Interviews & Conversations

This week, I’m delighted to be featured on Simon Scriver’s Amazingly Ultimate Fundraising Superstar podcast! Have a listen and I’d love to hear what you think and hear about any of your favourite fundraising conversations. 

Listening back, one of the themes that weaves through our chat is how to approach conversations with beneficiaries, program staff and donors. What matters most about having a great interview or conversation is you. 

How do you, as a fundraiser and storyteller, choose to show up to your interviews and conversations? When you approach your conversations with an open heart, a curious mind and when you are prepared to be vulnerable, present and call on your courage, you will not only find the best stories, but it will be inspiring and rewarding on all sides of the conversation. Now let’s be real about the fact that some of our conversations can be challenging, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching. Sometimes I finish interviews and bawl into a pillow, my dog’s neck or I video call John or Holly and end up an unintelligible snotting and sobbing mess. 

But, every single time, I am intentional about showing up vulnerable and authentic. And that gives the person I am talking to permission to do the same.

Simon and I also dig into a variety of other things including how to interview a donkey, how to interview actual dead people and insights around interviewing dead-eyed people who are afraid of their own feelings. I also will likely have fewer friends because I dismiss tea-drinkers with a wave of my hand that no one can hear on the podcast but that Simon helpfully points out for you listeners at home.

Many of you will know that Simon is very much a part of the Agents of Good ecosystem. He’s been part of the intergalactic #donorlove movement, we continue to collaborate on the Donor Love Academy and more, and we can be found presenting together at conferences, or just eating pastries and talking shit. I heartily encourage you to subscribe to the Podcast and check out his Quick Tips series. Thanks again for having me, Simon!