Stephanie Jiroch

Built For Meaning

Business EN ↓ 73 episodes

Built for Meaning is a podcast about the psychology of identity, belonging, and the lifelong search for meaning. Hosted by Stephanie Jiroch, researcher, strategist, and creator of the Donor Identity Framework™, each episode explores why humans do what they do—from the communities we join and the causes we support to the brands we love, the identities we create, and the stories we tell ourselves. Drawing from behavioral psychology, media psychology, consumer behavior, and real-world research, Built for Meaning uncovers the hidden forces shaping how we connect, contribute, and become. If you've...

Author

Stephanie Jiroch

Category

Business

Podcast website

stephaniejiroch.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Why Our Brains Give to Where We Belong 07.07.2026

In this episode, I go underneath the fundraising strategy and into the brain. Why do donors really stay? Not because the cause was worthy but because giving became part of who they are, among people they belong to. We walk through the neuroscience of belonging, the psychology of meaning-making and identity, why most fundraising accidentally signals “you’re an outsider,” and three concrete moves yo...

The Myth of Donor Fatigue 29.06.2026

What if everything you've been told about donor fatigue is wrong? In this episode, Stephanie challenges one of the most comfortable stories in fundraising — the idea that donors burn out from being asked too often. The truth is more uncomfortable, and far more useful: your donors aren't tired of giving. They're tired of being asked in a way that makes them feel unseen, unsure of the...

Adapt or Die: The Generational Giving Shift Nonprofits Can't Ignore 23.06.2026

Every generation gives differently and the nonprofits that miss this shift won't just lose donations, they'll lose relevance. In this Quick Take episode, Stephanie breaks down how generational giving patterns are quietly reshaping philanthropy, why "the way we've always fundraised" is becoming a liability, and what adapting actually looks like when your donor base spans Bo...

The Midlife Pivot I Never Saw Coming 15.06.2026

After a long pause from podcasting, I'm back...and a lot has changed. In this episode, I'm sharing the story behind my midlife pivot: the unexpected shifts in business, identity, and purpose that led me away from building brands and toward exploring something much deeper - meaning, generosity, and the psychology of why people connect, give, and belong. If you've ever found yourself...

Ep. #69: 3 Web Mistakes You're Making 18.02.2025

Are these common web mistakes holding your business back? If you want a site that converts visitors into raving, paying fans - this is the episode for you. Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then join Stephanie each week as she takes on the many questions women have about building a business - and brand - their way.   Ready to shine online? Book a free Discovery Call to learn...

Ep. #68: When You Are Close to Quitting, Listen to This 04.02.2025

What if achieving your big goals was as simple as filling a bucket, one drop at a time? In this hot take episode, I break down my "drops in a bucket" analogy and share how this mindset can transform the way you approach challenges in business and life. It’s all about consistency, patience, and celebrating small wins! Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then join me ea...

Ep. #67: Your Sober Pal Founder Laura Van Antwerp Shares How She Went All In On Her Business 21.01.2025

Join me for a candid conversation with Laura Van Antwerp, the inspiring mind behind Your Sober Pal and Your Sober Pal Adventures. We dive into her journey from full-time corporate gal to business owner extraordinaire, the power of authenticity in building a personal brand, and how her sober lifestyle mission resonates with thousands of individuals online. Laura's vulnerability and candidness...

Ep. #66: My 2025 Web Design Predictions 07.01.2025

Discover the trends shaping the future of web design in 2025! From groundbreaking design aesthetics to functionality shifts, I'm sharing my top three predictions that will redefine how brands engage online in the year to come. Whether you’re building a new site or revamping an old one, this episode is packed with insights to future-proof your online presence. Like what you hear? Click subscri...

Ep #65: Should You Have A Signature Offer? 19.02.2024

Feeling overwhelmed by too many services? Struggling to attract your ideal clients? You're not alone! Today's episode of Business Her Way dives into the burning question: Should you have a signature offer? Get ready for a hot take  (a quick, bite-sized episode) as I explore both sides of the coin: ** The Allure:** Laser-sharp focus: Attract dream clients with a clear message. Amplified s...

#64: Sadie Fienberg on Providing Value & Making Money 08.02.2024

Welcome to Business Her Way, a show dedicated to helping women rewrite the rules of what it means to be a female entrepreneur in today’s digital world. On today's episode, Stephanie speaks with Sadie Fienberg of Butterfly Creative Projects. Listen in as Stephanie and Sadie talk business strategy, growth plans, and how to anchor your business in value-driven revenue practices.  Whether you’re...

Ep. #63: Ceels Lockley on Niching, Pivoting, and Burning It Down 20.11.2023

Ceels Lockley is a Business Coach + Strategist based in the UK, working with service providers, freelancers, consultants, and agency owners. Ceels specializes in niche marketing. offer suite design and messaging.  With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, Ceels’ background includes social media direction for Sony Mobile and Habit as well as leading digital editorial and content for Te...

Ep #62: How to plan for the year ahead 06.11.2023

In this episode, I unveil the compelling reasons why planning your year ahead in November trumps waiting until January. Discover the advantages of getting a head start on your annual goals, and gain insights into a practical planning process. I'll share my personal approach to year-ahead planning, outlining the steps I take and the key metrics I measure. Find out how to set the stage for a su...

Ep #61: Marketing vs Branding - What's the difference? 23.10.2023

Do you know the difference between marketing and branding? Like so many, most people spend considerable time marketing their business and not building their brand first. In this episode, Stephanie shares the very simple distinction between marketing and branding, and shares why every entrepreneur must make their branding a priority.  Like what you hear? Click subscribe and leave a review, then joi...

Ep #60: Permission to Do Business Your Way 16.10.2023

Had enough of the "Make $1M While You Sleep" empty promises and "do it this way" coaching models? Join me in this episode as I share my transformative rebranding journey and why it's a game-changer for my brand and this podcast. This season, I'm debunking the misleading narratives and inspiring you with stories of women who've succeeded on their terms. Get practi...

Ep #59 Integrating Mind, Body, and Business: The Importance of Strategy and Energetics in Your Success 10.05.2023

In my fifteen years of working with and supporting business owners, I have seen firsthand the impact a holistic approach can have on their overall success. When entrepreneurs integrate their mind, body and business strategies, it catapults their revenue, impact and industry growth. Now, whether you call it energetics or mindset shifts or subconscious reprogramming the bottom line is this, you can...

Ep. #58: Overcome Negative Money Stories with Sam Kopelman (Money Mindset Coach) 08.05.2023

Get ready to shift those outdated and limiting money stories! Today on the podcast I have the honor of speaking to Sam Kopelman, money mindset coach for millennial women. She's bringing the heat (and lots of aha moments for me!) on saving, spending, and shifting the stories that keep us from financial freedom.  Sam and I go deep and I share a few money mindset stories that hold me back from e...

Ep. #57 Engage, Clarify, Influence: Create Compelling Stories with The Story Trifecta™️ 28.04.2023

As humans, we are naturally drawn to stories. From the earliest times, we have used stories to share knowledge, entertain each other, and connect with one another. Stories are an essential part of our lives, and they can also be a powerful tool for leadership and branding. That's why we have developed "The Story Trifecta™️," a proprietary method that helps our clients engage, clarif...

Ep. #56: How to StoryProof Your Business 14.04.2023

Here’s the thing: recessions, fluctuating markets, pandemics, cool new tech…they happen! In order to survive the next big event, you need to "story-proof" your business. That’s why today, I’m sharing my StoryProof Plan™ to support you in securing your business or personal brand for economic hardship, market shifts, and technological advances (like A.I.). This 3-step process supports you...

Ep. #55: Stop Pretending, Unleash Your Potential and Craft An Authentic Story 03.04.2023

For high-achieving and high-performing women, we are often conditioned to project a certain image to the world. For many that might be a mask of perfection, constantly striving to meet the expectations of those around us. For others, it might be the “fake it till you make it” experience of hustle and grind energy. And usually, we seek success, wealth, and recognition, often at the expense of our o...

Ep. #54: Building Company Loyalty in a Remote World 28.03.2023

In today's remote work environment, engaging with your remote workforce can be a challenge. But with the power of brand storytelling, you can create a culture of engagement and loyalty that inspires your team and drives success. In this episode, I explore the key elements of a compelling brand story, and how to use that story to connect with and retain top remote talent. From crafting your br...

Ep #53: How Hiring a Business Coach Can Improve Your Life, Career and Company 22.03.2023

In this episode, I share the seven powerful areas of the coaching process that supports a client in success and growth. I'll discuss how a coach can provide valuable insights, help you overcome obstacles, and develop strategies to achieve your goals. I'll also explore the role of partnership in coaching, and how building a strong relationship with your coach can enhance the coaching proc...

Ep. #52: How to Rewrite a Mission Statement to Reignite Your Team's Ambition 14.03.2023

In this episode of our podcast, I delve into the importance of having a strong mission statement for your team or organization. But not just any mission statement - we're talking about upgrading your "why" to reignite your team's ambition. You will learn the key elements of an effective mission statement and how to align it with your team's core values and goals. You'...

Ep. #51: The Best 3 Personality Tests for Entrepreneurs (Kolbe A Index, Enneagram, Human Design) 08.03.2023

To achieve success and professional fulfillment, entrepreneurs and business leaders need to understand themselves and their teams better. One way to do this is by taking personality tests that can give them insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. This week I look at three popular personality assessments for entrepreneurs: Kolbe A Index, Enneagram, and Human Design. I’ll explore...

Ep. #50: Narrative Intelligence is the Superpower Skill Every Leader Needs to Succeed 27.02.2023

An excellent leader possesses many qualities, including strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate and inspire others. However, one often overlooked superpower that can set a leader apart from the rest is narrative intelligence . What is narrative intelligence, you might ask? In a nutshell, narrative intelligence is the ability to understand, craft, and communi...

Ep. #49: How to Write a New Professional Story in the Midst of Mass Lay-Offs 21.02.2023

In this episode, I'll be discussing how to use your professional story to navigate the uncertainty and challenges of mass layoffs. With the economic impacts of the pandemic continuing to affect industries and organizations worldwide, many professionals are finding themselves facing unexpected layoffs and job loss. But even in the midst of this upheaval, your professional story can be a powerf...

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