Leading Through the AI Era

Mimi Bliss, founder of Bliss Communications, helps leaders communicate with clarity and confidence. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, she joins Jaynee Day to explore how nonprofit board members can become more effective ambassadors for the organizations they serve. Rather than relying on a polished elevator pitch or memorizing organizational facts, Bliss encourages board members to start with their personal connection to the mission, share a meaningful example and invite others into the conversation. She also offers a practical framework for developing a compelling story and a simple exercise boards can use to practice speaking naturally and confidently. For organizations seeking to strengthen board engagement and expand their circle of support, these insights offer a useful place to start. Listen to the conversation.

Dr. Duke Haddad, Ed.D., CFRE, Divisional Associate Executive Director of Development for The Salvation Army, Indiana Division, joins Lighthouse Counsel's Annie Fritschner on The Beacon Podcast to explore what nonprofit leaders must get right before asking donors to give more. Drawing on decades of experience and his book, Prescriptions (Rx) for Nonprofit Success, Haddad examines the importance of strategic planning, board and CEO alignment, a compelling case for support and strong development leadership. He also shares memorable examples of how listening to donors, inviting their involvement and building trust can lead to extraordinary generosity. Their conversation offers practical lessons on stewardship, leadership transitions and sustaining relationships beyond any single gift.

Major Ethan Frizzell, area commander for The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, believes bold vision matters only when leaders can translate it into practical action. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Frizzell joins Brian Hassett to discuss how mission-driven organizations can use data, local knowledge, experimentation and collaboration to move beyond treating symptoms and address the conditions creating need. He shares a simple set of strategic questions, the value of learning cultures that test and adapt, and why fundraising is strongest when it connects a clear case for support with shared values and human relationships. For leaders navigating complex community challenges, the conversation offers a practical framework for pairing ambitious goals with disciplined learning and execution. Listen to the conversation.

Dr. Wanda Bigham of Academic Search brings the perspective of both an advancement leader and a two-time president to a practical question: What do presidents and chief advancement officers need from each other to advance an institution’s ambitions? In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bigham joins Bob Smith to discuss the importance of defining roles early, setting clear expectations and accountability, building trust, engaging the president in donor relationships and giving advancement leaders meaningful access to the board. She also reflects on leadership development, asking for what an institution needs and learning to bring experts together around a shared purpose. For higher education and other mission-driven leaders, the conversation offers a useful reminder that strong fundraising begins with alignment at the top. Listen to the conversation.

Tony Martignetti, host of Nonprofit Radio, joins Joe Chickey to discuss why planned giving is more accessible than many organizations believe. Drawing from the ideas behind his book Planned Giving Accelerated, Tony explains why small and mid-sized nonprofits should begin with simple bequests, focus on their most loyal supporters, and frame legacy giving as a conversation about mission and long-term sustainability rather than technical fundraising strategies. The discussion offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen future support without waiting for the "perfect" time or a large development staff. Whether your organization is launching its first planned giving effort or looking to build momentum, this conversation offers an encouraging place to begin.

Nick DeLuna, Senior Portfolio Advisor and Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and 2026 Board President of the United Way of Greater Nashville Young Leader Society, joins Brian Hassett to discuss how nonprofits can build lasting relationships with younger professionals. Drawing from his experience as both a volunteer leader and advisor to philanthropic families, Nick explains why volunteer opportunities often lead to deeper financial commitment, how corporate partnerships create natural pathways into community engagement, and why leadership exposure matters for emerging professionals. Mission-driven organizations looking to strengthen their pipeline of future donors, volunteers, and board members will find practical ideas they can begin applying today.

Rachel Hutchisson, Senior Advisor at Pyxera Global, explores how skills-based volunteering can help mission-driven organizations strengthen capacity beyond traditional volunteer roles. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Rachel joins Del Martin to discuss how leaders can align professional expertise with real organizational needs, from strategy and technology to marketing and operations. The takeaway is practical: start with the strategic need, then match the right talent to the right work.

Ian Adair, CEO of the Seattle Police Foundation, makes a compelling case for attention-focused fundraising in a noisy world. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Ian joins Dr. Stuart Gulley to discuss how mission-driven organizations can move beyond transactional messaging and hold donor attention through relational, value-based storytelling. The takeaway is practical: your board members, staff, donors and volunteers may be among your most powerful storytellers.

Josh Newton, senior vice president for Advancement and Alumni Engagement at Emory University, joins host John Stephenson on The Beacon Podcast for a conversation on how advancement leaders are adapting to shifting donor expectations, rising competition and changing institutional priorities. Drawing on his leadership of Emory’s record-setting 2O36 campaign, which surpassed its $4 billion goal, Josh shares perspective on donor engagement, campaign strategy, long-term institutional priorities and the leadership qualities advancement professionals will need in the years ahead.

Shawn Olds makes a compelling case that AI adoption starts with leadership, not technology. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Shawn, founder of Ike Papalua and former co-founder and founding CEO of boodleAI, explains why nonprofit leaders should engage AI directly, set responsible policies and focus on practical value. His message is clear: AI can strengthen nonprofit leadership, communications, donor engagement and organizational capacity, but only when human judgment stays at the center.