The Beacon

Strong boards do more than govern. They help shape culture, elevate leadership, and position organizations for lasting impact. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Rodney Bullard joins host John O’Kane to discuss the qualities of effective boards, common warning signs of underperformance and how organizations can identify future board leaders. Rodney Bullard is CEO of The Same House, a public benefit corporation focused on advancing economic mobility and bridging social division. He previously served as an officer at Chick-fil-A, where he established and led the company’s global corporate social responsibility platform, including community affairs, engagement, sustainability and the Chick-fil-A Foundation. A former JAG officer, White House Fellow, board director, and bestselling author of Heroes Wanted, Rodney brings a distinctive perspective on leadership and service.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Kent Keith, president of the Carlson Keith Corporation, former president of Chaminade University and former CEO of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, joins host Dr. Stuart Gulley to reflect on leading a university through an existential crisis. His insight is direct. Organizations rarely fail overnight. They decline slowly until hard decisions can no longer be delayed. For leaders, the discipline of strategic planning, early action and honest evaluation is essential to avoid crisis. A meaningful perspective for nonprofit leadership and board development.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Cherian Koshy, vice president at Kindsight and author of Neurogiving, joins host Jeff Jowdy to explore what science reveals about generosity. The insight is clear. Giving is not driven by persuasion but by identity. When leaders align their message with how donors see themselves, trust strengthens and generosity follows. This has direct implications for donor engagement, major campaigns and nonprofit leadership. A timely reminder that effective fundraising starts with understanding, not tactics.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Lilya Wagner, senior advisor with Lighthouse Counsel and author of the book “Leading Up,” explores how meaningful leadership often happens without formal authority. Drawing on more than three decades as an educator, coach and practitioner, Lilya challenges the assumption that influence flows only from the top. She offers practical insight into how mission-driven professionals can move ideas forward, build momentum and lead with credibility from any role. Hosted by Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Karen Baldwin, the conversation weaves together Lilya’s personal story from her early life as a refugee after World War II to her work shaping leaders across the nonprofit sector. With clarity and depth, she reminds listeners that some of the most powerful leadership is quiet, principled and transformational.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy is joined by Dr. Brett Jacobson, president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools, to explore the signals shaping the future of independent education. Drawing on national trends and SAIS research, Jacobson examines shifts in the education workforce, changing expectations around loyalty and work-life balance, and the evolving public perception of schools. While he names real challenges, including faculty shortages, fewer students and more educational choices, he also highlights encouraging indicators within independent schools, strong engagement, commitment to mission, and optimism about staying in the profession. The conversation turns to how heads of school and boards can respond with foresight rather than reaction. Jacobson emphasizes adaptive innovation, shared governance, and the importance of monitoring emerging trends before they become disruptions. He challenges leaders to balance daily demands with long-term strategy, remain honest about the weight of tradition, and build systems that allow schools to adapt while staying rooted in their mission. The episode offers clear, practical insight for leaders navigating complexity and preparing their schools to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Dr. Dan Heist, assistant professor at Brigham Young University and co-founder of the Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative, shares research-driven insight into how donors actually use donor-advised funds. Drawing on original data, he explains the trade-offs between DAFs and private foundations, addressing questions of donor control, administrative efficiency, transparency and payout behavior. The conversation moves beyond headlines to clarify why DAFs continue to grow and how donor intent operates within these vehicles. Hosted by Dr. Stuart Gulley, the episode offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders seeking to better understand and steward DAF dollars. Dan introduces three distinct donor patterns – tubs, tanks and towers – and explains how each behaves differently in terms of timing, payout and engagement. He outlines concrete strategies for identifying DAF donors, tracking them effectively and tailoring cultivation and solicitation approaches accordingly, while also addressing policy and perception shifts likely to influence DAFs in the years ahead.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, The Rev. Dr. Stuart Gulley joins Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy for a wide-ranging conversation on what it takes to lead a campus with clarity, consistency and conviction. Drawing from three decades as a chief executive and his leadership at LaGrange College, Woodward Academy and Emory University, Stuart shares a simple but powerful discipline: Cast the vision constantly, in every setting, and pair it with stories that make the mission real. He describes how repeating core language and reinforcing it through lived examples helps faculty, staff, parents, alumni and students not only understand the mission but truly own it. Stuart also unpacks the ingredients of a high-functioning CEO and board relationship. These include longer-serving board chairs, leaders who understand governance and a clear system for addressing “rogue” behavior before it derails momentum. He explains how Woodward built succession strength through intentional development, including identifying future leaders early and launching “Leadership Woodward” to grow talent across the organization. The episode closes with timely reflections on moral leadership in a fraught climate, using mission as the North Star when pressure collides with values and a practical decision filter every leader can use: Can I live with this if it becomes public?

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Mary Humann Judson, founder of Judson Advisory Group and former president of The Goizueta Foundation, shares a candid, experience-based perspective on how foundations think and make decisions. Drawing on decades of work across family foundations, corporate philanthropy and large institutional grant makers, Mary emphasizes a central truth: Every foundation is different. She explains why understanding a foundation’s history, values, governance structure and decision-making process is essential for organizations seeking meaningful support. The conversation offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders navigating grant seeking today. Mary discusses what happens behind the scenes once a proposal is submitted, what makes applications stand out and common missteps that can undermine credibility. She also underscores the importance of proactive communication, authentic relationship-building and treating funders as true partners. This episode provides clear, grounded insight for leaders seeking to align their mission with the right funders and build durable, trust-based foundation relationships.

In this special episode of The Beacon Podcast, senior advisor Dr. Karen Baldwin sits down with fellow Lighthouse Counsel senior advisor Dr. Howard Cohen for an engaging preview of his newly published book Leading Volunteers. Drawing on more than five decades in higher education and nonprofit leadership, Howard explains why leading volunteers requires a different mindset than leading employees and why persuasion, respect and process matter so deeply. Karen and Howard walk through real examples, including a powerful dialogue featured in the book, and explore the approaches every board chair and executive should master. If you work with volunteers or serve on a board, this conversation offers practical insight you can put to use right away. A thoughtful introduction to a timely and compelling new resource for mission-driven leaders.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Brian Flahaven, vice president for strategic partnerships at CASE, talks with host Dr. Bob Smith about the sweeping federal tax legislation known as HR 1 and how its major charitable giving provisions will affect higher education and other mission-driven organizations. Brian walks through the return of a charitable deduction for non-itemizers; new limits for high-income donors; and changes influencing donor advised funds, IRA gifts and corporate giving – and why and how these shifts will shape donor engagement, capital campaigns and strategic planning in the year ahead. Their conversation highlights the importance of clear donor communication, board awareness and bipartisan advocacy as institutions navigate a rapidly evolving policy landscape.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, fundraising leader Roger D. Ali, chair of AFP Global, joins Jeff Jowdy to explore how community and belonging are reshaping philanthropy. He shares why retention-first fundraising, authentic storytelling, and thoughtful use of AI are key to stronger donor engagement and lasting impact. A fresh look at the future of nonprofit leadership and fundraising strategy.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy, talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Dr. Lilya Wagner about changes in tax laws and in donor motivation.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lily Family School of Philanthropy, talks with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Dr. Lilya Wagner about the Fund Raising School and its role in the charitable sector and the resources it offers to those in fundraising and nonprofit leadership; where the charitable sector is now in the evolution of its perception as being an ad hoc volunteer-based activity into a recognized, skilled profession with clear standards, training, ethics and career pathways; and what trends or changes in philanthropy he sees coming.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Birgit Burton, founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers Network, discusses the power of mentoring and its critical role in helping fundraisers reach their highest potential both for their own success and that of the organizations they serve. In her discussion with Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Susan Hosbach, Birgit talks about how mentoring has shaped her own professional development, how leaders can build a culture of mentoring—even when time is tight—and how mentors can be intentional about recognizing and nurturing talent that may not come from traditional backgrounds or networks.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Advisor Lilya Wagner welcomes Art Taylor, president and CEO of AFP Global. In their discussion, Art talks about AFP and why members of the charitable sector should join, changes in the charitable giving landscape, how AFP has evolved to address those changes and what he hopes to accomplish during his tenure as CEO.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner talks with Alan Clayton about organizations that “get it” and excel at raising the money needed to make their mission a reality. In their conversation, the author of the book “Great Fundraising Organizations: Why and How The World's Best Charities Excel at Raising Money” talks about the research that helped formulate the insights found in the book, some surprising findings, what a great fundraising organization looks like and the kind of leadership needed to help an organization excel at fundraising.

In part 2 of our interview with entrepreneur and philanthropist Maxine Clark, special guest host Parker Middleton speaks with the founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop about: • The founding of her community impact organization, Delmar DivINe • The benefits of nonprofit organizations collaborating and sharing a central location • How “taking the call” resulted in a wildly successful partnership • The importance of creating connections and nurturing relationships • How   acquiring donors in the nonprofit world is like acquiring investors in the business world?

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, special guest host Parker Middleton speaks with visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop. In their discussion, Clark shares insights into her career, including: • How her mother influenced her lifelong passion for entrepreneurship and problem solving • Her community impact organization Delmar DivINe • How communities can build to ensure sustainability

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Dr. Russell James, author of “The Storytelling Fundraiser,” about storytelling and behavioral economics and how they affect fundraising. In their conversation, Russell addresses: • Insights on the storytelling arc as it pertains to fundraising • How fundraisers can craft a compelling story • How storytelling affects the brains and the actions of donors and potential donors

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Texas Tech’s Russell James about getting inside the mind of the planned giving donor. During their conversation, James answers questions including: • Why traditional fundraising methods don’t work for planned gifts • Fascinating research on how emotions and areas of the brain are triggered by planned gift solicitations • Top insights into how to overcome objections to planned gift conversations.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Wayne Olson, author of the book, “The Disney Difference: The Complete Guide to Adding Disney-Like Magic to your Corporation or Organization.” In their discussion, Wayne shares insights into: • Why Disney resonated with him as a child and continues to resonate with people of all ages • What "Disney magic" is and how it translates to nonprofit organizations in regard to leadership and fundraising • The top takeaways from Disney that nonprofit leaders can use to create those magical experiences for donors

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter heads up a lively conversation with Sandy Howard and Gary Everton about leading productive, engaging board meetings that lead to involvement and philanthropic support. During their conversation, the trio talks about: • Maintaining a structured agenda while fostering an engaging environment where board members feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking an active role • Strategies for motivating board members to not only participate in discussions but also become more personally invested in the organization’s philanthropic initiatives • Integrating opportunities for fun, team-building or creative thinking into board meetings without compromising the focus on strategic goals and fundraising efforts

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Joan Bahner speaks with celebrated author, entrepreneur and mentor Louis Upkins about mindful living and how it affects leadership. In their discussion, Louis talks about: • The definition of mindful or purposeful living • How this mindset informs leadership and sets leaders up for success • How this concept plays out with regard to leaders at nonprofit organizations

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with longtime fundraising pros Stanley Weinstein and Dr. Pamela Barden. Stanley is the author of the first three editions of "The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management,” which Pamela updated and expanded for the fourth edition. In their discussion, they talk about: • The impetus and goal for writing the first edition • The reasons for updating and expanding the book • Changes in fundraising from the time the book was written to when it was updated Important takeaways for today’s fundraisers

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with her Lighthouse Counsel colleague, Senior Advisor Howard Cohen, about how to productively say no to a request while allowing the person to feel heard and keeping the lines of communication open.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner speaks with Dr. F. Willis Johnson about how faith-based fundraising is reimaging and impacting community.
 In their discussion, Dr. Johnson addresses issues including: • How churches and church-related organizations can engage in community activities and what impact that has on their fundraising • The pros and cons of faith-based organizations having closer ties and relationships with a community and advice on how to proceed • What community organizations might be most suitable for such a relationship

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with her Lighthouse Counsel colleague, Senior Consultant Howard Cohen, about creating and maintaining high-functioning boards. In their discussion, Howard addresses topics including: • The definition of a high-functioning board • Signs of a dysfunctional board • Tips for board chairs on how to shape an effective board.

In today’s episode of The Beacon Podcast, Margaret Gardner talks with Willeke van Rijn, CEO of The Resource Alliance, about how unity on various levels can increase the impact of the social sector. In their discussion, Willeke addresses issues including: • The power of community and what that means in terms of mission, fundraising and resource development. • The factors that affect all organizations when it comes to uniting for change. • Conditions within an organization that might interfere with it building a sense of community among its supporters.

The 4 Rs (and a W) of Writing Successful Grant Proposals by Lighthouse Counsel

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel’s Margaret Gardner talks with Dr. Angelo Valenti about personal happiness and how to unravel the reasons we make living in joy so hard on ourselves. Dr. Valenti is the author of the book, “You're Making This Way Too Hard: Find Your EASY Way to NJOYLFE.” In their discussion, Dr. Valenti addresses issues such as: • Why and how we seem to be getting in our own way when it comes to finding our joy • How to overcome that and bring joy into or back into our lives • How leaders can benefit personally and professionally by finding their own joy

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Lighthouse Senior Consultant Victor Wilson about the challenges and hurdles leaders are facing today. In their discussion, Jeff and Victor address topics including: • Why pressure on leaders seems to be increasing • The biggest hurdles to successful leadership leaders face today • A checklist of things any leader must do to be the best possible leader they can be

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner talks with long-time fundraiser and volunteer Jeff Lukacsena about diversity, equity and inclusion in the nonprofit world. In their discussion, Lilya and Jeff address issues including: • The importance of having true diversity on your fundraising team and how that translates into deepening relationships with donors. • The progress to that end being made in the nonprofit world • The difference between organizational culture and representation

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter talks with Clark Baker about board engagement. Clark retired as CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston after more than 50 years working within the YMCA organization. In their conversation, Carole and Clark discuss: • The importance of making your board members your best friends • Keeping board members active and engaged • The biggest obstacles a nonprofit leader faces in establishing and nurturing an effective board.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner speaks with Nicole Rivera, vice president of programs for Musicians On Call, about recruiting and empowering volunteers. In their discussion, Nicole talks about: • The different roles volunteers play at Musicians On Call and how the organization goes about recruiting volunteers and communicating the benefits of volunteering • How Musicians On Call keeps volunteers feeling engaged, energized, valued and appreciated • How Musicians On Call supports volunteers who want to donate money or otherwise help with fundraising.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Marty Dickens about building powerful and impactful boards. Marty recently retired as chairman of the board of trustees of Belmont University after serving 17 years in that role. In their discussion, Marty addresses issues including: • The definition of a powerful, impactful board • The key things a board chair needs to do to build and nurture such a board • Ways nonprofit board chairs can support and empower their boards

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner talks with Polina Pompliano, author of the book “Hidden Genius: The secret ways of thinking that power the world's most successful people” and founder of The Profile, a media organization that studies successful people and companies. In their discussion, Polina: • Explains the concept of hidden genius and how it pertains to leadership • Shares thoughts on some surprising insights she gained from her interviews • Outlines three top takeaways for unlocking hidden genius

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Council Content Coordinator Margaret Gardner speaks with Nathan Chappell, senior vice president at DonorSearch AI, who is on a mission to reignite generosity and transform the future of fundraising through responsible and beneficial AI. In their discussion, Nathan addresses issue including: • The big picture – how nonprofits can use AI to deepen relationships and increase their fundraising efficiency and results • The potential pitfalls for nonprofits using AI • Tips for the ethical and responsible use of AI in fundraising

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Marty Dickens about an aspect of board leadership that doesn’t get talked about much – being ready, willing and able to stand up and make tough calls when they’re needed. Marty recently retired as chairman of the board of trustees of Belmont University after serving 17 years. In their discussion, Marty addresses: • Several challenges he has faced as board chair over 17 years and how he handled them? • The personality traits that define a successful board chair when it comes doing what needs to be done when an organization faces challenges • Advice for new board chairs when it comes to weathering any storms that come along.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner leads a conversation about nonprofit leadership and management and the importance of project management in fundraising. Dr. Wagner is joined by Prof. Darryl Allen, partner and chief education officer at the Mentorship Institute.
 In their discussion, they’ll talk about: • The dangers of foregoing the best practices of project management when it comes to fundraising • The relationship between the fundraising folks and the rest of the team at the organization and how they can support one another • The essential elements of management that ensure the critical issues of accountability, transparency and sustainability are properly addressed

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner speaks with Dr. Dwight Burlingame, a major contributor to the field of philanthropy in the United States for more than 30 years, about nonprofit education and professional development for fundraisers. In their discussion, Dwight explores: • The growing interest in fundraising coursework and degrees in higher education • What sets nonprofit management and fundraising courses apart from more general business programs • How nonprofit- and fundraising-specific education can help practitioners navigate the increasingly common intersection of nonprofit and for-profit missions

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Dr. Lilya Wagner talks with Harry Dorcus about the role of the chief financial officer in a nonprofit organization’s fundraising. Harry has 39 years of international financial management experience, with special emphasis on establishing new missions for the United States Agency for International Development, an independent agency of the United States government that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Harry addresses topics including: • Helping CFOs understand and commit to fundraising and the idea that it costs money to raise money. • Outlining a reasonable role for a CFO to play in an organization’s overall fundraising plan • How the CFO can practically and ethically share information from the finance office that will make the fundraiser’s job easier and better

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, special guest host Parker Middleton talks with Tom Johnson, former president of CNN, chairman and CEO of CNN News Group and former president and publisher of The Los Angeles Times about philanthropy and the heart of giving. In their discussion, Tom shares his thoughts on an array of topics around philanthropy and giving, including: • What compels him to get behind a cause with his time, heart, ideas and financial support. • How he decides what organizations to lend his name, networks and skill to. • What nonprofit leaders should know or do in order to work with volunteers like him. • How he handles it when met with a no from a prospective donor. And so much more.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy speaks with Jodi Weiss, senior client partner at global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry, about leadership succession planning for nonprofits. In their discussion, Jodi and Jeff talk about issues including: • The importance of having a succession plan – and the consequences of not having one. • What organizations should be striving for in terms of a healthy culture of development that ensures the retention of key talent and encourages longevity. • What a successful succession strategy looks like.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy talks with Vern Snyder, former vice president for institutional advancement at the University of Toledo. In their discussion, Vern addresses topics including: • Major changes in institutional advancement, both positive and negative, over the course of his career. • The process of outlining goals to keep an institution moving forward. • Managing expectations and measuring success.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Karen Baldwin talks with Mike Richey, who retired recently as vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University of Kentucky after a five-decade career at the school. In their discussion, Mike addresses: • The motivation to stay committed to one university for 50 years. • Changes he’s seen in higher education philanthropy over the course of five decades. • What he considers important qualities to look for in hiring an advancement professional.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Harry Chapman talks with Dr. Russell James, professor in the School of Financial Planning at Texas Tech University, about making the ask. In their discussion, Russell addresses: • What Obi-Wan, Gandalf and Morpheus can teach us about major gifts.
 • The specific process to epic storytelling that puts the donor front and center as the hero. 
 • The three-sentence roadmap that lets you know when you’re ready to make the right ask at the right time for the right thing.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Director of Business Development Ryan Woroniecki speaks with John Taylor, principal at John Taylor Consulting, a leading firm in the field of advancement, campaign management and board development, about preparing for a capital campaign. In their discussion, John addresses: • The Association of Advancement Services Professionals, which he founded in 2007. • How organizations should consider fundraising opportunities as they eye a capital campaign. • Recommendations for assessment tools organizations can use to determine their readiness for a capital campaign.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Martha Ross talks with Ken Cheeseman, head of school at The Webb School, a boarding and day school in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. In their discussion, Martha and Ken talk about: • The challenges of leadership and fund development at a boarding and day school. • Helping students who are attending from other countries deal with isolation and loneliness. • Fostering camaraderie and a feeling of family among students of different backgrounds, as well as between day students and those who live on campus.

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Martha Ross speaks with Patricia Glaser Shea, founder and CEO of Being Giveful, about giving as a wellness practice and how individuals and nonprofits can foster a more giveful life. In their discussion, Pat addresses: • The benefits of developing a philanthropic mindset to our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing • How to put that mindset into action • How nonprofit leaders can help to develop a giveful mindset within their organizations

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel President Jeff Jowdy welcomes Dr. Lilya Wagner and Dr. Mark Hager for a discussion on dysfunctional organizations. Mark and Lilya go way back to when they co-authored “Board members beware! Warning signs of a dysfunctional organization” in the late ‘90s for Nonprofit World magazine. In this lively discussion, they address the five most common signals that an organization is in trouble and what staff can do when they discern signs of dysfunction.