Paolo: Earl Bridges, thank you so much for being here today at Lowcountry Influentials. In your bio notes there's an interesting word you used: philanthropologist. Can you tell us what it means and why you created it?

Earl: It's a mashup of philanthropy and anthropology. Anthropologists observe and record social systems, and we add philanthropy because we study people making a difference. We're looking for that love of humanity, studying people doing something interesting for their fellow man through their stories, not ours. There's a bit of gonzo journalism in our approach, where we become part of the story too. It's about highlighting the good and impactful actions people take, often under the radar, and understanding their motivations and the effects of their work on the community.

Growing up in Bangkok, Thailand, because my father was an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War, I traveled extensively, living in places like Germany and Portugal. My early exposure to different cultures and ways of life shaped my worldview significantly. My first tech venture was selling musical instruments online in the late '90s, which evolved into TribalBeat.com and then InstrumentFinder.com. Later, I joined Blackbaud and Intuit, focusing on accounting for nonprofits. These experiences laid the groundwork for starting Good Done Great, a company dedicated to managing employee giving for large corporations. We targeted Fortune 100 companies, and our first major client was Harris Bank.

We knew that storytelling was crucial in making our pitch stand out. For instance, when we pitched to Monsanto, we created a sizzle reel that highlighted the potential impact of our platform on their charitable contributions. We showed how our system could manage their extensive charitable contributions more effectively, which was crucial for them. We charged them a significant amount, which was justified by the value and efficiency we brought to their philanthropic efforts. Monsanto's commitment to corporate social responsibility was a key factor in their decision to work with us, and our storytelling approach resonated with them.

Paolo: It's interesting how storytelling played such a crucial role in your pitches. Can you share more about your approach to securing clients like Monsanto and Toyota?

Earl: Absolutely. One of the key aspects of our approach was to create emotional connections through storytelling. When we pitched to Monsanto, for example, we didn't just present dry data and statistics. We crafted a narrative that showed the real-world impact of their charitable contributions. We included stories of the beneficiaries, the communities they were helping, and the changes they were making. This approach helped us stand out because it wasn't just about numbers; it was about people and their stories.

Our pitch included a sizzle reel, which is essentially a short, engaging video that highlights the key points and impact of our proposal. This was crucial in capturing the attention of executives who might not have the time to read through lengthy proposals. The visual and emotional impact of the sizzle reel helped us secure major clients like Monsanto and Toyota. These companies were not just looking for a service; they were looking for a partner who could help them tell their story and amplify their impact. By focusing on storytelling, we were able to connect with them on a deeper level and demonstrate the value we could bring to their corporate social responsibility efforts.

Another interesting aspect of our work was how corporations competed to be seen as the top contributors to charitable causes. Many large companies, like Monsanto and Toyota, wanted to showcase their commitment to social responsibility. This competitive environment helped us secure more clients, as they saw the value in being associated with impactful stories and positive public perception. Companies like Toyota saw the benefits of being linked with positive stories, as it enhanced their brand image and demonstrated their commitment to making a difference.

Paolo: How did you transition from technology to television?

Earl: The transition from technology to television was both challenging and rewarding. My co-host Craig Martin and I had this idea of creating a show that would highlight people doing good around the world. We were inspired by Anthony Bourdain's style of storytelling—authentic, raw, and compelling. We didn't want to create just another corporate video; we wanted to produce something that people would genuinely want to watch, something that would inspire and engage them. This led to the creation of our show, "The Good Road."

We started by filming stories of people making a difference worldwide. Our first episodes featured diverse stories, from environmental activists in Southeast Asia to community leaders in Africa. We focused on capturing their stories in an authentic way, showing the challenges they faced and the impact they were making. This approach resonated with viewers because it was real and unfiltered.

Pitching "The Good Road" to networks was a new experience for us. We created a sizzle reel and presented it at industry conferences like RealScreen. This helped us get the attention of networks and secure funding. Choosing public television was a strategic decision because it allowed us to maintain creative control and own the intellectual property. Public television also offered a platform to reach a broader, more engaged audience who appreciated authentic storytelling.

Paolo: Balancing a career in technology and television sounds demanding. How did you manage it?

Earl: Balancing both careers was definitely challenging, but it was also incredibly fulfilling. After selling Good Done Great, I had the financial stability to focus on television, which was a passion project for me. Despite the lower financial returns, the personal satisfaction and impact we were making through storytelling were immense. The transition wasn't seamless, but my background in tech provided valuable skills that I could transfer to the television industry.

For example, project management and strategic planning were crucial in managing the production schedules and ensuring everything ran smoothly. My understanding of data and metrics helped us measure the impact of our stories and continuously improve our content. The ability to adapt and learn quickly was crucial in navigating the challenges of a new industry. I also briefly returned to the tech world as CEO of Uncommon Giving, but my heart was always in storytelling. Ultimately, I prioritized the television project because it allowed me to combine my passion for storytelling with my desire to make a positive impact.

Building a team that shared our vision was another key aspect. We needed people who were not only skilled in their roles but also passionate about the stories we wanted to tell. Finding the right balance of creativity, technical skill, and passion was key to building a successful production team. We wanted to create a work environment where everyone felt inspired and motivated to contribute their best work.

Paolo: Your international experiences seem to have played a significant role in shaping your approach. Can you elaborate on that?

Earl: Growing up in Bangkok and traveling extensively with my family exposed me to a wide range of cultures and perspectives. We lived in Germany and I learned to ski in Aviano (Italy, close to where I grew up --Paolo). I spent my high school years in Bangkok and then went to university in Portugal. These experiences gave me a broader perspective on the world and a deeper understanding of different cultures.

One of my earliest tech experiences was buying a Pineapple 2, a replica of the Apple 2, in Hong Kong. This sparked my interest in technology, and I learned Basic A and other coding languages. Working for Michelin in sales roles across various countries gave me insights into international business and the importance of understanding local cultures and markets. These experiences taught me the value of adaptability and the ability to see the world from different perspectives.

My experience with early online businesses like TribalBeat.com and InstrumentFinder.com also taught me the importance of technology in reaching a global audience. These ventures were ahead of their time, and they provided valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and the potential of the internet to connect people and businesses across the world. The skills and knowledge I gained from these experiences were instrumental in my later ventures, both in technology and television.

Paolo: What are your future plans for your show and your work in television?

Earl: I plan to continue focusing on telling impactful stories and exploring new ways to reach and engage our audience. We're always looking for new stories and opportunities to highlight the good in the world. Additionally, I work with companies to help them tell their stories better and make a positive impact. Curiosity and a willingness to take risks drive my diverse interests and career choices. Whether it's learning new skills or diving into different fields, I'm motivated by the challenge and the potential to make an impact. I believe in following my passions and being open to new opportunities.

One of our goals is to expand the reach of "The Good Road" and bring these impactful stories to a wider audience. We are exploring different platforms and distribution channels to achieve this. Additionally, we are always looking for new stories that align with our mission of highlighting the good in the world. We believe that there are countless untold stories of individuals and organizations making a positive impact, and we want to bring these stories to light.

We are also looking to collaborate with other content creators and organizations who share our vision. By partnering with like-minded individuals and groups, we can amplify our impact and reach even more people. Collaboration is a key component of our strategy moving forward, as it allows us to leverage different perspectives and expertise to create more compelling content.

Paolo: What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar career path?

Earl: Be curious and willing to take risks. Don't be afraid to dive into new fields and learn as you go. The ability to adapt and learn is crucial in any industry. Surround yourself with passionate people who share your vision and are willing to work hard to achieve it. Embrace the challenges and failures as learning opportunities. Every setback is a chance to learn and grow. Persistence and resilience are key to success in any field. Follow your passion and stay true to your vision. It's important to be authentic and genuine in your work. People can sense when you are passionate and genuine, and it resonates with them.

Networking is also crucial. Building relationships with people in your industry can open doors and provide valuable opportunities. Don't be afraid to reach out to people and ask for advice

or mentorship. Surround yourself with a supportive network of people who believe in you and your vision. Mentorship is especially important because it provides guidance and support from someone who has already navigated the path you're on.

I also believe in the power of storytelling. Whether you're in tech, television, or any other field, the ability to tell a compelling story is invaluable. Stories connect us on a human level and help us understand each other better. They can inspire, motivate, and drive change. So, hone your storytelling skills and use them to connect with your audience and make an impact.

Paolo: Thank you for sharing your story, Earl. It's been a fascinating journey, and I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Earl: Thank you, Paolo. It's been a pleasure talking with you. I'm excited to continue this journey and see where it takes us. There's so much good in the world that deserves to be highlighted, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these stories.