RKD Group: Thinkers

‘Superfans’ and storytelling: What nonprofits can learn from Brittany Hodak

In this episode of RKD Group: Thinkers, we sit down with Brittany Hodak—author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker and creator of the “superfan” philosophy that has helped bra

‘Message nerd’ explains what nonprofits get wrong about communication

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” we sit down with Tom Ahern—copywriter, self-described “message nerd” and one of the most influential voices in donor communicati

When play becomes a leadership strategy

In this episode of RKD Group: Thinkers, we sit down with Gary Ware—founder of Breakthrough Play, author of “Playful Rebellion” and a workplace culture expert helping team

An entrepreneur on a mission to end slavery, one tea towel at a time

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” we sit down with Mallory Martin, founder and CEO of Mended, a social impact business partnering with survivors of human traffick

What it means to lead with humanity in a data-driven world

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” we sit down with Hilary Noon, global head of strategy, engagement and growth at AWS Nonprofits, to explore what it means to lead

Chief fundraising officer calls on nonprofit leaders to embrace curiosity over fear

In this episode of RKD Group: Thinkers, we sit down with Kimberly O’Donnell, chief fundraising officer at Bonterra and former executive director. Kimberly shares how grow

What nonprofit leaders learned in 2025

In this special edition of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard take a step back to reflect on another year of conversations, insights and mo

Why the nonprofit sector’s future depends on leaders learning together

Abby Graf, vice president of programs at the Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), is one of the most thoughtful leadership facilitators in the sector. On this episode of the RKD Gr

The college challenge that created a nonprofit changemaker

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” we sit down with Mike Esposito—fundraiser, consultant, coach, CFRE and deeply engaged advocate for nonprofit professionals. Mike

Living on purpose: How Floyd Jones builds community and raised $2M for Black-led nonprofits

As the child of immigrants from West Africa, Floyd Jones recalls going back home to visit and seeing people lined up outside his family’s house, knowing his parents were

Finding purpose and passion in the nonprofit tech space with Mark Cross

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” we talk with Mark Cross, the current Head of Sales at Hatch, who shares how a winding career journey, personal purpose and the r

Balancing data and creativity: Lori Collins on finding the “why” behind the numbers

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 food banks to PBS: Jen Newmeyer’s journey alongside digital fundraising

With nearly 20 years of experience, Jen Newmeyer has witnessed the dawn of digital fundraising, navigated leadership roadblocks and championed collaboration in legacy org

Stacy Huston shares her journey of impact in social leadership

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 fait

From Rome to Fundraise Up: Salvatore Salpietro’s journey from tech to impact

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

How can nonprofits navigate the digital front? A conversation with technology expert Charles Lehosit

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 compel

You can’t surge trust: Lessons in community & philanthropy with Tim Sarrantonio

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

The journey to fundraising $3 billion and more with Kevin Gentry

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

Finding identity beyond fitting in with Carlos Whittaker

Carlos Whittaker is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of a powerful global community affectionately known as his "Instafamilia." Known for creating spaces—both onli

Finding balance and setting boundaries with Katy Jordan

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