People of Substance by LemonSkies

What does it actually look like to treat every donor like they matter — and how do you take that to scale? Derric Bakker has spent decades thinking about this question. He recently published A Better Way to Fundraise, exploring seven behaviors that define great major gift relationships and how to extend those relationships to all donors. Derric shares what he's learned about the relationships...

In this episode, David Rhode shares his journey from the corporate world to becoming a writer, professor, and advisor to nonprofits. He brings a unique perspective on how branding principles apply to mission-driven organizations and how smaller organizations can sharpen their message. We also discuss key pain points nonprofits face, including strategic planning, board development, and fundraising....

On this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies, I sat down with Tim Parsons. Tim is a connector of people and ideas, champion of community, and proud owner of six cats (yes, six — and he has a favorite). Tim has spent his career thinking deeply about how to get people genuinely involved in causes they care about and creating gathering spaces — like the Social Impact Supper Club — for social...

Watch this episode and you too can become a LinkedInfluencer. (not actually) On this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies, Anthony Jones, one of the OGs in this space, and I unpack what personal brand really means. We talk about how to use LinkedIn strategically without becoming THAT person and how to build trust, not just visibility. It's all about real relationships not the algorithm...

Nick Ellinger and I covered a lot of ground in this one! We dig into omnichannel marketing, optimization beyond A/B testing, and tapping new audience segments. We also talk about AI—not as a replacement for humans, but as a tool for working faster and better. One-to-one customization is the goal, but you can't keep infinite versions in your head. AI can. Nick describes it like having interns o...

Revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Jessi Marsh, CEO at Will Allen Foundation . Jessi talks about her professional path, the strength forged through her cancer diagnosis, shares experiences a world away visiting a leprosy colony, and teaches us about Pittsburgh-lore. We talk resilience, empathy, and the moments that shaped her path. About People of Substance & LemonSkies People o...

"Collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s how we grow stronger together." In this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies, we sit down with Raeshawn Crosson , Executive Director of DMAW, to explore what it takes to lead with purpose, intention, and impact. Raeshawn shares her experience building sustainable systems, planning for long-term success, and diversifying revenue strea...

How do you take a bold idea and turn it into lasting social impact? In this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies we sit down with Leah Kral, author of Innovation for Social Change. Our conversation is about what drives meaningful innovation in the nonprofit world and how her own journey shaped her insights into creativity, collaboration, and results that stick. About People of Substance &a...

Welcome to this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies! Holly Claytor has been with Special Olympics Virginia for nearly two decades — organization has that effect on most people it touches. We talk about connection to mission and belonging. As Holly says, “It’s been really exciting to see how we can come together and do different work in the community around inclusion,” and she reminds us t...

Too much of fundraising focuses on the ask. Jen Wasem is focused on what happens after. In this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies, we talk about donor relationships, how to build them and how to keep them. Jen shares how she helps nonprofits connect supporters to the mission in ways that are personal, timely, real, and at times unexpected. Yes, even if it means inviting your donor to lu...

“The future of nonprofit work depends on welcoming new voices and fresh expectations. That’s how we’ll keep evolving and making real change.” On this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies, we talk with Jen Newmeyer about the big shifts shaping nonprofit work—from the tidal wave of AI to how we can engage more nonprofit professionals as sector leaders. Jen shares her own path to where she is...

"In fundraising writing, you don’t have that tangible product. You’re asking someone to make a decision in their heart to support something, to support an idea." This one is for all you fundraisers and communicators. In this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies, Maddie Nance shares valuable insights into the art of effective fundraising. Maddie emphasizes the importance of connec...

How can nonprofits harness the power of AI without losing their humanity? What does artificial intelligence really mean for the social sector in practice? On this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies, Olga Woltman talks with Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrans, authors of newly released (best selling!) The Nonprofit Guide to the Use of AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial...

“I know that I felt my self-esteem rise after my team won oreven if we lost and I played well. Or when my coach told me that I improved on that one little thing we’d been working on in practice over the weeks. Some of those critical life skills you learn through sports prepare you for the everyday activities you go through as you're growing up.” On this episode of People of Substance by LemonS...

Imagine turning gaming into a career. That’s exactly where this week’s People of Substance by Lemon Skies guest, Lou Adducci, finds himself. Lou started his career in the performing arts, both on and off stage, before transitioning into gaming—not just as a hobby, but as a way to help nonprofits build community and fundraise. A big part of our conversation focused on the importance of building aut...

This week on People of Substance by LemonSkies: Kristine Templin. The topic we tackle head on is old age. Aging makes us uncomfortable. We never think it will be us, but many seniors live alone and are isolated and lonely. For them, a delivery from Meals on Wheels volunteers is more than a hot meal, it is a connection to the world. Kristine has worked with some of the most impactful. For the past...

Amina Mohamed is on a mission to equip young women inUganda with skills (and cameras) to tell stories and get jobs in traditionally male dominated media field. Amina started her career in Canadian film and television industry and founded ⁠Cameras for the Girls⁠ . She is breaking barriers in journalism and media. In this episode, Amina talks about returning to Uganda, a homeland she barely knew, th...

Video has the power to move and bring stories to life. But are nonprofits using it effectively? On this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies, filmmaker and storyteller Daniel Sagona , founder of Keepers of the Story , joins Olga Moshinsky Woltman to explore: 🎥 What makes a strong narrative —and how video stands apart from other storytelling mediums 🎥 How nonprofits can use video authenti...

What does it mean to rebuild and not just survive, but truly thrive? This week's guest has grit, grace, and spunk. On this episode of People of Substance Olga sits down with Jessi Marsh, CEO of Will Allen Foundation . Jessi's journey spans a stage four cancer diagnosis, life-changing work in the nonprofit sector, and an unforgettable experience visiting an Indian leprosy colony. Oh, and fo...

Does your nonprofit measure ROI? We often hear that nonprofits should operate more like businesses — but when it comes to impact, ROI doesn't tell the full story. It’s too simple, too linear to capture the ripple effects of meaningful change. Still, measuring impact and embracing accountability remain crucial. This week on People of Substance by LemonSkies , we dive into Return on Mission with...

This week on People of Substance by LemonSkies , Olga Moshinsky Woltman sits down with Lonnie Snyder, an innovative leader and a remarkable human. They first met while working at Special Olympics, and now Lonnie is leading technology for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. But his story isn’t just about tech. A single moment at a Special Olympics event changed his life forever. He...

What kind of nonprofit are you? When it comes to sustainable giving, there are three main types and today's guest, Dave Raley, breaks it down. On this episode of People of Substance by LemonSkies , Olga Moshinsky Woltman dives into the world of sustainer giving with Dave Raley, an expert on the subject and author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving book released just earlier this month. Beyond f...

Adva Priso is a digital strategist and one of the smartest people in the nonprofit biz. In this conversation your host, Olga Moshinsky Woltman, sits down with Adva to talk about her non-linear journey to nonprofit work, omni-channel strategies, what organizations she works with saw in December, and much more. People of Substance by LemonSkies is not your average nonprofit podcast. Hosted by Olga M...

Preview of conversation with Adva Priso. Adva is a digital strategist and one of the smartest people in the nonprofit biz. How does she keep up with everchanging trends? Have a listen, the rest of this episode drops on Friday, Feb 7. People of Substance by LemonSkies is not your average nonprofit podcast. Hosted by Olga Moshinsky Woltman, this show brings you real, unscripted stories from remarkab...