Nancy Lublin Quotes

Powerful Nancy Lublin for Daily Growth

About Nancy Lublin

Nancy Lublin is an American philanthropist, entrepreneur, and former journalist, best known for her pioneering work in the non-profit sector and digital activism. Born on January 8, 1976, in New York City, Lublin's early life was significantly influenced by her parents, both of whom were social justice advocates. This upbringing sparked Lublin's interest in making a difference in the world from a young age. After graduating from Brown University with degrees in Comparative Literature and Political Science, Lublin embarked on a career as a journalist for the New York Times, The Washington Post, and MSNBC. However, her passion for social change led her to leave journalism and co-found Dinner Party Political Salon, a gathering of influential Democrats aimed at galvanizing progressive political activism. In 2004, Lublin founded the Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7 texting service for people in crisis. The service, which connects individuals with trained crisis counselors, has since grown to serve millions of people and is considered a groundbreaking innovation in mental health services. In 2018, Lublin stepped down as CEO but remains involved as the Chairperson. Lublin's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named to the Forbes Magazine's "30 under 30" list and being a TED speaker. Her book, "Zilch: The Power of Zero Expectations," published in 2017, shares insights from her experiences in the non-profit world and offers practical advice for creating meaningful change. Nancy Lublin continues to be a leading figure in digital activism and social entrepreneurship, inspiring many with her innovative approaches to addressing societal issues.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest social movements in history have always been led by young people."

The quote suggests that throughout history, the most impactful and transformative social movements were primarily driven by the youth. This implies that young individuals possess a unique power to bring about significant change, challenge the status quo, and inspire societal progress. The reasoning behind this is likely rooted in the energy, passion, innovation, and adaptability that are often associated with youth. These qualities empower them to think creatively, take risks, and persistently strive for positive change. However, it's important to remember that the impact of young people should not be seen as exclusive to social movements; their potential for making a difference extends across various domains of life.


"Change happens when we let go of certainties and embrace uncertainties."

This quote suggests that embracing uncertainty is a key catalyst for change. In our lives, we often cling to preconceived notions, beliefs, or ways of doing things (certainties). However, when we are willing to let go of these fixed ideas and instead open ourselves up to new possibilities, experiences, or perspectives (uncertainties), we foster an environment for transformation and growth. Change requires us to step out of our comfort zones and be receptive to the unfamiliar, as it is through this process that we can learn, adapt, and evolve.


"Empathy is the best way to fight poverty."

The quote by Nancy Lublin suggests that understanding and sharing the feelings and experiences of people living in poverty is a powerful tool for combating poverty. By empathizing with individuals in need, we can develop more effective solutions that address their unique circumstances and improve their overall well-being. Empathy fosters compassion and inspires action, leading to more impactful interventions and policies aimed at alleviating poverty.


"Nonprofit leaders are problem solvers, not fundraisers."

This quote emphasizes that in the nonprofit sector, effective leadership is defined by solving problems rather than just raising funds. The primary focus should be on making a tangible impact by addressing societal issues and finding lasting solutions for communities, as opposed to solely focusing on financial resources. The ability to raise funds is crucial but it's equally important to have the skills necessary to solve complex social problems with innovative and effective strategies.


"The biggest barrier to social innovation isn't resources; it's our assumptions about what can and can't be done."

The quote emphasizes that limitations in social innovation are often not due to a lack of resources, but rather the fixed mindsets and preconceived notions we have about what is feasible or impossible. By challenging these assumptions, we open up new possibilities for innovative solutions to societal issues.


Social change isn't something you should do just to help pad a resume. Follow your passion.

- Nancy Lublin

Change, Resume, Social, Pad

When I have a bad day, I dream about opening up a gelato stand on the streets of Sydney, Australia. Doesn't everyone have a random escape fantasy?

- Nancy Lublin

Fantasy, Bad, Streets, Sydney

I run a charity. If my name pops up in your call ID, chances are I'm about to ask you for something - money, free ad space, your first born. So it is probably no surprise that people often don't take my calls.

- Nancy Lublin

Run, About, Your, Chances

Commit yourself to an organization or cause that genuinely fires you up.

- Nancy Lublin

Organization, Genuinely, Fires

Picking and choosing what kind of love is worth recognizing is an expensive choice. Is discrimination worth that price?

- Nancy Lublin

Love, Kind, Price, Love Is

I'm proposing a change: love thy worker-bee. Celebrate the ones who toil without complaint, play on a team, construct the hive, produce the honey... executing the plan!

- Nancy Lublin

Love, Play, Proposing, Executing

I don't run a non-profit. There are lots of non-profits in America - in Detroit, parts of Wall Street, etc. I run a not for profit. We're a business. The only difference is that instead of selling soap or sneakers, we sell hope and leadership.

- Nancy Lublin

Hope, America, Run, Profit

I'm an entrepreneur. I'm married to an entrepreneur. So I haven't just sipped the entrepreneurship cool-aid, I bleed this stuff.

- Nancy Lublin

Entrepreneurship, Bleed, Entrepreneur

When I was 23, I founded an organization called Dress for Success, which is now in more than 100 cities in 8 countries and has helped a million women transition from welfare to work.

- Nancy Lublin

Dress, Cities, Which, Transition

I don't take fancy vacations. I buy all my jewelry at Claire's. I can't remember the last time I went out to a fancy dinner. My family lives in a modest two-bedroom apartment, and my kids share a bedroom. But I do have one extravagant vice: shoes.

- Nancy Lublin

Fancy, Buy, Claire, Bedroom

Entrepreneurship is the very back bone of our country and what makes us great - we are a nation of founders.

- Nancy Lublin

Country, Nation, Very, Entrepreneurship

My red patent-leather, 5-inch peep-toe slingbacks are not mere shoes. They are fine art. They make me feel tall. They make me feel sexy. They make me feel powerful. I call them my 'special-day shoes.'

- Nancy Lublin

Art, Sexy, Feel, Tall

If most people were to take a moment to picture in their minds the average, not-for-profit, save-the-world girl, they... well, they probably wouldn't, because who wants to think about hemp, hairy legs, and Birkenstocks? But I'd rather eat a pair of Birkenstocks than put them on my feet, and I love, love, love my Christian Louboutins.

- Nancy Lublin

Love, Feet, Average, Hairy

My Christian Louboutins are also one of the secrets to my not-for-profit success. Here's why - and it's something that everyone who manages employees, whether in a for-profit business or a not-for-profit, should keep in mind: A little extravagance goes a long way.

- Nancy Lublin

Why, Here, Extravagance, Secrets

Do-gooders are easily overlooked. We're supposed to be soft, touchy-feely types, who wear Birkenstocks, compost everything, and write poetry by candlelight.

- Nancy Lublin

Wear, Overlooked, Types, Soft

I believe in helping young people rock causes they care about because I was one of those young people... a long time ago.

- Nancy Lublin

Young, Helping, About, I Believe In

I love an underdog. No, I don't necessarily mean the cartoon. I mean like David, as in Goliath, or the Bears, as in The Bad News Bears.

- Nancy Lublin

Love, Underdog, News, Bears

Teens look at cause-related efforts with some scrutiny. They know they are often a target market, but it has to make sense to them.

- Nancy Lublin

Sense, Some, Often, Target

Many think kids have lots of time and few responsibilities. And that's just not true. They are stressed and under pressure.

- Nancy Lublin

Pressure, Think, Many, Responsibilities

For a long time, the for-profit world has told us in the not-for-profit sector to behave more like businesses.

- Nancy Lublin

Long, More, Like, Behave

Young people are this awesome, creative, hopeful untapped resource out there.

- Nancy Lublin

Awesome, Young, Young People, Untapped

Simply, I believe the United States should lower the voting age to 17.

- Nancy Lublin

United, United States, Lower, I Believe The

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