Listen to The Episode Yourself!

Episode Summary

In this episode of Open Source CXO, host Don Blackburn & Robert Kehoe sits down with Rob McElroy and Andie Ewing of Unbound, an international nonprofit working in 17 countries and serving more than 280,000 families. The conversation begins with an overview of Unbound’s mission to eliminate poverty through direct sponsorship, empowering families with resources and accountability to create lasting change in their communities. Andie breaks down the organization’s five core pillars, including education, community building, and their unique elderly sponsorship program, offering listeners a powerful look at how grassroots action can scale globally.

The discussion then shifts toward digital transformation and operational strategy. Rob shares how Unbound evolved from mailing printed photos to using AI-driven systems that process images and protect privacy, ultimately cutting turnaround times from 90 days to just three. The team also highlights how integrating SMS communication and custom-built CRM technology allows them to operate like a modern, efficient business while staying true to their nonprofit mission.

The episode closes by exploring the human side of technology and impact. Andie and Rob reflect on hiring from sponsored communities, building trust with donors, and fostering sustainable growth through individual sponsorship rather than relying on government aid. Their story is a testament to how thoughtful innovation and community-driven solutions can drive meaningful, global change.

—————

Open Source CXO is proudly presented by Active Logic - https://activelogic.com/

Check us out online: https://oscxo.com/  

Check us out on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/oscxopodcast

Follow us on Instagram! - https://www.instagram.com/oscxopodcast/?hl=en

  1. Introduction & Guest Welcome (00:00 – 02:42)

    • Don introduces the show and welcomes guests Rob McElroy and Andie Ewing from Unbound. Overview of Unbound’s international nonprofit work in 17 countries, serving 280,000 families.

  2. Pillar 1: Eliminating Poverty through Direct Sponsorship (02:42 – 05:37)

    • Sponsorship model, direct cash transfers, goal setting with Poverty Stoplight.

  3. Pillar 2: Empowering Women & Mothers Groups (05:37 – 07:31)

    • Structure of mothers’ groups, leadership roles, accountability, and impact on communities.

  4. Pillar 3: Advancing Education & Scholarship Programs (07:31 – 09:03)

    • Education as a core strategy, scholarship opportunities for both children and parents.

  5. Pillar 4: Building Communities – Agents of Change Story (09:03 – 11:19)

    • Medellín water piping project and the power of grassroots community action.

  6. Pillar 5: Supporting the Elderly (11:19 – 13:23)

    • Elder sponsorship program and the social impact of community building for older adults.

  7. Unbound’s Organizational Structure & Operations (13:23 – 17:00)

    • $140M org size, 90% funds to families, employee structure, scrappy nonprofit operations.

  8. Digital Transformation Journey (17:00 – 22:38)

    • Evolution from film photos to AI-powered image processing; SMS integration and process modernization.

  9. Custom CRM & Technology Decisions (22:38 – 27:31)

    • Why Unbound built its own CRM, challenges of not being fully cloud-based, operational lessons.

  10. Contact Center & Donor Experience (27:31 – 32:23)

    • IVR evolution, smart routing plans, hiring from sponsored communities, improving trust and transparency.

  11. Closing Thoughts (32:23 – 34:14)

    • Individual sponsorship vs. organizational funding, founder philosophy, stable donation model, outro.