A Journey of Generosity: Lessons from Jerre Stead

In this inspiring episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson engages in a conversation with the remarkable Jerre Stead. Known for his philanthropy and leadership, Jerre shares insights into his lifelong commitment to giving and how he and his wife, Mary Jo, have strategically aligned their resources to make a lasting impact. This episode offers valuable takeaways stemming from Jerre's philosophy of generosity and engagement. Here are three key takeaways from their discussion:

1. Generosity Begins Early

Jerre Stead's story exemplifies how the seeds of generosity can be planted early in life. Reflecting on his upbringing, Jerre shares how his grandmother taught him to divide his earnings from his childhood paper route into thirds—saving, church, and personal use. This practice of disciplined giving became a bedrock principle in his life, shaping the way he approached financial stewardship and community involvement. By integrating philanthropy into his life from a young age, Jerre and his wife fostered a culture of giving that has only grown over time. This foundational lesson encourages listeners to cultivate giving habits early, reinforcing the idea that generosity is not just about finances but a holistic approach involving time, talent, and treasure.

2. Strategic Philanthropy for Lasting Impact

Another significant takeaway from Jerre's conversation with Philip is how the Steads' philanthropy is not only generous but also strategic. Since the 1960s, Jerre and Mary Jo have focused their charitable efforts on creating and supporting leaders across various fields—business, research, education, and the church. They've also chosen to address pressing social issues like Alzheimer’s, child obesity, and mental illness. This targeted approach has allowed them to maximize their impact by nurturing leadership and fostering innovation. Jerre's philosophy is not to merely give but to invest in projects and organizations with clear, measurable goals. This perspective encourages others to think strategically about their own giving, ensuring that their contributions create meaningful, long-term change in society.

3. Engagement Beyond Financial Contributions

Jerre Stead emphasizes that true generosity goes beyond financial contributions. As Philip highlighted, Jerre is actively engaged in the causes he supports, considering himself a partner rather than just a donor. This is evident in how he sets goals and metrics for success with the organizations he supports, ensuring mutual accountability and deeper involvement. His philosophy reinforces the importance of being personally invested in the causes one supports. Whether through volunteering, teaching, or mentoring, giving one’s time and talent can enhance the impact of financial contributions.

Conclusion

Jerre Stead’s journey of generosity is a testament to the power of giving with purpose and engagement. Through early lessons in charity, a strategic focus on impactful areas, and an active role in supported initiatives, Jerre and Mary Jo Stead exemplify how philanthropy can be a transformative force in society. This episode of "To Be Encouraged" challenges listeners to reflect on their own giving practices and inspires them to find ways to engage more deeply with the world around them. Whether starting small or thinking big, meaningful generosity is within reach for all who choose to embrace it.