Sigval (Sig) Berg is chairman and founder of the Severn Leadership Group (SLG), Annapolis, Maryland, which for over a decade has influenced the character of leadership across a variety of industries, government, and the armed forces, just as Berg has done his whole career.

 He has been a nuclear submarine commander in the U.S. Navy and held executive and educational positions in the nuclear industry. Berg has a master of divinity degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary and has served as a church pastor. He has also taken part in the Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School.

 Berg’s passion, as shown through SLG and The Virtue Proposition, is to create a space for catalyzing transcendent, virtuous cultures that accelerate team performance and multiply their impact.

David is a national speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He combines his legal and business experience to produce game changing results for clients by thinking outside the box and using his experience and creativity to maximize results regarding client’s life insurance policies. He earned the title. The” life insurance doctor” from a  prominent tax and estate attorney he collaborates with.

David has helped clients generate over $200MM of cash and tax benefits in the past utilizing his “True Value” Life Insurance Review Process. Clients need advocates for their life insurance portfolios to both bring the needed information regarding their rights and values as well as uncovering hidden problems and resolving them. Life insurance is a complicated contract with many nuances most clients and advisors are not aware of. Through building a team and collaborating with various law firms and CPA firms on behalf of their clients we have enabled them to meet their family and legacy goals through our work. My passion is philanthropy. There is a great need for education and guidance for high net worth clients who wish to align their life goals with their hard-earned wealth to enable them to understand the “Why” component of their planning. My objectives are to collaborate with clients and my strategic relationships to produce the best results for them, financially, and philanthropically.

Dr. Scott Smith was born and currently resides in Blackfoot, Idaho.  He furthered his education with a Bachelors degree from Brigham Young University – Idaho and a second Bachelors degree from Logan University in Saint Louis, Missouri.  He finished school with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and a Masters Degree in Sports Science and Rehabilitation in 2013. 

He left private practice in 2017 to become the executive director of the Bingham Crisis Center, where he continues to lead. He earned the Business Management Award from Logan College of Chiropractic in 2013 and was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Leadership in the Idaho nonprofit sector in 2023.  He was presented with the Hero Award by his Board of Directors for his fiscal oversite in paying off the Crisis Center’s building in 2022. 

Scott is inspired daily by his wife, Jamie, and their two children.  In his spare time, he enjoys learning new things, doing projects around the house, and relaxing with his family.

Sonia Marie Reed, a resilient native of the East Bay, has conquered countless hurdles in her remarkable journey. As a mother of three and a grandmother of six, Sonia's path has been marked by the challenges of homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence. However, her life took a positive turn when she discovered the path to recovery while serving time in prison. Upon her release, Sonia, who had faced 13 felony convictions and 28 arrests, secured employment with Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay, where she found the stability, she needed and sustainable housing. Fueled by an unwavering determination to transform her life, she enrolled in Merritt College and successfully fulfilled the necessary requirements to receive a COSER Certification. Sonia's unwavering dedication to helping others propelled her to pursue certifications in peer support and drug and alcohol specialization from the prestigious Brining Institute. Presently, she actively engages with Bonita House, Inc., IHOT program supervisor a reputable organization that offers rehabilitation and mental health services in Alameda County. Not only does Sonia make significant contributions to the field of recovery and mental health, but she is also the visionary founder and chair of the East Bay Recovery Community Organization 501(c) (3). Through her influential role, she tirelessly works to empower her community and support others in their pursuit of personal goals. Sonia's indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others make her an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.

Jon DeLange is an nonprofit fundraising and marketing professional who has worked with over 50 Christian organizations around the world. He leads a nationwide direct mail program and digital supporter strategy for Summit Ministries, as well as building relational trust with several dozen of the organization's largest donors. During his tenure, Summit has doubled their number of active donors and Jon worked with a family to secure the organization's first ever 7-figure cash gift in the fall of 2023. He coaches other nonprofit fundraisers to gain the attention of their ideal donors and to inspire them to give joyously. You can explore Jon’s philosophy of Relationship Forward Fundraising by joining the conversation with 8700 followers on Linkedin. In his free time, Jon helped launch a peer group for high capacity christian young men, is currently writing about 12 rules for relationship forward fundraising, teaches Christian worldview, plays Disc Golf, and is always ready with a book recommendation. He and his wife, Alli, live with their son on the shores of Lake Macatawa in Holland, Michigan. To work with Jon, check out his product, the Strategic Fundraising Plan.

John D. Wood, Esq., is an attorney, author, educator, entrepreneur and philanthropist. John earned his juris doctorate from New York University School of Law, one of the top ten law schools in the world, and his bachelors degrees in English and Philosophy from Texas Christian University where he graduated summa cum laude. Wood is licensed to practice law in New York and Texas. He is Partner of the law firm Green Klein & Wood, representing insured property owners recovering after casualty events. 

He is a member of American Mensa and sits on the advisory board of non-profit organizations including the H2H Foundation, Econautics Sustainability Institute, American Policyholder Association, and American Adjuster Association. Wood is a legal scholar and author of law review articles on human nature and risk management appearing in influential law review journals such as the Environmental Law Reporter, NYU Journal of Law and Liberty, and the NYU Environmental Law Journal. John is co-author of an award-winning article on Artificial Intelligence published in the Harvard Business Review, as well as two books, Foundations of Sustainable Business: Theory, Function and Strategy (Wiley 2e) and The Humachine: Humankind, Machines, and the Future of Enterprise (Routledge). 

 He provides educational and keynote programs on topics including insurance, deepfakes, copyleft, and sustainability for audiences such as the New York State Bar Association, the Attorney General Alliance, and professional and trade societies. His media appearances on Artificial Intelligence strategy include Coast to Coast AM Radio, The Innovation Show, A Geek Leader, and the Lux & Tech podcast.

Sam is the Founder and Chairman of Falling Forward Foundation which makes grants to pay for continued outpatient rehabilitation after insurance benefits run out. Sam saw the need for such support and launched the Foundation after his own rehab experience.  

 In 2011, Sam suffered a spinal cord injury that resulted from an accident while on vacation in Italy.  Sam was paralyzed from the waist down and faced a long, uncertain recovery. Thankfully, Sam learned that, unlike most medical insurance, his policy had no “therapy cap” and placed no limit on rehabilitation. Sam's insurance covered nearly two years of intensive physical therapy.  With the skill and support of many rehab professionals, Sam recovered.  He's now able to walk with a cane, drive a car, work part-time and live a productive life.   

During his two years in rehab, Sam saw the impact of therapy caps first-hand.  Sam met hundreds of people whose recoveries were cut short when their insurance benefits stopped, and they were unable to pay out of their own pockets.  In August of 2013, Sam launched Falling Forward to give other patients the same opportunity that he had --- to continue outpatient rehabilitation and to recover to their full potential. So far, Falling Forward has funded continued outpatient rehabilitation for more than 190 people at four rehab centers in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri. To see their stories and learn more, visit www.fallingforward.org

Prior to his accident, Sam spent more than 25 years in marketing and advertising, building some of America's largest brands in snack food, household products, footwear and retail.  Sam grew up in Peoria, IL and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

James Staton Jr. is the Founding Partner of TopFlight Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Prior to founding TopFlight Foundation, James has worked in eight industries including automotive, steel, construction, power transmission, printing manufacturing, telecommunications, computers, and material handling.

James has served on boards of several nonprofits. 

TopFlight Foundation focuses on being catalysts of change and believe in taking action to implement solutions.

Our Solutions Summits - Cradle to Wealth - 
focuses on how to make money, how to keep money, how to make your money work for you instead of you working for the money, and how to pass the money to the next generation - generational wealth. 

We provide tools for success personally and professionally. We are building an ecosystem that will provide a pipeline young people, that can compete in the global economy and will stabilize our communities. Ensuring we have the skills to maintain our standards of living. We are developing strategic solutions for challenges in our communities. Building a culture and economic system that facilitates excellence and generates wealth is a major key to empowerment. 

Known as the “Ambassador of JOY,” Barry Shore is the Founder of EinsteinCares.com, whose Mission is to Give $1 Billion dollars to Charity without costing any Giver a penny. Barryis a Mental Wellness Activist due to his recovery from being a quadriplegic. He is also a philanthropist, multi-patent holding entrepreneur, speaker, author, podcaster, and now swims 2 miles per day. 6 days per week.

After a rare disease paralyzed Barry from the neck down, he created the JOY of LIVING Community™, The Keep Smiling movement that has reached multiple celebrities and distributed millions of “Keep Smiling” cards worldwide, and a philanthropic platform featured in Oprah’s Magazine.

Barry’s podcast, The JOY of LIVING, is in the Top 2% of all podcasts with millions of downloads and is heard by hundreds of thousands worldwide weekly.

Barry’s latest book, Oh Shift! is available along with his other Best Selling Books on Amazon and on barryshore.com. Previous titles include The Joy of Living: You Deserve It and a Pocketful Full of Acronyms which are available for Free at barryshore.com/ebook.

Tami Heim has been the president and CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance since January 2012. Her professional career includes executive leadership experience in technology, marketing, publishing, and retail. She has served as a partner in The A Group – Brand Development, executive vice president and chief publishing officer for Thomas Nelson Publishers, and as the president of Borders, Inc.

Tami was certified in for-profit board governance through The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Her nonprofit board experience includes serving on the boards of EQUIP, Lead Like Jesus, Christian Alliance for Orphans, and Growing Leaders. Christianity Today, and Christian Leadership Alliance.  She completed the Christian Credentialed Nonprofit Leader  (CCNL) program in 2013 and now facilitates the online CCNL-Leadership Course for the Alliance.

Gavin Findlay is the CEO of the New Zealand Food Network and brings with him a diverse professional background spanning the travel, aviation, business, and logistics sectors. As a former Officer in the Royal Air Force (based in the UK), Gavin gained firsthand experience working with vulnerable communities worldwide. This global exposure continues to inspire Gavin's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in New Zealand's food insecure communities.

Robert Tunmire has more than 44 years of experience in the franchising industry and is widely known for his ability to grow companies. He served as Executive Vice President of Neighborly (formerly The Dwyer Group) and for seven years he was the President of Glass Doctor, a  30-year old company. He also served as President and CEO of Neighborly/The Dwyer Group and President of Mr. Rooter Corporation, which is one of Neighborly’s companies.

Robert now serves as a Leadership Advisor in the Franchising and Entrepreneurship Industry in addition to being very active in Ministry to Men with the Catholic Church.  In 2006, Robert founded the Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men to support Ministry to Men in the Austin Diocese and continues to serve as President of the Advisory Board.   In 2018, Robert joined with a group of leaders in Ministry to Men across North America to found the Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance with the vision of equipping every diocese in North America with a vibrant   ministry to men.  He currently serves as President and Executive Director, and in 2020 Robert helped CMLA launch Heroicmen.com as a streaming platform for Catholic men.  Robert is also the co-author of No Man Left Behind, Catholic Edition, a guidebook for ministry to men in the Catholic Church today.    

With background in developing creative concepts and design thinking, Izzy helps nonprofits and startups articulate their vision, define their identity, and engage with donors, stakeholders and other audiences through engagement strategy, creative writing, and dynamic presentations. His current work as the CEO of HiRaiser, a SaaS platform that empowers nonprofits to streamline and revolutionize their online fundraising, lies at the intersection of strategy, creativity and tech – leveraging all three to help nonprofits of all sizes launch, grow and scale their online fundraising. Izzy is constantly pushing the envelope in harnessing creativity and technical resources in the service of a vision or project.

Abhishek Thakore is a serial social entrepreneur and a systems change expert with over two decades of experience. As the founder of The Blue Ribbon Movement he has created an ecosystem of initiatives aimed at building youth leadership, civic engagement and thriving cultures across the social sector. An MBA from IIM Bangalore and a Senior Fellow of Bhoomi College, he uses his diverse expertise for serving humanity's evolutionary purpose and responding to the metacrisis.

Traver Boehm is the author of the books “Today I Rise” and “Man UNcivilized“. He’s a two-time TEDx speaker, men’s coach, and the founder of the UNcivilized Men’s Movement. He’s helped men all over the world to become UNcivilized as they wake up to the power of their hearts, the brilliance of their bodies, and the wisdom of their souls so they can blaze their own path by uniquely blending both the primal and the divine within them.

He is dedicated to doing his part to help end the suffering in men, and the suffering caused by men, by guiding them through their own journey into an actualized version of masculinity.

Barbra brings a diverse background, having worked with charities, local authorities, private start-ups, global corporates, and government agencies. Transitioning into a professional executive coach and trainer, she now collaborates with non-profit CEOs, their boards, and leadership teams to enhance individual and team performance.

Barbra has devoted her career to influencing, persuading, and improving systems and behaviors to foster positive change. Her continual goal is to advocate for equal opportunities, justice, respect, and amplify the voices of marginalized individuals. With experience serving on various boards, she currently holds a position on the board of a local arts charity in her community.

Understanding her values and leveraging her strengths has guided Barbra to a varied career. She now focuses on coaching, collaborating with individuals and businesses to unleash their potential for personal growth, organizational development, and societal progress.

Anthony is an Aboriginal man (Taungurung), who is the CEO of Aboriginal-led charity Ganbina, which runs Australia’s most successful Aboriginal school-to-work transition program called Jobs4U2.

Anthony has been Ganbina’s CEO since 2013. Anthony’s career spans over 30 years working in recruitment, training, operations, and community services in both the private and government sectors.
He is a past member of the ANZ Bank’s Indigenous Advisory Council, an alumnus of the prestigious Williamson Leadership Program and Melbourne Business School’s MURRA Program and a past director of Philanthropy Australia. Anthony is also an Education advisor to the Africa Development Centre. He has also studied at Stanford Business School in the United States. He has a Diploma of Business and holds qualifications in Quality Management, Risk Management, Workplace Safety and Environmental Management systems.

Ganbina, is based in the Goulburn Valley in Victoria. Ganbina helps approximately 350 Aboriginal Children & Youth each year aged from 5-25 to unlock their full potential by keeping engaged in education, employment, and training.

Ruth has over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, working with and raising millions for, C3, C4, and PAC organizations in areas from international water access, sanitation, and hygiene, to progressive policy, specifically focused on finding ways to advance organizational missions through philanthropy. Ruth is a passionate relationship-builder and brings that philosophy to her fundraising work to create transformational, insightful, and customized fundraising strategies. Her experience as a first-generation Kenyan-American woman and fundraising executive has crucially informed the lens through which she approaches her work. As such, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are at the forefront of everything she does. Ruth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master's in Nonprofit Management. She lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, their amazing 20-month-old daughter, and 10-year-old fur-son.

Michael Ryer, President and CEO of Amigos Internacionales, is a seasoned veteran in the realm of ministry, carrying a rich tapestry of 43 years’ experience into his leadership. His ministerial journey began in the pews of Boyd Baptist Church in Bonham, Texas, where he cut his teeth as a Music/Youth Minister. Ryer’s portfolio of service across North and East Texas is diverse, having assumed roles in youth, music, education, and administration. His academic forays are equally notable, having imparted his knowledge at Navarro College and taught virtually for Grand Canyon University, covering topics from the Old Testament to the History of Christianity.

On the global stage, Ryer’s footprint as a missionary is indelible, with impactful tenures in Israel and Guam. He has also been the driving force behind mission trips to destinations as varied as the Ukraine and Belize. At the heart of his ethos is a focus on 'feeding the Hungries,' which has led to initiatives like the pursuit of a mobile kitchen project in Belize. His commitment is mirrored in his stewardship at Missionpoint Initiatives, highlighted on https://www.amigosii.org/missionpoint , where he champions educational and healthcare projects, underscoring community development and sustainability.

Ryer's tenure on various non-profit boards showcases his commitment to addressing critical social issues from teen pregnancy to housing for the impoverished. His leadership acumen was especially evident during his organization of disaster relief for hurricanes Katrina and Rita victims, reflecting a hands-on approach in crisis management. Looking forward, Ryer is poised to lead Amigos Internacionales with a clear vision, aiming to scale new heights and broaden the organization's reach and influence. His journey, laden with experience and marked by a passion for service, continues to evolve, inviting others to partake in a collective mission of impactful change and humanitarian progress.

Each week my guest is a person of distinction from the humanitarian world.  Covering a wide range of interests and topics, each guest will be noteworthy by virtue of their accomplishments, insights or point of view.

You hear the person as they are.  Candid.  Unfiltered.  Impactful.

The bottom line?  They're doing stuff and making a difference.

I hope this interview will be an inspiration to in your own life and work.

This week's guest is Joe Mazzu.

Jack Salmon is the director of Policy Research at Philanthropy Roundtable. In Jack’s current role, he supports the Policy and Government Affairs team with research, commentary and analysis on issues facing the charitable sector and philanthropic freedom. His research and commentary have been featured in a variety of outlets, including The Hill, Business Insider, RealClearPolicy and National Review.

 Prior to joining the Roundtable, Jack served as program manager and researcher at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he oversaw policy relating to budgets, taxation, institutions and economic growth. Originally from the U.K., Jack graduated from King’s College London in 2015 with a Master of Arts in political economy.

Born in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Shannon White is a theologian, ministerial consultant, and ordained minister who currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Shannon currently holds a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University with a certification in Religion in the Arts and Contemporary Culture and certification from the Kelly Miller Smith Institute in Black Church Studies. As a homiletician, liturgist, organizational developer, and fundraiser, Shannon’s ministry is built on Proverbs 27:17: where Iron sharpens Iron—therefore, let’s make each other better and brighter for a blessed world. 

Kimberly Deugan came to Advocates Against Family Violence, Inc., (AAFV) as a survivor, wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. She has passionately served the past 15 years as volunteer, Housing Coordinator and currently, as Executive Director. Kimberly takes a vision and makes it a reality through sound strategic development and inspirational leadership, fulfilling the mission of AAFV. She has successfully brought the organization to financial stability with expansion of programs and services to meet the demanding need for victim services. Her visionary perspective has earned her opportunities to serve on community boards and service organizations. When she is not leading and dreaming she is enjoying her family with five children, five grandchildren and an amazing husband. 

My interview is with Linda Hansen.  I call it Master the Pivot.  It's all about how the future can--and should-build on the past.

Linda Hansen, PhD., is the CEO and Co-founder of Fund Duel Inc. The innovation of Fund Duel, a gamified online fundraising platform derived from her PhD studies on the neurochemical and psychological motivational system of humans in both positive and negative directions. She also found that there was a lack of innovation in the online fundraising sector and developed Fund Duel to address this need and also to capitalize on the motivational reward system in humans to get involved in raising money and awareness for good causes. The platform motivates engagement through fun competition, winning prizes, challenges, social media, sharing selfies and videos, etc...

Dr. Hansen has owned and operated a Colorado-based guest ranch and corporate event facility, Piney River Ranch, for 8 years with 20-25 employees and several leasing departments, which was the recipient of “business of the year in Vail Valley.”  She has founded two non-profit organizations, Family Time Foundation and Pure Light Foundation and is on the executive board of the Southern California Committee for the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Dr. Hansen has a PhD from Iliff School of Theology and The University of Denver in anthropological studies that included the bio-neurological composition of humans. She has been heavily engaged in community building and networking in Denver, CO, Chicago, IL, and more recently in Los Angeles, CA.

My interview in this episode is with Dion McInnis.

Dion McInnis has been involved in fundraising activities of various types for more than four decades, including 27 years in the university advancement field (development, alumni/community relations, publications, media relations) with four universities, as well as a decade with other nonprofit organizations. He has long held that fundraising is ministerial. His most recent book is Fundraiser’s Prayer Book: Insights and Inspiration for Faith-driven Fundraisers. Each fundraising story from his career is accompanied by a scriptural reference and an original prayer.

He is also a lifelong photographer and writer; he has conducted classes and workshops in both fields for 40 years.  His public speaking work is inspired by his desire to help people see differently so that they can change perspectives and grow authentically. He is the author of several books, all of which ultimately involve listening to life and gaining wisdom along the way; he is most proud of Daddin’:  The Verb of Being a Dad. Many of his programs are based on a process he created that is explained in his book, LIFElines: Empowering All Aspects of Your Life.

He is the father of three sons, and grandpa to six.  He and his wife live in Huntsville, Texas.

My interview in this episode is with Scott Hutchings. Scott is a father of 4, partner to 1, and a business owner working to make a difference in the world, once cent at a time. Global Coin Solutions is focused on helping charities with their fundraising initiatives by enabling them to be able to collect left over foreign currency: Any Currency, Any Amount.

Further, it Scott’s goal to employ people; the more charities they help, the more funds are raised, and the more people it takes to do the work and they do this while paying a “living wage” to their staff, ensuring they don’t need the services of the charities they are supporting.

Kevin is a 25+ year veteran of non profit organizations with diverse missions and constituencies, including international education, foreign policy, aging, housing, alternative energy and more. His background includes fundraising, operations, finance, strategy, advocacy campaigns, and membership development. He has worked in the US and Europe and in addition to his professional pursuits is active as an artist and musician exhibiting and performing in the Mid-Atlantic region.

My interview in this episode is with Russell James. Russell is a professor in  the School of Financial Planning at Texas Tech University where he directs the on-campus and online graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving).

He graduated, cum laude, from the University of Missouri School of Law where he was a member of the Missouri Law Review and received the United Missouri Bank Award for Most Outstanding Work in Gift and Estate Taxation and Planning. He also holds a Ph.D. in consumer economics from the University of Missouri, where his dissertation was on charitable giving.

Prior to his career as an academic researcher, Dr. James worked as the Director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri for 6 years and later served as president of the college for more than 5 years, where he had direct and supervisory responsibility for all fundraising. During his presidency the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.Dr. James has published research in over 75 peer-reviewed scientific journal and law review articles and has been quoted on charitable and financial issues in a variety of news sources.

My interview in this episode is with Maryanne Dersch. Maryanne is the CEO and Chief Excitement Officer of Courageous Communication, LLC.

Maryanne Dersch specializes in helping nonprofit organizations easily increase their influence and connect with new donors so they can raise more money without feeling rejected, ineffective or pushy.  She has spent almost thirty years working in the nonprofit world helping organizations communicate more effectively internally and externally.

From her years in the biz, Maryanne understands that you can’t change how your organization communicates without changing the culture that supports the communication. And it takes good leaders to mold that culture. Courageous Communication helps you understand your gifts and value, and help others around you do the same. From board to staff to volunteers to clients, you will have a culture that embodies authentic communication. You will operate with confidence about what will happen instead of fear of what might happen.

My interview is with Ben Stroup.

Ben Stroup is Chief Growth Architect and President at Velocity Strategy Solutions, a next-generation business strategy, and management consulting firm focused on helping ambitious leaders align teams, reduce complexity, eliminate friction, and drive revenue. He is a futurist, disruptor, and data champion having served organizations from $5MM to more than $500MM in revenue for more than 18 years.

Ben’s written and edited dozens of books on leadership and growth and is a frequent speaker, podcaster, and guest for business and industry groups. His most recent book, Master the Pivot, was published in 2020. Ben and his wife and two boys live in the Nashville, Tennessee area.

My interview is with Dan Mansoor.

Daniel Mansoor is president of his nonprofit consulting and philanthropy advisory firm, GoodWorks, based in Cleveland, OH. From senior development positions at Cornell and Brandeis Universities to his 25-year career in private consulting, Mansoor has improved the fundraising and development efforts of diverse nonprofit institutions and advanced the development resources and professional skills of his employers and clients.

GoodWorks focuses on fundraising consulting, capital campaign advisory services, and solicitation and development training. The mission of GoodWorks is to build internal development and fundraising capacity enabling clients to enrich meaningful relationships among prospects and donors and demonstrate sustained philanthropic growth.

He chaired the Council on Foundation’s Family Foundation Conference (2004). In 2000 he helped found the Community Foundation of Tompkins County (Ithaca, NY), now with assets of $25 million.

My conversation with Dan is like going to see Dr. Freud for fundraising advice.

My interview is with Brad Parnell.

Brad is the Founder of Genie Rocket, an all-in-one CRM that will allow you to easily maintain and grow every area of your organization from one screen.

This CRM allows you to reach more clients, stay organized, and generate reviews for your practice. Now you can manage your client follow-up, build funnels that convert browsers into buyers, and autopilot your client nurturing.

Rose Maruru is the co-founder and CEO of EPIC-Africa. She is a seasoned global development expert with close to 30 years of experience.

Rose has held several management and leadership roles in various organizations across the world. She served as the Director for Operations at Trust Africa, Senegal, a Partnership Advisor at Oxfam International, UK, a Civil Society Engagement Consultant at the African Development Bank, Côte d’Ivoire, a Bids and Proposal Manager at Population Council, USA, and a Program Manager for Save the Children/USA, working across Egypt, The Gambia, and the USA. She also served as an Advisor for the Coalition for Children’s Rights in Yemen.

Rose is a board member of the Firelight Foundation and The Accelerator Project. She is also a member of the WINGS steering committee on enabling environment and serves on the editorial board of Alliance Magazine.

My interview is with Sandy Rees.

Sandy is a self-described “do-gooder” but not the intrusive, goody-goody we often associate with that term. As founder of Get Fully Funded she has helped hundreds of small nonprofits go from “spaghetti-on-the-wall, nickel-and-dime” fundraising, to achieving 6 or 7-figure bottom-line results.

Her mantra is making fundraising, fast, fun, and productive.  We welcome her into the Eight Principles community!

When she’s not working, Sandy lives on a small farm in rural East Tennessee with 2 dogs, 6 cats, 2 horses and the occasional miniature donkey fosters. She also volunteers for Project Linus, making quilts for kids in need.

My conversation with Sandy is like delving into an adventure novel with giving back as the theme.

My interview this month is with Sherry Quam Taylor.

Sherry Quam Taylor, CEO of Quam Taylor, LLC, works with Nonprofit CEOs.  But not just any CEO.  First they have to prove themselves to her that they are ready for a change.  Really ready for a change.  The change? Going from never enough to more than enough.

Once a nonprofit executive have proved themselves to her, Sherry breaks then and their teams free from the black hole of transactional fundraising and helps them reimagine their entire approach to revenue generation

Once done, nonprofits who emerge from this reimagination, go on to achieve dramatic organizational and fundraising success.

Sherry attributes the success of her business to her passion for modeling radical confidence to the future CEOs in her house – her two teenage daughters.

Sherry is the no-nonsense and can-do gal.  I found her articulate, driven and an honest delight.  Once you listen to our conversation, I think you’ll agree.

My interview this month is with Travis Johnson–no relation but I’d be delighted to claim him!

Despite numerous obstacles he’s had to surmount, Travis is a successful giver in every sense of that term.

His humble beginnings include 36 moves before graduating high school at 17, 6 states, 5 foster homes, and surviving 2 murder attempts. Although this was very rough, there was always a person, group, or church willing to help him and his family. Now that he’s in a position to give back, he’s made it his mission to “Help the Helpers”.

Travis shares his perspective as the former vice president of Books by Vets; a board member at the S.H.I.N.E. foundation; he’s donated over $30,000; volunteered over 1,500 hours; raised more than $500,000; helped start 6 nonprofits; event coordinator; and published author.

My conversation with Travis is like delving into an adventure novel with giving back as the theme.

My interview this month is with Sheryle Gillihan.

Sheryle joined CauseLabs in 2010 and has grown with the company as a leader, strategist, and cultural ambassador. Growing up with her own poverty story, she has found her purpose in creating social impact for others. She fuses her hope for a better, brighter future with over 15 years of leadership, operations and technical management experience.

My conversation with Sheryle explores the weft and weave of technology and ideas.

My conversation this month is with Shawn, Olds. Shawn is a technology and communications thought leader currently serving as the CEO for boodleAI, an AI-powered Enriched Analytics and Advertising solution that has been used to significantly lift conversion, engagement, and retention rates among current and prospective donors. Shawn is a military veteran who served on active duty in the 82nd Airborne Division. After September 11th, 2001, he elected to work with the U. S. Department of States’ Office for Counter-Terrorism and in 2020, was appointed and currently serves as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.

Larry’s conversation with Shawn explores the weft and weave of technology and ideas.

My conversation this month is with Shawn, Olds. Shawn is a technology and communications thought leader currently serving as the CEO for boodleAI, an AI-powered Enriched Analytics and Advertising solution that has been used to significantly lift conversion, engagement, and retention rates among current and prospective donors. Shawn is a military veteran who served on active duty in the 82nd Airborne Division. After September 11th, 2001, he elected to work with the U. S. Department of States’ Office for Counter-Terrorism and in 2020, was appointed and currently serves as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.

Larry’s conversation with Shawn explores the weft and weave of technology and ideas.

My conversation this month is with Becky Endicott, co-founder of We Are For Good.  Becky, in her words, is a “storyteller, kindness champion, philanthropy celebrator, justice seeker, humanity endorser, envelope pusher, people lover and just a general awkwardness embracer.”

She believes so firmly in authenticity to drive a narrative, she often shares the most self-deprecating things about herself in the process, because she understands connection isn’t simply derived from the joy-filled moments – they’re found in the messiest ones too.

Her life and work is truly Principle 2 of The Eight Principles®:  Begin at the Beginning™ in action.

Becky values the power of words and the personal connections among each of us. She believes both are critical to stitching together the fabric of every powerful experience leading to giving. When combining the right tenor, pacing, and word choice by a courageous storyteller, she believes a story can unfold to move the hearts and minds of a large population who want to do good. This is transformational philanthropy at its finest, and it’s her passion to set it in motion.

Larry’s conversation with Becky is truly a delight.

Truly a “dynamic duo”, Tricia and Scott are a husband wife team that combined their skills and experience to create a digital fundraising platform that makes it primary benefit authentic donor engagement.  Tricia is a nationally known brand marketing and strategy expert who complements Scott’s 25 years of experience in the technology sector.

Their company, Z Give, is a one-of-a-kind digital auction platform that creates authentic donor engagement, thereby becoming a gateway for new donor-investors into an organization.

Z Give builds on innovative online platform and methodology that redefined the way organization utilizes donor insights for design and engagement development.

Larry’s conversation with Tricia and Scott explores the weft and weave of a ground breaking product created by two immensely talented individuals.

Cami was serving at the Tucson Museum of Art when the pandemic upended—practically—everything.  Cami, never one to be outdone, rose to the occasion.  Not only did the museum weather the storm, it prospered.  Thanks, in large part, to Cami’s dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.

A native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Cami had a solid record of effective fundraising in nonprofit management and fundraising when she arrived in Tucson.  She’s always at the ready with additional experience in electrical contracting and administering a big-rig training school.

Larry’s conversation with Cami is a true delight.  Larry will tell you that we need many more Cami’s in the philanthropic world.  Her refreshing can-do and pragmatic candor are a clear cool morning breeze.

Larry’s interview with Afam speaks to his personal story as well as the heart of philanthropy.

Born in the United States, Afam has always felt the pull of his family’s ancestral homeland, Nigeria.

Taking his undergraduate degree at Harvard, Afam had a brief tenure in corporate public relations then began studying law at Stanford.

Family influence was strong, however, as his father, a physician, had devoted his life to a medical mission in his homeland.  During his studies at Stanford, he co-founded the GEANCO Foundation.  The Foundation’s name is taken from the initials of his siblings, mother and father.

Afam had found his calling.

GEANCO’s mission is to save and transform lives in Nigeria. GEANCO leads complex surgical missions to Nigeria. It runs an innovative program to fight anemia and builds modern maternity clinics to help poor, vulnerable pregnant women deliver healthy babies.

In its short history, the Foundation has been tremendously successful in both it’s mission and in its building of support

Afam’s fundraising for the Foundation subscribes to the true definition of philanthropy.  It’s two persons coming together to accomplish what neither can do alone.

Tim Kachuriak is the founder and Chief Innovation and Optimization Officer for NextAfter, a fundraising research lab and consulting firm that works with businesses, nonprofits, and NGOs to help them grow their resource capacity.

A nonprofit thought leader, Kachuriak is the author of the book Optimize Your Fundraising, lead researcher and co-author of the Online Fundraising Scorecard, Why Should I Give to You? (The Nonprofit Value Proposition Index Study), and The Midlevel Donor Crisis. Kachuriak has trained organizations in fundraising optimization around the world and is a frequent speaker at international nonprofit conferences. 

Kachuriak is also the co-founder and board member for the Human Coalition, a member of the board of directors for Open Doors USA, an Advisory Board Member for the SMU Digital Accelerator, Advisory Board Member for Kids Prosper Kids, and an Advisory Board Member for the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact.

Kachuriak lives in Prosper, TX with his wife Rebecca, and their four children: Max (13), Charlie (11), Gracie (10), and Joey (4).

Larry’s interview with successful Marc demonstrates that whatever endeavours you undertake sustained success always comes down to trust.

Marc is the chief development officer of Jews for Jesus.

As co-founder of The Global Center for Nonprofit Excellence® and co-Inventor of OpX360®, Marc is an avid entrepreneur.

His previous roles include Vice President and Executive Team Member of Joni and Friends International Disability Ministry, President of Gospel Light Worldwide, and National Director of the International Bible League.

Marc’s work in advancement and business is characterized by the desire to create trust between stakeholders.

Louis Diez could be considered a polymath.  A thought leader in annual giving, he is the host of the. Donor Participation Project.

Louis is also an accomplished musician, and recognized authority on investing in the tangible assets of musical instruments.

Louis took his Ph.D. in business from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and his master’s in musical performance from the University of Tennessee.

He currently serves as the Executive Director of Annual Giving at Muhlenberg College.  He writes about philanthropy in his blog.

In his conversation with Larry, Louis shares his innovative and groundbreaking ideas on the parameters and dimensions of annual giving.  With Louis, it’s fundamentally about renewed relationships with donor investors.

Guillaume was a firefighter and fire investigator for eight years in his hometown in Quebec, Canada.  After letting others push him around and walking on his feet since he was a child, he got a point where he lost all his self-confidence and passion for living.  He had to choose, to give up, or to find his purpose.

Since choosing to find his purpose, Guillaume has been on a journey of protecting those who cannot defend themselves including people, communities and all living things.

Through his journey through spirituality, social entrepreneurship and by listening to his heart, Guillaume founded Planet Karma with friends to inspire people around the world to do good around them by creating inspirational videos.  Generating good karma by doing good deeds for others and our planet.

Planet Karma is quickly becoming a video/TV production company to create shows to both entertain, inspire and educate humanity so that we can all live in harmony with ourselves, each other, our planet and all living things.

In his conversation with Larry, Guillaume shares who he is and where he’s going.

Sally Bryant serves as the president and CEO for one of the nation’s leading search firms specializing in recruiting and training advancement professionals, BRYANT GROUP.

Sally brings something often promised but rarely delivered in the recruiting world.  True relational integrity and respect for both client and candidate.  This quality has brought Sally to the pinnacle of the profession.

In this wide-ranging interview, Sally shares how she navigates between the perceived needs of her clients while delivering to them a match they might have never considered.  With her one-year guarantee, her ability to beat the odds and place candidates who often stay for a decade not months, shines bright.

What makes a top fundraiser?  What are the qualities which are in high demand but short supply?  Sally offers her candid assessments in this thoughtful session.

In her conversation with Larry, Sally describes what she sees in the future and how fundraisers and organizations alike can prepare.