Episode 4

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Published on:

17th Jul 2025

RESCHOOL: Amy Anderson - How to Lead Innovation Within a System That Feels Stuck

“When you understand the humans and the interests, needs, desires, and context within which they function, you can design systems that reflect those needs.” - Amy Anderson

How do you innovate within a system that has been stagnant for years?

This is the question that guides Amy Anderson’s work as Executive Director of RESCHOOL Colorado—a nonprofit committed to creating an equitable education system where students can learn everywhere, ensuring all young people have access to diverse and meaningful learning opportunities.

For any nonprofit leader, innovation can feel incredibly challenging. It's hard enough to devise a solution to a need and then build it to scale. But once that system is established, it can become even more difficult to lead change within it.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

  • Honest reflections on the challenges of scaling a nonprofit
  • Insights about balancing organized systems with bold change
  • And direction on how to build systems that are responsive to current needs

If you’re wrestling with the big questions around scaling your nonprofit, leading change within established systems, and achieving the adaptability you need to reach the next level, this episode is for you.

See our key takeaways and links mentioned in the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/amy-anderson/

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About the Podcast

Future Nonprofit
Innovate For Good
Explore all things innovation to amplify the future of nonprofit impact. Discover best practices from top nonprofits and social-impact businesses. Learn new strategies and explore daring ways to think about and solve your organization's big problems.

Ted Vaughn, award-winning author and social entrepreneur, invites guests to share their personal narratives, experiences, and hot takes on what is needed to create an innovative organization. Ted illustrates how they can be put into practice on a journey to discover the future of nonprofits.

Watch full raw interviews on the Future Nonprofit Youtube channel.

About your host

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Ted Vaughn