70. Podcasting for a Cause: Changing the Game For Charities w/ Jeremie Mani
In a world constantly evolving with technology, the paths we walk can often lead us in unexpected directions. Jeremie Mani’s journey from an ambitious young entrepreneur in the digital world to a philanthropic advocate showcases his resilience and adaptability. His story is one of learning, growth, and the pursuit of using technology for good.
Reflecting on his early career, Jeremie candidly admits that when he was young, his ambition wasn’t initially to impact communities positively. His focus was primarily on personal career growth. In 1999, Jeremie spent a semester at Michigan University at the dawn of the internet era. Watching the digital revolution unfold sparked his desire to be part of this technological change. Upon returning to France in 2000, he co-founded his first company in email marketing, driven by the internet revolution’s potential.
Jeremie recalls those early days as a mix of excitement and naivety shared with his fellow co-founders. They were young, inexperienced, and motivated by the sheer possibility of change. “Why not?” was their mantra as they embarked on forming their first company without a grand vision, but rather with a spirit of adventure and learning.
Post-entrepreneurship, Jeremie's transition to philanthropy wasn't immediate or straightforward. Initially, his involvement in content moderation exposed him to both the benefits and perils of digital technology. Recognizing technology as a neutral tool, he aimed to harness its potential for positive change—a concept he refers to as “digital for good.”
The inspiration to pivot towards podcasting emerged during the pandemic in 2020—a time of reflection and purpose. He realized his entrepreneurial skills could pivot from creating profit-driven businesses to fostering community and charitable projects. With his partner Yves Delnat, Jeremie explored connecting people through stories and experiences, eventually leading to the creation of 'Podcast On'—an initiative aimed at raising awareness for charitable causes through the power of podcasting.
While initial attempts, such as creating a social network for altruistic individuals, didn’t achieve the expected success, valuable lessons were learned. These experiences culminated in the Podcast On event, set to take place each March. The goal is to unite podcasters globally to dedicate episodes to charities of their choice, fostering connections and amplifying awareness.
Jeremie emphasizes the unique benefits of podcasting as a medium to convey emotion and share nuanced stories, which are essential for charities looking to connect with new audiences. Despite its lack of immediacy in fundraising, podcasting's strength lies in its ability to build trust and long-term engagement—qualities essential for cultivating supporters for charitable causes.
Jeremie’s journey is a testament to the importance of flexibility, patience, and adaptability in achieving success. He encourages others to remain open to new ideas, learn from experiences, and not be afraid of making necessary changes. This mindset not only proved essential in his entrepreneurial ventures but also in his efforts to combine passion and technology for a greater good. In his story, we find motivation: the understanding that success often requires time, perseverance, and a willingness to pivot in response to new challenges and opportunities. Jeremie’s advice is simple yet profound—stay flexible, listen, and keep moving forward.
Jeremie Mani is a seasoned digital entrepreneur and co-founder of Podcasthon, the world’s largest charity podcasting event. With over 20 years of experience in the digital landscape, Jeremie has a track record of pioneering ventures that have shaped the European tech and content industries. In 2000, he co-founded one of Europe’s first email marketing companies, building it from the ground up before a successful sale in 2009. He then acquired and led a community management company specializing in content moderation, growing it into a thriving business until its sale in 2019.
In 2020, Jeremie moved to Montreal, Canada, with his family, where he continued to innovate in the digital field, supporting the Canadian branch of a major European company. Now, he dedicates himself fully to Podcasthon and its mission to use the power of podcasting for good. Run through Altruwe, the non-profit he co-founded, Podcasthon unites podcasters worldwide to raise awareness for diverse charitable causes.
Driven by a strong belief in “digital for good,” Jeremie envisions Podcasthon as an enduring global movement. His goal is to make it a yearly tradition across languages and cultures, fostering a vast community of creators who inspire positive change through meaningful content.