The Cause+Effect Podcast

Innovation doesn’t happen by accident. The organizations that continue to adapt, grow, and discover new opportunities create environments where new ideas can actually take shape. In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by James “JP” Poulter, Head of Innovation at Dunham+Co, to explore what separates truly innovative organizations from those that simply talk about innovation. They discuss why innovation needs to be systematized, how leaders can create the time and space necessary for better ideas, and why outside perspectives can help organizations avoid becoming trapped in their own echo chambers. Trent and JP also unpack how to identify which ideas are worth pursuing, why a great idea may not be the right idea for right now, and how organizations can implement innovation without losing focus on the work they already do well. Whether you lead an entire organization or a single team, this conversation offers practical ways to create a culture where ideas are captured, tested, developed, and put into action. Connect with us: https://dunhamancompany.com Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 04:19 – Why Innovation Doesn’t Happen by Accident 10:56 – Creating the Time and Space for Better Ideas 16:03 – Breaking Out of the Organizational Echo Chamber 22:31 – How to Identify and Manage the Right Ideas 28:09 – Implementing Innovation Without Losing Focus 32:08 – Looking Beyond the Obvious

AI is already changing the way organizations work, but successful adoption requires much more than choosing the right tool. In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by James “JP” Poulter, Head of Innovation at Dunham+Co and author of the new book AI at Work: How to Build a Full Stack Organization. Together, they explore what leaders need to consider as AI becomes a more significant part of everyday work. From organizing the information that fuels AI and understanding how work actually gets done to establishing ethical guardrails and equipping teams to use these tools effectively, Trent and JP discuss why meaningful AI adoption starts with people, process, and intentional leadership. They also examine what AI could mean for the future of work, why its greatest opportunity may be reducing the work that drains people rather than simply reducing headcount, and the risks organizations face when they allow AI adoption to happen without a clear strategy. For leaders wondering how to move beyond experimentation and develop a thoughtful approach to AI, this conversation offers a practical framework for preparing your organization for what comes next.   Connect with us: https://dunhamancompany.com Get a copy of JP’s Book: https://a.co/d/0dRtZt0t     CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 02:25 – AI at Work: Building a Full Stack Organization 05:24 – Entering the “Wrestling Period” of AI 07:04 – Is AI Actually Replacing People? 10:23 – Why AI Adoption Starts with Process, Not Tools 15:50 – Organizing Your Information and Building a Shared AI Brain 21:51 – Creating Ethical Guardrails for AI 28:38 – How AI Can Change the Way We Work 34:26 – The Risk of Ignoring AI

A strong brand is about much more than a logo, color palette, or tagline. It begins with clarity about who your organization is, what makes it distinct, and the consistent promise it makes to the people it serves.   In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Dan Sumpter, Chief Product Officer at Dunham+Co, to explore what brand strategy really means and why it matters for nonprofits, churches, and ministries. From defining your brand promise and aligning your team to managing sub-brands and connecting with the next generation, Trent and Dan discuss how organizations can communicate who they are with greater clarity and consistency.   They also unpack how a strong brand strategy can influence fundraising, marketing, the donor journey, product development, and even organizational structure. Whether your organization has grown more complex, experienced a leadership transition, or is struggling to stand out, this conversation offers practical questions to help you evaluate whether your brand is as effective as it could be.   Connect with us: https://dunhamancompany.com   CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 02:20 – Defining Brand Strategy and the Brand Promise 03:46 – Complexity and Internal Misalignment 06:54 – When a Brand Loses Relevance 08:50 – Understanding Sub-Brands and Separate Brands 09:56 – Standing Out in a Crowded Market 13:29 – The Discipline of Simplicity 14:29 – What a Clear Brand Strategy Unlocks 17:49 – Relevance and Authenticity in 2026 21:46 – When Your Brand Doesn’t Match Your Mission 23:53 – How Brand Awareness Strengthens the Donor Journey 27:35 – Is Your Brand as Effective as It Could Be?

Text messaging gives nonprofits and ministries a personal way to connect with the people who support their work. But building a meaningful relationship starts with what you give, long before you ask. In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Aaron Dolton, Chief Revenue Officer of Powered By Text, to explore how organizations can use text messaging to serve their supporters and deepen engagement. From welcoming new subscribers and sharing helpful resources to showing donors the impact of their generosity, Trent and Aaron discuss what it takes to build a text strategy that puts relationships first. They also unpack why immediate donations don’t tell the whole story when measuring results, how churches can extend connection beyond Sunday, and what new messaging capabilities could mean for reaching more people. Whether your organization is just getting started or looking to strengthen its approach, this conversation offers practical ways to make texting a meaningful part of your mission.   Connect with us: https://dunhamancompany.com           CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction 01:44 – From Sales and Marketing to Nonprofit Impact 06:22 – Why Organizations Hesitate to Start Texting 09:32 – Building the Relationship Before Making the Ask 12:22 – Measuring the Value Beyond Immediate Donations 15:43 – Creating Content That Serves Your Supporters 19:48 – What Happens When Ministry Comes First 23:23 – Helping Churches Stay Connected Throughout the Week 27:36 – The Future of Text Messaging and Global Reach 30:18 – Making Texting Part of Your Communication Strategy

Capital campaigns can create incredible opportunities for growth and impact, but even a compelling vision can fall short without the right preparation. In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Erik Rogers, Chief Strategist for Donor Advancement at Dunham+Co, to unpack five common mistakes that can derail a capital campaign. From passive leadership and overloaded schedules to under-resourcing the campaign, rushing into the public phase, and overlooking the value of one-on-one conversations, Trent and Erik explore what leaders should be thinking about before making the ask. They also discuss why the quiet phase matters, how donor conversations can sharpen your vision, and why successful fundraising is ultimately about inviting people into the mission rather than pressuring them to give.   Connect with us: https://dunhamandcompany.com   Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 00:46 – What Is a Capital Campaign? 06:00 – 5 Mistakes That Can Derail a Capital Campaign 07:15 – Mistake #1: Lack of Active Leadership 10:26 – Mistake #2: Planning Around Busy Schedules 14:02 – Mistake #3: Not Allocating Enough Resources 18:18 – Mistake #4: Rushing to the Public Phase 27:28 – Mistake #5: Devaluing One-on-One Conversations