By Henry Mauriss
For most of my professional life, I’ve had one foot in the media world and the other in the mission-driven space. On one hand, I run ClearTV—a network that brings high-quality, engaging content to people in places where traditional media often doesn’t reach: airports, hospitals, transportation hubs. On the other, I lead Joshua’s Collective (in formation), a nonprofit focused on helping the homeless in California reintegrate into society through real, lasting solutions.
At first glance, these two paths might seem unrelated. One is focused on screens and storytelling, while the other is rooted in social transformation. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that there’s an unexpected but powerful overlap between them. In fact, leading both a media business and soon a nonprofit has taught me a lot about what it really means to connect with people—whether they’re viewers or individuals in need.
Stories Still Matter
Whether it’s a two-minute clip on ClearTV or a personal story from someone in one of our homeless recovery programs, the truth is: people connect with stories. Media is built on the idea that storytelling is central to how we understand the world. The same goes for mission-driven work.
At Joshua’s Collective, we’ve heard many people’s stories as we’ve encountered them. Each one reminds us that no one’s situation is defined by a single choice or moment. It’s a series of events, often mixed with trauma, loss, addiction, COL-Wage divide, mental health challenges, and systemic failures.
Understanding those stories helps us design better support systems. Just like in media, if you want to be effective, you have to know your audience. You have to know their needs, their fears, their goals—and then speak to those directly and respectfully.
Audience Attention Is Earned
In the media world, I’ve learned you can’t demand attention—you have to earn it. That’s especially true with out-of-home media. People don’t sit down to watch ClearTV; we show up in the background of their day, in spaces where their attention is hard to hold. So we focus on giving them something that’s worth watching.
The same applies to nonprofit work. When you engage with vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless, you can’t assume trust. You earn it through consistency, empathy, and results. It’s not about preaching solutions—it’s about listening and showing up, again and again.
Leading in both industries taught me that real engagement comes from relevance. Whether you’re presenting entertainment or offering services, people only tune in when they feel seen and understood.
Metrics Still Matter
ClearTV runs on metrics. We track viewer engagement, dwell time, impressions, and performance. We use that data to refine what we do, to improve outcomes, and to ensure that the experience we’re offering makes sense in context.
This mindset is being carried over to Joshua’s Collective. From the beginning, we’re setting out to create a nonprofit that would operate with the same kind of discipline and accountability that drives successful businesses.
We measure everything—from cost per client to long-term outcomes like job placement and housing stability. Our goal is not just to provide temporary relief, but to restore lives in a way that can be tracked, scaled, and sustained.
Many nonprofits shy away from hard numbers, fearing it might make their work seem too clinical or detached. But I believe the opposite is true. Data strengthens our compassion. It allows us to see what’s actually working, to adjust in real time, and to serve more people more effectively.
Systems Drive Impact
Running a media company means building systems that work every day, across multiple cities and venues, without constant oversight. That requires structure, technology, and processes that scale.
I took that same mindset into Joshua’s Collective. Our programs aren’t one-off projects. They’re part of a system designed to transition someone from homelessness into stable housing and employment. We’ve mapped that journey step-by-step and are building operations around each phase.
In both media and mission, the lesson is the same: if you want to grow impact, you need more than good intentions. You need systems. Systems allow you to be consistent. They give you the ability to replicate what works and to grow beyond one location or one population.
Purpose Is the Common Thread
At their core, both ClearTV and Joshua’s Collective are about people. ClearTV exists to make public spaces more engaging and informative. Joshua’s Collective exists to help people reclaim their lives.
In both cases, we’re trying to improve moments—whether it’s a stressful layover in an airport or a life-altering journey out of homelessness. That shared purpose has helped me see how mission and media aren’t at odds. They’re complimentary.
And for me personally, purpose is what fuels the work. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. I’m proud of the companies I’ve built. But I’m most proud when I can point to a life that’s been changed, a story that’s been shared, or a system that’s helped someone get back on their feet.
Final Thoughts
Leading in both the media and nonprofit sectors has shown me that no matter the field, success comes down to connection. Connection to your audience. Connection to your mission. Connection to real human needs.
Whether you’re building a broadcast network or a recovery program, the goal is the same: reach people where they are, offer them something meaningful, and keep learning how to do it better.
The worlds of media and mission may seem different, but they share a foundation in empathy, strategy, and service. And when you lead with that, you can make a real difference—in business, in society, and in people’s lives.