What do you do when your mission is evolving… but your brand, programs, and funding strategy haven’t caught up yet?

In this episode, Jonathan brings a live challenge to the table: a bold new vision for the Seymour Center that could reposition it as a hub for climate solutions and STEM leadership — but it comes with branding risks, potential backlash, and major funding implications.

Eric coaches him through the decision-making, exploring when to stay quiet, when to go big, and how to avoid mission creep without losing momentum. This is real-time strategy, storytelling, and nonprofit leadership — unfiltered.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Jonathan tees up a live strategy session — and asks Eric to coach him
[01:12] Why the Seymour Center is shifting toward climate resilience
[03:09] The dual problem: climate impact and STEM education gaps
[05:49] What other groups can’t do — and where Seymour fits in
[07:02] How anxiety around climate is shaping a new kind of science education
[09:59] Is this a pivot, an evolution, or mission creep?
[11:34] Program tweaks vs. a bigger vision shift — what's on the line
[13:26] Fundraising, capital campaigns, and messaging trade-offs
[15:44] The two-problem narrative — and how to avoid confusing funders
[17:21] High school students as solution-makers (and a current gap)
[18:25] Pilot vs. launch — the fear of going public too soon
[21:00] Pushback: are we abandoning the ocean?
[22:23] Dropping the term “climate change” — and why
[23:00] What would Jonathan need to say “no” to?
[24:25] The risk of staying the same — and the case for going bold
[29:23] Why this is about relevance — not reinvention
[30:14] Eric's honest advice: it’s time
[31:12] “You’re not shooting from the hip anymore.”

Resources:

• Seymour Marine Discovery Center
• Article - Test Your Niche to Develop Your Organization’s Superpower
• Article - 8 Key Ingredients to Defining Your Social Impact Niche
• Article - The #1 Mistake Social Impact Organizations Make in Their Digital Storytelling
• Article - 10 Tips for Building a Community Around Your Cause
• Article - Are You Bold Enough To Lead The Conversation?
• Podcast - How to Stop Planning and Start Doing - Discussion of MVS framework

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