As college football season kicks off, the excitement is dampened by stories of players prioritizing financial gain over the game. Recent comments by Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy and a rumored incident with Alabama’s Nick Saban underscore a shift in focus from football to money, highlighting misplaced priorities. These stories remind us that while financial success is important, relationships, trust, and honor should come first, both in sports and in life.
Read MoreBy mastering clear, direct language and leveraging your expertise, you ensure a message isn't just heard but compelling. Balancing respect, evidence, and strategic insight, you can learn to navigate power dynamics and elevate conversations to achieve meaningful, actionable outcomes.
Read MoreA recent Bloomberg article revealed that ATM fees outside one’s bank have surged, with Atlanta's average hitting $5.66 per transaction, despite these transactions being automated. Banks are also now charging for basic services like paper statements, which feels excessive. This shift in banking revenue practices highlights a growing disconnect between banks and customer satisfaction.
Read MoreThe rising cost of homes reflects a broader issue tied to the American Dream, particularly for younger generations. While traditional home ownership is associated with economic stability and personal benefits, alternative housing options such as tiny houses, prefab homes, and 3D-printed houses offer more affordable and innovative solutions. These alternatives challenge the conventional definition of a home, emphasizing that the essence of a home lies in the experiences and joy it provides, rather than its size or construction method. Redefining what makes a home could address the housing crisis more effectively than sticking to traditional models.
Read MoreNearly 20 years ago, an old family friend and community leader highlighted the issue of local nonprofits competing against each other rather than collaborating, which stuck with me. This insight aligns with recent efforts highlighted in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where organizations like Citizen’s University are working to unite nonprofits to address community challenges more effectively. Trust and collaboration are essential for nonprofits to maximize their impact, but achieving this requires overcoming significant leadership challenges and silos.
Read MoreReady or not, the impending multitrillion-dollar wealth transfer poses significant challenges, particularly for those unprepared to manage substantial inheritances. Many heirs lack the necessary financial education and estate planning, leaving them vulnerable to poor decisions, legal disputes, and hefty tax burdens. Proactive communication, education, and planning are critical tools needed to prevent the loss of wealth and ensure a smooth transition of assets across generations.
Read MoreThe Olympics showcase not only physical prowess but the extraordinary resilience of athletes who overcome immense challenges to achieve greatness. Stories like Michael Phelps battling ADHD and depression, Wilma Rudolph defying polio, and Simone Biles prioritizing mental health remind us that success is defined by how we handle adversity, not just the victories themselves.
Read MoreA campaign project driven by leadership with no genuine philanthropic connection is unlikely to succeed, regardless of how essential it might seem. While the project's need is clear, its disconnect from what donors find compelling highlights a broader issue in understanding philanthropic motivations. To truly engage donors and achieve impact, it’s crucial to align projects with the values and interests of philanthropists, focusing on making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Read MoreAt Tarleton State University, a significant parking fee increase sparked controversy when respected professor Ted Roberts was dismissed. Despite positive reviews and support from faculty, Roberts' contract was not renewed until his case gained media attention, highlighting a broader failure in leadership and communication. This incident underscores the consequences of leadership disconnect and the importance of addressing issues with trust and common sense.
Read MoreMichael Bloomberg's historic donations to Johns Hopkins University aim to eliminate medical students' debt and enhance healthcare quality. His philanthropy promotes diversity in medicine by supporting students from all backgrounds. Bloomberg's visionary gifts highlight the importance of investing in education and healthcare, inspiring potential systemic reforms.
Read MoreI love working with bright individuals who can foresee potential outcomes and understand the importance of doing the right thing now for future benefits. When a nonprofit faced operational challenges, Hallett Philanthropy helped them adopt best practices, reinforcing credibility and ethics. Their proactive approach proved invaluable when media scrutiny later confirmed their integrity and high standards, showcasing the importance of unwavering commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one's watching.
Read MoreReflecting on my days as a quarterback, I cherished the chance to lead and adjust plays on the field, and now, as a coach, I carry that enthusiasm into helping kids enjoy sports, emphasizing improvement and teamwork over winning. My loud voice, often echoing across the field, sometimes draws criticism for being annoying or domineering, yet I strive to remain positive and supportive, ensuring I’m guiding rather than overwhelming the kids. As I navigate coaching and other relationships, I’m constantly pondering whether I should dial down my volume to better listen and empower others.
Read MoreIn the nonprofit world, we often encounter disciplinary actions, but a court imposing a multi-million dollar fine on an individual is unprecedented. Recently, a New York state court fined a non-profit leader $2 million for mismanagement issues, raising questions about accountability and stewardship. While such measures reinforce accountability and protect public trust, they could also deter qualified individuals from nonprofit leadership roles due to fears of personal liability.
Read MoreIn the last 25 years, the fundraising landscape has shifted from the tried-and-true 80/20 rule to a 95/5 model, where a small percentage of donors provide the majority of philanthropic dollars. This change created an unfortunate trend of nonprofits to pursuing mega-donors recklessly. Evidence as illustrated by Florida A&M University’s $240 million gift fiasco, which highlights the importance of due diligence even in the face of exciting opportunities.
Read MoreI love great stories, but it's frustrating when clients fail to tell their stories effectively. In a recent campaign feasibility study, I found my client's impressive outcomes were missing from their case statement, highlighting the need to use data to create compelling philanthropic narratives.
Read MoreAt a recent family wedding, I watched my typically reserved 11-year-old son dance fearlessly for nearly two hours, overcoming his inhibitions and becoming the joyful center of attention. His uninhibited dancing reminded me of the value of living in the moment and inspired pride and admiration for his courage and happiness.
Read MoreTwo moments caused me to pause and reflect on the importance of being genuine: vibrant nail polish and an episode of Bridgerton.
Read MoreExperiences make us unique and they can be powerful tools in teaching and consulting. Sharing personal stories, particularly those involving failures, can build trust and authenticity, essential for philanthropic relationships.
Read MoreDespite always losing and even having my sunflower die early this year, I cherish these moments for the joy, laughter, and togetherness they bring to our family, making us all winners.
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