RKD Group: Thinkers

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode of the RKD Group: Chat podcast, 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.

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For more information, info.rkdgroup.com/podcast.