RKD Group: Thinkers

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Lori Collins shares how her left-brain passion for research blends seamlessly with her right-brain love of yoga and aerial arts. From her early days in pay-per-view television to more than 15 years in nonprofit fundraising, Lori has built a career on applied math, curiosity and a desire to “use your powers for good.”

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.

Salvatore opens up about his career pivots, the moment nonprofit work became personal, and how frustration often fuels innovation. From building human-first technologies to mentoring others in the space, Salvatore speaks candidly about the values driving his work—and the metrics that truly matter.

If you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or simply curious about how passion and technology can collide to create real impact, this episode is for you.

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.