Mission Advancement Podcast: Leading with generosity

What opportunities are leaders missing when they are too busy to make room for people? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Cathy Barker, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Dallas, shares how openness, curiosity, and genuine human connection have shaped her leadership journey. From unexpected meetings to transformational gifts, Cathy explains why being present with people can create opportunities you could never plan for.

What separates a healthy board from one that slows the mission down? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Jennifer and Steve talk candidly about board leadership, the critical relationship between an organizational leader and board chair, and why trust, clarity, and thoughtful recruitment matter so much. They also share practical ideas for board succession, evaluation, orientation, and keeping members meaningfully connected to the mission.

What helps people feel truly connected at work? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Lee and Julie Colan share practical insights on listening well, simplifying leadership, building trust, and creating stronger human connection inside organizations. They also discuss their latest book, The Connection Key, and why meaningful connection is becoming even more important in today’s workplace.

What happens when generosity starts with relationship instead of transaction? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Mobile Loaves & Fishes founder Alan Graham shares how food, hospitality, and human connection helped grow a simple idea into Community First! Village. Alongside Tracy Cain, he reflects on fundraising, donor relationships, founder leadership, and why inspiring the heart comes before asking for the gift.

What happens when leaders are prepared for the role, but not for the pressure that comes with it? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Irish Burch reflects on three decades of mission-driven leadership and shares what she has learned about communication, feedback, decision-making, and caring for the people who carry the mission alongside you.

Jessica Riggs joins the Mission Advancement Podcast to talk about growth, culture, and leading a purpose-driven organization at scale. From partnering with private equity to expanding into new markets, Jessica shares how Angels of Care has built systems around generosity, advocacy, speed, and service so that culture is not just talked about—it is operationalized.

What happens when a businesswoman answers a call to ministry without leaving her entrepreneurial gifts behind? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Donnita Travis shares how By The Hand Club for Kids grew from serving 16 children in Chicago to reaching thousands of young people across multiple communities. She reflects on overcoming criticism, embracing innovation, and trusting that God equips each leader with the right background for the work they have been called to do.

What does it take to lead through transition with humility and courage? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Steve Bult shares his journey from Christian education into a new season of leadership with Mission Advancement. Alongside Jennifer and Schuyler, this conversation explores fundraising, succession, trust, and the kind of leadership required when comfort is disrupted and change is underway.

What if business itself could be a force for deep and lasting good? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Chris Carneal shares the story behind Booster, the ideas that shaped The Virtue Driven Business, and how gratitude, wisdom, care, courage, grit, and celebration can form the culture of an organization. This conversation offers practical encouragement for leaders who want to build with both conviction and character.

What does generosity look like in leadership beyond money? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Dominique Glanville shares her journey from nonprofit work to entrepreneurship and reflects on leading with open hands, investing deeply in people, and finding the courage to create margin for quiet, clarity, and long-term impact.