The Pivot: What I’m Stepping Away From—and What I’m Stepping Into
Mon Feb 02 2026
This Groundhog Day episode is a personal announcement and a fundraiser’s roadmap for change.
After fifteen years in nonprofit leadership, I’m stepping away from a role I loved—not because something was wrong, but because something bigger was calling. What began as one reluctant conference session turned into a growing invitation to speak, teach, and help nonprofits navigate the future of fundraising, AI, and trust.
In this episode, I share the full story behind my pivot, the fear and grief that came with leaving stability, and the practical framework that helped me choose expansion over comfort.
If you’ve ever felt stuck repeating the same fundraising year—holding tightly to events, grants, or strategies that no longer fit—this conversation is for you.
HERE ARE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
1️⃣ Growth Requires Space – The hardest part of evolution isn’t starting something new. It’s letting go of something good so the next chapter can flourish.
2️⃣ Not Letting Go Has Hidden Costs – Every strategy has a price: staff hours, burnout, turnover, and the opportunity cost of what you could be building instead.
3️⃣ Letting Go Can Be Strategic, Not Reckless – I walk through a simple nonprofit capacity audit to help leaders release sustainably, protect relationships, and grow without exhausting their teams.
This year, you don’t have to repeat the same fundraising loop.
If this resonates, subscribe at letstalkfundraising.com/subscribe, share with a colleague, and tell me: what will you let go of first?
Enter to win a signed copy of Signs of a Great Resume by Scott Vedder. No cost to enter.
💡 Want to take the next small step?
→ Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use
→ Course: The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite
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This Groundhog Day episode is a personal announcement and a fundraiser’s roadmap for change. After fifteen years in nonprofit leadership, I’m stepping away from a role I loved—not because something was wrong, but because something bigger was calling. What began as one reluctant conference session turned into a growing invitation to speak, teach, and help nonprofits navigate the future of fundraising, AI, and trust. In this episode, I share the full story behind my pivot, the fear and grief that came with leaving stability, and the practical framework that helped me choose expansion over comfort. If you’ve ever felt stuck repeating the same fundraising year—holding tightly to events, grants, or strategies that no longer fit—this conversation is for you. HERE ARE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ Growth Requires Space – The hardest part of evolution isn’t starting something new. It’s letting go of something good so the next chapter can flourish. 2️⃣ Not Letting Go Has Hidden Costs – Every strategy has a price: staff hours, burnout, turnover, and the opportunity cost of what you could be building instead. 3️⃣ Letting Go Can Be Strategic, Not Reckless – I walk through a simple nonprofit capacity audit to help leaders release sustainably, protect relationships, and grow without exhausting their teams. This year, you don’t have to repeat the same fundraising loop. If this resonates, subscribe at letstalkfundraising.com/subscribe, share with a colleague, and tell me: what will you let go of first? Enter to win a signed copy of Signs of a Great Resume by Scott Vedder. No cost to enter. 💡 Want to take the next small step? → Free Download: 12 Fundraising Prompts You'll Actually Use → Course: The Fundraiser's AI Starter Suite