Mission Advancement Podcast: Leading with generosity

What does it take to keep mission at the center of every decision? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Dr. Jeff Williams shares how mission alignment shapes leadership, hiring, school culture, and hard decisions at Trinity Christian Academy. Alongside Steve Bult, the conversation explores generosity, courage, and the responsibility of leading with both conviction and humility.

What does strong, mission-minded leadership really require? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, David Slover of HighGround Advisors shares thoughtful insight on generosity, organizational health, and the courage it takes to lead with both heart and clarity. From avoiding the growth trap and building trust with donors to slowing down for the right hire and learning from the for-profit world, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to grow their mission without losing their people.

What does it take to honor a legacy without being trapped by it? In part two of this conversation, Nicole Gann reflects on the courage of Juliette Fowler, the generosity required in board leadership, and why mission-driven organizations must keep evolving if they want to thrive for the next generation.

What does it take to lead change in a mission-driven organization without losing sight of the mission itself? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Nicole Gann shares how long-standing organizations can adapt, communicate with clarity, and build sustainable models that serve people well for generations to come.

What does it take to lead faithfully as risks increase, responsibilities grow, and the road ahead stays uncertain?In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Dr. Larry Taylor, President and CEO of the Association of Christian Schools International, discusses his transition from leading a single school to overseeing a global organization. He offers effective insights on managing fear, leading remotely, creating trust through consistent practices, staying mission-focused, and fostering generosity through time, listening, and relationships. This conversation encourages leaders to grow with courage, lead with conviction, and focus on people at the heart of their mission.

What if generosity is more than giving money? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Elizabeth Jordan of The Human Impact shares how friendship, presence, and courage can transform the way we serve others and lead our organizations. From founding a ministry that walks alongside people experiencing homelessness to learning how failure, listening, and trust shape healthy leadership, this conversation is a powerful reminder that real impact begins when people are truly seen, known, and valued.

What does it really look like to lead with courage, honesty, and generosity? In this opening episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Jennifer and Angel introduce the heart behind this newly imagined season and share the vision for conversations that inspire mission-minded leaders at every level. From imposter syndrome and hard decisions to generosity, vulnerability, and the loneliness leadership can bring, this episode sets the tone for a podcast built to encourage leaders who want to grow, serve others well, and make a meaningful impact.

On this continuation of last week's conversation with Jennifer Lehman, President and CEO of Mission Advancement, Lacey and Jennifer tackle what the recent philanthropy data nuances and what organization leaders should make of it.

In this episode we welcome Jennifer Lehman, President and CEO of Mission Advancement, to discuss the most recent philanthropy data reports and what the numbers are really telling us.

We continue our conversation with Blair McCullough, Head of School at Liberty Christian Academy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as he shares what it took for him, his staff and Mission Advancement consultant to navigate a successful capital campaign in the school setting.

Join our conversation with Blair McCullough, head of school at Liberty Christian Academy in Argyle, Texas. Angel and Mission Advancement consultant, Tim Connor, talk to Blair about his school's journey to a successful capital campaign.

Giving Days are often part of our development calendars, but are we just checking a block or are we maximizing the opportunities they bring? Lacey and Angel battle the pros and cons of these popular fundraising events.

In part 2, Lacey and book author, Schuyler Lehman continue their conversation on how fundraising professionals can look at fundraising from the perspective of a major donor. If you missed part 1, look for Season 1 Episode 9 for the beginning of this conversation. Learn more about Mission Advancement at MissionAdvancement.comYou can find Schuyler's books at https://www.amazon.com/Books-Schuyler-Lehman/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASchuyler+Lehman

Mission Advancement founder and book author, Schuyler Lehman, speaks with Lacey about how looking at gifts from the perspective of a donor can help fundraising professionals build the oh-so-important relationship with their donors.Learn more about Mission Advancement: MissionAdvancement.com Find Schuyler's books here: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Schuyler-Lehman/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASchuyler+Lehman

Auxiliary groups often play a key role in the cohesiveness of our organizations, but their fundraising efforts sometimes may cause more harm than good. Angel and Lacey discuss ways you can coral these do-gooders to present a more united front with your donors.

Fulfilling our mission would not be possible without volunteers, but how do we create the type of impassioned volunteers that become ambassadors and often even ardent advocates and donors. Listen as Lacey and Angel discuss how to create impassioned volunteers that will make a difference in your organization.

Donor stewardship is the main ingredient to successful relationship building with your supporters. Angel and Sara discuss how to show your donors some love.

A lot of us have a natural fear of asking for money. Listen as Lacey and Angel discuss ways you can help yourself and those on your team overcome this very real obstacle to fundraising.

Events can drain our teams and take us away from our relational work with donors – so how do we make peace with fundraising events?

Your board members can sometimes be the best advocates for your organization. Lacey and Angel discuss how to get your board on board and recruit those members to help you with successful fundraising.

Are the people in your organization on board with your relationship building plan? Lacey and Angel discuss how building a culture of philanthropy helps strengthen your relationships with your donors.

Welcome to the Mission Advancement Podcast. In this episode we introduce ourselves. Learn about who your hosts for this podcast are, but even more importantly hear what Mission Advancement is about. This episode will set the foundation for the rest of our series. Enjoy!