The PM Podcast

Gayle Roberts is a seasoned fundraiser whose journey began at the age of six with a backyard carnival. Now, as Chief Development Officer at Larkin Street Youth Services, she's raised over $200 million to combat youth homelessness and support other good causes in San Francisco. A respected figure, Gayle is not only a leader in nonprofit fundraising but also a proud transgender professional Her story is as unique as it is inspiring.

Ken Miller's story is one of personal transformation and professional achievement. After a battle with addiction and a period of incarceration in the Lower 48, he returned to Alaska to remake his life, marrying his high school sweetheart and embarking on a career in the nonprofit sector. He served as the director of development for Bean's Café and then launched Denali Fundraising Consultants, a nonprofit fundraising and management consulting company located in Anchorage. Today, Ken is an influential leader and mentor in the field, serving on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the African American Development Officers network, and many others. We begin with a discussion of the place he calls home, what makes it unique, and what originally brought him there.

Randall Hallett is a person who makes things happen. Over the last three decades he has led major healthcare and independent school development programs, presided over a major healthcare fundraising consultancy, and, most recently, founded the influential practice that bears his name, Hallett Philanthropy. Insatiably curious, he first earned his Bachelors and MBA and then continued to garner his JD and Educational Doctorate while advancing the success of his institutions and somehow finding time to serve as a longtime broadcaster for UMKC Athletics and the Kansas City Chiefs. His recent book, Vibrant Vulnerability, takes on the challenges facing healthcare in America today and the unique role CEOs can and must play. 

Robert Egger is a visionary in the nonprofit sector. He pioneered the "community kitchen" movement with DC Central Kitchen, turning donated food into both meals and opportunities through a revolutionary job training program. His initiatives, including founding board membership at World Central Kitchen with Chef José Andrés, have produced over 350 million meals and propelled thousands toward self-sufficiency. His book "Begging for Change," now celebrating its 20th anniversary, made the case for a new model for the nonprofit sector, one he continues to advocate for today. 

In this episode, we speak with Michael Goldberg, Co-founder of I.CARE and one of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2023. Since 2018, he and his organization have organized coral restoration dives for more than 2,000 people and transplanted over 10,000 coral, both educating the public to the need for ocean restoration and working to bring back to life the lungs of the world. We speak with him about what inspired his journey to the underwater world and his passion for saving what he discovered there.

Yasmine Arrington Brooks, Founder of ScholarCHIPS and a CNN Top Ten Hero, discusses her journey in social entrepreneurship, the lack of scholarships for youth with incarcerated parents, the impact of the prison system on families, the benefits of scholarships, and building a supportive community for students.

Adam Pearce, co-founder of LoveYourBrain Foundation and one of the Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2023, discusses finding meaning in adversity, understanding traumatic brain injury (TBI), the need for individualized treatment, shifting the model for brain health care, and the importance of resilience and celebrating abilities.

Osei Boateng, Executive Director of OKB Hope Foundation and Top Ten CNN Hero of 2023, discusses the lack of access to healthcare in rural Ghana, the challenges they face in securing funding from foundations, and the positive impact they have made by providing mobile healthcare services to over 5,000 people.

Jennifer Li Dotson, a veteran fundraising leader, shares her extraordinary personal journey and the role of kindness and inspiration in her life. Topics include growing up in Hawaii, the value of giving back, becoming a volunteer and employee for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, finding purpose through volunteering, cooking and tutoring, mountain adventures, and the importance of professional development in the nonprofit sector.

Author and veteran fundraiser Brian Saber challenges the myth that it takes an extrovert to generate revenue for a good cause. They discuss the significance of close friendships, humor, parallel play, vulnerability, authenticity, being genuine with others, childhood memories, theater influence, challenges faced by regional theaters, fundraising for Broadway shows and nonprofits, and future retirement plans.