Real Talk for Real Fundraisers

Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the kind of space where others feel safe enough to ask the hard questions.  In this debut episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels is joined by Adrian Owen Jones, a partner at Success Lab and the CEO and Founder of Lady Jones Consulting, for a vulnerable and energizing conversation about what it truly means to lead well in the non-profit space. Together, they unpack how transformational leadership starts with deep listening—especially to the voices that are too often overlooked. Adrian shares how real leadership is rooted not in power or titles, but in curiosity, empathy, and the willingness to let others be fully seen. It’s a style of leadership that builds trust, sparks collaboration, and fosters a culture of psychological safety. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex, human-centered world of fundraising. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to lead with authenticity while still driving results, this episode will leave you both challenged and encouraged.  Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…  How the most impactful leaders lead with openness and vulnerability and create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and free to grow. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about empowering others, sharing the spotlight, and believing in the potential within every team member. The biggest insights and ideas for how to become a better leader Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.  Additional Resources:  [Blog] Do You Want a Great Major Gift Team? Hire a Great Manager [White Paper] Evaluating and Rewarding MGO Performance [Courses] Take Our Certification Course for Fundraising Managers and Executives

BIG NEWS! Our podcast is evolving. Welcome to Real Talk for Real Fundraisers. Non-profit work is not easy. It takes heart. It takes courage. And most days, it takes everything you’ve got. Today, more than ever before, it’s important to have a community where you can tell the truth about what this work really demands, without judgment. A space where you can exhale, be reminded that you’re not alone, and gather the tools and encouragement you need to keep going.That’s what Real Talk for Real Fundraisers is all about.We created this podcast as a place to be real- about the challenges, the joy, the doubt, and the purpose that drives it all. Here, you’ll find honest conversations, stories from the field, and practical insights you can carry into your day-to-day.Because the truth is, fundraising isn’t just about raising money- it’s about connecting with one another. It’s about building real relationships, strengthening community, and showing up with authenticity and heart. It’s about staying grounded in your values and true to your mission, even when the pressure is high. And that’s the kind of work worth talking about.Stay tuned for our first episode, dropping soon!

We all have a desire to connect with others, but we’re often afraid to bring our whole, real, and complete self to our work, which often becomes a liability over time. A lack of authenticity in fundraisers has real, revenue-related consequences for the non-profit.    But how do you foster authentic professional relationships, and not just deep, personal bonds? How do you balance building trust with someone while still achieving your donor and organizational goals?    In this podcast episode, Karen is joined by Nick Khoury, a brilliant strategist and communicator who has spent his career helping people and organizations thrive through the power of authentic relationships. Their conversation dives into a variety of key areas and attributes that fundraisers can develop to have more effective relationships with their donors.     Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…   How curiosity, courage, and consistency serve as the building blocks for successful donor relationships  The importance of clear expectations and having a solid plan, so you can avoid wasting time for both parties   Our biggest insights and ideas for how to approach and build authentic relationships