Creating a Culture of Generosity: An Interview with Marlise Kelsey

At World Financial Group in Fort Langley, workplace giving has become a meaningful addition to their company culture, supported by Marlise Kelsey's innovative use of the GiveWise platform. Marlise's dedication to fostering generosity among her team has not only benefited various charities but also strengthened the bonds within her team.

WFG Fort Langley utilized the GiveWise platform by running a monthly campaign with their sales team, where the top three performers each month can choose between a $150 gift card, company merchandise, or donating to a charity through GiveWise. Marlise was pleasantly surprised by the results: 90% of her agents chose to donate their rewards to charity instead of receiving the personal gift.

"I was really surprised. Even people who I thought needed the money chose to be generous," Marlise shared. This initiative became a celebrated part of WFG Fort Langley’s recognition program. Every team member was celebrated for hitting their targets and those who chose to donate had their selected charities announced the following week, showcasing their generosity to the entire team.

The impact of this initiative extended beyond mere donations. Marlise explained that while she already understood her team's motivations and reasons for success, the values revealed when they chose a charity were entirely new to her. "As a leader, it was really neat to know what was important to them." Many team members chose charities that held personal significance, often aligning with meaningful events in their own lives or those of their loved ones.

This practice not only promoted a culture of generosity but also strengthened team cohesion. "They got to showcase their favorite charities in a monthly team meeting," Marlise noted. It allowed team members to be seen and understood on a deeper level.

Marlise Kelsey: A Journey of Generosity

Marlise's commitment to generosity is deeply rooted in her personal values and life experiences. Together with her husband, Geoff, she has always believed in the importance of generosity. This belief has shaped their approach both at home and in their business.

Growing up, Marlise didn’t have a structured plan for giving. Donations were often spontaneous, given in response to immediate needs. However, when they started a family, Marlise and Geoff became more intentional about teaching their kids about giving. They selected two to three charities to support and involved their children in the process, encouraging them to donate 50% of their earnings from entrepreneurial ventures.

Now, as successful business owners, Marlise and Geoff continue to be deliberate in their charitable efforts, supporting causes like the International Justice Mission. "It's so much more than admin costs; it’s about the impact on the ground," she emphasizes. Marlise sees her role in promoting financial education and generosity as a never-ending mission, driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of their background, needs support and guidance.

A Core Value of Radical Generosity

For Marlise, radical generosity is a core value. She believes that generosity is vital for mental health, as focusing on others creates a deeper sense of purpose. Through her work at WFG and her personal commitment to giving, Marlise Kelsey continues to inspire others to embrace generosity and make a meaningful difference in their communities.