Episode 12 - Power of Purpose: Vicki Bachmann on Business & Philanthropy

Transcript

Wendy: Hello, Powerhouse Smart friends and colleagues. Here we are on our 12th episode of the Powerhouse Cool Collabs podcast. Just as a reminder, this podcast was really created for me to be able to share the amazing people I have in my network with all of you and to bring out some of the highlights of that awesome guest as far as their story, and it'll be interesting for all of you to meet our guest today and then how they collaborate in our industry because that's what we're all about—creating amazing collaborations. And then I always want to hear about living with an attitude of gratitude and giving back to help humanity. So without further ado, I'm so excited to introduce—actually, I'm going to let her introduce herself—my dear colleague and friend, Vicki Bachman, Vice President of Partnerships at MATTER, capital M-A-T-T-E-R, and you're going to see the link below. So without further ado, my friend Vicki, please share with us—introduce yourself, tell your story.

Vicki: Oh, thank you, Wendy, and thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to talk with you and your friends today. I have had the pleasure throughout my life of having a variety of jobs in the for-profit sector and the not-for-profit sector. I would say the thing that threads all of those jobs together is that I get to network with lots of people. So I've been in sales roles, volunteer roles, and leadership roles in nonprofit boards. Most recently, I had the opportunity to think about how I really wanted to engage professionally in my next role, and I lucked out when I found MATTER as the next organization—where I am working to advance business and healthcare partnerships to find creative ways for people we network with to engage with our organization.

Wendy: I love that you phrase it as you 'lucked out,' but honestly, Vicki, everybody lucked out. You lucked out, they lucked out, and people like me who get connected to you feel like they won the lottery. Meeting you gives me goosebumps; it’s just such a good feeling. So, prior to coming to MATTER, share a bit about your history.

Vicki: Well, professionally, you mean? Prior to coming to MATTER, my immediate role before was in the wine business. I moved to Minneapolis to open a new wine bar concept, partnering with a couple who owned a boutique winery in California. I worked from soup to nuts to build that business. Before that, I was in corporate sales and held leadership positions in the Garden Club of America in Dayton, Ohio, and the Women's Board of Dayton Children's Medical Center. I love finding time to give back when I can.

Wendy: That’s great! I love how you’ve interwoven hospitality, outdoor living, and giving back, which makes you an awesome vice president in your current role—connecting with people and building relationships. One of the ways I always recommend to our community is to be open-minded and meet people, even if they don’t seem like potential clients. That’s how you and I met, right? Elizabeth Cohen reached out to you, and you were so open-minded. Our first luxury conference in Minnesota, you immediately said, “Yes, I’ll be your partner!” I was thrilled.

Vicki: It’s how I lead my life—taking opportunities to meet people across all realms. Over the years, someone described my career as a "Swiss army knife"—I’ve had so many different roles and learned a lot from them. I love walking into a room of strangers and leaving with a friend or someone I can help, whether through MATTER or connecting them elsewhere. It’s a privilege to meet people, and it’s brought me so much gratitude.

Wendy: I’m so grateful Elizabeth reached out to you. We had Zoom meetings before, and I was so excited to learn about MATTER’s work locally, nationally, and internationally. At the first Minnesota Luxury Conference, you jumped in, helped me set up, and I knew we had something special. It’s been two or three years now, and you’ve been a great partner. Now, we’re going to Africa together! Please share the details.

Vicki: About a year ago, I came to Wendy with the idea of offering an insight trip powered by Powerhouse Smart. MATTER hosts trips to Zimbabwe, where we partner with local communities on impactful projects. These trips are designed to give participants a chance to make a difference and experience the beauty and culture of Africa. We’re excited to extend this opportunity to members of Powerhouse Smart, and we’ll be working on projects in healthcare, agriculture, and education. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the community and make a tangible impact.

Wendy: That sounds incredible, Vicki! I can’t wait to join you and see firsthand the work MATTER is doing. I love how you connect people to causes and create opportunities for meaningful collaboration. It’s truly inspiring.

Vicki: Thank you, Wendy. I believe in the power of collaboration, and I’ve seen how impactful it can be when people come together to do good. The projects we’ll be working on in Zimbabwe are close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to share that experience with Powerhouse Smart members.

Wendy: I’m sure it will be life-changing. We’ll make sure our audience has the information to get involved. Vicki, any final thoughts you’d like to share with listeners?

Vicki: Yes! If anyone is interested in joining us in Zimbabwe or learning more about MATTER’s work, please reach out. We love connecting with passionate, purpose-driven people. And remember, living with gratitude and giving back can transform lives, including your own.

Wendy: Beautifully said, Vicki. Thank you so much for joining me today and sharing your incredible story and mission. It’s always a joy to talk with you.

Vicki: Thank you, Wendy. It’s been a pleasure!