1. Building Impact Networks That Thrive in Chaotic Times with Cole Hoover

2. Designing Effective Communities of Practice for Social Impact Leaders

3. Creating Resilient Impact Networks in a Changing World with Cole Hoover

4. Community Infrastructure: The Key to Impact Networks That Endure

5. How to Build and Sustain Successful Impact Networks in Uncertain Times

6. Lessons for Social Entrepreneurs: Cultivating Strong Communities of Practice

7. Facilitating Connection and Collaboration for Impact in Turbulent Times

8. The Art of Growing Impactful Networks for Social Change

9. Harnessing Community Power: Impact Networks and Learning in Chaotic Eras

10. Cole Hoover on Practical Strategies for Effective Impact Networks and Collective Action

social entrepreneurship, impact networks, community of practice, community infrastructure, fellowships, learning communities, cohort programs, social impact leaders, change makers, ecosystem development, sustainability transitions, peer networks, adaptability, capacity building, funding for connection, appreciative inquiry, human centered design, collaboration, climate tech, clean tech, nonprofit industrial complex, funding challenges, collective action, facilitation, organizational strengthening, legacy networks, cross-sector collaboration, loneliness epidemic, strategic planning, ecosystem leaders, adaptive leadership

Introduction

Welcome to another episode of Awarepreneurs, the world’s longest-running social entrepreneur podcast! Your host, Paul Zelizer, welcomes guest Cole Hoover—Cole Hoover, founder of Ponto Social Impact Consulting and a leader with 17 years of experience designing learning spaces for social impact leaders worldwide. In this conversation, they dive into the topic of building effective impact networks in chaotic and unpredictable times—exploring the rise and importance of communities of practice, especially as traditional community infrastructures age, fray, or fail to keep pace with today’s challenges.

Cole Hoover shares his journey from launching social enterprises to intentionally cultivating peer networks, fellowships, and learning communities that amplify change. Together, Paul Zelizer and Cole Hoover discuss why fostering these networks is more important than ever—offering practical advice on building resilient, high-impact communities, the evolving role of funders, and the necessity of organic experimentation and deep listening. Whether you’re a social entrepreneur, impact leader, or funder, this episode is filled with actionable insights and inspiring stories about connecting people for greater collective good.

Tune in and discover how you can help create or support impact networks that thrive—even in the most chaotic of times.

Sequence of Topics Covered

1. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

• Introduction of the "Awarepreneurs" podcast and its focus on social entrepreneurship

• Call to listeners for ratings and reviews

• Introduction of guest Cole Hoover (Cole Hoover) and his background

  • 17 years experience designing learning spaces for social impact leaders

  • Founder of Ponto Social Impact Consulting

  • Work with fellowships, cohort programs, and learning communities worldwide

2. Cole Hoover’s Backstory

• Early career and journey into social enterprise and impact networks 00:01:45

• Importance of informal and formal communities of practice

  • Learning from peer leaders, sharing challenges, and avoiding repeated mistakes

• Shift toward designing community infrastructure and collaboration spaces

3. Definitions: Community of Practice vs. Impact Network

• Defining a community of practice 00:03:45

  • Groups bound by place, purpose, or sector

  • Commitment to shared learning, voicing challenges, and supporting each other

  • Emphasis on relationships as core outcome

• Relationship to and distinction from impact networks

4. The Current Context: Chaotic Times and the Need for Networks

• Observations on increased outreach and collaboration inquiries 00:06:10

• Contextual challenges: climate, polarization, uneven distribution of change 00:06:33

• The loneliness epidemic and fraying of communal infrastructure

• Importance of practicing community muscles and showing up as villagers

5. Barriers and Shifts in Community Engagement

• Factors contributing to disengagement

  • Societal shifts (referencing Robert Putnam’s “Bowling Alone”)

  • Pandemic-induced trauma and challenges with virtual connection 00:08:01

• The need for inner reflection and the willingness to participate in community 00:09:05

6. Strategies for Revitalizing Impact Networks and Communities of Practice

• Consulting for legacy networks and organizations with declining engagement 00:10:55

• Shifting from marquee gatherings to ongoing experimentation and prototyping 00:12:00

• Focusing on organic, iterative methods rather than top-down strategic planning

7. Characteristics of Effective Community Experiences

• Value of peer-driven, informal, organic initiatives over heavy formal structures 00:15:05

• Examples: NM Climate group’s impact and contrasts with mediocre, performative gatherings

• Introduction of the concept “cacanomics” (mediocrity in collaboration) 00:15:53

  • How to combat mediocrity through interactive, participant-driven models

8. Designing for Meaningful Community Engagement

• Challenges in creating impactful, genuine networks 00:19:24

• Importance of human-centered design and authentic belief in community potential 00:20:13

• Getting buy-in from participants (do they believe in the vision?)

• The importance of funders supporting connective tissue, not just individual nodes 00:22:20

9. Appreciative Inquiry and Examples of Thriving Impact Networks

• Appreciative Inquiry: What's going right and what do we want to do more of? 00:25:24

• Models of strong impact networks: Skoll Foundation, Knight Foundation, Ford Foundation, etc. 00:26:08

• The growing prevalence of local, cross-sector impact efforts

10. Funding for Connection and Local Collaboration

• The essential role of funding “connection” infrastructure 00:28:15

• Case study/example: NM Tech Talks and collaborative resource pooling 00:28:43

• The flywheel effect—positive feedback when local networks gain momentum 00:30:53

11. Key Design Principles and Metaphors for Thriving Networks

• Metaphor of soil and seasons for community development (Brett Yamamoto) 00:31:38

• Adapting to different life stages of a community

• The “flywheel”/momentum effect where small, positive efforts can rapidly expand

12. Realities and Challenges Facing Impact Leaders

• Naming the exhaustion, stress, and capacity limits faced by impact leaders 00:34:06

• Compassion and empathy as design principles

• The importance of beginning with individual utility and support before collective vision 00:35:40

13. Practical Examples of Starting Small and Creating Value

• NM Climate example: starting with job postings and concrete opportunities 00:37:06

• Crowdsourcing and matching immediate needs with resources to build momentum

14. Supporting and Funding Impact Networks from Adjacent Roles

• Guidance to funders, government, and ecosystem builders 00:40:44

• The case for funding long-term infrastructure and relationships, not just content/projects

• Example: The “nine zero” co-working space and multi-stakeholder collaboration in Seattle 00:41:55

15. Envisioning the Future of Impact Networks

• Five-year vision: more prepared, connected leaders and thriving networks 00:43:47

• The role of cross-pollination, facilitation, and ongoing learning

• Importance and undervalued need for skilled facilitation in communities 00:44:54

16. Additional Resources and Closing Thoughts

• Cole Hoover’s LinkedIn writing series, podcast (“Facilitating Change”), and consulting work 00:45:50

• Final invitation: Start with small experiments, listen, and act on community input 00:47:48

• Closing acknowledgements and call to action for listeners

On today’s episode of Awarepreneurs, we dove deep into building effective impact networks during chaotic times with Cole Hoover. Cole shared what really makes communities of practice thrive, why connection truly matters, and how small experiments and authentic collaboration can spark real momentum. Whether you’re a leader or a funder, it’s time to invest in the infrastructure that brings people together. If you want your impact to last, start supporting and strengthening your networks today.

🚀 Thrilled to join Paul Zelizer on the Awarepreneurs podcast and talk about creating effective impact networks in chaotic times!

We went deep on why community infrastructure matters more than ever—and how impact leaders and funders can design networks that don’t just survive, but thrive.

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone building or supporting impact networks:

• Start small, experiment, and listen: Instead of over-planning, launch simple, regular gatherings and pay attention to where energy and real connection emerge. Human-centered design and prototyping beats endless surveys and unused strategic plans.

• Fund the connective tissue, not just the projects: Real change happens when funders support ongoing relationship-building, learning, and coordination—not just one-off events or isolated initiatives.

• Honor the human experience: Impact leaders are tired. Create opportunities to share, self-reflect, and build authentic relationships—these are the foundations for lasting networks that can adapt and respond to today’s challenges.

If you’re thinking about catalyzing or reinvigorating an impact network, or wondering how to support these efforts as a funder or ecosystem builder, check out the full episode for actionable insights and more real-world examples.

👇 What’s working in your community when it comes to building impact networks? Drop your thoughts or questions below!

#impactnetworks #socialimpact #communitybuilding #awarepreneurs

Awarepreneurs Newsletter: Creating Effective Impact Networks in Chaotic Times

Hi Awarepreneurs Community,

In our latest episode, we welcomed Cole Hoover, founder of Ponto Social Impact Consulting and a veteran facilitator of learning spaces for changemakers. Our conversation with Cole dove deep into the urgent need—and immense potential—for effective impact networks and communities of practice, especially during these unpredictable, chaotic times.

Key Highlights from Our Conversation

What is a Community of Practice?

Cole described a community of practice as a container of commitment—a place where people come together around a beautiful question, sector, or shared place to learn, voice challenges, and build lasting relationships. These networks amplify learning, create new connections, and bolster collective resilience.

Why Now?

We unpacked the challenges of our times: from climate uncertainty to the loneliness epidemic, and why it’s harder—but more important—than ever to "be a villager." Cole affirmed that, "everyone wants a village, but no one wants to be a villager," reminding us that showing up authentically is the price of real community.

How to Start or Revitalize an Impact Network

Cole shared practical advice:

• Start Small: Run experiments and offer simple opportunities for connection before grand plans or strategic surveys.

• Prioritize Relationships: Focus on building trust and tending to the “soil” so networks can truly grow.

• Fund the Connective Tissue: Funders, don’t just write checks for specific projects. Invest in the infrastructure and facilitation that allows networks to come alive.

Inspiration & Appreciative Inquiry

We celebrated local and global examples, and challenged our listeners (and readers!) to look around in their own communities for organic, informal networks making a real difference. As Cole put it, “It cost us nothing but care” to get started.

Resources & Next Steps

🔗 Follow Cole Hoover on LinkedIn
Cole is sharing a fantastic series on designing community infrastructure and the mindsets needed for resilient, collaborative impact. Go check it out!

🎙️ Listen to “Facilitating Change”
A podcast recommended by Cole for anyone who wants to create brave, creative spaces where humans can truly collaborate.

💡 Invitation from Cole:
If you’re a funder, government leader, or social venture, ask yourself: What would be possible if you set aside a little funding and time to convene your community? Run a simple experiment. Listen, act, and see what relationships or ideas blossom.

If this conversation stirred something in you, please share this episode and newsletter with anyone hungry for a more impactful, connected approach to change.

For strategy help with your own impact business or organization, check out my services.

Thank you for being a villager who cares about making the world better,
Paul Zelizer
Awarepreneurs Podcast Host

Remember to subscribe and leave us a review if these conversations are helping you on your journey!

How to Build Powerful Impact Networks in Chaotic Times 🌎✨

1/ The world feels chaotic—climate disruption, social divides, and a loneliness epidemic. Yet, as Cole Hoover reminds us, this is exactly when robust networks matter most 00:08:01.

2/ “Everyone wants a village, but no one wants to be a villager.” That’s the tough love Cole Hoover brings: real impact requires commitment and showing up—even when life’s messy 00:09:26.

3/ What is a “community of practice” anyway? It’s not just a buzzword. At its core, it’s a container of commitment—people coming together to learn, share, support, and, above all, build real relationships that last 00:04:45.

4/ Sound simple? Most networks fail by defaulting to half-hearted events: panels, forced breakouts, generic surveys. Cole Hoover calls this “cakeonomics”—a polite agreement to mediocrity, where nothing meaningful happens after the swag bag 00:16:09.

5/ So what works? Experiment → Listen → Iterate. Start small. Host informal meetups, not just big conferences. Watch what energizes people and build out from there—don’t drown them in 57-question surveys 00:12:53.

6/ Funders, are you listening? The most innovative foundations now fund connection, not just projects. Skoll & Ford invested in networks, community infrastructure, and operating support—not one-off events 00:26:04.

7/ Think “soil,” not just “plants.” As Cole Hoover shares, investing in the conditions—facilitation, relationships, learning design—creates fertile ground for action and innovation 00:32:03.

8/ Pro tip: Don’t start with grand visions. Busy, burned-out leaders need immediate, individual value. Start with small wins: share a grant opp, connect a job seeker, host a venting session—tiny seeds that fuel trust 00:35:40.

9/ As soon as your network gets traction, momentum can be explosive. Why? Because people are hungry for real connection and collective action. When someone does it well, it stands out 00:31:04.

10/ The call to action: If you care about positive change, set aside a little time (or dollars) to gather your people. Ask them what they see, what they need, what questions keep them up at night—and really listen 00:48:26.

Impact networks aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re crucial to surviving and thriving in uncertainty.

RT if you’re ready to build a better tomorrow, together. 🚀👥

#SocialImpact #ImpactNetworks #CommunityBuilding #Changemakers

Discussion Questions

1. Paul Zelizer and Cole Hoover discuss the concept of a "community of practice" multiple times throughout the episode. How do they define it, and what distinguishes a community of practice from an impact network? 04:00

2. Reflecting on current events, what do Paul Zelizer and Cole Hoover identify as unique challenges for impact networks operating in today's chaotic times? How do these challenges affect the need for strong networks? 07:06

3. Cole Hoover mentions the importance of informal learning and connections early in his career, such as through co-working spaces like Impact Hub or events like Microfinance and Microbrews. Why might informal spaces be especially valuable for social impact leaders? 00:02:31

4. The idea of "cakeonomics," or a shared agreement around mediocrity in gatherings, is raised by Cole Hoover. What does this term imply about traditional conferences or events, and how can moving beyond it create more effective gatherings? 00:16:09

5. Both speakers mention the "loneliness epidemic" and the declining practice of participation in communities. How do they see these social trends impacting the effectiveness or formation of impact networks? 00:08:01

6. Cole Hoover emphasizes starting with "small experiments" and prototyping instead of elaborate strategic plans or surveys when building community infrastructure. What are the advantages of this approach for impact networks? 00:11:54

7. Funding for “connective tissue” versus just individual nodes is a recurring theme. Why do the speakers believe it’s essential for funders to invest in the infrastructure of connection, and what might be the consequences if they don’t? 00:22:27

8. The metaphor of cultivating ‘the soil’ rather than just ‘the plants’ is discussed. What does this mean in the context of building community, and how can leaders put this into practice? 00:32:03

9. Cole Hoover suggests that before pushing for big collective visions, network builders should create individual utility for participants ("meet people where they're at"). How might this relate to attracting and retaining members in an impact network? 00:35:40

10. Looking five years ahead, Cole Hoover envisions a world where effective impact networks thrive and more people know who to call in a crisis. What roles does he see for himself and others in achieving this vision, and what are the key actions needed to get there? 00:44:08

1

Impact networks thrive when they’re built on authentic relationships, not just formal plans. We need more spaces where changemakers can learn, share failures, and grow together—because real innovation comes from connection, not isolation.

2

Communities of practice aren’t just a buzzword—they’re containers for commitment. When diverse people come together to ask bold questions and support each other, we create the resilience movements need in chaotic times.

3

It takes courage to show up for community, especially when we’re tired. Start with small experiments: gather, listen, and let needs and energy shape what grows. It’s in these humble beginnings that the strongest networks are born.

4

Funders: investing in the connective tissue is vital. Lasting impact doesn’t come from one-off projects but from sustained infrastructure that allows collaboration and adaptation when crisis hits. Support the relationships, not just the results.

5

Loneliness and burnout are real for impact leaders—but you don’t have to do it alone. The path forward starts with small gatherings, real conversations, and a willingness to be a villager, not just seek the village.

In this episode of Awarepreneurs, host Paul Zelizer interviews Cole Hoover on building effective impact networks during chaotic times. Drawing on 17 years of experience, Cole discusses designing resilient community infrastructure, the importance of relationships in communities of practice, supportive funding, and actionable strategies for leaders and funders to foster real connection and lasting social impact.

1.

Is community the ultimate catalyst for social impact?

How can entrepreneurs harness the power of impact networks in tumultuous times?

What if small, intentional experiments within your network could spark system-wide change?

We dove into these questions with Paul Zelizer, host of Awarepreneurs and a pioneering thinker on social entrepreneurship and community infrastructure.

Paul shared a vital perspective: “Balancing profit and purpose isn’t optional. It’s a strategic advantage.” He emphasizes that learning communities and peer networks are more than buzzwords—they’re the connective tissue that sustains social change through volatility.

A core insight from Paul: Start small and listen deeply—run experiments within your network, notice where energy flows, and let real human needs shape your path forward. Overbuilt plans rarely move the needle, but authentic engagement breeds momentum.

How are you building relationships that last beyond the project at hand? We’d love to hear your approach, and the recent Awarepreneurs episode offers actionable wisdom for anyone seeking to elevate their impact through community.

2.

Did you know that investing in connection—not just content—is key to scaling social innovation?

How are organizations moving from transactional gatherings to transformative impact networks?

What if your next event catalyzed real collaboration instead of ending with applause and unused swag bags?

On the Awarepreneurs podcast, Paul Zelizer explores these questions, drawing from over 300 interviews with top social impact leaders and his own experience supporting 30,000+ changemakers.

Paul’s pragmatic takeaway: “Marketing can be trickier in this space, but when it works, it builds deep trust.” He underscores that the true value of networks comes from relationships held over time, not one-off conferences or endless surveys.

His advice: Fund the connective tissue. Support the facilitators, experimenters, and relationship stewards who make communities resilient. That’s where real breakthroughs emerge.

How are you resourcing collaboration in your ecosystem? The latest Awarepreneurs episode dives into strategies for building lasting impact in uncertain times—check it out for inspiration and practical tips.

1. Community Infrastructure Is Essential for Impact

Creating durable "community infrastructure"—the peer networks, shared analysis, and coordinated capacity among social impact leaders—is crucial for movements to survive, adapt, and scale, especially in chaotic times.

"It's this durable capacity for organizations not only to learn together, to coordinate when it matters, and more than anything to adapt faster than they could if they were just working in isolation. So if we start from that belief...we get out of that mediocrity and we start to imagine a new path" 20:05 - 21:00.

2. Effective Networks Are Organic, Iterative, and Relationship-Driven

Rather than relying on top-down, overly planned approaches, successful impact networks and communities of practice start with small, organic experiments that prioritize relationship-building and respond directly to the real needs and energy of participants.

"I have a couple cases from last year where I went to these networks...and said, why don't you just start offering something, whatever cadence makes the most sense every couple weeks, every month, see who shows up, see where the energy is, see what the container feels like...study that...and then go from there" 11:08 - 12:58.

3. Funding and Supporting the Connective Tissue Is Critical

For impact networks to thrive, funders, ecosystem builders, and adjacent organizations must intentionally resource the connective tissue—the relationships, convenings, and facilitation—not just individual programs or organizations, shifting from project-centric to infrastructure-centric support.

"I think that we need to get more funders who are believing that they need to fund the connective tissue, not just the nodes. They need to move from a place where it's not all out competition...but instead, they're getting rewarded for contributing to some community infrastructure" 22:20 - 22:51.

What if the key to thriving in chaotic times isn’t a new strategy, but weaving stronger connections between impact leaders already in your community?

These are just a few of the provocative questions we explored with Cole Hoover on the latest Awarepreneurs podcast episode, hosted by our very own Paul Zelizer.