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RKD Group: Thinkers

RKD Group: Thinkers
Author: RKD Group
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RKD Group: Thinkers, the nonprofit marketer's podcast, is a must-listen experience of thought-provoking content that inspires strategic decisions and insight on the industry.
Group: Thinkers brings together innovators and curators in nonprofit marketing, branding and direct response to tackle the major issues facing nonprofits today.
Group: Thinkers brings together innovators and curators in nonprofit marketing, branding and direct response to tackle the major issues facing nonprofits today.
135 Episodes
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In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Lori Collins shares how her left-brain passion for research blends seamlessly with her right-brain love of yoga and aerial arts. From her early days in pay-per-view television to more than 15 years in nonprofit fundraising, Lori has built a career on applied math, curiosity and a desire to “use your powers for good.”
With nearly 20 years of experience, Jen Newmeyer has witnessed the dawn of digital fundraising, navigated leadership roadblocks and championed collaboration in legacy organizations. She speaks candidly about the challenges facing nonprofits today, the lessons from her career pivots and why the future of digital fundraising may rest on embracing innovation.
Stacy Huston's path to becoming a social impact leader is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and a deep commitment to community. From her early days exploring faith and creative writing to her current role as Executive Director of SixDegrees.org, Stacy's journey is a testament to the power of connection and purpose.
What happens when a technologist trades code for cause-driven impact? In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Salvatore Salpietro—Chief Experience Officer at Fundraise Up—shares his personal journey from IT projects in Rome to co-founding a platform that’s reshaping the online giving experience. Salvatore opens up about his career pivots, the moment nonprofit work became personal, and how frustration often fuels innovation. From building human-first technologies to mentoring others in the space, Salvatore speaks candidly about the values driving his work—and the metrics that truly matter. If you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or simply curious about how passion and technology can collide to create real impact, this episode is for you.
In this episode of RKD Group: Thinkers, host Justin McCord sits down with Charles Lehosit, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital at RKD Group, for a candid and compelling conversation about the shifting landscape of nonprofit marketing. From the early days of digital—when it felt like the Wild West—to today's rapid rise of AI and compliance demands, Charles reflects on how the industry has evolved and where it’s headed.
On this episode of RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Tim Sarrantonio—Nonprofit Ecosystems Theorist, Director of Community Engagement at Neon One, and Chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP)—joins Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard for a deeply reflective and forward-thinking conversation.
On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard sit down with fundraising veteran Kevin Gentry—CEO of TenX Strategies and host of the “Going Big!” podcast—to trace his unconventional path into nonprofit fundraising and unpack the lessons learned from raising over $3 billion.
Carlos Whittaker is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of a powerful global community affectionately known as his "Instafamilia." Known for creating spaces—both online and in person—where people feel truly seen, Carlos lives by the motto: "Don’t stand on issues, walk with people."
In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, we welcome Katy Jordan, a seasoned consultant and coach in the nonprofit sector. Katy explores her unique journey from a background in chemical engineering and music to her extensive experience in fundraising and agency life. The conversation delves into the importance of adaptability, the challenges of maintaining boundaries in purpose-driven work and the significance of building trust in client relationships. Katy shares valuable insights on leadership, work-life balance and the impact of influential figures in her life, culminating in a discussion about the joys and challenges of coaching and parenting.
Donna Tschiffely has spent decades shaping the nonprofit space, guiding some of the most influential fundraising and marketing initiatives through her leadership at the Bridge Conference, DMAW and beyond. While often working behind the scenes, her impact on the sector is undeniable. In this episode, Donna steps into the spotlight to share her journey, the evolution of industry collaboration, and why nonprofits must embrace community, innovation and an abundance mindset to thrive.
In a captivating episode, Clint O’Brien shares insights from his time as a Moscow correspondent during the fall of the Soviet Union, weaving a narrative that connects historical events to the contemporary challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit sector. He delves into the vital lessons on democracy and freedom he learned during these transformative years and discusses the impact of technological advancements on nonprofit fundraising, specifically highlighting the role of AI and mobile technology. Clint also reflects on the significant influence of mentorship and leadership in shaping his career, emphasizing the importance of organizational culture in driving nonprofit success.
In this conversation, Laura Baker, Executive Director of Nashville Humane Association, shares her journey into animal welfare, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, community engagement and inclusivity. She discusses the shift in focus towards keeping animals in homes, the challenges of fundraising, and the significance of creating a sensory-inclusive environment. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.
In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard sit down with Gabe Cooper, founder and CEO of Virtuous, for an insightful conversation on the intersection of technology and generosity. Gabe shares his journey from software development to the nonprofit sector, reflecting on lessons from past failures, the importance of leadership and maintaining work-life balance. They also discuss the evolving future of fundraising, including AI’s role in strengthening donor relationships and optimizing nonprofit operations. With a mission to drive $10 billion in new generosity, Gabe’s passion for making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit world is at the heart of this discussion.
In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcast, Carl Ferrara, a product innovation specialist at Children International, shares his journey from a childhood influenced by his father's work in healthcare to his current role in leveraging technology for philanthropy. He discusses the importance of user testing in understanding donor motivations and the evolving role of AI in streamlining processes. Carl emphasizes the significance of testing and learning in nonprofit work, advocating for a culture that embraces change and innovation.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.
In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard engage with Kishshana Palmer, CEO of ManageMint Inc. and author of “Busy is a Four-Letter Word.” The conversation explores Kishshana's journey of embracing authenticity, navigating personal and professional challenges, and the importance of asking for help. Kishshana shares insights from her new book, which aims to empower the busy, sandwich generation, particularly Gen Xers, to achieve more by doing less.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.
In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard discuss with guest Dave Raley a range of topics, including Dave's journey in the nonprofit sector, his entrepreneurial ventures, and the rise of sustainable giving. Dave shares insights from his career in digital fundraising, the importance of mentorship, and his experiences launching Imago Consulting. The conversation also touches on the Purpose and Profit podcast, the impact of the subscription economy on charitable giving, and the future of nonprofit fundraising. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.
In this episode of the RKD Group: GroupThinkers podcast, we’re thrilled to feature Thomas Mantz, President and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay. From a challenging start in school to leading one of the nation’s most impactful hunger-relief organizations, Thomas shares his inspiring journey into the nonprofit world. In this conversation, he dives into the pivotal role of volunteering, the importance of aligning personal values with organizational missions, and his leadership philosophy centered on building capacity and empowering teams. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.
On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome T. Clay Buck, a seasoned expert in nonprofit fundraising and communications. With over 30 years of experience spanning roles from Grant Writer to Chief Development Officer, Clay has honed his expertise in individual giving, strategic planning, storytelling and building ethical fundraising systems that empower organizations to succeed. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.
In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcast, Scott Bjork, the President and CEO of Memphis Union Mission, shares his unconventional journey to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of faith in his work. He discusses the lessons learned from his diverse career, including his time in the trucking industry, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to leadership. Scott highlights the significance of integrating faith into daily operations and the value of personal connections with both staff and clients.
On this episode of the RKD Thinkers Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Tasha Van Vlack, founder of The Nonprofit Hive and a passionate advocate for community-building within the nonprofit sector. Tasha’s journey, which spans an unconventional path from studying biology and teaching ESL to becoming a pivotal voice for nonprofits, offers inspiring insights into creating meaningful connections and support systems for nonprofit professionals. She founded The Nonprofit Hive during the pandemic as a response to the increasing need for shared experiences, support and peer-to-peer learning among nonprofits. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.