990 Talk

This week we are privileged to be joined by Charlie Hammerman, President and CEO at The Disability Opportunity Fund (https://www.thedof.org), for an absolutely fascinating interview. We discuss how he leveraged his finance background into a career of multifaceted impact, changing the lives of individuals with disabilities all over the US (21:05). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (3:48), "Ari's rant" (17:35), "Where we were wrong" (79:20), and "Linkswipe" (83:38).

Joel Pollick, Founder and CEO of Percent Pledge (https://www.percentpledge.org/) joins us to discuss his story, the benefits of building a culture of charity at your company, millennial giving trends and much more (19:54). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (5:35), and "Where we were wrong" (63:26).

Finally the long awaited live recording from the 2021 Nageela @ Topgolf event featuring your favorite Chicago personalities is here. Again, very important PSA: There is no content of substance in this episode so if you are here to expand your knowledge then please skip to the next episode. You have been warned.....

Serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Wendy Berger (https://wbsequities.com), steps in to discuss her story, nonprofit trends, female entrepreneurship, and her experience giving a Ted Talk (17:34). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (5:40), and Ask the "Expert" featuring an old friend (61:00).

We are back for another episode and this time we are joined by Jonathan Greenberg (https://twitter.com/JGreenbergSez), Director of Freedom Initiatives at the Jack Miller Family Foundation. He was not shy about his opinions on a variety of matters, and gave lots of good tips for organizations as they interact with foundations and funders (4:55). Other segments include "Board of Directors" including the debut of our new intern Justin (46:40), and a new segment called "Personality Tests" (62:18).

Founder and CEO of Maverick Soul Consulting (https://www.mavericksoulconsulting.com/), Stefan Teodosic, returns to the show in studio to become the first reoccurring guest on 990 Talk. We dug deep discussing his personal inspirations, strategic planning, the difference between mission, vision, and goals, and broke down the long term future of this podcast (4:52). Plus, join us for some random bonus content after the outro (78:56). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (61:31) and a disgruntled listener joins the show for a "Where we were wrong" regarding a segment last episode (72:55).

For the first episode of our new "podcast year" we are joined by Chicagoland Real Estate Investor and nonprofit entrepreneur, Jeff Aeder. We discussed a variety of things including the vision and story of the Chicago based Walcott School (https://www.wolcottcollegeprep.org), Milts BBQ (http://www.miltsbbq.com), his affinity for Jews in sports, what's next for him, and many other things (4:45). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (48:05) and Ask the "Expert" with Worthy Insurance CEO, Ryan Spalding (57:12).

For the final episode of our inaugural podcast year, we were joined by living legend and member of various Jewish sports hall of fames, Lenny Silberman (https://www.lennysilberman.com/). We discussed his inspirations, his career, his current venture- Lost Tribe E Sports (https://losttribeesports.org/), lessons from a life in the nonprofit space, how he's never worked a day in his life and and so much more (3:34). We also nominated our "Board of Directors" (54:13), and did a "Where We Were Wrong which basically turned into a "Ask the Expert" with a very special recurring guest and dedicated listener (66:21).

We were privileged this week to be joined by motivator, leader, and nonprofit founder, Kim Karr, for a very relevant interview discussing her organization, #ICanHelp (https://www.icanhelp.net/), among a variety of other things giving us a whole new perspective on perosnal failure as well as how to use social media for good (7:16). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (53:55) and a failed attempt at Board Wives Tell-All (63:23).

Founder and Executive Director of Chitribe (https://chitribe.org/), Rebecca Joey Schwab, joins us this week to discuss her motivations, experiences and vision for improving the greater Jewish community here in Chicagoland (18:46). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (8:57), and a "Ask the Amateurs" and "Ari's Nugget" (56:32). Plus a hidden bonus interview at the end with our Board Chair's son recorded live from his bar mitzvah.

This week Ari and Sruly are joined by David Phillips, Principle at Immersive 1st (https://www.immersive1st.com/) for a discussion on ways organizations can better improve the relationships between nonprofit staff and their boards. We also discussed trends, a lot of trends (16:01). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (3:10), and "Linkswipe" (56:15).

Noted author, educator, and tweeter, David Bashevkin (https://twitter.com/DBashIdeas) (https://dbashideas.com), stops by for a fascinating discussion on nonprofit personalities, burnout, job satisfaction, and building professional net-worth (15:33). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (6:54), and "Where we were right and where we were wrong" (57:51).

We kick off 2021 by welcoming JJ Rabinowich, Executive Director of Ambassadors Group, to discuss how nonprofits can better utilize government to improve their ability to operate and sustain themselves (20:16). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (7:23), and "Ask the Amateurs"(48:26). Also Sruly got Michael Knopf's phone number wrong FYI.

For the final episode of 2020 we were joined by volunteer extraordinaire, Mrs. Chasi Davis, to talk about her experiences and lessons learned throughout her 20 years volunteering for a number of organizations here in Chicago (18:09). We also nominated our "Board of Directors" (5:35) and introduced a very important new segment called "Shameless Plug" which is an absolute must listen (55:12).

We are finally back in the studio this week and welcomed to the show, Moshe Hecht, CIO at Charidy.com (https://www.charidy.com). We discussed the history and growth of his company, overcoming negative stigmas, and much more (15:28). We also nominated our "Board of Directors" (8:05), Asked Elan for a million bucks (not unsuccessfully) (56:05), and did a quick Ask the "Amateurs" (59:44).

We're back with a new episode featuring Michael Dickson (https://twitter.com/michaeldickson), Executive Director at Stand With Us (https://www.standwithus.com), and author of "Isresilience" (https://www.isresilience.com) for a fascinating interview on the important international work of Stand With Us, the inspiration behind his book, the legacy of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, among other topics (15:09). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (5"01), and "Business Tips from Ari" (60:33). Plus we are still looking for a life coach to join us! 

This week we are back for round 2 of our two part interview with Diana Bloom on workplace accountability and productivity (16:29). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (3:47), and "Linkswipe" (54:44).

Ari's idol and well known accountability consultant, Diana Bloom (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianabloom), joins us this week for part 1 of a two part interview on accountability and task management in the work place for both the for-profit and nonprofit world (19:22). (It basically doubled as an office therapy session for us.) We also did "Board of Directors" (5:36), "Office Would You rather" (50:30), and "Where we were right/Where we were wrong" (59:10).

This week our good friend and colleague Rabbi Shai Markowitz, Director of the Lefkowitz Leadership Initiative at Agudath Israel of America (https://agudah.org/) joins us to discuss the challenges and tribulations of bringing a 100 year old organization up to speed in the digital age, as well as bridging the leadership gap between old school and new. Plus we brought back the mustache discussion with a special bonus guest (21:34). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (4:48), "Business Tips from Ari" (54:08), and "Linkswipe" (59:06).

Firstly, Sruly showed up late today. Secondly, we interviewed Rick Krosnick, Chief Development Officer at Jewish National Fund (https://www.jnf.org) to discuss his career journey, inspirations, and why JNF started planting trees but is really much more than that (17:57). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (7:44), "Office would you rather" (65:28), "Business Tips from Ari" (73:43), and Ask the "Expert" with a special in-studio guest (79:28).

International diplomat and fundraising master, Rabbi Meyer May, Executive Director at the Simon Wiesenthal Center (http://www.wiesenthal.com) joins us this week for a fascinating discussion about his career, fundraising, staying relevant, and strengthening world peace (16:25). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (5:36), "Where we were right and Where we were wrong" (68:11), and a special birthday edition of "Ask the Amateurs" (74:12).

Elyse Saretsky and Tatum Drazen from JUF's YLD (https://www.juf.org/yld/) join us to talk "Big Event", board management, millennial engagement, and what it means to be the number one address for young professionals in Chicagoland (14:25). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (4:25), "Office Would You Rather" (feat. Tatum Drazen) (53:35), and "Ask the Amateurs" (67:43).

This week we welcomed Dr. Amir Pasic, Eugene R. Tempel Dean and Professor of Philanthropic Studies at Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. We discussed the goals and purpose of his school as well as the importance and benefit of higher education to nonprofit professionals and philanthropists (15:01). Other segments include "Board of Directors"(4:10), Ask the "Expert" with an actual expert (51:34), and the 990 Talk debut of our sponsor, the mortgage master, Michael Knopf (57:28).

We were privileged this week to be joined by Eli Beer, Founder and President of United Hatzalah (https://israelrescue.org/). We discussed his personal inspirations, the successes and challenges involved in building a multi million dollar and ethnically diverse nonprofit, as well as his own takeaways from his battle with Covid-19 (17:18). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (5:05), and two new segments called "Linkedin Film Room" (52:03), and "Office Would You Rather" (56:30).

International disabilities advocate and probably the most genuine person we know, Lori Komisar, President of American Friends of Israel Sport Center for the Disabled (https://afiscd.org/), joins us for a truly inspiring interview on what it means to advocate for the underdog and to really see no limits in the strength and abilities of any person (18:00). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (3:17), and Ask the "Expert" with a surprise instagram celebrity (56:11).   

President and CEO of Evolve Giving Group (https://evolvegivinggroup.com), Amy Schiffman, joins us for a jam packed interview focused on maximizing and building a better nonprofit board, recognizing the silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic, some personal tips for us, among many other things (19:15). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (4:38), "Guess the gofundme" (61:27), and "Where We Were Right" with quite the tangent (70:52).

An actual accountant (unlike Sruly), Zacharia Waxler, CPA and Managing Partner at Roth and Co., joins us to give his analysis on the nonprofit world including what nonprofits do well and what they.....don't do as well. Additionally, we let him try and break some accountant stereotypes and pet peeves. To be honest, he wasn't that boring (25:00). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (6:10), "Ask the Amateurs" on a very important issue plaguing society today (58:46), and "Where we were wrong" (66:10). 

Jason Riley, Executive Director of national nonprofit "Tickets for Kids Charities" (https://ticketsforkids.org/) joins us this week to discuss his organization, board development on a national level, staying ahead of the game through Covid, among other things (26:40). We also tackle the "Board of Directors" of being a kid in summer camp (5:15), do some "Linkswipe" including a few hot takes (62:02), and call our Uncle Chuck for his thoughts on a couple of things (71:08).

After bombarding him on twitter enough times, Pittsburgh Steelers OT Zach Banner finally agrees to come on the show to discuss using his platform to combat antisemitism as well as the focus and story behind the B3 Foundation (http://b3foundation.org/) (Go donate!) (21:30). Other segments include "Board of Directors" (4:11), "Ask the Amateurs" (45:16), and "Where We Were Wrong" (53:25).

Ari and Sruly welcome the newest edition to the 990 Talk family, our intern Carli. We take some time to get to know her and nominate today's "Board of Directors" in her honor (7:12). Then, investment banking professional and founder and chairman of Kol HaNearim (https://www.kolhanearim.org/), Michael Reidler, joins us for a fascinating interview about what it really means to work in for-profit to sustain your nonprofit (30:10). (He also may have ended the great 990 Talk debate.) Other segments include "Guess the NFP" (70:55), and Ask the "expert" (80:10).

Chicago based philanthropist, founder and chairman of Paylocity (NASDAQ: PCTY), Steve Sarowitz, zoomed with us to discuss his philanthropic philosophy, world views, personal background, and his thoughts on ways we can ultimately change our world for the better (17:15). We also have an important announcement regarding a new potential addition to the show (63:00). Other segments include "Mt. Trashmore" (6:05), Ask the "Amateurs" (65:45), and a new segment entitled "What We Got Right and What We Got Wrong" (72:13).

Noted author and nonprofit digital marketing consultant, Julia Campbell (https://jcsocialmarketing.com/), joins us to discuss her storytelling philosophy as well as her thoughts on building your brand through the power of social media (22:46). We also had an unexpected segment with quite the plot twist (16:15), did some "Guess the NFP" with reversed roles (70:57), and knocked out the "Mt. Trashmore" of Road Trip Essentials, mind you Sruly did it on the spot (6:00).

Ari's dad, David Strulowitz Esq. joins us to share his thoughts on and experiences from chairing a $40 Million capital campaign through The Great Recession of 2008 as well as other hot takes about what nonprofits do and don't do well (18:44). We also tackle the "Mt. Trashmore" of Cereal (6:12), introduce a new segment called "You might work in nfp if...." (57:34), and 990 Talk trademark "Linkswipe" (64:38).

Queen nonprofit executive recruiter, Shira Werblowsky, stops by to give her thoughts on the Jewish nonprofit employment landscape as well as the various personalities, skills, and mindsets needed to thrive in nonprofit work (19:40). Segments include "Mt. Trashmore" (4:55), Ask the "expert", featuring C-level Jewish Twitter celebrity @aimhumor (55:55), and "Guess the Nonprofit" (65:05).

Chicago Jewish nonprofit luminary, Executive Vice Chairman at the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, Dr. Steven Nasatir, graces us with his presence to discuss his personal inspirations, career defining accomplishments, some advice for Sruly to help up his fundraising game, and much more (18:10). He also weighs in on the great "paper vs electric boarding pass" debate. Other segments include "Mt. Trashmore" (5:00), "Board Spouses Tell All" (58:30), and "Linkswipe" (64:15).

Personal favorite of the boys, Mike Frazin joins the show for an epic 2 part interview. Firstly we discuss "Lay Leadership" and the role and qualities of a good nonprofit board (20:18) followed by a bonus discussion about the "GOAT" in basketball and golf (75:26). Segments include "Mt. Trashmore" (7:30), "Ask the Amateurs" (55:47), "Ask Uncle Chuck" (59:51), and "Guess the NFP" (68:21).

Nicki Scott, incoming International Director at Rotary International, joins the show all the way from the United Kingdom to discuss the true meaning of living a successful life (17:00). Segments include "Mt. Trashmore" (2:45), "Ask Elan for a million" (46:25), "LinkSwipe" (51:45), "Ask the Expert" (60:12), and "Ask the Amateurs" (70:05).

The boys finally embrace the global phenomenon that is Covid-19 and its impact on the nonprofit world. To do that, they've solicited the expertise of international nonprofit consultants Jodi Sperling and Stefan Teodosic for an interview focused on Leadership in Times of Crisis(17:50). Segments include "Mt. Trashmore"(6:00), "NFP Spotlight"(59:50), and the critically acclaimed "Guess the NFP" (64:50).

Ari and Sruly welcome world renowned Tech aficionado and speaker, Hillel Fuld. Segments include Mt. Trashmore, Roast Read, and Ask the "Expert"

International Director of NCSY, Rabbi Micah Greenland, joins the show. Segments include LinkSwipe, Name that NFP. Bear with us... we're learning.

Ari and Sruly tinker with a few segments and welcome Harrell Wittenstein, Executive Director of the AIJC, for their first interview.

Ari and Sruly welcome the listeners and share their ambitions for the podcast.