It was an exciting moment this week when I got a chance to meet Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS Shoes. (You may recall my earlier blog where I shyly confessed my Living by Giving crush on Blake.) 

Blake spoke to the students at Vanderbilt University and we got a backdoor pass to get some inspirational time with the social entrepreneur and some of the students.

He is modest, yes, but also very proud of what he has created - and able to deliver a message to young adults of how fulfilling work and life can be, if you make the bottom line about more than just money.  His business model is simple: One for one. Every time you buy a pair of TOMS Shoes, TOMS gives a pair away to a child in need. Inspiring. Impactful. And sustainable.

We asked Blake how someone can start "living by giving", you may be surprised by his answer.  Check out our first clip from our interview with Blake.   

Stay tuned for more clips and our interview with a very charming student who is also Living by Giving. (To purchase your very own pair of TOMS visit www.TOMSshoes.com)

Did you know that Blake and his sister were on Season 2 of the Amazing Race?  He and his sister Paige lost the million dollar prize by 4 minutes...because Blake didn't want to stop for directions.  I guess we are all given second chances.  Blake's came when he revisited Argentina to volunteer in a small village and saw how many people, especially children, didn't have shoes. 

    I love when I find a new recipe of success for Living by Giving.  Just like chocolate chip cookies, there are many unique recipes, and I get excited when I find a good one.

I first met Kim when she was living here in Atlanta and had just started her k101 Agency specializing in public relations and marketing.  Kim was already a professional player on the Atlanta scene, very well-known and well-respected, and I was just a rookie who had started a non-profit and needed some guidance in branding and awareness.  Kim, without hesitation and without pay, helped me immensely.  I still remember that feeling of empowerment she gave me, just by merely giving me her attention and wisdom, when I'm sure she could have been doing much more "profitable" tasks. (She's a true giver.) 

Since then, Kim has moved away from Atlanta.  But I was excited to chat with her recently and to learn that her business is booming and she still has that giving touch.  In fact, she is a heroic example of how professionals can bring together their own philanthropic passion and their corporate client, all to give back to the community...and make a difference. Her story involves volunteering, inspiring, and "a case of identity" for young girls, provided by Caboodles.

Kim shared with me exclusively, "I feel so lucky to be able to work with clients who care about their community and attach to causes that align with their brand and company culture.  k101 Agency has allowed me to cross-pollinate my work life with my passion for teaching kids/teens in underserved communities.  The opportunities are infinite and I encourage everyone to consider possible resources in their “work” life that can help worthy causes, it’s just a matter of putting the puzzle pieces together and making sure both sides are benefiting." 

To take a line from her own campaign, in her case Kim has created a cause-marketing campaign that elevates her clients' exposure amongst its target audience while championing the spirit of young girls by encouraging creativity and self confidence.

Did you know that over 80% of consumers say they choose brands that support good causes?

Check out Kim in the Caboodles' new campaign video:

Take a look at the inspiring story of Brianna Karp on the video link.  Brianna went from a top executive assistant to being homeless and living in a camper in a Wal-mart parking lot, then, through the power of her blog was able to turn her life around!