Jon Brideau is a social impact entrepreneur currently serving as the president and CEO of World T.E.A.M Sports, an organization that brings adaptive and able-bodied athletes together through inclusive athletic programs. He joined the organization in 2017 with an aim to increase sponsorship and partner support for some of World T.E.A.M’s events, which includes an Amazing Race-style competition in western Colorado.
Prior to joining World T.E.A.M, Brideau worked for Best Buddies International, an organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual or developmental disabilities form one-on-one friendships and leadership development. He eventually led the popular Best Buddies Challenge before shifting his mission-driven mindset over to his new role at World T.E.A.M Sports.
Enjoy our pre-podcast interview below. You can listen to our BSU podcast discussion on any of your favorite audio platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, SoundCloud). Enjoy.
Where did you grow up? Cape Ann, in Manchester by the Sea.
How would you sum up your childhood? Grew up in an unbelievable small New England town. I had all the opportunities that you could ask for. I was very active, fishing, playing sports, and riding bikes. It was a great childhood.
Who most inspired your career in Nonprofit Organizations? Probably my friend with Asperger's Syndrome, Richard, whom I met through working at Nike 10 years ago. He was involved with the Best Buddies Jobs Program.
Why did you choose World T.E.A.M Sports as the current avenue to do the most good? I spent seven years raising funds through bike rides for the intellectual and developmentally disabled and found my way to riding Face of America in April 2015 for World T.E.A.M. It’s a long story, but I was drawn to the mission and the opportunity to grow the organization when the former CEO stepped down.
What do you love most about Boston? The history, tradition, and culture that lives on, even as the region and city grow and evolve. There is no American city quite like Boston, and we are proud of it. There is a little chip on our shoulders that keeps us moving and pushing the envelope. Also, it finally paid off to be a diehard sports fan growing up.
What would you change about Boston? To start, evolve all forms of transportation to be available in other growing areas and more bike/pedestrian-friendly. Slow down the lame commercial and residential development that seems to make every town LESS New England. Allow more small businesses to flourish in the city, fewer chains, fewer group ownerships driving new restaurants and more.
You live in Beverly. How would you sum up life for a social impact-minded entrepreneur in Boston’s North Shore? It’s a great place to live and connect with the community, and still, be close to the city which is important when you consider your need to be involved with a major city. It’s as close as you need to be, with more space and proximity to the ocean.
Who’s been the most inspiring figure in your life? Probably my father.
What is more impactful for you, helping raise money for a cause or having a great event? Sometimes one affects the other directly, but if I had to choose, money is the most important short term for a non-profit.
What is one way you wish people would give back to the community more? Organically. I wish people didn’t need a charity ride, or corporate programs to do general good. I don’t think you need a big program to help people out and do good deeds. Unfortunately, more people NEED the photo evidence that they did some good for their social media feeds than their drive to do it because we should be good people. For instance, if your neighborhood needs a hand painting a park, bringing food to a drive, or just taking care of some youth, do it. Don’t always feel like you change the world and tell everyone about it. When volunteering is really hard and uncomfortable, it usually means it’s doing the most good.
How can the average person do more to help those with disabilities of any kind? You can start by not treating the person like they have a disability, and treat them like you would any other friend or family.
What is the greatest advice you have received, that you would like to tell others? Trust the process, do the work, and let the failures and success happen as they will. It’ll be worth it in the end.
How does outdoor athletic activities help improve a person's life? In so many ways I could be here all day talking about it. For one, we all need to get outside and move more, like our ancestors had to. Getting outside promotes a healthy workload on your body and burning off what we take in. Even in the winter. Our bodies were meant to move and be active burning calories and building life. We have a life that's easy, that we could sit in one spot all day. Healthy fresh air changes your day and gives you energy. Also, there is so much to see outdoors that we didn’t make. The world is amazing and you probably haven’t slowed down to see any of it really. The local geography and wildlife etc, it’s passing us by while we ride in cars to buildings to get our athletic fix in.
What is another nonprofit organization more people should know about? The Center for Discovery. They are doing god’s work up in Harris New York. I admire their culture, their leadership, staff, and their direct impact on people with severe disabilities.
What is an aspirational goal you have for World T.E.A.M Sports in the future? To impact lives DEEPER than we are now. Not just one event, but an entire support system beyond our one weekend with them. I would like to be there for our athletes before, during and after our events in a way that they don’t currently have.
What other social impact organization or problem facing the world are you passionate about? Bike infrastructure and advocacy. I am on the board of Massbike. I also want to be more involved with the striped bass fishery management and protection.
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