The Wholistic Productivity Podcast #20 Fundraising, Leadership, and the Mountains We Climb - with guest Joy McKee
What do mountain summits and million-dollar fundraising goals have in common?
In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with nonprofit leader and mountain climber Joy McKee for an inspiring conversation about what it really takes to lead well, achieve goals, and keep showing up when the trail gets steep—literally and figuratively.
Joy shares her journey through leadership in the nonprofit world, how she’s helped raise tens of millions of dollars, and what climbing actual mountains has taught her about goal setting, resilience, and the importance of clear motivation. Whether you’re leading a campaign or climbing toward a personal milestone, this episode will resonate deeply.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How fundraising and mountaineering overlap in mindset and strategy
- Why strong “why statements” matter in both physical and professional challenges
- What Joy has learned from both successful summits and tough descents
- How to keep moving forward when the journey feels overwhelming
🔗 Show Links
- Connect with Joy McKee on LinkedIn
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:59 Exploring the Intersection of Fundraising and Mountaineering
06:55 Understanding Fundraising Beyond Money
10:45 Joy's Journey into Fundraising
11:42 Motivation in Fundraising and Team Dynamics
19:56 Capital Campaigns Explained
27:43 Balancing Goals and Celebrations
28:55 The Importance of Adventure in Life
34:29 The Journey Begins: Climbing Kilimanjaro
41:07 Facing the Challenge: Climbing Denali
52:28 Giving Back: Mentorship and Community in Fundraising
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