What the Fundraising

Stephynie Malik is known as an expert negotiator and skilled crisis management consultant. While leading alliances, she has created countless partnerships with huge brands like American Express, Monster.com, Deloitte, and Nike (to name just a few). In this episode of What The Fundraising we talk about why listening to people means building an authentic and genuine connection, and why it’s so important to do your research before you walk in the room. We share some of our views around donor retention, the differences between empathy and sympathy and how to take care of our own energy as leaders. If you want to build new partnerships in 2022, then this is the episode for you! Episode highlights: (02:21) - A passionate about meaningful alliances: Stephynie’s background and early marketing work experiences.(15:32) - How do you show up? The art of executive presence to build trust with organization leaders.(22:25) - Business consulting and high impact consulting coaching: Why is it fundamental to know how to choose your partners?(28:31) - Surveys and MindMup: On the tools that help Stephynie get her priorities right and get closer to her clients.(33:50) - Sympathy vs. Empathy: How to ask the right questions to truly connect with your partners and why it matters.(39:50) - Taking care of your own energy: Effective time management and finding balance between family and work.

Vanessa Bohns is a psychologist, award-winning researcher, and professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. Plus she is the author of an amazing book that I encourage everyone to read, You Have More Influence Than You Think. Today, Vanessa joins the show to talk about influence and the ways that we as fundraisers might underestimate our own, especially when it comes to making the big ask! Vanessa shares how important it is to talk transparently without making assumptions that can hold our organizations back or restrict funding in unnecessary ways. Join this conversation and learn science’s most valuable takes on influence and trust-building for fundraisers! And don’t forget to listen to Part II of this conversation!Episode highlights: PART I(02:32) - Introducing Vannesa Bohns: An experimental social psychologist that approaches social influence in professional decision making.(09:03) - How are fundraisers underestimating their influence? Vanessa’s reading on rejection and how to create environments of conscious choice based on her book.(18:31) - The impact video has on influence and fundraising: How does video fit amongst in-person and email modes of communication?(21:49) - Follow-up requests: What happens when someone says no the first time? Understanding situational and circumstantial elements of rejection(25:59) - Implications of the fact that 75% of fundraisers are women: Gender differences in how likely people are to ask.(27:59) - Vanessa’s three main takeaways on influence consciousness for fundraisers.(29:28) - Contact info and Vannessa’s shout out to a non-profit near and dear to her heart.

This is part two of our conversation with psychologist, award-winning researcher, and professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University, Vanessa Bohns. Here we discuss the psychological aspects and consequences of power dynamics. Plus the ways donors can sometimes underestimate their influence. It’s time to put our funder lenses on to really understand our organization’s potential from different points of view, especially those who share our mission and are interested in investing. Don’t miss this second part of the conversation with this amazing expert!If you haven’t listened to part I of this conversation that focuses on the influence of the fundraiser, go check it out!Episode highlights:(02:45) - Psychological implications within power dynamics: How to deliver an effective and conscious message when in a position of power.(09:24) - Insights on traditional (and biased) restricted funding narratives: The difference between taking perspective and getting perspective.(13:04) - How to open the conversation - When offering new possibilities to funders feels like we’re challenging them.(18:26) - Becoming aware of structural power dynamics principles and how they affect the relationship between funders and nonprofits.(21:52) - What’s behind the philanthropist spirit? On the need for transparency within funding.(26:02) - Contact info and Vannessa’s shout out to a non-profit near and dear to her heart.

Kishshana Palmer is an international speaker, trainer, and coach with a 20+ year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management who helps leaders create high-performing teams. Kishshana is known for calling out toxic mindsets and behaviors so that organizations can actually make their missions come true. This conversation is both a wake-up call and a joyful release as we get into all the nitty gritty around what holds organizations and leaders back, and what allows them to thrive. We also talk about the need to start investing in your personal and professional development, and what both of us rely on to keep us going. If you want to get 2022 off to a great start with your organization on track, then you don’t want to miss this episode.Episode highlights:(03:02) -  Who is Kishshana Palmer? A 20+ year nonprofit professional helping everyday leaders make their missions happen.(09:10) - Humor, lightness, and communications skills in nonprofits + The biggest leadership no-no’s. (16:17) - Helper addiction & Martyritis: The mindset behind this epidemic in the nonprofit sector. (22:12) - “But I suffered so much”: Why we need to break the cycle of abuse and neglect inside organizations. (33:18) - Inner safety vs ego: How to be grounded in yourself and build empathy and knowledge from a place of wellbeing. (37:03) - Finding out what works for you: Understanding what your real capacity is and building from there. (46:24) - Where to find Kishshana + how you can work with her this coming year. 

Are you ready for the second season of What the Fundraising? Before we properly start a new season, we take a look back to highlight some of the most interesting lessons from last season's episodes with my friend and nonprofit game-changer, Vik Harrison. Vik links each one of these favorite moments to her experience being the creative leader of charity: water, a successful nonprofit she co-founded with her (now) husband, Scott Harrison! We examine the value of celebrating small victories, discuss ways to deal with rejection, and we talk about a number of ways to see beyond the limiting beliefs in the nonprofit world.02:05 - Introducing Vik Harrison, a creative storyteller and co-founder of the nonprofit project charity: water.07:40 - Why celebrating small victories makes the work easier: Breaking down the ‘beggar’s mindset’.14:13 - Creating Community through a solid brand culture: Welcome rituals and helping partner organizations to spread your message right.21:13 - Exit the tunnel vision: Negative thought cycles and how to use curiosity and transparency to avoid them.28:50 - How to deal with rejection and negative feedback in a nonprofit: On emotional components, vulnerability, inner safety, sharing stories, deep beliefs and practices.36:06 - The brain rewire: On shame loss, apps for mind and body healing and overcoming limiting beliefs.44:14 - Future winner long-game mindset: What can be learned from political fundraising.

Ryan Erickson is my amazing husband, life partner, friend, counselor, and co-parent. In this episode, Ryan and I discuss his experience being the partner of a busy nonprofit leader, me. While we make a terrific team, it hasn’t always been an easy ride; especially when I became an Executive Director or when I launched this business! Tune in and learn what it is like to be the supporting partner in times of crisis, the hardest parts of our relationship, and how we’ve made it work through the years. Plus, we talk about Ryan’s giving and there are some super interesting takeaways from his lens as a donor!Episode highlights: (02:14) - Who is Ryan Erickson? The story of how Ryan and Mallory met and their super-awkward first date.(11:16) - A rock to hold on to: The ups and downs of being the supportive partner of a super busy nonprofit Executive Director. (17:54) - Launching a business with an 8-month-old: Ryan’s views on supporting Mallory to achieve her professional goals. (21:16) - Boundaries, capacity, and support: The biggest challenges in these types of relationships and some tips to make it work.   (29:41) - From seed to changing society: Ryan’s opinion on the podcast, the nonprofit world, money, and scarcity mindset. (40:29) - Love, impact, and gratitude: Ryan’s giving and what brought him to approach the third sector so wholeheartedly.(45:45) - A shoutout to Ryan’s favorite nonprofit …(or not)!

Nicole Parker is a social innovator that knows how to create strategies that lead to transformation. With her sisters, she founded the project Sisters in Business, which has the mission to create a space for women of color to connect, collaborate, and build community to sustain, grow and maximize their vision. In this episode, Nicole talks about her journey through community development, from her lived experience and years as a student in social enterprise to becoming the social innovator and disruptor that she is now. Join us while we discuss the many ways in which we can shift the system and break the barriers that still exist today.Episode highlights: (02:16) - Who is Nicole Parker? A social innovator and disruptor supporting black and brown women in entrepreneurship. (04:21) - Removing barriers for innovators: Nicole’s journey building a nonprofit and the challenges she faced as a student.(14:32) - What’s economic justice about: Analyzing the historical patterns around social segregation to shift the system in a new direction(16:38) - On big companies trying to support black-owned businesses: Conscious actions or just following the trend? (23:02) - Getting swiped by the big guys: Trust issues and systemic injustice in the philanthropic foundation space.(31:32) - Questioning the concept of authenticity: Sisters in Business leading black and brown women through the journey of self-reflection.(46:39) - Episode’s conclusions + Contact information to know more about Sisters in Business and Charlie’s Place.

Heather Segar is a coach, speaker, trainer, and host of The Heather Sager Show. Through her years in the business, she’s learned something: success is limited by your ability to articulate a vision and inspire others to take action. In this episode, Heather shares her wisdom around how we need to be showing up to one-on-one conversations, fundraising events, and any other presentation to have a real impact. Hop into this conversation now! This one is more than tips and tricks, it’s about who you become when you are making that ask or giving that presentation. I promise you won’t want to miss out on Heather’s knowledge!Episode highlights: (01:50) - Who is Heather Segar? Teaching online entrepreneurs to articulate their ideas for success!(03:35) - Turning the conversation into money talk: What we need to understand around speaking skills and communication!(10:48) - Bringing the right kind of energy: The three parts of communication you need to master.(17:54) - Find the perfect balance and language!: Blending your authentic personality with your organization’s brand.(29:14) - Money mindset & our relationship with spending: Why our prejudice may not be accurate when asking for dollars. (36:01) - Some strategies to confidently talk with donors: Asking yes-yes questions, focusing on alignment, and reading the signs. (44:25) - The 7% rule: Why the way you spread your message and your body language is more important than your actual words. (49:42) - Where you can find Heather + A shoutout to her favorite nonprofit, The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes.

Philippa White is the founder, and CEO of The International Exchange, and a true believer in the power of business and leadership to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. In this episode, Philippa shares some of her experiences with building partnerships through TIE and how for 15 years they’ve made successful collaboration between sectors possible. Join in and listen to this expert’s experience changing things up and challenging both sectors to be better and bolder! Episode highlights : 02:09 - Who is Philippa White? Her family background in the business of helping and how she landed in the third sector after experiencing the advertising world. 7:10 - The story behind TIE: Why the private sector needs leaders capable of meaningful change and how to get there (especially during COVID).15:07 - Is this what organizations need?: Recognizing mutual benefit and win-win dynamics between companies and organizations.22:50 - Changing our perception around organizations: How to be an accelerator of change and impact in the real world. 29:48 - Stigma around NGOs: Inefficiency, money, and some of the obstacles of nonprofit organizations.37:36 - Where to find TIE and Philippa + A shoutout to CCC, Philippa’s favorite nonprofit at the moment!

In this episode of What the Fundraising Podcast…I talk to my long-time friend, and talent and human potential aficionado with over a decade of experience within Career Coaching and Human Resources, A.J. Mizes. He is my go-to resource when it comes to how to build a strong, healthy, and balanced culture for organizations.AJ and I get to nerd out and go deep on the nuances and strategies behind building a great team while aligning to your mission and hitting your goals. In strong cultures, there are healthy boundaries and psychological safety, and people are not afraid to receive direct and professional feedback. Listen now and learn AJ’s tips and tricks on how to promote a safe, healthy, and productive environment at work. Plus, AJ gives advice on how to get you in front of the right people and find the perfect fit for you when it comes to job searching. Episode highlights: (02:00) - Who is AJ Mizes? A talent aficionado with an unconventional approach to HR work.(05:21) - Maintaining a healthy balance: How HR can make or break a company, plus what is behavior you can tolerate and what isn’t? (10:45) - Are you fearful of giving feedback?: AJ’s tips and tricks on giving amazing feedback and how to build fruitful one-on-one relationships. (14:01) - Psychological safety and transparency: Modeling authenticity and vulnerability with your team.(22:45) - How to navigate with resentful leaders: Why grounding in your mission with clarity is absolutely critical to provide stability for your team. (29:42) - The characteristics of successful teamwork: Hiring diverse perspectives and how to find complementary skills for your team. (36:48) - What is the right cultural fit for you?: AJ’s best advice for job searching + Some questions to ask during a job interview.(40:56) - Where to find AJ + A shoutout to AJ's favorite nonprofit, Town Hall Theater Lafayette!