When you add value to someone else’s life, you enrich your own—often in ways you never expect.
In this heartfelt episode of #ThroughlineThursdays, Denise Lombard, Director of Responsible Procurement at Cisco, opens up about the emotional ROI of giving back to the community. From flashcards and FaceTime calls to chicken dances with a six-year-old, Denise shares how community service has transformed her life—far beyond any job title or corporate milestone.
This isn’t just a story about volunteering. It’s about human connection, personal growth, and how small moments of service can add up to a lifetime of meaning.
What you’ll discover:
• Why giving back is more than just altruism—it’s transformational
• How volunteering can positively impact your mental health and well-being
• Real data that shows people who give back actually live longer
• What ROI looks like when measured in joy, connection, and purpose
—
Timestamps:
00:09 – Why giving back is more than charity
00:45 – The joy of weekly mentoring sessions
01:15 – The emotional returns of service
01:45 – Metrics that prove volunteering adds years to your life
—
Subscribe for more stories that explore the deeper meaning behind leadership, service, and success.
Have you experienced the ROI of giving back? Share your story in the comments below.
[00:09]
Question: “How do you look at the ROI of giving back? Why do you do it, and how do you justify it to yourself? What’s the payoff?”
Denise Lombard:
That’s such an interesting question.
When I look at some of the materials from Child Advocates, they talk about how you’ll make an impact on a child’s life. And I completely agree with that.
But I have to admit—maybe it sounds selfish—it’s also changed my life in the most profound way.
Every week, I meet with a six-year-old girl as part of the program. And honestly? That’s the highlight of my week. Even though we can’t meet in person right now, our FaceTime visits are just as special. We do flashcards, sight words—and yes, there’s a whole chicken dance routine in there too.
It’s the most joyful part of my week.
It’s not just about what I’m giving—I’m getting something back, too. There’s a huge emotional return on investment.
And for those who are more metrics-driven—there’s data for you too. Research shows that people who volunteer live longer than those who don’t. The numbers back it up.
Giving back doesn’t just help others. It shapes who you are. It enriches your life. And yes—it even boosts your longevity.
