Oct 3, 2017
What if donating to charity meant that you could win the experience of your dreams; like flying around the world to party with your favorite band, a role in a blockbuster movie, or having lunch 1-on-1 with your idol? Would you be more inclined to give to a good cause and would charities raise more money?
Matt Pohlson (@mattpohlson) set out to find answers to those questions when he co-founded Omaze.com, an online platform offering donors the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences when they contribute to a charity. After five years, hundreds of campaigns, and millions of dollars raised, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”
I caught up with Matt today and got to hear what the past 5 years have been like and more. We talk about his transition from politics, to Hollywood and then entrepreneurship. We discuss the power of storytelling and the role it’s played throughout Matt’s life. Matt shares his thoughts on when to persevere and when to quit and gives us a look into the sacrifices required when becoming a founder. It’s a solid reality check for anyone considering entrepreneurship.
In parting, I ask Matt about his hopes for the future to which he responded beautifully, “That I continue to live without fear and to love…and when it’s all said and done, I can look back and say that I used my gifts to the greatest degree possible.”