Redefining Marketing for Good with Morgan Roth Ep 216 - The Global Discussion

The Global Discussion

The Host of The Global Discussion, Simon Hodgkins, is joined by Morgan Roth, Chief Marketing Officer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Morgan, who has been at the helm of MDA's marketing efforts, shared insights about the organization's journey, the evolving nature of nonprofit narratives, and her unique leadership perspective that drives MDA forward in its mission to transform lives. A Lifelong Calling in Marketing and Advocacy From the beginning of the conversation, it is evident that Morgan's role at MDA is much more than just a job—it's the culmination of a lifelong passion. As someone living with a neuromuscular disease herself, Morgan described her work as feeling like "coming home." This deep personal connection gives her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals living with neuromuscular conditions and fuels her dedication to changing lives for the better. Morgan's background in marketing spans both nonprofit and international arenas, allowing her to understand the nuances of communication across different cultures. She spoke passionately about her work at MDA, calling it a privilege to lead such an iconic brand in a new, exciting age. She emphasized the importance of connectivity—a value that has shaped her career and MDA's approach to engaging supporters, patients, and stakeholders. A Commitment to Dignified Nonprofit Narratives Morgan's commitment to reshaping nonprofit narratives was a significant theme throughout the episode. She talked about "dignified nonprofit narratives"—a shift away from outdated, exploitative methods of using guilt to raise money to something more meaningful and empowering. Morgan is a firm believer in inviting donors to be partners in a solution rather than simply making them feel pity for those in need. It's an ethos that puts people first and draws attention to the power of community-driven progress. As Morgan aptly put it, the goal is not to "throw money at a problem" but to invest in a vision that sees everyone living longer, fuller lives—"Love longer, live stronger." AI and the Future of Neuromuscular Research Morgan touched on how AI is becoming a powerful tool for MDA's mission. AI, she explained, has the potential to personalize diagnoses and future treatment options for neuromuscular diseases, which are often complex and vary significantly from person to person. Celebrating 75 Years of Legacy, Impact, and Momentum Looking ahead, Morgan shared exciting news about MDA's upcoming milestone—its 75th anniversary. This significant event is not just about marking the passage of time but also about celebrating the incredible impact and progress the organization has made. Since its inception, MDA has transformed lives, improving both longevity and quality of life for those affected by neuromuscular diseases. Leadership, Inclusivity, and Women in the Workplace Morgan also shared her experiences as a leader, particularly as a founding member of Chief, a network aimed at supporting women in executive roles. She spoke candidly about the challenges women face in leadership positions, particularly in breaking away from the expectation to always be agreeable. True leadership, she noted, is about setting boundaries, challenging norms, and being willing to step outside the comfort zone. Follow The Global Discussion on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and more! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Creatives, Leaders, and Thinkers on The Global Discussion. Join the newsletter for updates on new episodes. To support The Global Discussion, please visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/globaldiscuss Watch or listen to The Global Discussion Web: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ Audio Podcast: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Google⁠ | ⁠Apple⁠ Video Podcast: ⁠https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/TGD-YouTube⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn/Social Media ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion⁠⁠ Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook