On this episode, host Kim Nyoni welcomes Carla Willis, Managing Principal at Washburn & McGoldrick, for a thought-provoking conversation on navigating the twists and turns of a career in philanthropy.
The conversation revolves around the critical skill of preparing for the unexpected in one's career. Kim and Carla delve into the reality that, even with meticulous planning, a career in advancement can be unpredictable at times – things like layoffs, furloughs, promotions, geographic moves are just part of life. And fundraisers have to be light on their feet while navigating the ups and downs of their careers.
This episode provides listeners with valuable insights into resilience, adaptability, and accepting change as it comes. Through personal anecdotes and professional advice, Carla illustrates how to remain flexible and responsive to external challenges, emphasizing the need to embrace change rather than resist it.
This conversation with Carla is an inspirational guide for professionals at any stage of their career, highlighting the significance of readiness and the power of positive pivoting in the face of big change.
27 Feb 2024
Ep 41: Culture eats strategy for breakfast, feat. Edgar Gonzalez, Seattle University
“As a leader, you get to shape the culture. And that’s a huge responsibility.”
Edgar Gonzalez’s family moved to the United States from Argentina when he was nine years old. Edgar recognized the immensity of his parents’ sacrifice, and it filled him with purpose and drive. He set out to study hard, work hard, and find a way to leave this world better than when he found it – while “wearing soft-soled shoes, because [he] stands on the shoulders of those who gave so much.”
On this episode of the Mentorship Matters podcast, host Kim Nyoni explores Edgar’s career journey from to student telefund caller, to phonathon program manager, to major gift officer – all the way to Edgar’s current position as Vice President of Advancement at Seattle University.
Edgar’s position as a leader is not one that he takes lightly. During this conversation, he reflects on how his identity as an immigrant and a white-presenting Latino man influences his approach to leadership. He explains how he strives to use his “unearned skin privilege to open doors for underrepresented individuals and lift others up.” He acknowledges that while metrics, goals, and bottom-line numbers are important, advancement work really is all about demonstrating genuine care for people – employees, coworkers, donors, students, and the broader community. One of his driving mottos is that “culture eats strategy for breakfast” and he discusses his commitment to building a culture at Seattle University that values people as whole humans.
Along his career path, one of Edgar’s valued mentors, Dondi Cupp, explained to Edgar that “You can’t just like people in the advancement business. You have to love people.” Edgar reflects on how a career in fundraising has grown his love for people.
Edgar wraps the episode by sharing a few pieces of sage advice for his younger self (and listeners who aspire to be advancement leaders some day): Put in the work to nurture relationships. Pace yourself. Mentorship matters.
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18 Jan 2024
Ep. 40, "Do we have to spend money to make money?" with Jim Langley
On this episode of Mentorship Matters, host Kim Nyoni chats with Jim Langley about a money question. The topic on the table is... How much money do we have to spend to raise a lot of money?
Kim and Jim dive into a debate about where the fundraising industry is over- and under-investing. They talk about whether some traditional big spend ticket items are really donor-centric. And they discuss some investments that are well worth their fiscal weight.
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2 ratings
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