Mission Advancement Podcast: Leading with generosity

The Connection Key: Lee and Julie Colan on Leading Through Human Connection

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:35:25 GMT

What helps people feel truly connected at work? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Lee and Julie Colan share practical insights on listening well, simplifying leadership, building trust, and creating stronger human connection inside organizations. They also discuss their latest book, The Connection Key, and why meaningful connection is becoming even more important in today’s workplace.

Heart Over Pocket: Alan Graham on Generosity, Hospitality, and Human Connection

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

What happens when generosity starts with relationship instead of transaction? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Mobile Loaves & Fishes founder Alan Graham shares how food, hospitality, and human connection helped grow a simple idea into Community First! Village. Alongside Tracy Cain, he reflects on fundraising, donor relationships, founder leadership, and why inspiring the heart comes before asking for the gift.

Leading Under Pressure: Irish Burch on People, Purpose, and the Weight of Leadership

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

What happens when leaders are prepared for the role, but not for the pressure that comes with it? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Irish Burch reflects on three decades of mission-driven leadership and shares what she has learned about communication, feedback, decision-making, and caring for the people who carry the mission alongside you.

How to Grow Fast and Still Put People First

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Jessica Riggs joins the Mission Advancement Podcast to talk about growth, culture, and leading a purpose-driven organization at scale. From partnering with private equity to expanding into new markets, Jessica shares how Angels of Care has built systems around generosity, advocacy, speed, and service so that culture is not just talked about—it is operationalized.

Called and Equipped: Donnita Travis on Leadership, Innovation, and Generosity

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

What happens when a businesswoman answers a call to ministry without leaving her entrepreneurial gifts behind? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Donnita Travis shares how By The Hand Club for Kids grew from serving 16 children in Chicago to reaching thousands of young people across multiple communities. She reflects on overcoming criticism, embracing innovation, and trusting that God equips each leader with the right background for the work they have been called to do.

A New Season of Leadership: Steve Bult and the Future of Mission Advancement

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

What does it take to lead through transition with humility and courage? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Steve Bult shares his journey from Christian education into a new season of leadership with Mission Advancement. Alongside Jennifer and Schuyler, this conversation explores fundraising, succession, trust, and the kind of leadership required when comfort is disrupted and change is underway.

Virtue Driven Leadership: Chris Carneal on Business, Courage, and Culture

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:23:11 GMT

What if business itself could be a force for deep and lasting good?

In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Chris Carneal shares the story behind Booster, the ideas that shaped The Virtue Driven Business, and how gratitude, wisdom, care, courage, grit, and celebration can form the culture of an organization. This conversation offers practical encouragement for leaders who want to build with both conviction and character.

Leading with Open Hands: Dominique Glanville on Generosity, Growth, and Courage

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

What does generosity look like in leadership beyond money? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Dominique Glanville shares her journey from nonprofit work to entrepreneurship and reflects on leading with open hands, investing deeply in people, and finding the courage to create margin for quiet, clarity, and long-term impact.

Mission on Purpose: Jeff Williams on Leadership, Courage, and Alignment

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:17:51 GMT

What does it take to keep mission at the center of every decision? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Dr. Jeff Williams shares how mission alignment shapes leadership, hiring, school culture, and hard decisions at Trinity Christian Academy. Alongside Steve Bult, the conversation explores generosity, courage, and the responsibility of leading with both conviction and humility.

Generosity, Margin, and the Mission-Minded Leader

Wed, 27 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

What does strong, mission-minded leadership really require? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, David Slover of HighGround Advisors shares thoughtful insight on generosity, organizational health, and the courage it takes to lead with both heart and clarity. From avoiding the growth trap and building trust with donors to slowing down for the right hire and learning from the for-profit world, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to grow their mission without losing their people.

Be a Juliette: Nicole Gann on Legacy, Courage, and Board Leadership

Wed, 13 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

What does it take to honor a legacy without being trapped by it? In part two of this conversation, Nicole Gann reflects on the courage of Juliette Fowler, the generosity required in board leadership, and why mission-driven organizations must keep evolving if they want to thrive for the next generation.

Leading Through Change: Nicole Gann on Clarity, Courage, and Sustainability

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

What does it take to lead change in a mission-driven organization without losing sight of the mission itself? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Nicole Gann shares how long-standing organizations can adapt, communicate with clarity, and build sustainable models that serve people well for generations to come.

From Fear to Faithful Leadership: Larry Taylor on Courage, Culture, and Mission at Scale

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

What does it take to lead faithfully as risks increase, responsibilities grow, and the road ahead stays uncertain?

In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Dr. Larry Taylor, President and CEO of the Association of Christian Schools International, discusses his transition from leading a single school to overseeing a global organization. He offers effective insights on managing fear, leading remotely, creating trust through consistent practices, staying mission-focused, and fostering generosity through time, listening, and relationships. This conversation encourages leaders to grow with courage, lead with conviction, and focus on people at the heart of their mission.

Radical Generosity: Friendship, Courage, and Leading People to Feel Seen

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:01:00 GMT

What if generosity is more than giving money? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Elizabeth Jordan of The Human Impact shares how friendship, presence, and courage can transform the way we serve others and lead our organizations. From founding a ministry that walks alongside people experiencing homelessness to learning how failure, listening, and trust shape healthy leadership, this conversation is a powerful reminder that real impact begins when people are truly seen, known, and valued.

Leading With Courage: The Honest Heart of Mission-Minded Leadership

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

What does it really look like to lead with courage, honesty, and generosity? In this opening episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Jennifer and Angel introduce the heart behind this newly imagined season and share the vision for conversations that inspire mission-minded leaders at every level. From imposter syndrome and hard decisions to generosity, vulnerability, and the loneliness leadership can bring, this episode sets the tone for a podcast built to encourage leaders who want to grow, serve others well, and make a meaningful impact.

Why Does Philanthropy Data Matter? Part 2

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:00:32 GMT

On this continuation of last week's conversation with Jennifer Lehman, President and CEO of Mission Advancement, Lacey and Jennifer tackle what the recent philanthropy data nuances and what organization leaders should make of it.

Why Does Philanthropy Data Matter?, part 1

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:00:38 GMT

In this episode we welcome Jennifer Lehman, President and CEO of Mission Advancement, to discuss the most recent philanthropy data reports and what the numbers are really telling us.

Client Profile: A Head of School's Campaign Journey, part 2

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 05:01:26 GMT

We continue our conversation with Blair McCullough, Head of School at Liberty Christian Academy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as he shares what it took for him, his staff and Mission Advancement consultant to navigate a successful capital campaign in the school setting.

Client Profile: A Head of School's Campaign Journey, part 1

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:01:14 GMT

Join our conversation with Blair McCullough, head of school at Liberty Christian Academy in Argyle, Texas. Angel and Mission Advancement consultant, Tim Connor, talk to Blair about his school's journey to a successful capital campaign.

Giving Days: Are you For or Against?

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:01:53 GMT

Giving Days are often part of our development calendars, but are we just checking a block or are we maximizing the opportunities they bring? Lacey and Angel battle the pros and cons of these popular fundraising events.

Inside the Mind of a Major Donor, part 2

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:00:30 GMT

In part 2, Lacey and book author, Schuyler Lehman continue their conversation on how fundraising professionals can look at fundraising from the perspective of a major donor. If you missed part 1, look for Season 1 Episode 9 for the beginning of this conversation. Learn more about Mission Advancement at MissionAdvancement.comYou can find Schuyler's books at https://www.amazon.com/Books-Schuyler-Lehman/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASchuyler+Lehman

Inside the Mind of a Major Donor, part 1

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:37 GMT

Mission Advancement founder and book author, Schuyler Lehman, speaks with Lacey about how looking at gifts from the perspective of a donor can help fundraising professionals build the oh-so-important relationship with their donors.Learn more about Mission Advancement: MissionAdvancement.com Find Schuyler's books here: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Schuyler-Lehman/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASchuyler+Lehman

Wrangling rogue fundraising

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:00:28 GMT

Auxiliary groups often play a key role in the cohesiveness of our organizations, but their fundraising efforts sometimes may cause more harm than good. Angel and Lacey discuss ways you can coral these do-gooders to present a more united front with your donors.

Creating impassioned volunteers

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:42 GMT

Fulfilling our mission would not be possible without volunteers, but how do we create the type of impassioned volunteers that become ambassadors and often even ardent advocates and donors. Listen as Lacey and Angel discuss how to create impassioned volunteers that will make a difference in your organization.

Show your donors some love

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:20 GMT

Donor stewardship is the main ingredient to successful relationship building with your supporters. Angel and Sara discuss how to show your donors some love.

The fear of asking

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:00:31 GMT

A lot of us have a natural fear of asking for money. Listen as Lacey and Angel discuss ways you can help yourself and those on your team overcome this very real obstacle to fundraising.

Making peace with events

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:00:19 GMT

Events can drain our teams and take us away from our relational work with donors – so how do we make peace with fundraising events?

Get your board on board

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 05:01:18 GMT

Your board members can sometimes be the best advocates for your organization. Lacey and Angel discuss how to get your board on board and recruit those members to help you with successful fundraising.

Building a Culture of Philanthropy

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:00:31 GMT

Are the people in your organization on board with your relationship building plan? Lacey and Angel discuss how building a culture of philanthropy helps strengthen your relationships with your donors.

Episode One - Introduction

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 05:00:30 GMT

Welcome to the Mission Advancement Podcast. In this episode we introduce ourselves. Learn about who your hosts for this podcast are, but even more importantly hear what Mission Advancement is about. This episode will set the foundation for the rest of our series. Enjoy!