Our President Joe and Strategist Matt were recently invited to speak at the 2023 CEO Symposium put on by the Consortium of Catholic Foundations in Orlando, Florida. The Symposium was a chance for Catholic leaders to share trends, business models, and strategies in growing relationships for building our Church in the U.S. YLD’s topic was reaching Next Gen Catholics. Here is Matt’s account of the fruitful event.
A sense of peace and comfort
Though my flights were delayed and sleep was not as abundant, the San Pedro Spiritual Development Center felt like a retreat. It was somewhat secluded, quiet, peaceful. For a Catholic, the immediate presence of a cemetery, Queen of Angels, across the street is one of comfort, not sorrow.
The Symposium started with Mass, and we were immediately welcomed. It helped that we knew the foundations from San Diego and Dubuque, but everybody (maybe because they had become chums during the past three days) was so friendly I forgot that I was promoting to CEOs, people who were already big successes in their careers before taking the helms of foundations.
Responses and reflections
It was extra cool for me to see Joe present because I don’t see him very often anymore being remote.
And then the responses to our presentation — the hands raised, handshakes, affirmation, and meetings to talk business — were all very encouraging. I think God was showing us His favor and reassuring us, which I needed since it can be easy to let yourself believe your work accomplishes nothing.
I think I was overwhelmed at the response, in a good way, and overjoyed by how fruitful the effort was. There will likely be a few new clients, more positive reception of our thought leadership, and more interest in our existence and purpose!
YLD is honored to have attended the 2023 CEO Symposium and take part in building the Church in the U.S. by sharing our digital expertise with Catholic Foundation CEOs and Executive Directors. A big thank you to the Consortium of Catholic Foundations for having us!