Performance in fundraising isn’t just about skills and strategy, it’s about maintaining the right mindset. When faced with rejection, burnout, or underperformance, shifting your state can make all the difference.

Three simple tools can help:

1. Breathing – A quick reset for your mind. Try deep, controlled breaths to regain focus.

2. Internal Dialogue – Reframe negativity by asking empowering questions like How can this help me grow?

3. Movement – Physical activity releases stress and boosts energy. Even a short walk can shift your mindset.

Changing your state takes patience, but with the right mindset, you’ll exceed your goals.

Conflict drains energy, but it can also strengthen teams, if handled right. The 6-step method from Thomas Gordon helps resolve tensions constructively:

1️⃣ Define the Conflict – Uncover the real issue.
2️⃣ Brainstorm Solutions – No judging, just ideas.
3️⃣ Evaluate Options – Keep what works.
4️⃣ Choose a Solution – It must work for both.
5️⃣ Take Action – Commit and follow through.
6️⃣ Check Results – Adjust if needed.

Strong teams don’t avoid conflict, they resolve it well.

Keeping fundraisers long-term isn’t just about luck, it’s about meeting their needs.

💡 Fair pay? Non-negotiable. A sense of progress? Essential. Strong team bonds? Game-changing. People stay where they feel valued, challenged, and connected.

Fundraising is a tough job, but it doesn’t have to come with constant turnover. Build a culture where fundraisers grow, thrive, and feel like they matter, and they’ll stick around.

Building a strong team isn’t just about structure and strategy, it’s about people. And when people work together, challenges arise. From trust issues to lack of accountability, teams often struggle with the same dysfunctions.

After eight years of leading and coaching teams, I’ve seen these patterns repeat, and I’ve found what actually works to fix them.

In this post, I break down the five biggest teamwork pitfalls and share real solutions that have helped me build high-performing teams.

💡 Want to create a team that thrives? Read on.

Culture is the glue that holds everything together. 💡

You can have great training, strong leadership, and talented fundraisers, but without the right culture, cracks will start to show.

Want to build a team that thrives in the field? Focus on these three things:

✅ Be present – Your energy sets the tone.
🎯 Set & review goals – A plan without follow-up is just wishful thinking.
🎉 Make it fun – Games, challenges, and a solid daily strategy keep motivation high.

What’s working for you and your team? Let’s talk! 💬

Hiring leaders is a challenge, and I’ve learned that the hard way, including hiring and firing someone in just six weeks. Through experience, I’ve come to see responsibility, empathy, and communication as the three most important qualities in a leader.

In this article, I’ll share why these traits matter, how they’ve shaped my teams, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Welcome back to our journey on 1-on-1 coaching! Last time, we explored the art of setting the stage and embodying the Coach role. Now, let’s go deeper. This time, it’s about moving from “good” to “great” by refining your approach—starting with the environment, mastering the art of listening, and ending with actionable goals.

Think of this as your toolkit to create moments that aren’t just about checking in but about sparking real transformation. Whether you're coaching a fundraiser who’s feeling stuck or guiding a leader toward clarity, these practical tips will elevate every conversation.

Grab a coffee, lean in, and let’s unlock the magic of coaching together! ☕✨

In this article, we’ll explore how to use a coaching approach in 1-on-1 meetings to inspire and connect your team members. Drawing from over 2,000 sessions I’ve facilitated, I’ll share principles, best practices, and actionable strategies to turn these meetings into opportunities for growth.

You’ll discover:

1. What coaching really is and how it differs from training or mentoring.

2. Why 1-on-1 coaching builds connection, stability, and autonomy.

3. Foundational principles to empower your Coachee and strengthen relationships.

Whether you’re leading fundraisers or any other team, this approach can help you create a culture of trust and growth. Ready to dive in? Let’s start this coaching journey together!

In the dynamic world of face-to-face fundraising, a strong organizational culture is key to keeping fundraisers engaged and motivated. By focusing on the magic of team meetings, you can build a thriving culture rooted in Growth, Goals, Open Conversations, and Fun. These elements transform meetings into opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection, helping fundraisers stay committed beyond just a paycheck.