In this episode of the Power of Possible, Dr. Tashion Macon and Chanda Smith Baker reflect on what it takes to lead with steadiness when everything around you feels uncertain. Grounded in moments when Minnesota was thrust into the national spotlight, Chanda shares how she resisted the pull of urgency and instead leads with a long view, recognizing that while situations can feel out of control, leaders don’t have to be. It’s a perspective rooted in experience, discipline and a deep belief that meaningful change requires patience, clarity and a commitment to community over headlines.
A key thread throughout the episode is the role of generosity in driving lasting change. Chanda challenges the idea that impact is always immediate or easily measured, instead pointing to the long arc of giving — where investments made today may not reveal their full value for years or even generations. Through personal stories, she illustrates how acts of generosity, whether in moments of crisis or through sustained commitments, create ripple effects that shape lives and communities in ways we may never fully see.
What is The Power of Possible: Leadership Edition?
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation exists to bring communities together, harnessing collective energy to make the biggest dreams possible for our state.
In The Power of Possible: Leadership Edition, Foundation President and CEO, Chanda Smith Baker, invites listeners into an honest exploration of leadership as a daily practice — one shaped by values, lived experience and courageous decision-making.
Drawing from her journey as a seasoned executive and nationally recognized thought leader, Chanda examines how leaders hold vision in uncertainty, stay anchored to purpose and expand what’s possible for the people they serve.