In this episode of the RKD Group Chat podcast, host Nipa Eason sits down with Jaime Buxton of The City Mission in Cleveland, Ohio. She’s an advocate, community builder, and longtime nonprofit leader whose heart for people experiencing homelessness has shaped more than two decades of service.

In this special edition of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard take a step back to reflect on another year of conversations, insights and moments that shaped the podcast, and the nonprofit sector, throughout 2025. Inspired by high-impact conversations, Justin and Ronnie examine what those conversations revealed about the evolving landscape of nonprofit marketing, fundraising, leadership and purpose. Over the course of the episode, four defining themes emerge: the maturation of AI in the sector, the enduring importance of human-centered fundraising, the power of purpose-driven career shifts and the resilience required to navigate constant change. In this conversation, Justin and Ronnie reflect on the year behind them, the lessons surfaced through their guests and even a spilled Topo Chico.

Abby Graf, vice president of programs at the Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), is one of the most thoughtful leadership facilitators in the sector. On this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, Abby shares how a lifelong pattern of bringing people together, from organizing Earth Day as a teenager to guiding leadership labs for nonprofit executives, has shaped her approach to helping leaders navigate change with clarity, courage and community. Abby’s path to “dream job” status didn’t come from chasing a job title. It came from noticing what makes groups work, asking better questions and creating the conditions where leaders can learn from one another. In her world, leadership isn’t a solo act. It’s a shared practice that happens at the me, we and community level. Today, Abby leads TNPA’s program work focused on developing nonprofit leaders across the sector, supporting individuals, teams and organizations as they build practical skills, strengthen decision-making and respond to the realities of a shifting landscape. Whether the topic is budgets, AI, risk aversion or big-picture threats to the sector, Abby’s goal is consistent: help leaders step back from the urgent and make space for what matters most. What stands out about Abby is her ability to pair strategic thinking with real humanity, encouraging leaders to experiment responsibly, stay grounded in mission and keep moving even when the path forward feels uncertain. In this conversation, Abby reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership lens, how creativity strengthens leaders, why nonprofits struggle with risk and what she’s hearing from leaders as 2025 wraps up.

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” we sit down with Mike Esposito—fundraiser, consultant, coach, CFRE and deeply engaged advocate for nonprofit professionals. Mike shares how a mix of chance encounters, community involvement, thoughtful mentors and one pivotal leap of faith shaped both his career and his philosophy of service. Mike’s journey into the sector didn’t begin with a master plan. It began with a spontaneous fundraising challenge in college that sparked something deeper: a curiosity for the science behind human generosity and the systems that drive people to give. Over the next decade, that curiosity evolved into a career rooted in relationships, leadership and empowerment. Today, he's the founder and lead fundraising strategist of Mike Esposito Fundraising, a consultancy that helps social service and community-focused nonprofits grow individual giving and build sustainable donor revenue. A CFRE-certified strategist and coach, Mike partners with executive directors and fundraising leads to strengthen stewardship, clarify donor strategy, and create systems that make donor engagement consistent and manageable. His work includes individual giving strategy, donor communications, stewardship, portfolio development, and board coaching, helping nonprofits build practical fundraising programs that last. He also gives back to the sector through AFP New York, Nonprofit Hive and his mentorship of emerging leaders. What stands out most about Mike is his willingness to map his course, surround himself with community, trust his instincts and push others to grow. In this conversation, Mike reflects on how early experiences shaped him, why he took the leap into consulting and how he thinks fundraisers can navigate the uncertainty of the philanthropic landscape ahead.

We’re excited to relaunch our podcast "RKD Group: Chat" now hosted by Nipa Eason, Creative Director at RKD Group. "RKD Group: Chat" brings you behind the scenes of nonprofit life, shedding light on the compassion and purpose that drive the individuals solving the world’s most challenging problems.  In this episode, we chatted with Sarah Trudeau from the Wisconsin Humane Society. She started as an adoption counselor, and 17 years later, she’s now the Director of Data & Annual Fund.

As the child of immigrants from West Africa, Floyd Jones recalls going back home to visit and seeing people lined up outside his family’s house, knowing his parents were always there to offer resources and work. So helping others has always been “part of my DNA,” Jones says. Fast forward to today, Jones is a speaker, a coach and a community builder. The founder of BackBlack, he’s raised over $2 million for black-led nonprofits. He is a catalyst for change, and energizes everyone in his vicinity. In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Floyd chats about how music and movement-building shaped his approach to fundraising and why he treats AI as an amplifier, not a replacement, for human connection.

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” we talk with Mark Cross, the current Head of Sales at Hatch, who shares how a winding career journey, personal purpose and the rise of AI intersect in service of social impact.

In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Lori Collins shares how her left-brain passion for research blends seamlessly with her right-brain love of yoga and aerial arts. From her early days in pay-per-view television to more than 15 years in nonprofit fundraising, Lori has built a career on applied math, curiosity and a desire to “use your powers for good.”

With nearly 20 years of experience, Jen Newmeyer has witnessed the dawn of digital fundraising, navigated leadership roadblocks and championed collaboration in legacy organizations. She speaks candidly about the challenges facing nonprofits today, the lessons from her career pivots and why the future of digital fundraising may rest on embracing innovation.

Stacy Huston's path to becoming a social impact leader is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and a deep commitment to community. From her early days exploring faith and creative writing to her current role as Executive Director of SixDegrees.org, Stacy's journey is a testament to the power of connection and purpose.

What happens when a technologist trades code for cause-driven impact? In this episode of “RKD Group: Thinkers,” Salvatore Salpietro—Chief Experience Officer at Fundraise Up—shares his personal journey from IT projects in Rome to co-founding a platform that’s reshaping the online giving experience.

Charles shares how a deep love of learning, a strong sense of mentorship, and a focus on creativity have shaped his leadership and outlook on digital transformation. With insightful takes on donor engagement, the future of shopping, and why nonprofits need to fight harder than ever for attention, this conversation offers equal parts foresight and encouragement. Whether you’re a nonprofit professional navigating new technologies or a leader seeking to empower your team through change, this episode will leave you inspired to keep learning, keep adapting—and most of all, keep dreaming.

Tim has always been a builder—of community, of meaning, and of momentum in the nonprofit space. In this episode, he shares his journey from academia to nonprofit leadership, weaving in lessons from taekwondo, personal loss, and years of championing generosity at scale. Set against the insights of the latest Generosity Report, this episode challenges the sector to shift from scarcity to abundance, from metrics to meaning, and from data to deeper connection. It's a call to realign fundraising with humanity—and to remember that trust isn't surged, it’s built.

From his first nerve‑wracking major-gift ask to working alongside legends like Morton Blackwell, Mal Warwick, and Richard Viguerie, Kevin shows how mentorship, direct response strategies, and a willingness to take big risks can transform both campaigns and careers.

In this episode, Carlos Whittaker shares his journey from a high school student struggling to fit in to a celebrated voice for connection and authenticity. He opens up about the impact of panic attacks on his identity, the lessons he’s learned about balancing technology and real-life relationships, and the pivotal moments that shaped his mission to help others breathe easier through community and conversation.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, we welcome Katy Jordan, a seasoned consultant and coach in the nonprofit sector. Katy explores her unique journey from a background in chemical engineering and music to her extensive experience in fundraising and agency life.

RKD Group: Thinkers is a production of RKD Group. For more information, including how you can partner with RKD to accelerate growth for your fundraising and nonprofit marketing needs, visit rkdgroup.com.

Clint O’Brien shares insights from his time as a Moscow correspondent during the fall of the Soviet Union, weaving a narrative that connects historical events to the contemporary challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit sector. He delves into the vital lessons on democracy and freedom he learned during these transformative years and discusses the impact of technological advancements on nonprofit fundraising, specifically highlighting the role of AI and mobile technology. RKD Group: Thinkers is a production of RKD Group. For more information, including how you can partner with RKD to accelerate growth for your fundraising and nonprofit marketing needs, visit rkdgroup.com.

In this episode, Laura Baker, Executive Director of Nashville Humane Association, shares her extensive journey in animal welfare, highlighting the evolution of the industry, community-centric approaches, and the importance of inclusivity. She discusses her leadership style, the challenges she faces as a female leader, and the significance of listening and taking risks in her role. Laura emphasizes innovative fundraising strategies and the need for collaboration in the animal welfare community, leaving listeners with valuable advice for navigating their own challenges in the field.

In this episode of the RKD Group: Thinkers podcast, hosts Justin McCord and Ronnie Richard sit down with Gabe Cooper, founder and CEO of Virtuous, for an insightful conversation on the intersection of technology and generosity. Gabe shares his journey from software development to the nonprofit sector, reflecting on lessons from past failures, the importance of leadership and maintaining work-life balance.