Key Takeaways: Goals are meant to guide, not judge. When they serve as a compass instead of a scorecard, they inspire growth and unity instead of strain or shame. Progress becomes something to celebrate, not a verdict on worth. Nonprofit leaders often walk the line between big dreams and achievable results. Rigid focus on financial targets can create tension and burnout, but realistic goals rooted in purpose help teams stay motivated and grounded. True success goes beyond numbers. Relationships, learning, and consistent effort shape sustainable impact. By valuing process over perfection, organizations can find meaning in every outcome—good or bad. Lasting results come from people, not pressure. Relationship-building should be prioritized over transactions, with gratitude and reflection fueling resilience, renewal, and authentic growth for the long run. “Rejection isn't the opposite of success. It is part of success.” “Goals should stretch us, not strain us. They should unite, connect us, not divide us, and they should inspire us to grow, not shame us for being human.” “Remember: every ‘no’ refines your ‘yes’. You're not rejected, you're redirected. Rejection is protection.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: Goals are meant to guide, not judge. When they serve as a compass instead of a scorecard, they inspire growth and unity instead of strain or shame. Progress becomes something to celebrate, not a verdict on worth. Nonprofit leaders often walk the line between big dreams and achievable results. Rigid focus on financial targets can create tension and burnout, but realistic goals rooted in purpose help teams stay motivated and grounded. True success goes beyond numbers. Relationships, learning, and consistent effort shape sustainable impact. By valuing process over perfection, organizations can find meaning in every outcome—good or bad. Lasting results come from people, not pressure. Relationship-building should be prioritized over transactions, with gratitude and reflection fueling resilience, renewal, and authentic growth for the long run. “Goals should stretch us, not strain us. They should unite, connect us, not divide us, and they should inspire us to grow, not shame us for being human.” “What if we saw goals as a compass instead of a scorecard? It gives us direction, but it doesn’t judge us.” “The growth comes from the receptivity of all of it: what worked and what didn’t, because everything was progress, everything was a lesson, everything was information.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: True commitment begins with finding like-minded people, not convincing others to care. Instead of pitching or pushing, nonprofits should focus on shared values and invite donors into a community built on authentic connection. Meaningful conversations start with listening, not selling. By asking thoughtful questions and validating donors’ stories, organizations create space for people to feel seen and heard, laying the groundwork for lasting trust. Letting go of results transforms how we communicate. When fundraisers detach from fear or pressure, they become more open to honesty, mutual respect, and new possibilities that turn rejection into redirection and growth. Donors move naturally toward giving when each step feels like their choice. Using small yeses, open-ended questions, and calm follow-ups helps convert interest into action while maintaining dignity and genuine rapport. “People buy to the level they feel seen and heard. Your job isn’t to convince—it’s to listen.” “If you’re making friends with someone because they have money, that’s manipulation. Build relationships first; the money will follow.” “Authentic, honest, transparent relationships create loyal donors for life.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Javan Van Gronigen is the Co-Founder of Donately, a leading fundraising platform that has processed over $180M in donations for 1,400+ nonprofits. With 15+ years in digital marketing and social impact, he helped create accessible, transparent fundraising technology after his work on the global Kony 2012 campaign. Key Takeaways: Nonprofits thrive when they align marketing, storytelling, and data into a unified approach that strengthens both mission and message, especially when working with small teams and limited resources. Tools like Donately, Google Analytics, and AI empower nonprofits to personalize donor experiences, track engagement, and make informed decisions that drive sustainable growth. Establishing a steady rhythm—such as quarterly roadmaps—helps organizations stay consistent while leaving room to explore new ideas, platforms, and emerging technologies. Nonprofits that take risks, communicate openly, and lead with authenticity build stronger trust, greater visibility, and lasting donor relationships. “Act like for-profit businesses, take those risks. You will be rewarded for that if you're more bold and you go after being unique in that space.” “With AI...you just have the ability to audit and look through mounds of information far better than you used to. Understanding who your audience is, what's working, what's not, that's really critical.” “If you don't know where your donors are coming from, you don't know where to put your money.” - Javan Van Gronigen Reach out to Javan Van Gronigen at: Website: http://www.donately.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javanvangronigen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearedonately Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donately_org/ X: https://x.com/donately Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: True leadership success is measured by alignment with your values and season of life. It is not about busyness but about making intentional, sustainable choices that bring fulfillment. Leadership has natural rhythms of growth, energy, refinement, and rest. Recognizing and embracing each season allows leaders to act with clarity and avoid burnout. Success is reflected in energized weeks, meaningful relationships, lasting influence, and personal joy. Leadership thrives when others feel better and positive change continues. Lead from peace, set boundaries, and focus on depth over breadth. Continuously evolve your definition of success to expand in wisdom and align your leadership with purpose. “Sometimes you have to stop moving to see where you're really going.” “Busyness is not being important. It's just filling your life with stuff so you can feel important.” “Joy is not optional. It's a leadership strategy.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

David Blyer is the Co-Founder, CEO, and President of Arreva, a leading provider of fundraising and donor relationship management software for nonprofits. With over three decades in the industry, he’s passionate about helping organizations strengthen donor engagement through technology and innovation. He previously founded DonorCommunity, the first all-in-one fundraising software for nonprofits, and co-founded Arreva through a merger with Susan Packard Orr’s company, Telosa. Earlier in his career, David led Vento Software, later acquired by SPSS and IBM. He also serves on NonProfit PRO’s Editorial Advisory Board. Key Takeaways: Donor acquisition and retention decline not because people stop caring—but because organizations often fail to acknowledge and engage donors quickly and personally. Fragmented systems hurt relationships. When fundraising, events, and CRM data don’t “talk” to each other, nonprofits lose time, insight, and donor trust. Integration and automation empower nonprofits to respond faster, personalize communication, and strengthen long-term loyalty. Timely gratitude matters: reaching out within 48–72 hours after an event or donation dramatically increases donor satisfaction and retention. Peer-to-peer fundraising, when integrated into a nonprofit’s ecosystem (unlike GoFundMe), helps acquire new donors, foster engagement, and turn supporters into ambassadors. A donor-centric website and seamless online giving experience—especially mobile-friendly—serve as the foundation of modern fundraising success. "I can honestly say I'm so proud of the team that I have. I've never had the opportunity to work with a collective team like this and and be so proud of them every single day." "When you're a nonprofit, I caution you do not use GoFundMe, because I'll tell you why, what you want to have, and I go back to software you want to have a pit. I'll call it, as opposed to a GoFundMe. I look at that as what I will call the peer to peer fundraising." "But my challenge has always been and now I'm very frustrated that my last tribute gift and I just gave another one, but my last tribute gift, it's been four months. I didn't get any acknowledgement that the person I gave a tribute gift to...was acknowledged." "61% of donors worldwide prefer giving online. So if you're giving your volunteers, if you're giving your board members, maybe even your active donors, the ability to send something out online, there's a better chance of them raising more money and an easier way of doing this." - David Blyer Reach out to David Blyer at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arreva/ Website (Company): https://www.arreva.com/ Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: True leadership often means loosening your grip. You cannot force outcomes, timelines, or people, but you can release and lead with trust. Surrender opens space for wisdom and growth. Surrender is not weakness but strength in disguise. Rest becomes a strategic act when we allow it to restore us. In slowing down, we sharpen clarity and courage. Perfection and rigid plans weigh leaders down. Balance is found in the natural rhythm of effort and rest. Honoring both flow and pause leads to sustainable impact. Leadership is not a solo journey but a shared one. Trusting your team and support network empowers them to rise higher. In giving space, you multiply strength together. “Surrender isn't weakness. It's wisdom. Choosing rest is a strategic decision.” “Let go of perfection and timelines. Whatever you missed happened anyway. It's all okay, nothing's going to pass you by.” “Balance comes from rhythm, not rigidity. Leadership is expansion and contraction. Go with the flow… honoring the rest as much as the pushes, honoring the ebb and the flow.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

A Canadian direct response strategist, designer, and author with over 25 years of experience. He champions donor-centered approaches that prioritize authenticity and emotional connection. His 2022 book, Creative Deviations, has inspired fundraisers worldwide to embrace creativity in storytelling and communication. John brings warmth, insight, and a human-first philosophy to every stage. Empowering fundraisers to build more meaningful donor relationships. Key Takeaways: Donor relationships thrive when leaders allow open, honest dialogue rooted in empathy. Vulnerability invites trust, making it easier for supporters to share openly and feel truly heard. Engagement comes not from polished presentations but from being human. Dropping the “professional bubble wrap” allows values-driven conversations that foster deeper bonds. Direct mail and appeals work best when they feel one-to-one, conversational, and emotionally compelling. Donors respond when a message feels like it was written just for them. Great fundraising relies on trusting experienced people and never losing vulnerability. Staying passionate and authentic ensures both donors and leaders stay connected to the deeper “why.” “We’re being emotional. We’re connecting with each other as humans. That’s how we create engagement with donors. … Not by me showing up a suit and tie and in a big desk with gold stuff around me.” “The more mail looks personal and looks like I sent it to you, the better it performs all the time…” “We want donors feeling something. It’s the emotions that make us take action. And it can be joy, it can be anger, it can be sadness, whatever it is.” - John Lepp Reach out to John Lepp at: LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/johnlepp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnlepp_aog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsofGood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentsofgood

Key Takeaways: Go through a seamless process with the donor; don’t go from unaware to action. Create a replicable, consistent donor experience through these stages of relationship building: awareness, interest, connection, and action. Build relationships with donors through direct communication, creating content that provides value to others, rather than simply bragging about one's own accomplishments. Identify your areas of expertise and share them with others in a way that is informative, entertaining, or emotionally resonant. Personalized invitations create deeper connections with potential donors, and so does creating trust through smooth processes and acting in donors' best interests. Be a value to others in every interaction. Set up nurture sequences before and after events in order to engage attendees. Connect with the attendees and understand their needs, and build relationships with them by reaching out and listening to their values and interests. Don’t neglect follow-up. “A lot of times, what I see is people go from unaware to action. We have to create an experience. It's like courting or dating, where you're enrolling someone slowly. And you're allowing them to move through this experience at their own pace.” “They have to know you to like you, like you to love you, or trust you enough to give, to act.” “What gets smiles on screens and souls on seats is a personal invitation.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Matt Nash is the executive director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund, leading the organization’s mission to unleash generosity by connecting people to causes they care about worldwide. An experienced executive with a focus on customer relationships and an expert in donor-advised funds and philanthropy, Matt previously served as the executive director of the Generosity Commission Working Group. Key Takeaways: The upcoming Individual Contribution Deduction (starting 2026) allows $1,000–$2,000 deductions even without itemizing. This is a game-changer for mid-level donors and nonprofits. High net worth donors, meanwhile, are expected to give more this year before new caps take effect. Building trust requires proactive communication—help donors understand new deductions, be transparent about challenges, and highlight impact. Clear stewardship can inspire donors to give more, not less, during times of change. Companies are becoming more selective, prioritizing alignment with their values. Nonprofits that provide high-quality volunteer opportunities and keep corporate giving platform profiles updated will stand out. Mid-size and local companies, often overlooked, are especially valuable. Tracking foundation, government, and donor-advised fund trends helps nonprofits anticipate risks and opportunities. Using available data to identify potential DAF holders and maintain strong funder relationships ensures resilience. “The key is stewardship of these donors, and helping them know this deduction is available, allowing them to amplify their giving.” “If you have big funders, watch how they're using their resources; it might be a negative cause to you moving forward.” “If you are working with a corporation, make sure your volunteer effort works great, it creates an aura among employees: ‘What a fantastic organization.” - Matt Nash Reach out to Matt Nash at: Website: https://blackbaudgivingfund.org/ Blog: https://blackbaudgivingfund.org/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackbaudGivingFund/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbaudgivingfund/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-blackbaud-giving-fund Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Jen Recla is a leadership coach, facilitator, and adventure-seeker who helps leaders navigate their workload, build team trust, and lead with clarity, even when demands are high and resources are thin. With 15+ years in leadership, coaching, and organizational development, she brings a practical yet energizing approach to helping mission-driven leaders feel more capable and connected in their work. Key Takeaways: Community building strengthens both personal and professional life, creating resilience and collaboration that support growth. Sustainable achievement requires focusing on priorities, setting boundaries, and celebrating gains rather than chasing endless tasks. Feedback cultures thrive on psychological safety, with leaders modeling behaviors that shape healthy and sustainable team norms. Core values such as fun, adventure, and growth provide direction, energize leadership, and create authentic, purpose-driven work. “Some of the signs [of burnout] that I've seen with individuals really are dependent on who they are. So I think getting to know people, getting to know what makes them tick, what strengths they have, has been really helpful in my position as a leader in the past, and as a coach now as well.” “We focused on what the gains are… individually, for your team, for the organization - so that they could really see the progress and momentum that they've made. It’s a way to pull people out of the downward spiral and really focus on the momentum and continuing to build that momentum.” “The starting place is really to take a step back, zoom out, and focus on what's important to you, what's your purpose, what's driving you? What are your values? What are your goals?” - Jen Recla Reach out to Jen Recla at: Website: www.jenrecla.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferrecla Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: Effective change management begins with acknowledging and inventorying concerns rather than dismissing them. Benefits should be clearly articulated and emphasized in order to outweigh perceived risks. Aligning proposed benefits with shared organizational values strengthens collective buy-in. Identifying the tipping point, where benefits surpass concerns, creates momentum for meaningful change. “The first thing we do is acknowledge the fear. We inventory the concerns. We do not deflect, dismiss, deny.” “Stack the benefits, transform your positives, transform the positives, and to tip the sale.” “Identify the tipping point where the benefits clearly outweigh the concerns.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: Change unfolds in stages, and readiness cannot be forced. Recognizing that change follows a psychological process helps set realistic expectations. People move through stages at their own pace, and you cannot make yourself—or someone else—be ready before the time comes. Meet people where they are, not where you want them to be. Effective support means accepting others for who they are and approaching them with patience rather than trying to pull them ahead in their journey. Tailor your approach to each stage of change. Not everyone is in the same place, so it’s essential to assess readiness and match your strategy accordingly. Small, incremental “micro-asks” can help move people forward. Setbacks are part of the process, and relationships drive lasting change. Relapse is normal and should be seen as a learning moment, not a failure. Real transformation grows out of relationships built on trust, not transactional interactions. “You will know when it’s time. You can’t make yourself be ready.” “Don’t assume everyone is in the same stage. You have to assess first... and match your approach to their stage.” “Change is a relationship. It’s not a transaction.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.

Nicole Stewart is the Executive Director of Boston CASA, a nonprofit that trains and supports community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for children who have suffered from abuse and neglect. She has over 25 years of experience supporting vulnerable children and advancing equity, education, and justice. Key Takeaways: Effective leadership begins with a clear sense of purpose, as understanding and communicating the “why” behind change builds trust, inspires alignment, and ensures the work stays centered on the mission. Establishing and living by shared guiding principles creates alignment in values and goals, making organizational change smoother and more unified. Bringing in outside facilitation during team change processes allows leaders to fully participate alongside their teams, while benefiting from an objective perspective that supports collaboration and engagement. Guiding principles should function as living documents that actively shape daily work, rather than being treated as one-time exercises or check boxes to complete. “Together, we created some guiding principles to ensure that there was alignment in our values and in our goals, which just makes leading an organization through this process a lot easier when you have, you know, those basic core values and you're working in sync.” “What I wanted to make sure is that once we came up with these guiding principles, that it became a living document.” “One of our guiding principles is that we create a culture of self-care so that we can perform at our very best.” - Nicole Stewart Reach out to Nicole Stewart at: Website: https://bostoncasa.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonCASA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boston.casa Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.

Key Takeaways: Fear Has a Role. It’s not something to eliminate but to understand. It can guide rather than block you when approached with awareness. Confidence Can Hold Fear. You don’t need to be fearless to lead. True confidence comes from naming your fears, narrowing them down, and choosing your next step anyway. Vulnerability Builds Trust. Leaders who show up with honesty and openness create space for others to be brave. Influence grows when you lead with your full, imperfect self. Purpose Is Your Anchor. When fear rises, ground yourself in what matters most. Regulate your inner world, focus on what you can control, and move with clarity. “Confidence rises when you create inner safety. That means regulating your nervous system through breath, stillness, movement, or connection.” “The most vulnerable person in the room is the most influential person in the room.” “If you're doing bold, meaningful work, fear is not a sign that something's wrong, it's a sign you're on the edge of growth.” - Maryanne Dersch Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.

Robin is the Founder and CEO of The Abundant Nonprofit and the creator of the 7-Figure Nonprofit Framework. She is a speaker, strategist, culture-builder, and team whisperer. She works with nonprofit leaders who are done feeling stuck, underfunded, and overwhelmed—and who are ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and cash flow. For over 30 years, Robin has helped visionaries transform burnt-out boards into dream teams, scattered programs into powerful movements, and struggling budgets into sustainable revenue. She doesn’t offer quick fixes—she builds legacies. Key Takeaways: True sustainability means valuing both momentum and stillness. Embrace periods of rest with the same intention as times of productivity—lulls are not setbacks, but part of the cycle that fuels longevity and creativity. When another organization receives a major donation or breakthrough opportunity, it isn’t a sign of scarcity—it’s proof of potential. Their success is not a threat, but an invitation to believe that there is more than enough for all. Money is never just numbers—it flows through trust, relationships, and shared purpose. Success begins not with pressure or hustle, but with deeply rooted connection to people and their stories. Mistakes aren’t hidden or punished—they’re addressed with honesty and care. A culture that encourages transparency without blame becomes one where growth, resilience, and learning can truly thrive. “Money is not a number game, it's a people game. Money is all about people.” “When another nonprofit gets the big check, it doesn't mean it's not there for us. It's actually the opposite. It's showing us what's possible.” “The most important thing they can do is embrace the lull as emphatically as they embrace the hustle.” - Robin Berlinsky Reach out to Robin Berlinsky at: Website: https://www.theabundantnonprofit.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-berlinsky-7b147b33/ Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence 1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward. 2. Team Coaching + Training I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together. 3. Board Retreats + Trainings Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results. Ask for and receive all you want, need, and deserve without feeling rejected, ineffective, or pushy. Learn to manage your mindset, lead yourself and others more effectively, and have the meaningful conversations that drive your most important work. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: Energy shapes everything. Energy is the foundation of all outcomes—your energy affects your thoughts, words, and ultimately, your results. You broadcast what you carry. As a leader, your thoughts and emotions are felt by others. Your energy influences how people respond to you. Attention creates direction. Where you focus your attention determines what grows. Choose to notice what works and who shows up. Choose alignment over effort. When your internal state aligns with your purpose, you move with clarity and don't need to force outcomes. “Your thoughts, your emotions, your presence, it's all broadcasting something... people are responding to your frequency.” “Multiple realities are possible. What becomes real is just what we choose to make real.” “When you consciously align your internal state, thoughts, emotions, intentions with your vision and values, you don't have to push or hustle.” - Maryanne Dersch Ask for and receive all you want, need, and deserve without feeling rejected, ineffective, or pushy. Learn to manage your mindset, lead yourself and others more effectively, and have the meaningful conversations that drive your most important work. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: Fundraising begins with energy. Donors respond more to your emotional presence than your pitch, confidence, and authenticity attract, while desperation repels. Influence through presence, not perfection. Being grounded and emotionally attuned makes you more influential than having the "perfect" ask or script. Manage your energy intentionally. Simple practices like choosing a focus word, visualizing success, or resetting with breath and music can elevate your presence in donor conversations. Authentic connections build long-term results. Fundraising rooted in real connection leads to lasting relationships, lower stress, and more meaningful donor engagement. “Influence is not about being perfect. It's about being present.” “Even 90 seconds of intentional grounding can shift your state and realign your energy before you connect with anyone, especially a donor.” “The more that I let go, the more that I give them the opportunity to make their own choice, the more likely they are to choose what I want.” - Maryanne Dersch Ask for and receive all you want, need, and deserve without feeling rejected, ineffective, or pushy. Learn to manage your mindset, lead yourself and others more effectively, and have the meaningful conversations that drive your most important work. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: Successful fundraising is more than just strategy—it begins with your internal world. Your mindset, emotional energy, and unconscious patterns play a major role in how you connect with others and inspire support. We all have sub-personalities—like the pleaser, perfectionist, or rebel—that try to protect us. These “parts” aren’t bad, but they can unintentionally undermine your efforts if left unchecked. Awareness is key to working with them, not against them. In fundraising, how you show up matters more than what you say. People respond to your energy—your authenticity, confidence, and presence—far more than a perfectly crafted pitch. Your internal state sets the tone. The goal isn't to silence your inner parts, but to let your grounded, aligned self take the lead. When you notice, name, and understand which part is showing up, you create space to choose a response that’s authentic and effective. “Fundraising at its core is an inside-out game. What you put out is what you're going to get back.” “Energy speaks louder than words, and most of us really want to get the words right, and we're not thinking about the energy.” “Nothing is broken, no one needs to be replaced or banished. We just have to think about who gets to drive the bus.” - Maryanne Dersch Ask for and receive all you want, need, and deserve without feeling rejected, ineffective, or pushy. Learn to manage your mindset, lead yourself and others more effectively, and have the meaningful conversations that drive your most important work. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

Key Takeaways: Receptivity is an intentional strength. True openness toward money, ideas, feedback, or kindness is not passive. It is an active, rewired mindset that can be shaped over time, despite early conditioning. Receptive leaders influence through presence, not pressure. Leadership rooted in listening, collaboration, and invitation creates space for growth and impact, far more than force or control ever could. The practice begins in small moments. Noticing your receiving patterns, saying "yes" more often, and learning to accept compliments are daily habits that slowly widen your capacity to receive. Receiving invites transformation. When we let go of guilt, scarcity, and the urge to constantly produce, we begin to attract support, energy, and purpose, not just in fundraising, but in life. “When you begin with receptivity, you don't just raise funds, you raise energy, you raise possibility, you raise movements.” “The secret to raising money isn't how hard you push, but how open you are to receive it.” “The leaders who raise the most money aren't the ones who shout the loudest. They're the ones who are deeply tuned in, confident in their worth, and open to support.” - Maryanne Dersch Ask for and receive all you want, need, and deserve without feeling rejected, ineffective, or pushy. Learn to manage your mindset, lead yourself and others more effectively, and have the meaningful conversations that drive your most important work. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect Book Maryanne to speak at your conference: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker