#124 | The Art of the Ask: Turning Relationships into Major Gifts | Podcastathon 2025

This Contagious Culture Podcast session dives into the art of confidently and authentically making major gift requests. Kari McCormick and Lakisha Rios break down how to prepare for a high-stakes ask, assess donor readiness, and personalize conversations in ways that honor both the relationship and the mission. They unpack the emotional barriers, fear, hesitation, self-doubt, that often hold fundraisers back, and offer practical strategies for moving through them with clarity and courage. Together, they reveal how intentional preparation and authentic connection can turn strong relationships into truly transformative contributions. Order Your Copy of Contagious Culture: Creating an Ecosystem of Academic Excellence Subscribe & Leave a Review to The Contagious Culture Podcast Subscribe to Apple Podcasts 📞 Schedule Your Call Here 🖥️  Join The Growth Lab Community 🖥️ Claim Your FREE 5-Day Fundraising + Leadership Course 👉🏽 Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn