How to Build a Legacy | Stories With Traction

 

 

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Stories of Leadership

How to Get Involved in Politics

SUMMARY: In this episode, Terence Farrell and Matt Zaun discuss ways leaders can get more involved in their communities and why it’s important.

TERENCE FARRELL BIO: Terence served as a Chester County Commissioner for 12 years, and before that, he was the Recorder of Deeds for 8 years.  Today, he is the President of For Real Solutions, a consulting firm that brings value to its clients through leveraging Terence’s knowledge, experience, network, and creativity. Two of the major focuses for his business are on reducing healthcare costs for various organizations and mitigating loss in pension funds that occur because of fraud or other illegal activities.

For more info, check out Terence HERE 

MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.

Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.

For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE

 

*Below is an AI-generated transcript, which may contain errors.

 

Matt Zaun

Want to talk about legacy, having a legacy after reaching the peak of success. And whatever success looks like to you, there's successful business leaders, successful union leaders, successful nonprofit leaders, successful political leaders.

And what amazes me is how many people after they achieve so much in their life, they're propelled to give back, back to their communities, back to their churches, back to their neighborhoods.

And I want to dive into that more, why that's the case, why that's important, and maybe some ideas on how people can get involved more.

Today I'm joined by Terence Farrell. Terence is the president of four real solutions, a consulting firm that brings value to its clients through leveraging Terence's knowledge, experience, network, and creativity.

Two of the major focuses for his businesses are reducing healthcare costs for various organizations and mitigating loss in pension funds that occur because of fraud or other illegal activities.

Welcome to the show, Terence.

 

Terence Farrell 

Thank you, Matt.

 

Matt Zaun

Thanks for having me back. Absolutely. really appreciate the last two conversations that we had for Listeners that didn't hear those, highly recommend that they go check those out.

will include those in the show notes. very first episode that we had, we dove into elements of your journey as far as, I mean, the highs and lows.

went into a lot of different detail on what positioned you to leadership. And then in the second podcast episode that we had, we dove into your political experience, you getting to the point of running one of the wealthiest counties in the United States, Chester County.

One of the healthiest, wealthiest and wisest, wisest counties in the US on almost every metric. And true. Yeah, and absolutely incredible.

So our listeners are aware of the location in Chester County. Chester County is home of companies like Vanguard, CTDI, and QVC, just to name a few.

Chester County's GDP is higher than Philadelphia. To give you an idea, it's one of the wealthiest counties in the US.

So a Terence. I got to experience a lot of interactions with business leaders, community leaders, union leaders, and there's a lot that you've learned through your experiences.

mean, I can't imagine all the learning that takes place, literally meeting with thousands and thousands of people in your two decades of public service.

I can only imagine how it's like you have a doctorate in how to work with people. So I'm excited to have you back.

And I want to dive in, Terence, want to dive into the element of legacy. Okay, so I really want to start with that because you have been in tons of different rooms with very, very successful individuals, individuals that are leaving a huge impact primarily when it comes to business or politically.

But what amazes me is a lot of these individuals want to give back when it comes to nonprofit work.

 

Terence Farrell 

So I'm going to start with that. Have you seen that as a reoccurring theme as well? Well, Once again, I appreciate you giving us an option of our previous conversations and the heads up about legacy.

I have been thinking about that topic, what it means for me, it has meant for others. first of all, I think some people get involved in government and in leadership roles, they're inspired by the ability to leave a legacy.

I mean, business owners, entrepreneurs, often get involved. Basically, not just for the money, but for what the money can do in helping themselves, themselves, their families, their communities.

And so the desire to help others is really the foundation of building a legacy. And I do see a lot of leaders, whether they're elected the leaders or appointed leaders or just.

Non-traditional and formal leaders want to get involved more than just in their core business or their core elected field.

They get involved in a number of different nonprofits, as you suggest. I know, you know, when I was a commissioner, I sat on five or six different boards at the same time.

They say, if you want to get something done, ask a busy person to help you. Busy people do things and they're willing to take on one more task.

So, yes, I think as a broad statement, people who are involved in leadership roles are involved in many different aspects of the community.

They do want to give back. They do want to make a lasting impact on their community. And I know for one, you know, I've gotten involved in politics because I thought I could make a difference and I thought I could do things better.

And some people I saw in elected roles. So I think that's a good point.

 

Matt Zaun 

Yeah, one of one of the most fascinating things to me is when I'm in a meeting and I'm having conversation with someone and then after I'm done with that conversation, I talked to someone else and that person says, do you know who you were just talking to?

And what's amazing to me is sometimes I don't because some people that I come into contact with, even though some of them are unbelievably successful, you would never know it.

So down to earth. I think part of that goes back to the understand where they come from the roots.

Maybe they started off in a way that wasn't as as abundant as it is when they reached the peak of success, but it always amazes me people that are talked to that have reached very, very high levels of success.

They've done incredible things and yet they still remain humble. Do you think that as leaders connect more to the community?

Maybe they're involved more in nonprofit that brings out

 

Terence Farrell 

More of that humility? Well, I think humility is one of the characteristics or traits that actually helps you get into or achieve a leadership position.

Humble people realize they don't have all the answers. They surround themselves with inner circles and teams that help them achieve what they want to do.

They don't have such big egos that they have to be the one in the room who's the brightest or the smartest or gives the best answer.

They're willing to listen. They're also willing to thank others in their executive teams and just in the rank and file of their organizations.

They are indeed truly humble. don't think it's an act for successful leaders. They really understand that they could not do what they do without the support of the people.

People around that. In Chester County government, for example, our government was 2,600 people altogether. We had 54 different departments if you include the Magisterial District Justice Department.

But maybe about 3435 different departments. You had to rely on the department heads. You had to believe them. You had to know that they had the best.

And you said information to make the organization go forward in a positive and successful way. So I think it's not just that you get to a leadership position and your humble humbleness or humility allows you to get there because you're willing to listen to others, build teams involving others and take the advice that helps you propel you towards success.

 

Matt Zaun 

So you brought up some numbers. I want to answer And correct me if I'm wrong on this, Terence. because I might be getting my numbers wrong, but I'll throw it out.

So you mentioned 2,600 people that worked through the county.

 

Terence Farrell 

So I've got a hundred full-time equivalents, yes.

 

Matt Zaun 

With 54 departments.

 

Terence Farrell

Total number of departments, yes.

 

Matt Zaun 

I believe you said in the last episode that we did together that there's half a billion dollar budget, close to half a billion dollar budget.

 

Terence Farrell 

That is true, the operating budget and the consolidated budget, which is the operating and the capital budget, totals more than $500 billion, which would be indeed half a billion.

 

Matt Zaun

And then I believe there's over 3,000 counties in the United States, and I'm almost positive a couple years ago.

saw Chester County as the 24th county out of those 3,000 plus.

 

Terence Farrell 

There are indeed 3,000 plus, about 3,010 counties. that would be difficult. Hope to say exactly because some of those entities are actually Harris's or some different names for the for counties and different locations.

But yes, about three thousand ten. Chester County has always been the wealthiest, not always, but in recent years, particularly the wealthiest county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania out of 67 counties.

And indeed, out of those 3000 counties we've been in. In the mid twenties range in terms of total wealth 2426 in rank.

And just back to what you said about the healthiest and wisest county in Pennsylvania. Wealthy, we've just talked about healthy by any measure.

Chester County has a healthy population. know, we've got a health department. We've got initiatives in place to make sure residents are concerned.

And we've been identified by the Commonwealth. It's one of the, if not the healthiest county and the wisest, payment for our citizens is top among counties in in Pennsylvania.

So healthy, wealthy and wise, but back to your original statement.

 

Matt Zaun 

Yes, we are one of the wealthiest counties in the So, you can imagine when it comes to green space when it comes to places that people want to live, they want to work, they want to play.

I mean, it was absolutely incredible. It's still to this day is great but on her turn since leadership radically thrived when it came to all these metrics so here's why I'm putting this out there.

So, someone listening to this, we're already describing it as one of the wealthiest counties. If someone were to think, why do I need to give back in a county like that why do I need to get involved in nonprofits in the county like that?

 

Terence Farrell 

would you say to them? Well, as we said, often on the stump when we're talking to others, even though Chester County has this overall metric of being wealthy, not all the citizens enjoy that same level well.

There are pockets of poverty. Chester County has a food bank because there are people who are food insecure. Westchester University has a pantry for students there who are food insecure.

Affordable housing has always been an issue in Chester County. The median income is very high. The number of housing starts is very large, but there are people who cannot afford decent housing.

So, we always wanted to make sure that the rising tide lifted all votes, at least to some degree. We spent significant dollars, county dollars, public money.

All in helping some of the municipalities that weren't as well off as some other ones, it was just a basic oversight of what was going on in the county.

Overall, yes, well, but pockets of poverty, pockets of insecurity, pockets of food anxiety. And just as a person, you could not let those needs go unanswered.

 

Matt Zaun 

It's a really good point that I appreciate you bringing up. I want to shift gears from moment. want to talk about you being active on different boards.

You'd mentioned that you were a part of over five different boards. And I want to talk about that because as you know, being on a board of a company is different than serving on the board of a nonprofit.

And I've seen that a lot of business leaders that do great things. They say, okay, I want to get involved.

I'm going to become a part of this board. They're able to give financially to the organization. They're able to give up their time to go to those board meetings.

now they are serving quote on. Quote on a nonprofit board. And then they're kind of blown away by the differences in how it's run and their head starts to spin because they want to give back.

They want to do good, but they don't quite know where to turn. So is there any advice that you can give to a leader that has never had any kind of nonprofit board experience?

They get involved. How can they be successful? What are some things that you would point them to to focus on being successful in that role?

 

Terence Farrell 

Well, I know more now than I did actually when I was a county commissioner. My commissioner ship ended in 2020 after 12 years as being a commissioner.

And I wish I knew then that there are actually associations that can teach you how to be a board, a better board member.

In Chester County, there are organizations that provide courses. The workshops, et cetera. The Community Foundation, Chester County Community Foundation is one of these.

But I think that for those who want to get involved in nonprofit work, one of the best avenues is to talk to somebody who has been a board member for a number of years, just sit down and get the skinny, so to speak, on what it really means to be a board member.

And the different boards that I sat on, the YMCA board, I sat on People's Light board, sat on the board of trustees from Lincoln University.

I currently sit on the Brandywine Conservancy Board, which is about open space. They all operate slightly differently. But the board itself, the role of the board, is not necessarily to get involved in day-to-day operations.

In fact, it's not to get involved in day-to-day operations. It's more oversight and helping that nonprofit reach its goals.

So the role of The board is something that someone should understand before they get involved, particularly if they're an executive at an organization where they can say at something one day and it'll be done the next.

The board role is different than that of an executive. So two things. Talk to somebody that has been on a board and secondly, get involved in association or do some training that's out there.

To help you understand role of a board leader.

 

Matt Zaun 

That's a really good point and I don't think I was aware that there's associations that actually teach you how to do that.

So I appreciate you mentioning that that's a really good point. What would be some of the things that have been reoccurring themes that you've been asked by nonprofits.

So, and let's look at outside of financially because obviously, I'm not aware of any nonprofit that would turn away financial resources.

But if you take the money element out, what are some. Some other things that nonprofits desperately need that maybe you've heard as a reoccurring theme over the years, they've asked for what outside of money?

 

Terence Farrell 

Well, I think they asked for your network, your contacts, depending on whatever the issue is before them, they want to be able to connect to resources that can help them work through that challenge or work through that problem.

So, all the board members will come from slightly different perspectives, have slightly different networks, but they all come together and they bring their collective experience, you know, on the board to a particular challenge or obstacle or problem.

So, I don't know if you could characterize anything other than they're looking for the resources, whatever they might be, not only financial, but your knowledge base, your contact base, your informational base to the board.

To create this super entity of the board directors that can collectively be able to solve whatever issue is before the board.

 

Matt Zaun 

That's really good point. I appreciate you mentioning that. Let's talk about core values and how involvement in nonprofits can tie to those core values.

I think it's really important to kind of dive into and I want to stress for everyone listening that has been through one of my workshops.

You've heard some of the things that I've even touted out on social media platforms regarding values. I always recommend that people don't focus on company core values, at least the words of those values.

I always challenge them to focus in company core stories that exemplify the values that they say they have. It's extremely important.

So as an example, if a company tells they're all about integrity, what does that even mean? feel like every company out there has a value of integrity.

Will they paint the picture through story? What are they actually doing to tie into that value? And I think that involvement in community service in nonprofit work, in different organizational work that's advancing the community really ties into our values.

So as an example, my grandfather was a member of the United Steelworkers Union. And one of his values when it came to nonprofit work is the United Way.

He really was involved with the United Way through the United Steelworkers Union. And it was amazing what they able to do to give back to the community on multiple fronts.

And that was part of his DNA. That was part of the values that he wanted to continue to advance in his community.

So let's pick a leader. They're successful. They want to be involved in a board. You kind of explain to them how they can get involved, Terence.

How can they link this to the values that they have as an organization?

 

Terence Farrell 

What would be some things that they need to be mindful of? Well, I appreciate your mentioning the power of stories as indicative of what the true value of an organization is.

And I'm mindful, one, nonprofit in just the county that I have helped since I've left the commissionorship, and that is youth mentoring partnership, which helps at-risk kids in Coatsville and West Philadelphia, ingrades six to 12, stay in school, be motivated to stay in school and excel, and teaches them grit, gratitude, and goals through athletic participation.

And what's key to me about this organization, and one of the reasons I got involved, was because they had these youth who had gone through the program, who had gone on to be successful, have gone to college, tell their story.

And that is most powerful about why people want to get involved. The YMCA, which provided financial assistance for anybody who could not afford to participate in the programs, had an annual dinner.

The goal, of course, was to raise money. But at these annual dinners, they would have the parents of the kids who were dropped off at after school programs who could, because of that, you know, continue to work and make enough money to support the family who could not have done that had these programs not existed.

they came to the annual dinner and testified, gave their stories. So, I think, you know, to your point, you want to listen to the stories.

want to hear what the recipients of the services say about the organization, not necessarily what the organization says. Says about itself.

And that way, you'll know whether your values, what you want to do with your time, your energy align with what the nonprofit is doing because you'll hear from the people that the nonprofit affects.

 

Matt Zaun 

Yeah, that's a really good point. Let's start with little bit deeper because I think this is important to say, and I don't want to come across as offensive to anyone out there.

I don't think they'll take it this way, but it can be overwhelming. Like I've utilized some of the nonprofit searches in the past just searching different nonprofits, and it's amazing what comes up.

mean, there's so many nonprofits, even in the United States specifically. mean, it can be overwhelming. every one of them is telling that they're doing great work and the overwhelming majority of them all.

With that said, how can someone stay grounded, so to speak, as they pick a nonprofit to get involved in?

So we can mention different topics, right? There's different topics that nonprofits will support that specific topic or that support that specific need.

But how can someone who's never really been involved in nonprofit know that there's some staying power with that organization they're going to get involved with?

Is there some type of metrics or something that they should look at? And I'm not just talking budget. Maybe they could see much larger budget and a much larger staff and say, oh, well, they have some staying power.

And I don't want to say that, oh, if they have a larger budget, that it's better than a nonprofit that doesn't.

But where could they go to find out on which one they should pick?

 

Terence Farrell 

Well, change in perspective slightly, Matt. It never has been my experience that you sort of independently pick a nonprofit that you want to join or you want to support on the board level.

Usually, how it works is that they'll reach out to you through your network. They'll have board vacancies and they'll say, they'll review an board session.

Who might be welcome addition to our board and then they'll have somebody who knows you come and say, would you consider coming in and sitting on the board of XYZ?

And that person, that friend, that work will then explain to you why he or she is on that board, what the impact is in the community and why it's worthy of your time and energy to sit on the board.

So it's not necessarily Deus Ex Machina. You reaching down and saying, I'm going to join this board. It's more the board reaching out to you because they've heard about you in the community.

They want you in the community. They know you'd be a valued asset. So, you know, the first contact would be with somebody that you know that

You can actually talk to, you know, straight up about why this board, why this organization is worthy.

 

Matt Zaun 

Now how would they gain exposure to an organization to position them to be asked for a board position? Or there's some things that they could do?

 

Terence Farrell 

Well, that's a good question as to, you know, whether it's more organic process or whether it's, you know, you're building your resume so you'll be noticed by a board.

I think those people who are leaders in the community who want to give back, who are doing things for the right reason, will get noticed.

know, they will come to the fundraisers for other nonprofits. They will, you know, know and respond to solicitations. They'll be out in the community doing things.

They'll sit on subcommittees for organizations and they'll rub against people want For our actually on the board, they'll make an impression.

You know, somebody is not noticed for being a wallflower for staying in the corner and thinking about what they want to do to the community.

They're actually out there doing things and it starts out, you know, it might be something that turns out because of an incident tragedy, something that happens in one's own life.

And then one somebody reaches out because, you know, there is a nonprofit that can help you through whatever that incident tragedy is.

And you'll learn about this organization and then you'll say, this is a good organization. I want to let other others know about it, others who are in the same position I was or am in.

And as I say, it's fundamentally organic, you know, you'll get involved in organizations that make a difference in your life and you want to, you know, enhance.

It's called meant that organization so it can make a difference in other people's lives.

 

Matt Zaun 

Now, in the very beginning, I mentioned very successful people. They may run larger corporations and now they have a need to give back.

But what about entities that they may not be large corporations? They maybe it's a smaller business that they also want to get involved.

And they don't want to wait until they've reached the quote unquote peak of success in their realm. What advice would you give to them that they don't necessarily need to wait to do this?

 

Terence Farrell 

Well, a lot of entrepreneurs in that you talk about it too in some of your posts, started a business because they wanted to have the financial resources to feed and support their families.

And two, they wanted to do things that they thought they could not do in terms of So the business gives you his flexibility.

I think, you know, a lot of those small entrepreneurs, the solo-preneurs, know who get involved in business and have success.

You know, first of all, to leave a legacy with their own family. want to support their families, want to send their kids to school or trade school.

They want to pay for education for relatives, whether they're, you know, their own children. Or or grand-children or grand-nephews or so on.

So there's a first step in getting involved and giving back through your inner circle, through the people that you know most intimately.

And then that sort of expands into, I've got the resources and time now that I can help other people outside of my inner circle, that next ring of people you come in contact, whether it's friends or relatives or just

Associates that have issues that you see, that you want to help. So I think once again, it's a question of not necessarily picking a organization to get involved with, but more life comes to you in various facets.

And you respond to it by saying, hey, this touches something in me, and I want to get involved and I want to help other people.

This organization helped me when I was going through a very difficult time and I want to enhance their ability to help others.

So it's not necessarily a mental thing, it might be more emotional or spiritual connection with the organization.

 

Matt Zaun 

So you brought something up that I really want to unpack because I don't want people to miss it because there's profound wisdom and something that you just said that I want to expand out.

You mentioned Inner Circle.

 

Terence Farrell 

It can also connect to our clients as well, right? Yeah, most definitely.

 

Matt Zaun

Yeah. And I I think a lot of times, leaders ask for better or worse, and I understand why they're asking this question, but they'll say, what's what is the business connection to this nonprofit work?

What's the business connection to me helping the community in this way? Well, if a lot of an entities client supports certain organization or they want to see growth in a certain area, that would be a very intentional and strategic way to get involved, saying, hey, if 65% of your clients, really appreciate XY and Z nonprofit over here, it might be worth your time to get involved, to create that organic exposure, if you will, go to some meetings, shake some hands, maybe, maybe you financially invest a little bit until you figure out more about the organization.

Then invest even more, then see, can you position yourself for a board spot so you can have an impact in that organization?

So that inner circle, yes friends, yes family, but also it could be the clients that we We deal with on a daily or weekly basis that we built the business relationship.

We know a lot about what they're trying to do and they may have a heart for that as well.

 

Terence Farrell

So I appreciate you mentioning that. Great point. And I don't think it has to be 65% of your clients, Matt.

can be one important client. It can be one client that says, look, this organization I'm involved with is having golf outing, you know, a month from now.

This is what they do. I'd like to know whether you'd sponsor a tea or a whole and often your involvement with a nonprofit will start at a minimal level, you know, and then you'll go to that event and then you rub shoulders with other people and then you'll hear the story of what this nonprofit does.

And then you'll say, hey, I want to give more or I heard of a need that I can help solve or someone I know can help solve.

So it doesn't have to be, you know, a majority percentage of your clients. It can be one client that

It brings you a good story about what this organization is doing, and that story moves you. It's the emotion of the story that moves you to help further.

 

Matt Zaun 

Well said, one important client. like that. Thanks for sharing that. Very rarely would anyone say that networking is not important.

Some people may say, depending on timing, they can't do this or they can't go to this event. But I'm not aware of any business book that I've read that says no one should get involved in networking.

We all recognize the importance of networking. Obviously, you know the importance of networking with a very long career with your success in the political arena.

It almost sounds to me like this is a really good networking opportunity to get involved in nonprofits.

 

Terence Farrell 

Would you agree with that? For sure. First of all, I want to underscore the statement you made about the importance of networking.

I'm actually working. I it's so key to my success and there's so many facets to networking. People think maybe it's just going to events, but no, it's using social media to network.

It's understanding about supporting nonprofits and going to their events and then using that network to perhaps find other clients or maybe you're looking for a job and you use that network.

So networking is totally key. And yes, one of the things you might want to do in a very considerate and deliberate outreach is to get involved in a nonprofit in whatever way it might be on the board, but it might be just supporting it and going to the events as a tool for networking in the community, for whatever outcome, whatever value the networking can bring you.

And often the networking The benefit of the network is not necessarily what you start out to believe it's going to be, but it might be take a turn and you might meet somebody that says, you know, I'm just new to town.

I'm looking for x y and z, and you help that person and that person connects you to your next best client, you know, you never can tell what the what the benefit of specific interactions going to be to your total success.

So, get out there and network folks.

 

Matt Zaun 

I like that and I appreciate all the intentionality and strategy that you bring to this Terence thank you so much and thank you for your time today I really appreciate this conversation I think it's an important conversation to have it.

I think that we need to talk more about and community involvement getting involved there's, we can't go wrong trying to strengthen communities across this country for sure so very much appreciate that but there's three main takeaways that I want to highlight that I really appreciate using these different elements that I want people.

Put the grab ahold of the very first one is humility is a trait that gets you into a leadership position.

I don't think anyone would say that they want their boss. They want their superior. They want their client. They want their team member to be cocky, right?

Like we all value humility as an incredible trait. So I appreciate you mentioning humility is a trait that ends up getting you in leadership positions, taking in what people say and allowing it to change.

You've been strengthening as a leader. I appreciate that. The second thing is the tip that you mentioned regarding associations that can teach you how to be a great board member.

I think for anyone that wants to get involved in a board, not only what you said, Terence, asking a board member that they trust, but also searching out these associations to really get the proper training and development that they need.

And then the third and final piece is that inner circle element that you had mentioned. And I even said, hey, if the majority of your clients are

Are supporting this nonprofit? And you said no, if won. And I appreciate that perspective shift because yes, if one of our clients is asking us to go to a golf out and are asking us to support a nonprofit, what an incredible way to get involved.

Just kind of dip our toe in the water, so to speak, just to start that involvement, which could lead to a very long, not career, but a very long involvement with an organization.

So it's really good to just start the process of getting involved. So I appreciate those three points that you had mentioned, Terence.

If anyone wants to get more information on you, your organization, what you do, where's the best place that they can reach out to get that.

 

Terence Farrell 

The best place would be on LinkedIn. And maybe you can put my LinkedIn link in the comments below the podcast.

I'm very active on LinkedIn and they can reach out to me via message or just wanting to connect messages probably best.

Since I get a number of. Invitations from people I don't know anything about and I sell them connect with them.

But they can Google me, you know, you have the correct spelling of my name and they Google me and it's very difficult to hide in this world of social media and the Internet.

So if people want to get in touch, I'm sure they will and always they can get in touch with me through you.

 

Matt Zaun

Perfect. All right, would include your LinkedIn link in the show. Not people can just click and find you there.

Thanks again, Terence. I very much appreciate your time today.

 

Terence Farrell 

Thank you, Matt. Thanks again for having me.