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Purpose & Profit Podcast

Purpose & Profit Podcast
Author: Dave Raley & Carly Berna
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© Dave Raley & Carly Berna
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What do nonprofits and brands have in common? A lot more than you might think! Purpose & Profit is a show dedicated to uncovering the surprising ideas at the intersection of causes and brands. We’ll take trends that are transforming fundraising and marketing, and ask the question... what might nonprofits learn from these trends, and what might brands learn from nonprofits?
Each episode, hosts Dave Raley and Carly Berna unpack a topic or a trend that matters to nonprofit and business leaders, and explore what each can learn from the other.
Each episode, hosts Dave Raley and Carly Berna unpack a topic or a trend that matters to nonprofit and business leaders, and explore what each can learn from the other.
64 Episodes
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What does it take to tell stories that truly move people and move them to action? In an era flooded with misinformation and short attention spans, how do brands and causes break through the noise with truth, authenticity, and impact? In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, we explore those questions and more with a journalist who’s spent her life on the front lines of global storytelling.Dave Raley and Carly Berna welcome to the show award-winning journalist and host of Big [If True], Molly Thomas. Known for her fearless reporting on humanitarian crises and her drive to expose disinformation, Molly brings deep wisdom on what it means to tell authentic stories that resonate across cultures, causes, and contexts.From refugee camps to misinformation rabbit holes, Molly shares her experiences bringing attention to stories the world too often forgets. This conversation is a masterclass in how brands and causes can build trust, communicate with emotional intelligence, and inspire action without manipulation.Key Topics They Cover: 1. Purpose Over Trends: Why brands should align with causes that reflect their deepest convictions, not fleeting headlines.2. Building Trust in an Age of Misinformation: Practical ways for organizations to maintain credibility and clarity.3. Emotional Entry Points: How to help audiences connect personally to distant or difficult issues.4. Spotting the Fake: Lessons from Big [If True] on navigating scams, hoaxes, and disinformation, and how this shapes public trust in brands and causes.5. Discovering Your "Holy Discontent": How to identify the issue that keeps you up at night, and use it as a compass for impact.6. The Role of Sensory Storytelling: Using sounds, smells, and context to craft immersive, relatable stories.7. Empowering vs. Exploiting: How to avoid manipulative storytelling by highlighting agency and dignity.8. Why Being Present Matters: The value of slowing down, observing deeply, and leaving room for unexpected human stories.9. Repurposing Powerful Narratives: How to get long-term value from emotionally rich stories without overexposure.10. Music & Messaging: How background music shapes emotional response, and the ethical weight that carries.Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUSFAITHSEARCH PARTNERSIMAGO CONSULTINGAVID AIDICKERSONBAKKERSHARESYNERGYSpecial thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
What if the key to nonprofit success isn’t just more funding, but better systems, leadership, and innovation?In this episode, hosts Dave Raley and Carly Berna sit down with Dan Bentley, Managing Director of Impacto Consulting and host of the Innovate for Impact podcast. Dan’s work helps nonprofits break free from “survival mode” and become high-performing, impact-driven organizations. Drawing from both his for-profit background and nearly a decade of consulting in the social sector, Dan shares practical strategies for building resilient, innovative, and empowered teams, especially in the face of limited resources.Together with Dave and Carly, Dan outlines the critical mindset shifts and organizational changes required to create meaningful, scalable impact.Key Topics They Cover:What “survival mode” looks like in nonprofit organizations,and how to break out of itWhy resource constraints actually fuel innovation in the nonprofit sectorThe four pillars of innovative organizations:Ambition FocusedCreative LeadershipClient CentricityEmpowered PeopleWhy “Empowered People” is often the weakest link, and what to do about itLessons nonprofits can teach the for-profit world about adaptability, systems, and solving real-world problemsThe power of systematized innovation and frontline empowerment, with examples from organizations like the Starlight Children’s FoundationDan’s personal journey – from corporate insurance to international travel to founding Impacto ConsultingPlus, don’t miss the lightning round, where Dan shares the most random item on his bucket list, his surprising past in Australian hip hop, and the one cause he’d donate a million dollars to.Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUSFAITHSEARCH PARTNERSIMAGO CONSULTINGAVID AIDICKERSONBAKKERSHARESYNERGYSpecial thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
¥In this episode of Purpose & Profit, co-hosts Dave Raley and Carly Berna sit down with Brady Josephson, VP of Marketing & Growth at charity: water, to explore what it really takes to be disruptive—not just in marketing, but within an organization’s culture and strategy.Brady shares behind-the-scenes stories from the bold and sometimes controversial Dreamers campaign, as well as the inspiration and vision behind The Experience Lab—a multi-year, high-investment initiative designed to transform donor engagement. He also discusses how charity: water is reducing friction in decision-making, empowering “doers,” and embracing internal disruption to stay agile as they grow.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to cut through the noise and define meaningful disruption.What happens when bold campaigns spark internal pushback, and why that’s not always a bad thing.The mindset and structure needed to keep a growing nonprofit flexible and innovative.Why elevating execution and empowering teams can be just as disruptive as any marketing campaign.Learn more about Brady at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradyjosephson/Meanwhile, dive deeper into charity: water’s misison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradyjosephson/Discover more episodes of Purpose & Profit Podcast at: purposeandprofitpodcast.com Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUS: Virtuous.orgFAITHSEARCH PARTNERS: FaithSearchPartners.comIMAGO CONSULTING: Imago.ConsultingAVID AI: AvidAI.comDICKERSONBAKKER: DickersonBakker.comSHARE ShareTalent.coSYNERGY: SynergyDMS.comSpecial thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose and Profit, we sit down with nonprofit innovator, author, and branding expert, David Rhode, for an engaging and insight-packed conversation about what it really takes to lead and grow a nonprofit organization in today’s world.David shares how his early career at Procter & Gamble shaped his strategic mindset, offering key branding lessons that translate surprisingly well to the nonprofit space. He dives into the philosophy behind his award-winning book, Passion Isn’t Enough, revealing why heart alone isn’t enough, and what you need to pair it with to truly make an impact.You’ll learn:Why nonprofits need to “stay in their lane” when building their brand, and how doing less can actually mean doing moreHow David’s “3 Ps of Nonprofit Branding” (including People, Process, and Proof) offer a roadmap for smaller organizations with limited resourcesCreative, low-budget ways nonprofits can measure and communicate their impactHow to navigate the balance between mission-driven passion and the demands of operations, fundraising, and board dynamicsPlus, don’t miss the lightning round where David reveals the surprising skill he wishes he had, his favorite guilty pleasure show, and the random bucket list item he still wants to check off.Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, aspiring changemaker, or branding nerd, this episode is full of wisdom, wit, and practical takeaways.Learn more about David at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rhode-1129183/Check out Dave’s book: Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLLBB3W2Meanwhile, discover more episodes of Purpose & Profit Podcast at: purposeandprofitpodcast.com Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUS: Virtuous.orgFAITHSEARCH PARTNERS: FaithSearchPartners.comIMAGO CONSULTING: Imago.ConsultingAVID AI: AvidAI.comDICKERSONBAKKER: DickersonBakker.comSHARE ShareTalent.coSYNERGY: SynergyDMS.comSpecial thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose & Profit, co-hosts Carly Berna and Dave Raley sit down with Kenny Jahng—strategic advisor, digital agency founder, and AI expert—who has dedicated his career to helping mission-driven leaders cut through the noise and build meaningful engagement with their audiences. With an impressive background that spans business, ministry, and nonprofit leadership, Kenny shares key insights from his Art of Engagement framework, which helps organizations clarify their message and connect with the right people.Through this conversation, Kenny breaks down the Authority Pillar—a critical component of engagement that focuses on defining your WHY, WHAT, and WHO. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit or a purpose-driven business, you’ll find actionable advice to help you refine your message, build trust, and ultimately drive greater impact.Also in this episode, Kenny talks about:His Background & Expertise – How his journey in business, ministry, and digital strategy has shaped his approach to engagement.The Art of Engagement Framework – A strategic model for helping organizations build clarity and connection with their audiences.The Authority Pillar: Defining Your Engagement StrategyThe WHY – Establishing a clear purpose to create meaningful engagement.The WHAT – Identifying the key message that resonates with your audience.The WHO – Showcasing testimonials and case studies that build trust and credibility.Practical Next Steps – How both nonprofits and businesses can implement these principles to strengthen their outreach and engagement.Learn more about Kenny Jahng at: linkedin.com/in/kennyjahng/.Dive deeper into The Art of Engagement Framework at: artofengagement.org.Find out more about Purpose & Profit Podcast at: purposeandprofitpodcast.com.Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUS: Virtuous.orgFAITHSEARCH PARTNERS: FaithSearchPartners.comIMAGO CONSULTING: Imago.ConsultingAVID AI: AvidAI.comDICKERSONBAKKER: DickersonBakker.comSHARE ShareTalent.coSYNERGY: SynergyDMS.comSpecial thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of the Purpose & Profit Podcast, hosts Dave Raley and Carly Berna sit down with Mohamed Osman and Ali Metcalf from Spring Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations scale their impact effectively in both the UK and the US.Mohamed, Spring Impact’s CEO, brings over two decades of experience in health, social enterprise, and humanitarian work, including his time as Global Grants Director at the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Ali, a Managing Consultant at Spring Impact, has worked on projects from Uganda to the UK, scaling solutions in parenting, education, health, and community development.The conversation explores the challenges and strategies behind scaling nonprofit initiatives. Mohamed and Ali discuss the importance of building for scale from the outset, the role of partnerships in sustainable growth, and how funding landscapes impact the ability of organizations to expand their reach. They highlight the significance of shifting from directly delivering solutions to enabling others to implement them—exemplified by Bridges to Prosperity’s transition from building bridges to supporting governments in constructing them.Key takeaways include:The need to fall in love with the problem rather than the solution, as solutions evolve over time.The balance between maintaining control and allowing strategic partners to help scale impact.Diversifying funding sources while remaining mission-aligned.Practical advice for nonprofits looking to scale, including focusing on strategic partnerships and understanding funding dynamics.Learn more about Purpose & Profit Podcast at: purposeandprofitpodcast.com/podcast.Meanwhile, discover more about Spring Impact at: https://www.springimpact.org/.Season Six of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUS: Virtuous.orgFAITHSEARCH PARTNERS: FaithSearchPartners.comIMAGO CONSULTING: Imago.ConsultingAVID AI: AvidAI.comDICKERSONBAKKER: DickersonBakker.comSHARE ShareTalent.coSYNERGY: SynergyDMS.comSpecial thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
AI is transforming the way nonprofit organizations operate, but for many leaders, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Purpose and Profit Podcast, your co-hosts, Carly Berna and Dave Raley, break down how leaders can confidently embrace AI to enhance their work.From using AI for brainstorming and decision-making to balancing machine-powered insights with human judgment, Carly and Dave share practical strategies. They also highlight key AI trends for 2025 and the AI-powered tools making the biggest impact.Also in this episode, Dave and Carly talk about:The biggest misconceptions leaders have about AIWhy AI-generated insights still need human oversightThe ethical considerations of AI in the nonprofit spaceSimple ways to start integrating AI into your daily workflowWant to take action? Read How to Talk to AI on the Wave Report, at https://www.imago.consulting/articles/how-to-talk-to-ai.Meanwhile, download the guide, 12 Ways to Leverage AI, to explore more ways AI can support you: https://www.imago.consulting/12-ways-to-use-ai.Season Six of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUSVirtuous believes in increasing generosity through personal donor engagement, no matter the gift size. The Virtuous platform streamlines nonprofit workflows, eliminates back-office tasks, and focuses on the relationships that matter. With their CRM, fundraising, volunteer, and marketing tools, nonprofits can create responsive experiences that build trust and grow impact. Visit virtuous.org to learn more.FAITHSEARCH PARTNERSFaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at faithsearchpartners.com/.IMAGO CONSULTINGImago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at .imago.consulting and subscribe at imago.consulting/wavereport.AVID AIJuggling tools instead of engaging donors? Meet Avid—the first-ever fundraising agency in the cloud. It unifies your data, deploys ready-to-use strategies, and makes donor engagement personal—at scale, on demand, in minutes. Visit avidai.com and see how fundraising gets smarter.DICKERSONBAKKERFor over 40 years, DickersonBakker has been a trusted partner to nonprofits across the country and globe. They’ve worked with thousands of organizations and helped raise billions of dollars to support meaningful missions. Their expertise spans fundraising, leadership development, and strategic growth. Learn more at dickersonbakker.com.SHAREShare helps Christian nonprofits shine with innovative marketing and digital fundraising. But that’s not all—they’re your tech-savvy partner, building tools to make your work easier and your impact bigger. Ready to grow your mission? Visit Sharetalent.co today!SYNERGYSynergy helps nonprofit organizations broaden donor engagement through phone-based solutions such as P2P texting, Voice Broadcasting, Inbound call handling solutions and Mid-Level donor engagement solutions. By integrating into your current mail and digital strategies, we create a personal connection with your donors that increases their devotion to your cause. Learn more at synergydms.com.Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose and Profit Podcast, Dave Raley and Carly Berna are pleased to welcome Amit Meredith to the show! Amit is the Head of Marketing for “GoFundMe,” overseeing brand strategy, marketing activations, and growth in an effort to help connect people with causes they care about.With a background working for companies like Warner Bros. Discovery, Samsung, and Boots UK, as well as higher education institutions and nonprofits, Amit is uniquely qualified to talk about the giving landscape today and how nonprofits can view that landscape in order to maximize their fundraising efforts.Diving into her role at GoFundMe, Amit shares findings from the GoFundMe Social State of Giving Report and explains the recent rise of what are known as “Impact Creators.”Also in this episode, Amit talks about: The Gen Z population and the power of sharingHow social media plays a role in fundraisingHow to use AI to boost fundraising effortsAdvice for for-profit and nonprofit leaders from her vast experience working in both sectorsA lightning round at the end!Discover more from the GoFundMe Social State of Giving Report at: https://www.gofundme.com/c/socialgivingSpecial thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.Season Six of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUSVirtuous believes in increasing generosity through personal donor engagement, no matter the gift size. The Virtuous platform streamlines nonprofit workflows, eliminates back-office tasks, and focuses on the relationships that matter. With their CRM, fundraising, volunteer, and marketing tools, nonprofits can create responsive experiences that build trust and grow impact. Visit virtuous.org to learn more.FAITHSEARCH PARTNERSFaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at faithsearchpartners.com/.IMAGO CONSULTINGImago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at .imago.consulting and subscribe at imago.consulting/wavereport.AVID AIJuggling tools instead of engaging donors? Meet Avid—the first-ever fundraising agency in the cloud. It unifies your data, deploys ready-to-use strategies, and makes donor engagement personal—at scale, on demand, in minutes. Visit avidai.com and see how fundraising gets smarter.DICKERSONBAKKERFor over 40 years, DickersonBakker has been a trusted partner to nonprofits across the country and globe. They’ve worked with thousands of organizations and helped raise billions of dollars to support meaningful missions. Their expertise spans fundraising, leadership development, and strategic growth. Learn more at dickersonbakker.com.SHAREShare helps Christian nonprofits shine with innovative marketing and digital fundraising. But that’s not all—they’re your tech-savvy partner, building tools to make your work easier and your impact bigger. Ready to grow your mission? Visit Sharetalent.co today!SYNERGYAt Synergy, they boost your nonprofit's donor engagement through innovative phone-based solutions. Whether it's P2P texting, voice broadcasting, inbound call handling, or mid-level donor engagement, they seamlessly integrate with your existing mail and digital strategies. Their goal is to create a personal connection with your donors, enhancing their commitment to your cause. Let Synergy be your donor engagement team and watch your donor retention and revenue grow. Discover more at synergydms.com.
In this exciting new episode of Purpose and Profit Podcast, Carly Berna has the unique opportunity to interview fellow co-host, Dave Raley, on his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit, which became Amazon’s #1 new release for Nonprofit Organizations and Charities before its official launch date!
Dave Raley begins by explaining the 3-year process that went into writing this book, which began with a passion to increase generosity among nonprofits around the world.
Dave goes into detail about how the subscription economy has changed everything for nonprofits, and how it will continue to transform how people look at giving moving forward.
Having studied top-performing nonprofits that are tapping into this new type of subscription giving, he now shares the core elements of building a thriving, sustainable giving program.
The Rise of Sustainable Giving is now available for purchase on Dave’s website at sustainablegiving.org and on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3E5TRPF. Get your copy today and start transforming your recurring giving efforts for a better, more generous tomorrow.
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at www.virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at www.virtuous.org/checklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at https://faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at www.imago.consulting and subscribe at www.imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, Dave Raley and Carly Berna are joined by Grapevine Founder and CEO, Emily Rasmussen, for an exciting discussion about an exciting and growing trend known as crowdgranting.
Emily founded Grapevine, an organization dedicated to bringing people and communities together to further the giving movement, and she shares her passion for giving and how she has managed to share it with the world.
Next, she dives into the definition of a “Giving Circle” and what it means to build one, offering real-world examples along the way.
Later, she explains the difference between crowdgranting and crowdfunding, sharing how crowdgranting can be a more powerful approach to philanthropy.
Also along the way, Emily talks about:
The “Four C’s” of crowdgranting that nonprofits should be aware of.
One of the most popular giving circle models on Grapevine’s platform and why it was so effective.
An exciting partnership that Grapevine formed with Bombas, and how it increased awareness of Giving Circles.
And much more + a lightning round at the end!
You can learn more about Grapevine at https://www.grapevine.org, and Emily at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-rasmussen-02816619.
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/checklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at imago.consulting and subscribe at imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, we’re excited to welcome back Sheeba Philip! Sheeba is a visionary leader with 25 years of experience at the intersection of business and purpose. During her career, she has transformed iconic brands like Oreo, JCPenney, and Jell-O, while also leading impactful nonprofit initiatives to combat human trafficking and create jobs for women in East Africa.
Sheeba currently leads a global advisory practice, equipping CEOs of purpose-driven funds, brands, and organizations to achieve transformational growth.
Sheeba begins her conversation with Dave and Carly talking about what it means to adopt an entrepreneurial approach in your organization. Sharing real world experience from both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Sheeba shares some practical tips on how entrepreneurism can be molded into a regularly practiced habit.
Later, Sheeba explains how discipline is the backbone of any successful venture, offering advice on how to maintain focus on the most important tasks when there are so many distractions and potential opportunities at hand.
Also along the way, Sheeba talks about:
How vision without a clear strategy can be detrimental to an organization’s plans for growth
What it means to have a passion for a problem
How to gather and analyze data to ensure you’re moving in the right direction
How to embrace agility and adapt to change
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/checklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at .imago.consulting and subscribe at imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, your co-hosts, Carly Berna and Dave Raley, talk about the power of invented holidays and the concept of shared moments that rally people together around a common cause or idea. How do these shared moments across these various invented holidays relate to the for-profit and nonprofit sector and why might it be important to recognize as professionals in the industry? Is there an untapped opportunity there? That’s what Carly and Dave are looking to uncover in this episode.
They begin by defining what invented holidays are - May the 4th, Talk Like a Pirate Day, No Phone Day, etc. - and dive into brand-specific holidays such as Amazon Prime Day and GivingTuesday, listing the various aspects that make them such a success culturally, as well as from an economic standpoint.
They talk about how creating shared moments around the theme of an invented holiday can help unify communities, capitalize on FOMO, and ultimately drive sales and giving among businesses and nonprofits.
Later, they’ll share practical tips on how you can incorporate invented holidays into your organization. Steps on how to do this include:
Mapping out the calendar to see what holidays might be relevant for your organization
When to start the ‘celebration’ process of the holidays’ shared moments, and how long to continue that celebratory process
What it might look like to create your own brand-specific holiday based on your specific audience
For more information on invented holidays such as GivingTuesday, visit: https://www.imago.consulting/articles/the-power-of-invented-holidays
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/checklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at .imago.consulting and subscribe at imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose of Profit Podcast, Dave Raley and Carly Berna are joined by RKD Group’s Justin McCord for a discussion about how to create an experience that drives the value of your organization’s product or service.
Justin begins by sharing his experiences working in sports as a marketer. He explains what it’s like to compete for the entertainment dollar and how to differentiate your organization from others in the industry.
Together with Dave and Carly, Justin dives into the practical applications of what it means to be a “winning team” and how even smaller organizations with limited budgets can adopt those “winning” principles for lasting success.
Other Topics Include:
– How to better understand your audience
– Adding amplifiers to your organization
– Advice for nonprofits
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/checklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at imago.consulting and subscribe at imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, Carly Berna and Dave Raley are joined by business and nonprofit leader, Jeff Henderson, for an inside look at how to grow your vision and to be ready for whatever comes next on your organizations path to success.
Jeff shares his experiences working with well-known organizations such as the Atlanta Braves, Callaway Gardens, Chick-fil-A and North Point Ministries – one of the largest churches in America – and highlights some of the challenges and successes he faced, revealing some insightful tips and strategies on how nonprofits can achieve their ultimate vision.
More Topics Include:
– What are vision carriers and vision castors
– What to do when uncertainty shows up
– How you can learn through bad experiences
– How culture can trump strategy
– The relationship between your vision and your current resources
Named by Forbes Magazine as one of 20 speakers you shouldn’t miss, Jeff has become a trusted voice for businesses and non-profit organizations. His career experience not only inspires groups and individuals but also provides tangible strategies to help them grow.
Jeff is also the author of the best-selling book, Know What You’re FOR, which launched a movement in non-profits around the world and has become a focal point for many businesses.
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at www.virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at https://faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at www.imago.consulting and subscribe at www.imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, Carly Berna and Dave Raley dive into the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Nonprofit Leaders and offer key insights for fundraisers and nonprofit leaders, emphasizing the importance of leadership, strategy, and sustainability in driving impact.
Carly and Dave start by exploring the first habit—how to move from data to strategy. They discuss how successful fundraisers gather insights, work with trusted advisors, and create actionable plans to move their organizations forward. Next, they cover why focusing on what works, rather than constantly putting out fires, is a game-changer for nonprofit growth.
Later, they dive into the importance of leveraging natural resources—understanding your organization’s unique strengths—and why balancing the present with future innovation is key to long-term success.
Also along the way, they discuss topics such as:
The power of taking calculated risks
Building strong partnerships
Maintaining a learning mindset that keeps effective fundraisers at the top of their game
Tune in to learn how these seven habits can help nonprofit leaders achieve sustainable impact and growth.
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at www.virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at https://faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at www.imago.consulting and subscribe at www.imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, Dave and Carly are joined by nonprofit expert Dana Snyder to talk about some of the lessons she learned from working on American Idol, and how those lessons can be applied to increasing your monthly donor programs as nonprofit leaders.
Dana is the founder of Positive Equation and the host of “Missions to Movements” podcast. She is also the author of her latest book, “The Monthly Giving Mastermind - A Framework to Build, Grow & Sustain Subscriptions for Good.”
Dana reveals some key insights from her book and offers tips on how to build your supporters into monthly donors who connect with you, your mission and your brand.
Also in this episode, Dana shares a handful of compelling stories from her time at American Idol, and compares viewers’ desire to relate to the show’s contestants with the relationship between brands and their donors.
Other topics include:
The power of authenticity
Leveraging cultural moments
Turning storytelling into profit
Learn more about Dana and her new book by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarsnyder/ or https://positiveequation.com/book
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at www.virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at https://faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at www.imago.consulting and subscribe at www.imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
Welcome to Season 5 of Purpose & Profit Podcast! In our first episode, we’re kicking things off with Chick-fil-A’s very own Officer VP of Innovation, David Farmer!
In this episode, David joins Carly Berna and Dave Raley to discuss how innovation and entrepreneurship collide, and how nonprofits can benefit from change while staying true to their core values and beliefs.
David begins by telling a fascinating drive-thru innovation story, and later, a different story about how prototyping can become an important step toward healthy growth in one’s organization.
Together, David, Carly and Dave identify how to stay relevant in an ever-evolving and dynamic marketplace. They talk about what it means to implement change where change is needed, while also identifying what areas should NOT be changed.
Lastly, they offer tools and insights for nonprofits on how to look to the future with both a clear eye on the organization’s key purpose, as well as a healthy discomfort that can lead to new ideas.
Other topics include:
How to create an innovative culture
How to develop a framework for innovation
How leadership affects a business culture
Season Five of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at www.virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist.
FAITHSEARCH PARTNERS
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm for faith-based organizations, dedicated to providing lasting solutions and championing faith-driven leaders. Their mission is to serve their clients and empower them with the right people at the right time to help drive their unique mission of ministry forward. Learn more about FaithSearch Partners at https://faithsearchpartners.com/.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at www.imago.consulting and subscribe at www.imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose and Profit Podcast, Carly and Dave talk about the power of nostalgia in boosting innovation in your business or non-profit.
They begin by sharing the history of the word “nostalgia” and reveal its varying definitions over the years as our culture has evolved.
They dive into familiar topics that bring about nostalgia such as Disneyland, Super Bowl commercials, and the Barbie movie, and talk about how utilizing nostalgia can be a great way to invite your supporters to identify with your organization’s story.
Other topics include:
Benefits of evoking nostalgia in your business or non-profit
Examples of effective nostalgia use in media and branding
How leaders and brands can effectively tap into nostalgia
Article Link:
https://www.imago.consulting/articles/tapping-into-the-power-of-nostalgia
Tater Tot Link:https://news.kraftheinzcompany.com/press-releases-details/2024/After-20-Years-Ore-Ida--the-Inventor-of-Tater-Tots--Comes-to-Napoleon-Dynamites-Rescue-with-First-Ever-Tater-Tot-Protecting-Pants/default.aspx
Sign up for Weekly Insights from The Wave Report: https://www.imago.consulting/wavereport
Season Four of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at www.imago.consulting and subscribe at www.imago.consulting/wavereport.
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at www.virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at www.virtuous.org/checklist.
MASTERWORKS
At Masterworks, their mission is to help you accomplish yours. They are a full-service agency for Christian organizations. Their emphasis on both mission & mastery makes us leading experts in moving hearts & minds to act. Masterworks has over 30 years of experience serving organizations through strategy, direct mail, digital, analysis, creative, & technology. Learn more about Masterworks at www.masterworks.agency.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, Dave and Carly bring in Masterworks CEO Steve Woodworth to discuss the workplace culture between for-profits and non-profits, and how transitions between members of leadership can ultimately benefit or harm your organization’s strategy.
Steve talks about his new book, "Lost in Transition: Lessons from the Most Disastrous and Successful Ministry Successions” and shares some of his own stories from his 40-year career as a for-profit and non-profit leader.
Together with Carly and Dave, Steve offers insights into creating healthy cultures and give advice to business leaders about effective communication that can lead to positive workplace cultures and successful transitions within organizations.
Episode Topics:
How culture plays a hand in boosting innovation
How to incorporate productive communication within your organization
What to do and what not to do when your organization is undergoing transition
We hope you enjoy our conversation!
Learn more about Masterworks CEO Steve Woodworth by visiting masterworks.agency.
Season Four of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
MASTERWORKS
At Masterworks, their mission is to help you accomplish yours. They are a full-service agency for Christian organizations. Their emphasis on both mission & mastery makes us leading experts in moving hearts & minds to act. Masterworks has over 30 years of experience serving organizations through strategy, direct mail, digital, analysis, creative, & technology. Learn more about Masterworks at www.masterworks.agency.
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at www.virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at www.virtuous.org/checklist.
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at www.imago.consulting and subscribe at www.imago.consulting/wavereport.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
In this episode, Carly and Dave sit down with Donna Lucas, an experienced for-profit and non-profit marketer who has helped transform big-time businesses like Dickies, Adidas, and Benetton.
Donna shares some lessons on how to introduce innovative products and techniques into the marketplace that seek to maintain core customers, engage new consumers and capitalize on untapped revenue opportunities.
Diving into an evolution story of how Dickies became more than just a worker’s brand but was able to transition into an international fashion brand dominating multiple new markets, Donna reveals some helpful how-to insights on how this exciting change was made possible – and what this could mean for you and your business or non-profit.
Find out more about Donna at www.linkedin.com/in/donnamlucas and Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org.
Episode Topics:
Recognizing ways in which your core customers are changing and learning how to change with them
How you can evolve without losing your brand identity
What innovation looks like for non-profits and how it can be applied
We hope you enjoy our conversation!
Season Four of the Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:
IMAGO CONSULTING
Imago Consulting is an advisory firm that helps nonprofits and businesses grow through innovation. Innovation is the lifeblood of any growing organization. Imago publishes a weekly trends report called The Wave Report – learn more at www.imago.consulting and subscribe at www.imago.consulting/wavereport.
VIRTUOUS
Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at www.virtuous.org and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at www.virtuous.org/checklist.
MASTERWORKS
At Masterworks, their mission is to help you accomplish yours. They are a full-service agency for Christian organizations. Their emphasis on both mission & mastery makes us leading experts in moving hearts & minds to act. Masterworks has over 30 years of experience serving organizations through strategy, direct mail, digital, analysis, creative, & technology. Learn more about Masterworks at www.masterworks.agency.
Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.
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