TRM52: The Hidden ROI of Volunteering
Giving Back, Building Brand, and Creating Luck
On May 15th, just a day after my birthday, I received an incredible gift: The G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Award.
I celebrated with my wife and two children as we paid special tribute to G. Raymond Chang, the late Chancellor Emeritus of Toronto Metropolitan University, who deeply believed in the power of volunteering. You can watch the tribute here.
It was a meaningful moment of reflection, not just on the time, energy, and heart I’ve poured into giving back, but on how much volunteering has given me in return. The personal growth, the connections, and the perspective it's brought into both my life and work have been truly transformative.
Volunteering is often framed as an act of service, a way to support a cause, give back to the community, or simply do good. And while all of that is true, I’ve come to realize that volunteering is also one of the most underrated tools for building a personal brand and creating professional luck.
When people hear “volunteering,” they often think: I don’t have time for that. And sure, we’re all busy with our careers, families, businesses, personal pursuits. It’s easy to dismiss volunteering as something to do “later,” when things slow down. But here’s the reality: volunteering isn’t just a time commitment; it’s an investment.
Just like any other investment, the returns don’t show up overnight. But if you commit to the work, the benefits are exponential. My friend Sahil Bloom talks about the idea of “creating your own lucky break”, how certain actions expand your surface area for luck. Volunteering does exactly that. Here’s how:
1. Expanding Your Luck Surface Area
Every time you volunteer, you put yourself in motion. You meet people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. You build relationships outside of your immediate network. You gain exposure to new industries, new ways of thinking, and new opportunities.
Maybe you’re helping organize a community event, and you meet a CEO who later introduces you to your next big career move.
Maybe you’re mentoring a student, and years later, they become a rising star who helps open a door for you.
Maybe you’re supporting a charity, and the connections you make lead to unexpected partnerships or collaborations.
Volunteering isn’t just about giving, it’s about positioning yourself to receive.
2. Working Hard in the Darkness
Many volunteer efforts happen behind the scenes. They don’t come with immediate recognition or rewards. But that’s precisely the point.
Some of the best opportunities in life don’t come with flashing lights and guarantees. They come to those who are consistently showing up, doing the work, and proving their value, even when no one is watching (Jeff Bezos refers to this as the “invisible work”).
When I first started volunteering (more than 12 years ago), I wasn’t thinking about what I’d get out of it and honestly, I didn’t even know The G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Award was a thing. But over time, I saw the compound effect of my efforts. The relationships I built, the credibility I earned, the lessons I learned, they all became assets that helped me professionally.
3. Shooting Your Shot
Volunteering creates a natural platform for shooting your shot, not in a transactional way, but in a way that feels organic. When you give your time and effort genuinely, people notice. They see your work ethic, your character, your values. And when the right moment comes, they’re more likely to open doors for you.
Think of it this way: people want to help those who help others. If you’ve been showing up, putting in the work, and contributing to something bigger than yourself, don’t be afraid to make an ask when the time is right.
4. Following Through
One of the biggest lessons volunteering has taught me is the power of following through. Many people start things, but few finish them. Volunteering forces you to stay committed to a cause, to a team, to a person, to a mission. And that commitment builds trust. It builds a reputation of reliability and execution, two things that are invaluable in business and in life.
At its core, volunteering is about serving others. But the irony is that in giving, we often receive more than we ever expected. Whether it’s new opportunities, deeper relationships, or the simple fulfillment of making a difference, the returns on volunteering are immeasurable.
So, if you’re looking for ways to build your brand, expand your network, and yes, even create a little professional luck, consider volunteering. It might just be the best investment of your time you’ll ever make.
Once again, I'm incredibly honoured and grateful to receive the G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Award. A heartfelt congratulations to all the other remarkable recipients, your impact is truly inspiring.
As it was beautifully acknowledged at the ceremony through the words of Maya Angelou:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I’m humbled to be able to contribute in a way that makes a difference. Thank you to everyone who helps make this work so meaningful. Your support, collaboration, and kindness continue to fuel my passion and purpose.
Let’s continue,
Nunzio Presta
