
Confessions with Jess and Cindy
Ever wish you could pull back the curtain and see how other nonprofit consultants run their businesses? Well, we’ve got you covered! Welcome to the Confessions podcast, hosted by Jess Campbell and Cindy Wagman. We are two former in-house nonprofit pros turned coaches and consultants to purpose driven organizations. In this podcast, we are giving you access to the business leaders who serve nonprofits as their clients - you know - the people who truly get it. No more gatekeeping, no more secrets - this podcast is going to give you an inside look at what running a successful nonprofit coaching and consulting business looks like. Basically, we’re asking people how much money they make, how they get paid and what has and hasn’t worked in their businesses.After building our own successful 6-figure nonprofit coaching and consulting businesses, we are on a mission to help other nonprofit coaches and consultants looking to start or scale their own businesses by pulling back the curtain. Whether you are still working inside a nonprofit and thinking of one day going out on your own or have been running your consulting business for years - you understand that working with nonprofits is just different. Listen in as sector leaders and other experts share their insights, their numbers, and the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to building a nonprofit coaching or consulting business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

May 2, 2024 • 40min
Managing Risk (because consulting can be risky)with Rosalie Ennes
Shit happens. As much as we plan and organize, there is so much about running a business that is out of our control.Which is why we invited risk expert Rosalie Ennes to the podcast - to talk about how to manage risk in your consulting business. A risk management strategy can help you plan for the future, protect yourself from bad things happening, and also help you consider and calculate the upside of your business.This is Rosalie's story:Rosalie's journey into the world of risk management began during her college years, where she studied business administration and accounting. Her initial foray into external audit exposed her to the financial aspect of risk management, delving into the meticulous process of ensuring accuracy in numbers. It was her transition to internal audit, however, that broadened her perspective, enabling her to proactively tackle operational risks and streamline organizational processes. The passion for mitigating risks ignited during her time working with large corporations, and as she ventured into consultancy, Rosalie found herself drawn to impact-driven businesses, aiming to instill a proactive risk management approach. Through her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment, she has become a beacon of guidance for small businesses and organizations, empowering them to navigate the intricate landscape of risk management with confidence and foresightIn this episode, you will be able to:Discover effective strategies to protect your business from potential risks and uncertainties.Gain insights into assessing and mitigating financial risks to ensure the stability and growth of your business.Unlock the secrets to building and delivering impactful consulting services Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Rosalie: Website: https://portecuaconsulting.cpa/ Connect with Rosalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/portecua/ Connect with Rosalie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portecuaconsulting/ Connect with Rosalie on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@portecuaconsulting Five Steps to Jumpstart Your Risk Journey: https://portecuaconsulting.mykajabi.com/opt-in-businesses Three Things About Risks to Know Today: https://portecuaconsulting.mykajabi.com/opt-in-individuals Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Apr 25, 2024 • 37min
From Start-Up to Six Figures with Luz Reyna
If you're feeling stuck in the feast or famine cycle of consulting, wondering if you'll ever achieve consistent success, then you are not alone! Building a thriving business as a consultant can feel like a rollercoaster, with moments of abundance followed by periods of uncertainty and doubt. It's time to break free from this cycle and create a sustainable, fulfilling business that brings you steady income and joy. Let's explore how to make that transition from consultant to successful business owner a reality.This is Luz Reyna's story:Luz Reyna, the visionary behind Luz Reyna Consulting, embarked on a remarkable journey transitioning from politics to a realm of strategic and fractional leadership. Her introduction to this unique role stemmed from managing diverse responsibilities for a congressional campaign, sparking a realization of her true calling as a "fractional leader." Luz's innovative approach to pricing, based on a comprehensive understanding of her clients' needs and her own time capacity, ensures a customized and equitable value for her services. With a profound focus on social impact, Luz is dedicated to educating others about the concept of fractional leadership and its potential to drive positive change across industries. By seamlessly blending problem-solving skills with genuine curiosity, she has crafted a thriving business that resonates with her values and empowers her to effect meaningful change. In this episode, you will be able to:Master the art of starting a consulting business in nonprofits to make a meaningful impact in your community.Unlock the secrets of effective pricing strategies for consultants to maximize your earning potential.Learn the art of building a powerful network for business growth to expand your opportunities and reach.Embrace the journey of transitioning from consultant to business owner and unlock the potential for unlimited success.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Luz: Connect with Luz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luzreyna Connect with Luz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reynaconsulting/ Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Apr 18, 2024 • 51min
How I Grew My Nonprofit Consulting Biz to 7 Figures with Shavonn Richardson
Running a 7-figure nonprofit consultancy is a dream for so many consultants, but we’re often held back by the fear of being overworked or overwhelmed. Find out how this business owner achieves success while maintaining balance and flexibility. This is Shavonn's story:Shavonn Richardson, the visionary behind Think and Ink Grant Consulting, was inspired to start her nonprofit consulting business after facing the intricacies of grant writing firsthand as a nonprofit leader and a funder. Her unique perspective led her to establish Think and Ink Grant Consulting, with a mission to empower nonprofits by providing strategic consulting, comprehensive research, and efficient grant management services. Shavonn's journey is characterized by her unwavering faith and a deep sense of purpose, further fueled by the revelation of her family's multi-generational involvement in this impactful work. In this episode, you will be able to:Discover the essential steps for starting a nonprofit consulting business and making a positive impact in the community.Master the art of building a successful consulting team to expand your impact and create a thriving nonprofit consultancy.Uncover powerful marketing strategies specifically tailored for consulting firms in the nonprofit sector, and elevate your visibility and influence.Explore practical tips for balancing entrepreneurship and personal life, ensuring sustainable success while maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle.

6 snips
Apr 11, 2024 • 42min
Balancing Hospitality and Numbers with Kara Alicia
Kara, a hospitality pro turned marketing pro, reveals her secret to balancing a thriving co-working space alongside a booming marketing agency. But what unexpected confession does she share about her business journey? Dive into this episode for an eye-opening revelation that will transform how you approach your own business ventures.This is Kara's story:Kara's journey into the world of business ventures began with a passion for marketing and sales, which eventually led to the creation of KC Creative. Her deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape prompted the expansion of her services to include social media marketing and content creation. Her involvement with nonprofits, driven by a desire to support and uplift her community, opened new doors for collaboration and partnerships. With a keen eye for relationship-building, Kara's approach to consulting with nonprofits focuses on genuine interest and understanding, paving the way for impactful collaborations. Balancing her marketing business and the acquisition of a co-working space is inspiring for anyone who has multiple passions.In this episode, you will be able to:Master the art of starting a nonprofit consulting business and make a positive impact in your community.Uncover effective marketing strategies for nonprofit consultants and amplify your outreach.Learn the secrets to balancing multiple business ventures and achieve success without burnout.Discover the importance of hospitality in business and create unforgettable customer experiences that keep them coming back.Gain valuable insights into financial planning for small business owners and secure the future of your ventures.

Apr 4, 2024 • 41min
Changing the Status Quo Through Consulting with Renee Rubin Ross
If you're feeling frustrated trying to balance inclusive collaboration and fair compensation, and finding yourself overworked and underpaid, then you are not alone!This is Renee's story:Renee's journey began with a transformative experience at a previous job. Feeling unfulfilled in a hierarchical and unsupportive environment, she made the courageous decision to seek change. After a period of self-reflection and regrouping, she emerged with a newfound clarity of purpose. Through her blog, she shared her reflections and learnings, creating a space for others to relate and engage in meaningful conversations. This experience led her to establish the Ross Collective, a platform where she collaborates with an array of talented individuals, sharing a common goal of advocating for equity and inclusion. Renee's story is one of resilience and growth, a testament to the power of embracing change and turning adversity into opportunity. Her journey illustrates the importance of fostering open dialogue and building positive, collaborative relationships, which have become the cornerstone of her work in the nonprofit sector.In this episode, you will be able to:Mastering the Art of Starting a Nonprofit Consulting Business: Learn the essential steps to kickstart your nonprofit consulting venture and make a meaningful impact.Fostering Inclusive and Equitable Consultancies: Uncover the key strategies to create an inclusive and equitable environment within your business.Unveiling Effective Marketing Strategies for Nonprofit Consultants: Explore innovative marketing approaches tailored specifically for nonprofit consultants, amplifying your reach and impact.Conquering Challenges in Nonprofit Consulting: Gain valuable insights on overcoming common obstacles in nonprofit consulting, empowering you to navigate hurdles with confidence and resilience.

Mar 28, 2024 • 47min
31 Years of Nonprofit Consulting with Steven Screen
Join fundraising expert Steven Screen, with 31 years of experience, as he shares insights on business development, email marketing, training staff, and attracting small nonprofits in the nonprofit sector. Discover tips on structuring offerings, pricing, and effective client engagement strategies for consulting success.

Mar 21, 2024 • 37min
Less Work & More Collaboration with Caroline Griffin
Caroline Griffin, a social media and content marketing expert, reveals the power of collaboration and community in growing her business. She discusses tactics for building an email list, balancing work during maternity leave, handling kickbacks in marketing, and the importance of collaborations in the nonprofit sector. Learn how embracing community can lead to sustainable business growth and personal fulfillment.

Mar 14, 2024 • 50min
Building an Anticapitalist Consultancy with Olanike A. Mensah
Have you heard these three myths about building an anti-capitalist consultancy? Myth 1: Anti-capitalist means you can't make money. Myth 2: Consulting ethically means sacrificing profits. Myth 3: Implementing anti-capitalist principles is too complicated. But fear not, I'm about to reveal the truth behind these myths. Get ready for a game-changing approach to sustainable and socially conscious business operations. Stay tuned for the surprising strategy!In this episode of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, Olanike Akanbi-Ayomide, the founder of Mosaic Consulting, shares her journey of transitioning her business to operate based on anti-capitalist principles. Olanike reflects on the shifts in her business model, aligning her approach with personal values and cultural influences. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, ethical leadership, and the need for consultants to consider their own characteristics when crafting their approach to securing clients. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing business growth and sustainability with personal well-being, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to establish a successful practice while staying true to themselves. Olanike's narrative serves as a powerful example of challenging conventional norms and reimagining success through a lens of social justice and accountability. By embracing anti-capitalist principles and fostering ethical leadership, Olanike's experiences provide valuable lessons for consultants prioritizing ethical business practices and seeking more sustainable and socially conscious operations.Key Highlights:Embrace socially conscious values to build a consultancy business that makes a positive impact on society and the environment.Implement effective business development strategies to attract clients and grow your consultancy with ethical principles at the core.Transition your business to anti-capitalist principles for a more equitable and socially responsible approach to entrepreneurship.Prioritize personal well-being to enhance your effectiveness as an entrepreneur and create a more sustainable business.Build financial sustainability while incorporating equitable practices to drive positive change in the business world.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Olanike: Olanike Akanbi-Ayomide (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/mosaic_4equity/ Olanike Akanbi-Ayomide (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/olanike/ Connect with Cindy:Cindy Wagman Coaching: cindywagman.comFractional Fundraising Network: fractionalfundraising.co/LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/cindywagmanConnect with Jess:Out In the Boons: outintheboons.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Mar 7, 2024 • 41min
A Journey of Self-Compassion in Entrepreneurship with Shulamit Ber Levtov
Ever felt like you're stuck in a loop of always trying to stay positive, scared of missing out, and endlessly comparing yourself to others in the nonprofit consulting world? This constant pressure can really mess with your head, leaving you anxious and your mental health taking a hit. It's a tough cycle that can make your work life feel like you're running on empty. This is why understanding the mental and emotional battles that come with entrepreneurship is super important for nonprofit consultants and coaches looking to grow their businesses without burning out.Join us on this episode where we get real with Shulamit Ber Levtov, a therapist who's a pro at helping entrepreneurs navigate these choppy waters. Key Highlights:The Myth of Perpetual Positivity: Breaking the chains of toxic positivity isn’t just liberating, it’s necessary. As Shulamit discussed, the real power lies in acknowledging the full spectrum of our emotions. This is especially true in the world of entrepreneurship, where terms like VUCA are the daily alphabet soup we slurp up. Remember, admitting that navigating uncertainty is tough doesn’t make you weak—it makes you real, and equipped to deal with the complexity of running a business.A Revolution Against Comparison: Cindy pointed out the snare of FOMO and the constant comparison, a plight many of us face. Shulamit urges us to manage these feelings by first understanding the biological roots of comparison and then actively practicing techniques that anchor us into our uniqueness. You are more than your bank balance or social media likes; you're a powerhouse who brings irreplaceable value to the table.Building A Supportive Community: Echoing Shulamit, Jess highlighted the transformation that comes from consistent, supportive practice. It's like building muscle – the more you work it, the stronger it gets. And let’s not forget the magic of having a tribe. As we preach, standing shoulder to shoulder with people who get it can multiply your growth personally and professionally.Healing Financial Trauma: Talking about money can feel icky—but it's a necessary discomfort. Often, we associate shame and self-worth with our financial situation, thanks to our capitalist culture. But through vulnerable conversation and community, we can heal the wounds that hold us back from fully embracing our value.Find Us Online: https://www.confessionswithjessandcindy.comConnect with Shulamit Ber Levtov: Shulamit Ber Levtov (Website): https://www.shula.ca/ Shulamit Ber Levtov (Linkedin): linkedin.com/in/shulamitberlevtov Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 29, 2024 • 46min
How An Operations Expert Runs Her Consulting Business with Miriam Dicks
In this discussion, Miriam Dicks, an operations management consultant with a focus on nonprofits, reveals her journey from freelancing to building a successful consulting business. She emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and systems as the backbone of any organization. Miriam shares the secrets behind balancing the roles of an employee and an entrepreneur, along with personal insights on resilience in the face of challenges. Tune in for strategic advice on transforming your skills into a thriving business!