Confessions with Jess and Cindy

You know that feeling of dread when someone asks you to do unpaid work? That sinking sensation that you're being taken advantage of, yet again? Well, if you're a nonprofit consultant, requests for free labor might hit a little too close to home. But what if there was a way to turn those asks into opportunities to get properly compensated for your expertise? In this refreshingly candid di...

In this unfiltered glimpse into her entrepreneurial journey, Maria Rio pulls back the curtain on the relentless work ethic, strategic systems, and authentic team-building approach that is skyrocketing her firm's rapid growth. With refreshing candor, Maria also confesses the challenges she's faced - from difficult hiring decisions to struggles with boundaries and self-care amidst her rele...

Get an inside look at the behind-the-scenes financials, marketing challenges, and partnership opportunities around hosting retreats and events in your business. Both Kamilah and Jess lost money (and not just a little) hosting their first in-person events. Yet, they continue to explore this business model for its ability to facilitate powerful in-person connections in an online world. In this raw c...

Bored of boring? This conversation on the Confessions podcast brings a spark of joy. Maryanne Dersh of Courageous Communication infuses playfulness into the often too-serious nonprofit sector. She shares how she’s been able to move beyond heaviness and limitation into ease and flow — in a way that’s sustainable as a business owner. We discuss the root causes of nonprofit drudgery and how to transf...

Should nonprofit consultants write a book to grow their business? Many purpose-driven entrepreneurs ponder this strategic question as they aim to establish their authority and reach new audiences.  Jenny Mitchell generously shares her first-hand experience collaborating with 11 women leaders to produce the book “Embracing Ambition” in just 12 months. She breaks down the full process from initial c...

How can nonprofit consultants better manage their finances, cashflow, and profitability? It's a common pain point that keeps many consultants up at night. You're not alone! Tune into this conversation on Confessions with Jess and Cindy with Carleen Dehaney, Founder and Principal of FXO Consulting. With over a decade of experience guiding consultancies and nonprofits, she shares her prove...

Shit happens. As much as we plan and organize, there is so much about running a business that is out of our control. Which is why we invited risk expert Rosalie Ennes to the podcast - to talk about how to manage risk in your consulting business.  A risk management strategy can help you plan for the future, protect yourself from bad things happening, and also help you consider and calculate the ups...

If you're feeling stuck in the feast or famine cycle of consulting, wondering if you'll ever achieve consistent success, then you are not alone! Building a thriving business as a consultant can feel like a rollercoaster, with moments of abundance followed by periods of uncertainty and doubt. It's time to break free from this cycle and create a sustainable, fulfilling business that b...

Running a 7-figure nonprofit consultancy is a dream for so many consultants, but we’re often held back by the fear of being overworked or overwhelmed.  Find out how this business owner achieves success while maintaining balance and flexibility.  This is Shavonn's story: Shavonn Richardson, the visionary behind Think and Ink Grant Consulting, was inspired to start her nonprofit consulting busi...

Kara, a hospitality pro turned marketing pro, reveals her secret to balancing a thriving co-working space alongside a booming marketing agency. But what unexpected confession does she share about her business journey? Dive into this episode for an eye-opening revelation that will transform how you approach your own business ventures. This is Kara's story: Kara's journey into the world of...

If you're feeling frustrated trying to balance inclusive collaboration and fair compensation, and finding yourself overworked and underpaid, then you are not alone! This is Renee's story: Renee's journey began with a transformative experience at a previous job. Feeling unfulfilled in a hierarchical and unsupportive environment, she made the courageous decision to seek change. After...

Are you ready to pull back the curtains on one of the legendary consultancies in our sector? With 31 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Steven Screen is a fundraising expert and the co-founder of The Better Fundraising Company. His extensive background in fundraising and agency work has equipped him with valuable insights and expertise in helping organizations with their fundraising stra...

Ready to uncover the secrets to successful collaboration and community building for business growth? Today on the Confessions podcast, social media and content marketing expert, Caroline Griffin joins us to share how she has leveraged collaboration and community to do less work and still grow her business.  Caroline Griffin's journey from the world of nonprofit internships to establishing her...

Have you heard these three myths about building an anti-capitalist consultancy? Myth 1: Anti-capitalist means you can't make money. Myth 2: Consulting ethically means sacrificing profits. Myth 3: Implementing anti-capitalist principles is too complicated. But fear not, I'm about to reveal the truth behind these myths. Get ready for a game-changing approach to sustainable and socially con...

Ever felt like you're stuck in a loop of always trying to stay positive, scared of missing out, and endlessly comparing yourself to others in the nonprofit consulting world? This constant pressure can really mess with your head, leaving you anxious and your mental health taking a hit. It's a tough cycle that can make your work life feel like you're running on empty. This is why unde...

Today’s episode is a goldmine for anyone in the nonprofit space ready to shift from freelancer to bona fide business visionary. We sit down with the brilliant Miriam Dicks of 180 Management Group, who shares her evolution and the strategic pivot that transformed her consulting. She'll unravel the often misunderstood fabric of operations, revealing how it's the backbone of every successfu...

Today, we are super excited to introduce Heather Nelson, Founder and President ofat boutique fundraising consultancy, BridgeRaise. Her agency is dedicated to forging corporate partnerships for mid-sized charities. In this episode, we'll explore her journey from an individual consultant to the leader of a thriving firm and discuss her strategic shift to the agency model. Key Highlights: The Ag...

Let’s consider this – if you're immersed in the nonprofit consulting world, the constant hustle to provide affordable, effective solutions can feel like an uphill battle. But our guest on the Confessions podcast, Cherian Koshy, has masterfully tackled this challenge, not only by creating an innovative AI resource but also by navigating the intricate process of nurturing and then selling this...

"I now get paid mostly through clients, nonprofit executive directors who enroll in my group program called Thrive and stay there usually for at least a year. My big pet peeve as the thing I can't do that crushes my soul is when you give clients support and they don't implement. I just need it for my own sanity for clients to implement." - Sarah Olivieri In this episode, we wel...

"It's okay to have a small list. It's good to have a small list because they'll be more engaged. There are people who actually care about you." - Katelyn Baughan This episode zeroes in on the coveted goal for all consultants: securing high-ticket clients. We're joined by Katelyn, a nonprofit email consultant who's not only mastered the art of attracting premium c...

In today's episode, our guest Tammy Zonker, founder and president of Fundraising Transformed, peeled back the curtain to her successful business model – and to a few confessions. What she's built is not just a business but a thriving community that champions work-life balance and profitability through diverse and strategic offerings for nonprofit organizations. We're getting real ab...

In this episode of we're rolling out the red carpet for 'Layne, the Auctionista.'' Layne is a master of the gala stage. They shared serious confessions about the thrilling yet demanding live fundraising world. Or should we say, philanthrotaining. Yes, you read that right! Now - think for a minute - if you’re business was centered around taking the stage at live fundraising even...

In today's episode of 'Confessions with Jess and Cindy,' we sat down with Lynne Wester, an OG nonprofit consultant who built her empire from ground up, all sparked by the urgent need to fund her dog's surgery. Now leading a 16-strong team, Lynne's journey through the shifts in healthcare consulting, her strategic use of webinars, and hands-on approach to change management,...

In today's episode, our powerhouse guests at Evenings and Weekends Consulting, Paul Taylor and Laëtitia Eyssartel, peeled back the curtain to their successful business model – and to a few confessions. We're getting real about the radical changes they've made to the established rules of the nonprofit sector. So, tune in! Key Highlights: Embrace Decent Work: This episode has showcase...

Summits are a powerful tool for networking, lead generation, and collaboration. As a business owner or nonprofit leader, understanding how to effectively host a summit can propel your business forward and expand your reach globally. In this episode, we are sitting down with Krista Miller, CEO and Founder of *Summit in a Box*. Krista breaks down the complexities of summit hosting and guides us on h...