Mission Advancement Podcast: Leading with generosity

What separates a healthy board from one that slows the mission down? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Jennifer and Steve talk candidly about board leadership, the critical relationship between an organizational leader and board chair, and why trust, clarity, and thoughtful recruitment matter so much. They also share practical ideas for board succession, evaluation, orientation, and keeping members meaningfully connected to the mission.

What helps people feel truly connected at work? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Lee and Julie Colan share practical insights on listening well, simplifying leadership, building trust, and creating stronger human connection inside organizations. They also discuss their latest book, The Connection Key, and why meaningful connection is becoming even more important in today’s workplace.

What happens when generosity starts with relationship instead of transaction? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Mobile Loaves & Fishes founder Alan Graham shares how food, hospitality, and human connection helped grow a simple idea into Community First! Village. Alongside Tracy Cain, he reflects on fundraising, donor relationships, founder leadership, and why inspiring the heart comes before asking for the gift.

What happens when leaders are prepared for the role, but not for the pressure that comes with it? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Irish Burch reflects on three decades of mission-driven leadership and shares what she has learned about communication, feedback, decision-making, and caring for the people who carry the mission alongside you.

Jessica Riggs joins the Mission Advancement Podcast to talk about growth, culture, and leading a purpose-driven organization at scale. From partnering with private equity to expanding into new markets, Jessica shares how Angels of Care has built systems around generosity, advocacy, speed, and service so that culture is not just talked about—it is operationalized.

What happens when a businesswoman answers a call to ministry without leaving her entrepreneurial gifts behind? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Donnita Travis shares how By The Hand Club for Kids grew from serving 16 children in Chicago to reaching thousands of young people across multiple communities. She reflects on overcoming criticism, embracing innovation, and trusting that God equips each leader with the right background for the work they have been called to do.

What does it take to lead through transition with humility and courage? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Steve Bult shares his journey from Christian education into a new season of leadership with Mission Advancement. Alongside Jennifer and Schuyler, this conversation explores fundraising, succession, trust, and the kind of leadership required when comfort is disrupted and change is underway.

What if business itself could be a force for deep and lasting good?

In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Chris Carneal shares the story behind Booster, the ideas that shaped The Virtue Driven Business, and how gratitude, wisdom, care, courage, grit, and celebration can form the culture of an organization. This conversation offers practical encouragement for leaders who want to build with both conviction and character.

What does generosity look like in leadership beyond money? In this episode of the Mission Advancement Podcast, Dominique Glanville shares her journey from nonprofit work to entrepreneurship and reflects on leading with open hands, investing deeply in people, and finding the courage to create margin for quiet, clarity, and long-term impact.

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.