The Development Debrief

What makes a gift truly transformational? And how do you know when a donor is ready to think and act that way?

Today, we’re welcoming back Ben Porter, a principal gifts expert who joined us previously in Episode #31.

Ben has just updated his 2017 principal gift study,this time looking at 24 universities — and the findings offer some fascinating new insights into first-generation wealth creators, strategic initiatives, anonymity, and much more.

You can learn more about Ben and get in touch with him here: https://www.principalgift.com/

This week, I’m joined by David Wick, a Partner and Leader of the Education and Social impact practice at Spencer Stuart.

On this episode we hear about his career journey, and as a result learn how he thinks about leadership and social impact for his own career and the talent pipeline now.

David’s path hasn’t been a straight line. He talks aboutbeing inspired by his grandfather and brother and how he got into the door with a major gifts job early in his career.

One thing I particularly enjoyed about this conversation wasDavid’s candor in sharing his perspective on making career decisions. Sometimes the obvious opportunity isn’t necessarily the right one. He shares a story about receiving on an offer and having the confidence to negotiate for somethingdifferent—you might be surprised by what that was! He also explains why he turned down an offer that he thought was what he wanted.

 David says he does his best when he’s on the edge of learning, which led us to a pivotal question: Who are you learning from?

This week we talk with Katie Chatas who I met in New Haven through a board we are both on and she will speak from the board member and donor perspective. Katie details the exciting women’s initiative she helped launch at Williams College called The W and what it was like for her to be a volunteer and founding member of that effort. Katie loves her alma maters and debunks fears around peer solicitation. Listen to learn more!

On this episode, I’m joined by Sergio Gonzalez for a conversation about taking the nontraditional path—and why bringing fresh eyes to your work can be hugely productive.

Sergio shares his career journey, including the pivots and changes that shaped his path, and why he has never been afraid to question the way things have always been done. We also talk about what he has learned from working closely with presidents and senior leaders, including the importance of actively seeking feedback, asking people what they think, andlearning from the perspectives around you.

Sergio M. Gonzalez joined Brown University as Senior Vice President for Advancement in 2017. He oversees all advancement areas across the institution, including development, alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, international advancement, the Brown Sports Foundation, and the Brown Annual Fund.

This week, I sit down with my colleague Jim Kenny, Assistant Vice President for Development, Schools and Units at Yale, to explore his career journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. In an open and candid conversation, Jim shares his insights on career growth, recognizing when it's time for a change, and positioning yourself for success. Tune in for practical advice and thoughtful reflections on navigating your own professional path.

I’m back after my wedding and honeymoon in March—and I’m coming in with a renewed mindset.

One thing it reminded me of was how much I get out of this show. This podcast has always been about three things: gaining understanding, building community, and elevating voices in our field. I hope that experience is mirrored for all of you.

This week, Wendy Connors talks with me about her professional journey and her shift from CDO to CEO—and the different levels of stress that come with it.

What it means to work differently.

What real work-life balance actually looks like. How to recognize good work.

What happens when your database grows fast—and expectations grow even faster.

Wendy Connors is the President of the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation. She is a passionate leader and advocate for science, technology, and education. As president of the Hertz Foundation, she leads the nation’s most prestigious doctoral fellowship in applied science, engineering, and mathematics equipping exceptional students with unparalleled resources and lifelong support.

For the third and final episode of the "Sustaining Your Journey" series, I’m joined by Sarah Bell — Director of Principal Giftsat Harvard Business School. Sarah has spent nearly two decades at Harvard, including 19 years at Harvard Law School, building a career rooted in connection and purpose.

Sarah reflects on dedicating 19 years to one shop and all of the growth that took place during that chapter of her life. In our conversation, we talk about what happens when your work becomes part of your identity — and how hard it can be to separate who you are from what you do. Sarah opens up about learning to love her work without letting it define her.

In this second episode of Sustaining Your Journey, we’re exploring what it means to take a nonlinear path — to start differently, not over. Tommy Bergstrom serves as Senior Associate Director of Leadership Annual Gifts with The Penn Fund, where he’s building new pipelines for engagement andphilanthropy. His career began in admissions, and his transition into development offers a look at how growth often means shifting your sphere of influence — and learning new cultural norms along the way.

Tommy shares the challenges and wins of his career pivot, what it means to build something new from the inside, and how leadership can look different at every stage.

Previously, he served as Director of Visit Experience with Penn Admissions. He holds a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College and an M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership from Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice. Tommy volunteers with both his undergraduate and graduate schools, as well as with HeightsPhiladelphia.

Welcome to 2026 with the Development Debrief. This month is a time for inner work—we are lucky to have a guest this week who is both wise and smart.

This episode is about creating and building along the way. About the chapters in life we only understand in hindsight. About uncertainty, perfection, and the internal data we’reconstantly managing—often without realizing it. Boi will explore ideas like emotional regulation, immunity to change, and self-guided retreats—simple frameworks that help us stay present when life feels unclear.

Throughout January, this podcast unfolds as a three-part series that I am calling "Sustaining Your Journey", with two other guests in addition to Boi who will share their own perspectives.

I can’t wait to hear what you all think.

In this episode, I read an article I wrote for LinkedIn that explores some of the conversations I've had recently with friends and colleagues. I'm asking the questions like around mid-career crossroads and how we decide if and when we are happy. This is the first episode in a series where I will bring guests to talk with me about this very topic.