How can one yoga class change a life? This episode reveals how a single idea grew into a global movement — and the leadership lessons behind it. Kayoko Mitsumatsu, Founder & Executive Director of Yoga Gives Back, shares how she turned her passion for yoga into a mission that empowers thousands of women and children each year. From navigating fundraising challenges to building an engaged Board and sustaining momentum for nearly two decades, Kayoko offers practical strategies every nonprofit leader can use. Along the way, discover how mission clarity, a strong network, and passion for impact can turn a grassroots effort into a worldwide force for change. Whether you’re launching a new nonprofit or scaling an established one, this conversation delivers real-world insight to help you grow your mission and your movement.

💬 Standout Quotes

“For the cost of one class, you can change a life.” —Kayoko Mitsumatsu on Yoga’s Power to Uplift Communities → 03:32 – The Birth of Yoga Gives Back “The eyes of the women and children in India give me so much energy — they remind me why I can’t stop.” —Kayoko Mitsumatsu on Staying Motivated Through Challenges → 21:18 – The Mission That Fuels Her Work “When women are empowered, the country is empowered.” —Kayoko Mitsumatsu on the Ripple Effect of Change → 27:40 – Gender Equality and Social Impact

🕒 Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & The Mission Driving Yoga Gives Back 01:02 – Founder’s Journey: Turning Passion into a Nonprofit Vision 03:40 – Building a Global Network to Amplify Impact 06:04 – Case Study: Gurprasad’s Rise from Poverty to Surgeon 09:38 – Going All-In: The Leap to Full-Time Nonprofit Leadership 13:46 – Leveraging Networks and Boards for Strategic Growth 17:02 – Fundraising Hurdles and How to Navigate Them 20:14 – Leading with Purpose: Advice for Founders and Board Members 24:00 – Sustaining Inspiration & Advancing Gender Equality 28:28 – Core Traits for Success & Advice for Emerging Leaders

📍 Guest Bio

Kayoko Mitsumatsu is the Founder & Executive Director of Yoga Gives Back (YGB), a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and children in India through microloans and education. Since 2007, YGB has grown to support more than 3,000 women and children annually, creating generational change in underserved communities. Inspired by Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s microfinancing work, Kayoko launched YGB with the idea: “For the cost of one yoga class, you can change a life.” Before moving to the U.S. in 1992, Kayoko worked as a producer/director for NHK Japan’s National Public Broadcaster and served as Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Japan in London. She has produced numerous YGB Films documenting the real-life stories of transformation in India, and since 2016 has led YGB full-time, expanding its reach to over 30 countries.

Connect with Yoga Gives Back

Website: https://yogagivesback.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoga-gives-back Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YogaGivesBack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogagivesback

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review! Reviews help new people discover the podcast and support our mission of empowering nonprofit leaders. Subscribe to IMPACTability on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. This podcast is sponsored by Soukup Strategic Solutions Our team offers consulting and outsourcing services tailored to help nonprofits achieve both short-term results and long-term success. From fundraising and grant writing to strategic planning, Board development, and marketing—we provide expert support to help your nonprofit thrive. Learn more at https://soukupstrategicsolutions.com.