

A Lesson from Jackson Ward: How Our Stories Can Inspire Innovation
On the first day of the inaugural cohort of the Virginia Housing Alliance’s BIPOC Leadership Institute (BLI), where I’m a co-facilitator...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Jun 25, 20243 min read
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A Place Where Innovation Can Live
How often have you heard the word innovation this week in your various engagements? While leaders are at different stages of innovation,...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Jun 13, 20243 min read
50 views


Innovating Fund Development for Greater Impact
Many nonprofit leaders know the sleepless nights that come with the territory. When I was nonprofit CEO, there were numerous nights I lay...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
May 17, 20243 min read
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The Power of Vulnerability: How Feedback Fuels Innovation
Early one morning, I walked into a local café to meet a nonprofit Executive Director for breakfast. After a brief "What's up?" and "How...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
May 9, 20243 min read
10 views


Navigating A New Normal: My First Year of Hope, Humility, and Innovation
During a recent event, my oldest son looked around at a half-empty room and then looked at me and asked, "Dad, what does it feel like to...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Apr 18, 20243 min read
20 views


Lessons in Innovation and Ingenuity: My First Year as an Entrepreneur
As I reflect on my journey since launching Jordan Sydnor Innovation Group in 2023, I'm reminded of a quote by Richard Branson that has...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Mar 22, 20243 min read
30 views


Celebrating Janine Lee: A Legacy of Genius, Grace, and Generosity
As we celebrate Women's History Month, we're reminded of the indelible impact women have had and continue to have in shaping our world at...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Mar 15, 20243 min read
56 views


We Can Ignite Public Education Through Innovation
As the rains continued to pour down on this stormy Wednesday evening, I wondered what would meet me as I entered Miles J. Jones...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Mar 7, 20243 min read
14 views


Beyond February: Embracing Black History as a Catalyst for Innovation & Change
As the last days of February fade, Black History Month offers us a time for reflection, celebration, and, most importantly, learning....

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Feb 28, 20243 min read
10 views


Creative Lessons from Dr. Ram Bhagat On Discovering Our Innovative Potential Through Place, Identity and History
As we continue Black History Month, I find myself asking, "How open are we willing to be to delve deep into the rich tapestry of Black...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Feb 22, 20243 min read
24 views


Roots of Resilience: The Relationship Between Black History and Innovation
On a Sunny winter afternoon in January, I decided to visit my aunt and uncle. Not long after taking a seat for a brief visit, I was...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Feb 15, 20244 min read
34 views


A Blueprint for Leadership: Lessons from Jay Z's Grammy Speech
As someone who has grown up with hip-hop as a soundtrack to my lived experiences, I always seek to understand its impact beyond music and...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Feb 7, 20243 min read
95 views


Embracing Sustainable Giving through Innovation
In a world where the urgency for sustainable practices touches every aspect of our lives, sustainable giving continues to evolve in...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Jan 31, 20243 min read
31 views


Innovating Your Rise: Lessons from Nicole Jones' Journey at Creative Mornings
“You wanna fly, you got to give up the stuff that weighs you down." Toni Morrison Recently, I had the privilege of attending a Creative...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Jan 25, 20242 min read
41 views


7 Enduring Lessons On Innovation from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr For Today’s Leaders.
"Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way." – Martin Luther King Jr. During this weekend...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Jan 15, 20245 min read
19 views


Happy New Year from Jordan Sydnor!
"As we look ahead into the new year, let's nurture the courage to be bold, to embrace change, and to pave our own path. We may encounter...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Jan 4, 20241 min read
9 views


The Soul of Innovation: Bridging Faith, Spirituality and Innovative Thinking
"Faith is not something to grasp; it is a state to grow into." - Mahatma Gandhi In a world constantly seeking different solutions and...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Dec 28, 20233 min read
25 views


Values at the Vanguard: Leading Innovation with Integrity
"The heart of innovation lies not in the idea itself but in the values that breathe life into it. It’s these values that determine its...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Dec 20, 20232 min read
9 views


Beyond Toys & Turkeys: Transforming Our Generosity
"Innovation in philanthropy means looking beyond immediate needs to the systemic barriers that keep inequality in place. It's about...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Dec 8, 20235 min read
41 views


Navigating the Storms of Innovation: Resilience and Adaptability in Leadership
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge...

Robert L. Dortch, Jr.
Nov 29, 20233 min read
7 views