My experience as a culture contributor on Legacy List, a show that weaves the emotional journey of downsizing with uncovering family treasures, has been nothing short of transformative. Over five seasons, I had the privilege of traveling across the country, helping families reflect on their possessions and the deeper meanings behind them. The show highlighted the incredible power of storytelling — showing how objects are not just things, but vehicles for family history, heritage, and identity. This experience eventually led me to a new opportunity: being part of a show called Heirloom Hunters.

Heirloom Hunters builds on the foundation of Legacy List, but with a more specific and powerful focus. It delves into the stories of families of color and explores how their heirlooms connect to the broader American narrative. This concept resonates with me deeply, as it brings attention to legacies that are often left out of mainstream discussions. Families like mine have passed down items for generations, each object holding personal history, community resilience, cultural pride, and sometimes, the weight of historical oppression.

What excites me most about Heirloom Hunters is its ability to reshape how history is told through the lens of these often-overlooked stories. As a strategic management consultant, I can’t help but notice the parallels between this work of uncovering hidden stories and what nonprofits do every day. Just as heirlooms tell a family’s unique journey and values, nonprofits have their own stories to discover, protect, and share. Their work is rooted in their communities, in the lives they touch, and in the impact they leave behind.

Here are a few lessons that nonprofits can draw from the concept of Heirloom Hunters:

1. Every Item Carries a Story

On Heirloom Hunters, each item connects generations and tells a piece of a larger narrative. Nonprofits have their own “heirlooms” too — their traditions, founding missions, and pivotal moments all represent the organization’s legacy. By embracing these stories and sharing them, nonprofits can remain anchored to their mission while evolving for the future.

2. Recognizing Unseen Contributions

Heirlooms in communities of color are often powerful symbols of endurance, perseverance, and quiet contribution that may not have been formally recognized. Nonprofits have a similar responsibility: to uplift the voices and stories of people who have historically been underserved or marginalized. By doing so, organizations can create more inclusive strategies that reflect the diverse communities they serve.

3. Understanding the Bigger Picture

Heirloom Hunters goes beyond just the objects; it explores the larger context of the times and places in which those heirlooms were created and passed down. Nonprofits must also take into account the broader societal, economic, and cultural forces that shape their work. By recognizing this context, organizations can remain agile and better address the needs of their communities.

My time on Legacy List and the upcoming journey with Heirloom Hunters has taught me that legacy is not just about the present moment. It’s about creating meaning that honors the past while paving the way for the future. This perspective has shifted how I think about strategy — it’s more than setting immediate goals and tracking metrics. It’s about making sure the work we do today resonates and leaves an impact that will last for generations.

As I continue this new chapter with Heirloom Hunters, I’m constantly reminded that, like the heirlooms we uncover, the strategies and stories we build today will shape the future for years to come. It’s about crafting, preserving, and passing on stories that matter — whether those stories belong to families or nonprofits. And how we tell those stories can ultimately define the legacy we leave behind.

So next time you need a break from that report or project, flip on PBS and check out Legacy List. And stay tuned for Heirloom Hunters, coming soon. These shows might just inspire you to think differently about the stories you’re telling, and the legacy you’re creating.