Ken Petterson has been an integral part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation, where he has held the role of Director of Donor Engagement since 2022. With a career spanning over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Ken has dedicated himself to advancing the mission of organizations that make a meaningful impact in the community. His expertise in donor relations has been pivotal in strengthening the foundation’s funding, allowing it to expand its reach and improve services for individuals with autism.
Ken’s commitment to helping others extends beyond his professional work. For the past 25 years, he has volunteered as a coach for the Special Olympics, where he has inspired and empowered athletes with intellectual disabilities. His passion for sports and inclusivity led him to take on the role of Co-commissioner for the sport of pickleball with Special Olympics Missouri. In this capacity, Ken plays a key role in organizing events and promoting participation, fostering an environment where athletes can thrive and achieve their personal bests.
Ken’s dedication to both his professional and volunteer roles underscores his unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of those he serves. His leadership and compassion continue to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually begins with reviewing applications from families seeking assistance for their children with autism. Each application is a reminder of the unique challenges they face, and it motivates me to find effective ways to support them. To stay productive, I prioritize tasks that will have the most immediate impact on these families.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I engage closely with the community of families we serve. By listening to their experiences and understanding their needs, we can develop creative and practical solutions. This approach has led to successful programs like the iPads For Kids, which directly addresses communication barriers faced by children with autism.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing number of applications for our iPads For Kids program is truly exciting. It shows that awareness about the support we offer is growing and that our efforts to reach out are effective. This trend motivates us to expand and enhance our outreach to help more families.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Active listening has been instrumental in my role. By giving families our full attention, we can truly understand their needs and adapt our programs accordingly. This habit ensures that our initiatives remain relevant and effective.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to find a purposeful vocation early on and strive to make a meaningful difference through my work. The fulfillment that comes from improving lives is unparalleled.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I make it a point to express gratitude for every act of kindness and generosity. Recognizing others’ efforts fosters a positive community and encourages a culture of giving back, which is essential in our line of work.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I find that short bursts of physical activity, like a quick exercise session, can significantly refresh my mind and help me regain focus. This simple routine helps me manage stress and stay on top of my responsibilities.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Innovation driven by active engagement with those we aim to help has been my cornerstone strategy. By staying connected with the autism community and listening to their feedback, we’ve been able to adapt and evolve our services to better meet their needs.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Always listen more than you speak, especially when interacting with individuals who have more experience or knowledge in a particular area. This approach not only helps you learn but also builds respect and opens doors to new opportunities.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Dragon by Nuance for dictation. It helps streamline my workflow by allowing me to quickly capture ideas and notes, significantly reducing the time I spend typing.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“Freakonomics” has been incredibly influential for me. It provides profound insights into human behavior and economics in an accessible and engaging way, which has broadened my understanding of various aspects of our work.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “A Mighty Wind.” It’s a delightful film with a talented cast that brilliantly blends humor with a touching story, providing a much-needed break from my daily routine.
Key learnings
1. Listening and Engagement: The importance of actively listening to and engaging with the community you serve cannot be overstated. This approach is crucial for developing programs that truly address the needs of your audience.
2. Personal Well-being: Maintaining personal health and well-being is essential, not just for personal satisfaction but also for sustaining productivity and effectiveness in professional roles.
3. Gratitude and Innovation: A culture of gratitude and ongoing innovation are key to fostering a positive community and continuously improving services to meet evolving needs.