laura Moody & Susannah Darrow: Nonprofit Consultants
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We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Moody & Susannah Darrow and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Laura Moody &, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Susannah and I both started out at small, nonprofit organizations that were essentially start-ups. We had the challenge of supporting or leading every possible position at our organizations – from programming to fundraising and management. We both recognized that the industry-wide expectation for a small staff to do everything leads to burnout and high rates of turnover. It simply limits the organization’s ability to grow and do good work. So, we formed an agency that can support all of these necessary business functions, while allowing the program staff and leadership to truly do what they do best – focus on their mission. We help make their Purpose Possible!
What should our readers know about your business?
Often people come to Purpose Possible with “consultant baggage” where they’ve had a less-than-ideal experience with a consultant in the past. We choose to focus on transparency from day one with every client so that there’s no question about the level of service they’re receiving. It’s baked in from onboarding to completion of deliverables. Another distinguishing feature of working with Purpose Possible is our ability to not only create a plan but then to implement that plan on a daily basis. And finally, we have been very intentional about building a team that reflects the communities our clients serve and that has cultural competencies to support a wide range of clients.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oakland Cemetery is a must-visit. It’s beautiful to walk around to experience the plantings and setting, plus there is a killer view of the downtown skyline, and all sorts of quirky Atlanta history throughout. If you have time to get out of the city, a drive out to Arabia Mountain is a can’t miss!
Head up to Buford Highway for the ultimate multicultural food tour. We Love BuHi is a great resource to see the best spots to hit! Some highlights are Sichuan at Masterpiece, the exceptional honkaku omakase at Sushi Hayakawa, hand-pulled noodles at LanZhou Ramen, dumplings at Northern China Eatery, the food court at Plaza Fiesta, and mofongo at Sabor Dominicano.
Take in some of Atlanta’s best emerging artists at MINT, art and design at MODA, and street art throughout the city. Pop in to Sandler Hudson Gallery and Atlanta Contemporary on the Westside for some great contemporary art.
After a full day, grab a cocktail and some small plates at Banshee in East Atlanta. The pretzel bread with pepperoni butter is indulgent and delicious.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Laura founded a book club with the most amazing women and invited me to join. These women are leaders at organizations like the Beltline, Atlanta Land Trust, Partners for Home, Central Atlanta Progress, city planners, directors of park programs, and more! When we were thinking of going into business together, this group gave us the necessary push to make the leap. The ongoing feedback, support, and encouragement that we get from these ladies have been a huge part of what keeps us motivated.
Website: www.purposepossible.com
Instagram: @purposepossible
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/purposepossible
Facebook: @purposepossibleatl
Image Credits
Firm Portrait by Erin Brauer