Groupthinkers

In this episode of RKD Group: Thinkers, host Justin McCord sits down with Charles Lehosit, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital at RKD Group, for a candid and compelling conversation about the shifting landscape of nonprofit marketing. From the early days of digital—when it felt like the Wild West—to today's rapid rise of AI and compliance demands, Charles reflects on how the industry has evolved and where it's headed.

On this episode of RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Tim Sarrantonio—Nonprofit Ecosystems Theorist, Director of Community Engagement at Neon One, and Chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP)—joins Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard for a deeply reflective and forward-thinking conversation.

On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard sit down with fundraising veteran Kevin Gentry—CEO of TenX Strategies and host of the “Going Big!” podcast—to trace his unconventional path into nonprofit fundraising and unpack the lessons learned from raising over $3 billion.

Carlos Whittaker is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of a powerful global community affectionately known as his "Instafamilia." Known for creating spaces—both online and in person—where people feel truly seen, Carlos lives by the motto: "Don't stand on issues, walk with people."

In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, we welcome Katy Jordan, a seasoned consultant and coach in the nonprofit sector. Katy explores her unique journey from a background in chemical engineering and music to her extensive experience in fundraising and agency life. The conversation delves into the importance of adaptability, the challenges of maintaining boundaries in purpose-driven work and the significance of building trust in client relationships. Katy shares valuable insights on leadership, work-life balance and the impact of influential figures in her life, culminating in a discussion about the joys and challenges of coaching and parenting.

Donna Tschiffely has spent decades shaping the nonprofit space, guiding some of the most influential fundraising and marketing initiatives through her leadership at the Bridge Conference, DMAW and beyond. While often working behind the scenes, her impact on the sector is undeniable. In this episode, Donna steps into the spotlight to share her journey, the evolution of industry collaboration, and why nonprofits must embrace community, innovation and an abundance mindset to thrive.

In a captivating episode, Clint O'Brien shares insights from his time as a Moscow correspondent during the fall of the Soviet Union, weaving a narrative that connects historical events to the contemporary challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit sector. He delves into the vital lessons on democracy and freedom he learned during these transformative years and discusses the impact of technological advancements on nonprofit fundraising, specifically highlighting the role of AI and mobile technology. Clint also reflects on the significant influence of mentorship and leadership in shaping his career, emphasizing the importance of organizational culture in driving nonprofit success.

In this conversation, Laura Baker, Executive Director of Nashville Humane Association, shares her journey into animal welfare, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, community engagement and inclusivity. She discusses the shift in focus towards keeping animals in homes, the challenges of fundraising, and the significance of creating a sensory-inclusive environment. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard sit down with Gabe Cooper, founder and CEO of Virtuous, for an insightful conversation on the intersection of technology and generosity. Gabe shares his journey from software development to the nonprofit sector, reflecting on lessons from past failures, the importance of leadership and maintaining work-life balance. They also discuss the evolving future of fundraising, including AI's role in strengthening donor relationships and optimizing nonprofit operations. With a mission to drive $10 billion in new generosity, Gabe's passion for making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit world is at the heart of this discussion.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcast, Carl Ferrara, a product innovation specialist at Children International, shares his journey from a childhood influenced by his father's work in healthcare to his current role in leveraging technology for philanthropy. He discusses the importance of user testing in understanding donor motivations and the evolving role of AI in streamlining processes. Carl emphasizes the significance of testing and learning in nonprofit work, advocating for a culture that embraces change and innovation.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard engage with Kishshana Palmer, CEO of ManageMint Inc. and author of “Busy is a Four-Letter Word.” The conversation explores Kishshana's journey of embracing authenticity, navigating personal and professional challenges, and the importance of asking for help. Kishshana shares insights from her new book, which aims to empower the busy, sandwich generation, particularly Gen Xers, to achieve more by doing less.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard discuss with guest Dave Raley a range of topics, including Dave's journey in the nonprofit sector, his entrepreneurial ventures, and the rise of sustainable giving. Dave shares insights from his career in digital fundraising, the importance of mentorship, and his experiences launching Imago Consulting. The conversation also touches on the Purpose and Profit podcast, the impact of the subscription economy on charitable giving, and the future of nonprofit fundraising. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

In this episode of the RKD Group: GroupThinkers podcast, we're thrilled to feature Thomas Mantz, President and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay. From a challenging start in school to leading one of the nation's most impactful hunger-relief organizations, Thomas shares his inspiring journey into the nonprofit world. In this conversation, he dives into the pivotal role of volunteering, the importance of aligning personal values with organizational missions, and his leadership philosophy centered on building capacity and empowering teams. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, we're thrilled to welcome T. Clay Buck, a seasoned expert in nonprofit fundraising and communications. With over 30 years of experience spanning roles from Grant Writer to Chief Development Officer, Clay has honed his expertise in individual giving, strategic planning, storytelling and building ethical fundraising systems that empower organizations to succeed. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcas, Scott Bjork, the President and CEO of Memphis Union Mission, shares his unconventional journey to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of faith in his work. He discusses the lessons learned from his diverse career, including his time in the trucking industry, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to leadership. Scott highlights the significance of integrating faith into daily operations and the value of personal connections with both staff and clients.

On this episode of the RKD Thinkers Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Tasha Van Vlack, founder of The Nonprofit Hive and a passionate advocate for community-building within the nonprofit sector. Tasha's journey, which spans an unconventional path from studying biology and teaching ESL to becoming a pivotal voice for nonprofits, offers inspiring insights into creating meaningful connections and support systems for nonprofit professionals. She founded The Nonprofit Hive during the pandemic as a response to the increasing need for shared experiences, support and peer-to-peer learning among nonprofits. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, we're excited to sit down with Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE, a seasoned leader in nonprofit marketing and fundraising. With a career spanning across sectors like climate change and biodiversity, higher education and civic engagement, Michelle has driven impactful change by leading initiatives in major gifts, institutional giving, capital campaigns and digital fundraising. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

On this episode of the RKD Thinkers Podcast, we're excited to sit down with Woodrow Rosenbaum, a prominent leader in the philanthropic sector and the Data and Insights Lead for GivingTuesday. Woodrow has been instrumental in shaping the global GivingTuesday movement, leading groundbreaking research and analysis on individual giving behaviors. His insights have significantly influenced how organizations engage with donors, transforming passive participants into active ambassadors for their causes. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Jane Flower is a youth outreach specialist at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Jane has worked in the nonprofit industry for more than two decades and uses her lived experience as a person with vision loss and her journey as a Guide Dogs for the Blind client to connect with young people going through a similar path. Her story is incredible and there is so much heart and passion behind why she does what she does. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers Podcast, we're excited to sit down with Steve MacLaughlin, an accomplished leader in nonprofit technology, serving as Vice President of Client Success at SJ Consulting and author of the book, “Data Driven Nonprofits.”His thought leadership has been featured in publications like The Washington Post and The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and he's a regular contributor to discussions on how data and innovation shape the future of fundraising. In addition to his industry roles, Steve teaches at Columbia University and has served on the board of NTEN, furthering his commitment to advancing nonprofit impact. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers Podcast, we're excited to sit down with Dana Snyder, a dynamic speaker, author, entrepreneur, and the mastermind behind cultivating passionate audiences for nonprofits. With a career that spans coast to coast, from New York to Los Angeles, Dana has worked with notable organizations like American Idol, Movember, and Dress for Success. She's dedicated to helping heart-driven nonprofit marketers build communities of recurring donors through her Grow Your List Ads Challenge and Monthly Giving Mastermind Program. Dana brings a fresh perspective on using storytelling and digital strategies to transform nonprofit fundraising and create lasting impact. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

We're sitting down with Mallory Erickson, a seasoned executive coach, fundraising consultant and the founder of The Power Partners Formula™. With her expertise in empowering nonprofit leaders to raise more from their current donor base, Mallory brings a fresh perspective on leveraging data and emotional intelligence to drive impactful donor engagement. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcast, Troy Vaughn discusses the challenges he faces as a leader, including burnout and the need for constant recalibration. He advises those considering a role in the nonprofit space to focus on the impact they can make on individual lives rather than seeking recognition. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

We're excited to introduce Matt DiBenedetti, the new Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director at RKD Group. With over 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector, Matt leads our omni-channel Performance Creative practice. His unique expertise in blending data, technology, and creative strategy is set to transform how we support our clients, helping them engage donors in more impactful ways than ever before. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Cherian Koshy is the Vice President of Product Strategy at Kindsight. He started in the nonprofit sector working in IT for the National Speech and Debate Association before transitioning to fundraising. He later founded an AI platform that helps create fundraising content easier. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Jon McCoy, co-founder of We Are For Good, shares his takeaways from 550 conversations on We Are For Good and how it has changed him. The conversation also touches on the formation of We Are For Good and the vision behind it. Jon McCoy and Justin McCord discuss the journey of We Are For Good and the launch of Impact Uprising. They express gratitude for the support and belief of their community and the impact they are making in the nonprofit sector. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Vivian Borja shares her career journey from working in the for-profit sector to becoming the Chief Marketing Officer at Food for the Poor. She highlights the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and the importance of facilitating paths to self-sufficiency for communities.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Writer, illustrator, and director Brad Montague shares his origin story and how he found his passion for storytelling and celebrating children. He discusses the journey of Kid President and the impact it had on people around the world. Brad also talks about the importance of embracing failure and creating a safe space for growth and learning. Listen as he highlights the beauty of childlike creativity and the need for more kindness and compassion in the world.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @RKD GroupFor more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer discusses her experience as a data architect at Myspace, the evolution of technology and data architecture, and her transition to the nonprofit sector at charity: water. In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Christa emphasizes the importance of thoughtful data collection and governance and the long-term roadmap for data and technology at charity: water. Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook @RKDGroup.For more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Abby Jarvis is the Sr. Content Marketing Manager at Neon One. Abby is a content creator and thought leader on LinkedIn, and recently produced Neon One's Recurring Giving Report. In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Abby discusses key takeaways from the Recurring Giving Report and what they mean for nonprofits.Follow RKD Group on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and X @RKDGroup.For more information, visit info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Alisa Gray is the President and CEO of Kentucky Humane Society. Alisa has always had a passion for animals and giving back to her community, and her journey with nonprofit work started at a young age, volunteering alongside her grandmother.In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcast, Alisa shares how memorable moments from her career have also provided some important lessons and her advice for female professionals.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook @RKDGroup.For more information, visit info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Ross Simmonds is the founder and CEO of Foundation Marketing and author of “Create Once, Distribute Forever.” Ross is a serial content creator and expert in AI and encourages nonprofits to leverage AI tools for added efficiency and effectiveness in their fundraising and marketing efforts. In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Ross discusses the importance of understanding your audience and creating content that educates, entertains, engages and empowers.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook @RKDGroup.For more information, visit info.rkdgroup.com.

Jeff Shuck and Jennifer Mulholland are co-authors of “Leading with Light” and principals at Plenty Consulting. Experts in conscious leadership and business, Jeff and Jennifer have helped some of the world's largest commercial and nonprofit organizations realize clearer strategies, alignment and authentic expression. In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Jeff and Jennifer discuss the importance of being aware, aligned and intentional in how we live and lead.Follow RKD Group on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram @RKDGroup.For more information, visit info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Dr. Marcus Collins is the author of “For the Culture” and an award-winning marketer and cultural translator. Marcus has held roles as the chief of strategy at Wieden+ Kennedy, head of digital strategy for Beyoncé, has been inducted into the American Advertising Federation's Hall of Achievement and is currently a professor at the University of Michigan. In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Marcus discusses the importance of understanding culture and its influence on behavior. Find RKD Group on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @RKDGroup.For more information, visit info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Kelley Likes is the Vice President of Philanthropy at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. Kelley is the youngest VP in the organization's history and was recognized as a rising leader by the Colorado Springs Business Journal. In this episode of RKD Group: Chat, Kelley shares her interesting journey into the nonprofit space and her perspective on leadership and collaboration. For more, visit info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.Follow RKD Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @RKDGroup.

Dimple Dhabalia is the founder of Roots in the Clouds and author of "Tell Me My Story." A human-centered leadership coach, Dimple is dedicated to normalizing workplace mental health care and healing individual and organizational trauma.Find RKD Group on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook @RKDGroup.For more information, visit info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.

Ryan Ginard is the author of “Nonprofit Moneyball” and founder of Fundraise for Australia. In this episode of Group Thinkers, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard sit down with Ryan to discuss his experience of living in Australia, England and the U.S. as well as how the nonprofit sector can implement the Moneyball thesis and sports mindset.Follow Group Thinkers on Twitter/Instagram @groupthinkers.For more information visit rkdgroup.com/podcast.