In this episode of Product Chats, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Neil Baron and Matthew Anderson to explore how product thinking can spark real-world transformation—even in mission-driven sectors. The case study at the heart of the conversation centers on their work with Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action, a nonprofit focused on creating connection and combating hate among young people from diverse faith backgrounds.
Key Takeaways:
1. Redefine the Mission to Match the Market – By analyzing barriers and interviewing stakeholders, the team helped Mosaic expand from a summer camp into a year-round platform for youth leadership and interfaith action.
2. Nonprofit Doesn’t Mean Non-Strategic – Product professionals can (and should) bring structured frameworks like segmentation, messaging, and stakeholder mapping into social impact work.
3. Build with Stakeholders, Not for Them – Deep engagement, co-creation, and empathy helped align the new strategy with what the community actually needed.
Guest Bios:
Neil Baron is the founder and CEO of Baron Strategic Partners, a firm that applies product management principles to solve complex business and nonprofit challenges. Neil has spent his career helping organizations clarify their value, align internal teams, and develop strategies that work in the real world.
Matthew Anderson is a nonprofit leadership advisor and the Executive Director of Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action. He brings a background in program development and mission-driven strategy, with deep expertise in helping organizations translate values into sustainable impact.
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