Rod Grabowski – The Art of Building Trust

In this episode of Relational Capital, host Brian Gonzales sits down with Rod Grabowski, Senior Vice President for Advancement at the University of Central Florida and a seasoned leader in higher education fundraising. They explore how trust, genuine care, and effective communication drive success when engaging ultra-high-net-worth individuals.Rod shares insights on balancing relationships with results, understanding donor motivations, and enjoying the journey of building authentic connections.Together, Brian and Rod discuss:How genuine interest builds trust with ultra-high-net-worth individualsWhy people want to be appreciated and heard — not treated as transactionsThe importance of asking what donors want before pitching your needsHow slowing down can actually accelerate stronger relationshipsWhy nurturing relationships after a “no” can open doors laterEach week, Relational Capital explores how access, trust, and influence drive success at the highest levels — and how you can apply those same principles in your own work.🎧 Watch or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube → @RelationalCapitalPodcastLearn more at mywealthq.com