Purpose & Profit Podcast

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.

The Subscription Economy is here, and it’s changing how both brands and causes think about and provide value. Customer and donor loyalty is declining, but the rise of recurring subscriptions is changing expectations and providing a way to generate sustainable, ongoing revenue, while also providing unique value to customers and donors. In this final episode of Season One, we talk about the big business of subscriptions today, and how nonprofits and brands alike can do to tap into the Subscription Economy. Hint - it’s not as simple as taking your existing product or fundraising offer, and slapping a monthly subscription onto it. Tune in to find out more.

Charity: Water is one of the nation’s leading charities. It has been the subject of a lot of press over the years, and for good reason. It has been one of the best modern examples of a cause-based approach to nonprofit fundraising, community building, and unconventional approaches to philanthropy. Recorded in 2021, we talked to Chief Revenue Officer at Charity: Water, MZ Goodman. MZ comes from a diverse background, including work at The New York Times, Ralph Lauren, and Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow’s modern lifestyle brand. We cover a number of topics with MZ, including: Tapping into the Subscription Economy with Charity: Water’s monthly giving program, The Spring. Valuing and the difficulty of measuring great storytelling. The power of being “the” nonprofit associated with a specific cause. Measuring marketing effectiveness and cultivating a performance culture. Charity: Water was founded by Scott Harrison in 2006 with the goal of bringing clean drinking water to developing countries. After working at so many major brands, MZ is uniquely qualified to bring her expertise to charity: water to further their mission… let’s get into our conversation with MZ. Charity: Water: https://www.charitywater.org/ MZ Goodman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mz-goodman/

Today’s episode is all about crypto, cryptocurrency, crypto donations. Our guest, Evan Johnson serves as Senior Director of Mass Market Fundraising at Project Hope. Evan helped Project Hope get on board with accepting donations of cryptocurrency in the previous year and until recently had received very few donations. Then, Russia invaded Ukraine. Project Hope moved into action to help the Ukrainian people and those impacted by shipping essential medicines and medical supplies to assist Ukrainians. Since then, they’ve seen revenue via crypto donations increase 88-fold. While crypto is still a small percentage of their overall disaster revenue, they are bullish on the future of the giving channel. Crypto is also a metaphor of sorts for the adoption of any new technology, innovation. In the episode, we discuss the lessons that go beyond Crypto itself. We discuss issues like… What is the cost of missing out on being a first mover? When do you jump in to experimenting with a new technology? What kinds of expectations of success should you have in innovation? Project Hope - https://www.projecthope.org/ The Giving Block - https://thegivingblock.com/ Evan Johnson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanjohnson83/

Today’s show is all about storytelling, crafting memorable experiences, and the world of themed entertainment. Our guest is Mel McGowan, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Storyland Studios. Mel got his start in film, design, and spent a decade at the Disney Company. You’ve probably heard the term “Imagineer” — someone who combines the art and the craft of telling stories in three dimensions. Mel was an Imagineer and he got to work on some pretty fun projects, including a little theme park called Disney's California Adventure, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Downtown Disney, and more. Mel has continued that practice, called spatial storytelling, at Storyland Studios. Mel has led teams that have won multiple Solomon Awards for “Best Church Architect,” and “Best Builder.” He was named one of the top 25 influencers by OC Metro Magazine, is a contributing editor to Outreach Magazine, and an Adjunct Professor at the College of Architecture, Visual Arts & Design at Cal Baptist University. Mel is passionate about creating compelling experiences and immersive environments around the world. He’s also the creator and co-host of the Themed Attraction Podcast. We hope you are blessed by our conversation with Mel McGowan. Mel McGowan - https://www.storylandstudios.com/slsteam/mel-mcgowan/ Storyland Studios - https://www.storylandstudios.com/

This week on the podcast we are doing something a little bit different. Instead of having a guest, we are going to discuss a trending topic that affects both causes and brands. Artificial intelligence is not just a buzzword…whether you’re a big business or a nonprofit, you’re possibly using it whether you know it or not, and if you’re not, it’s something to get serious about and it’s really helping to drive organizations forward. This topic gets thrown around constantly and sometimes it can feel intimidating because of the lack of understanding of the technology and how it can really be applied. This week we talk about what AI really is and how it can be used in any business or nonprofit. Tune in to hear: - What is AI? - How are we seeing it used? - How will AI evolve in the future? By the end of the show, you’ll have a better understanding of what AI is in a practical context and how you might think of applying it to your business or organization. If the show has been helpful to you, it would mean a lot to us if you would submit a rating.

What can nonprofit and business leaders learn from bookstores in the dot-com boom, publishers, and the world of nonprofit leadership? Tami Heim serves as the president and CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance. She’s been on both the cause and brand side of the fence, spending the bulk of her career in retail and publishing - as president of Borders bookstores, EVP and chief publishing officer for Thomas Nelson Publishers, and in the world of marketing and branding at an agency. For the past decade, she has led the Christian Leadership Alliance, which is dedicated to helping train, equip, and connect leaders. In the episode, we discuss: Three things that customers want Helping your people understand their purpose How Borders responded to the Amazon threat She then served as EVP and chief publishing officer for Thomas Nelson Publishers, before diving into the world of marketing and branding at an agency. She’s spent the last nearly decade as president and CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance, so she really has had a front-row seat to leadership from both the commercial retail and publishing world, and now in nonprofit leadership. I first heard about Tami when she joined the Christian Leadership Alliance, and a number of years later I was asked to join the board, so I’ve gotten to know Tami much more over the past few years. She’s a passionate, dynamic leader, and it’s been a huge blessing to see her leadership and the lessons she’s learned put into practice. The question for today is, what can we learn from the worlds of retail, publishing, and nonprofit leadership? Listen in to find out. Christian Leadership Alliance – https://christianleadershipalliance.org/ Outcomes Conference – https://outcomesconference.org/ Tami Heim – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamiheim/

What can nonprofit and business leaders learn from the world’s most beloved cookie, the organization at the center of fighting to end slavery in our liftime, and big box retail? A lot it, it turns out. Join us as we interview Sheeba Philip and learn the surprising ideas that live at the intersection of causes and brands. Sheeba has built a nearly 20-year career creating and growing purpose-driven brands in the consumer packaged goods, retail, and nonprofit sectors. Sheeba serves as CEO for Akola, a globally-inspired luxury jewelry brand and social enterprise. In 2018, the National Retail Federation named Akola as one of the top 25 brands, alongside Warby Parker and Allbirds, that are shaping the future of US retail. Sheeba brings a vast knowledge of brands and how to stay centered on your purpose, she mentions “To build an iconic brand or an organization that will stand the test of time, you have to build a deep relationship with the consumer or with the donor that goes beyond the transaction.” Akola – https://akola.co/ Sheeba Philip – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheebaphilip/

What do nonprofits and brands have in common? A lot more than you think! Purpose and Profit is a podcast 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? Co-hosts Dave Raley and Carly Berna share a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and learning. Quick backstory - We’ve worked together with a group of non-profit leaders that have this same desire and we would often bring in for-profit leaders who are pushing boundaries so that we could learn from them. This made us wonder if others would be interested in hearing from different industries. We want to bridge the gap between these two worlds…for profit and non profit…this idea became the start of this podcast. We want to discover the surprising ideas at the intersection of nonprofits and brands. We hope you learn something new right along with us. Our first episode will release on April 12th! Follow along on social media and subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us at www.purposeandprofitpodcast.com.

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.