“Handcrafting Meaning & Change” with Rebecca van Bergen (GWTW791)

What are the big questions that drive your mission and life’s work? Are you someone who focuses on finding solutions to the massive problems in the world or someone who wants to be the very best at your craft? In today’s episode of Getting Work To Work, I explore not only the big, philosophical questions that drive social entrepreneurship, but also the everyday stories and steps we can take to make a difference. Rebecca van Bergen is the Founder and Executive Director of Nest, “a nonprofit that understands the importance of handcraft and the meaning it can hold for every life it touches.” In our conversation, Rebecca shares her origin story of founding Nest and why she felt the need to support artisans and makers around the world. We touch on the role curiosity plays in social entrepreneurship, the fact that everyone is connected to craft, the relationship between automation and the need for uniqueness, imposter syndrome, and how Nest continually develops programs that are human-centered and focused on real change. Most importantly, she shares stories that illustrate just how impactful the work of Nest is around the world.

Show Links

• Nest
• Makers United
• The Gee’s Bend Quilters on Etsy
• Loom to Luxury
• UNHCR
• 99% Invisible
• Midjourney prompt for episode art: global women makers creating works of art and craft in isolation, mastery, focus and intensity –ar 16:9