With nearly 20 years of experience, Jen Newmeyer has witnessed the dawn of digital fundraising, navigated leadership roadblocks and championed collaboration in legacy organizations. She speaks candidly about the challenges facing nonprofits today, the lessons from her career pivots and why the future of digital fundraising may rest on embracing innovation.

Stacy Huston's path to becoming a social impact leader is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and a deep commitment to community. From her early days exploring faith and creative writing to her current role as Executive Director of SixDegrees.org, Stacy's journey is a testament to the power of connection and purpose.

What happens when a technologist trades code for cause-driven impact? In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Salvatore Salpietro—Chief Experience Officer at Fundraise Up—shares his personal journey from IT projects in Rome to co-founding a platform that’s reshaping the online giving experience.

Charles shares how a deep love of learning, a strong sense of mentorship, and a focus on creativity have shaped his leadership and outlook on digital transformation. With insightful takes on donor engagement, the future of shopping, and why nonprofits need to fight harder than ever for attention, this conversation offers equal parts foresight and encouragement. Whether you’re a nonprofit professional navigating new technologies or a leader seeking to empower your team through change, this episode will leave you inspired to keep learning, keep adapting—and most of all, keep dreaming.

Tim has always been a builder—of community, of meaning, and of momentum in the nonprofit space. In this episode, he shares his journey from academia to nonprofit leadership, weaving in lessons from taekwondo, personal loss, and years of championing generosity at scale. Set against the insights of the latest Generosity Report, this episode challenges the sector to shift from scarcity to abundance, from metrics to meaning, and from data to deeper connection. It's a call to realign fundraising with humanity—and to remember that trust isn't surged, it’s built.

From his first nerve‑wracking major-gift ask to working alongside legends like Morton Blackwell, Mal Warwick, and Richard Viguerie, Kevin shows how mentorship, direct response strategies, and a willingness to take big risks can transform both campaigns and careers.

In this episode, Carlos Whittaker shares his journey from a high school student struggling to fit in to a celebrated voice for connection and authenticity. He opens up about the impact of panic attacks on his identity, the lessons he’s learned about balancing technology and real-life relationships, and the pivotal moments that shaped his mission to help others breathe easier through community and conversation.

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.

RKD Group: Thinkers is a production of RKD Group. For more information, including how you can partner with RKD to accelerate growth for your fundraising and nonprofit marketing needs, visit rkdgroup.com.

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. RKD Group: Thinkers is a production of RKD Group. For more information, including how you can partner with RKD to accelerate growth for your fundraising and nonprofit marketing needs, visit rkdgroup.com.

In this episode, Laura Baker, Executive Director of Nashville Humane Association, shares her extensive journey in animal welfare, highlighting the evolution of the industry, community-centric approaches, and the importance of inclusivity. She discusses her leadership style, the challenges she faces as a female leader, and the significance of listening and taking risks in her role. Laura emphasizes innovative fundraising strategies and the need for collaboration in the animal welfare community, leaving listeners with valuable advice for navigating their own challenges in the field.

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.

In this conversation, Carl Ferrara shares his insights on the importance of insight-driven testing in nonprofit work, drawing from his experiences in healthcare and his current role at Children International. He emphasizes the need for grounding decisions in data and insights rather than trends or personal preferences.

The discussion emphasizes the significance of personal development in professional growth and the need for simplicity in life and work.

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.

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.

In this fun conversation, T. Clay Buck highlights concerns about the current state of fundraising, emphasizing that while innovation is vital, it’s often pursued without understanding the historical principles that underpin effective practices. He fears that valuable lessons from the past may be lost in the rush to revolutionize, stressing the importance of grounding new methods in proven fundamentals.

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.

In this engaging conversation, Tasha shares her unique journey into impactful work in the nonprofit sector. She discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the birth of The Nonprofit Hive, and the importance of community-building within the nonprofit space. Tasha emphasizes the need for connection, support and shared experiences among nonprofit professionals, highlighting the value of peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.

In this conversation, Michelle Flores Vryn discusses her journey from conservation to nonprofit fundraising, the future of philanthropy and the challenges facing the nonprofit sector, including staff retention and generational expectations. She emphasizes the importance of leadership, flexibility and the role of AI in enhancing nonprofit work. The discussion also touches on personal growth, mentorship and the need for uncomfortable conversations to drive change in the sector.