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Confessions with Jess and Cindy

Cindy Wagman and Jess Campbell

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Ever wish you could pull back the curtain and see how other nonprofit consultants run their businesses? Well, we’ve got you covered! Welcome to the Confessions podcast, hosted by Jess Campbell and Cindy Wagman. We are two former in-house nonprofit pros turned coaches and consultants to purpose driven organizations. In this podcast, we are giving you access to the business leaders who serve nonprofits as their clients - you know - the people who truly get it. No more gatekeeping, no more secr ...
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If you've ever struggled to make a profit while serving nonprofits, you're going to love this conversation. Our good friend Rachel Bearbower is back to share how she went from running a membership that was literally losing money every month to commanding $30,000+ for her automation services. And yes, she's still serving the sector we all love! Rach…
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Marc Pitman is a DELIGHT. The CEO of Concord Leadership Group joined us to spill all the tea on what it actually takes to keep a consulting practice alive and thriving for over two decades. Marc took us on his journey from bow-tie-wearing "Fundraising Coach" to running multiple brands under his company umbrella. And yes, we finally got him to admit…
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Ever find yourself doing work you swore you'd never do? You're not alone! When Brittny Wilson launched her consulting business in 2021, she quickly found herself saying yes to everything – especially event planning, which was literally on her "absolutely not" list. In this chat with our friend Brittny, she opens up about her journey from reluctant …
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In this high-energy replay of the finale to our Fractional/Shift summit, entrepreneur Vivian Kaye (founder of KinkyCurlyYaki and operations coach) introduces us to "The Chadacity" – a mindset framework that teaches nonprofit consultants how to show up with bold confidence in their businesses. After bootstrapping a multi-million dollar business as a…
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Okay, so you know how Jess has been bugging Cindy FOREVER to host a summit? Well, she finally did it! In this fun behind-the-scenes chat, Cindy spills all the tea on her first-ever Fractional Shift Summit that absolutely crushed it with 1,400+ registrations and $24K in revenue (and yes, she's got the Airtable data to prove it — you should see how h…
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In this episode of Confessions, Jess and Cindy chat with Caroline Danks, a UK-based fundraising consultant who runs Lark Owl with her partner. Caroline shares her journey from traditional consulting to developing multiple revenue streams, most recently transitioning her email newsletter to a monetized Substack publication called The Nest Egg. Carol…
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Ever wonder how to scale your consulting practice without a huge team or complex tech stack? In this episode, Ashley Rose from Systems Over Stress reveals how she built and manages her business using primarily Airtable and strategic automation. A self-described "systems nerd," Ashley opens up about how her ADHD diagnosis led her to create systems t…
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"I used to hate speaking publicly and going into rooms full of people I didn't know. It was an absolute nightmare." Now Chris McMartin's superpower is building authentic connections that drive real business results. In this episode, Chris shares her journey from dreading events to becoming a master connector, and reveals why playing small at events…
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Ever wonder what it really takes to build a consulting business that aligns with your values AND makes great money? This week's guest, Rachel D'Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting, reveals how a Netflix binge and a supportive brother helped her build a consulting business that now hovers between $750-900K in annual revenue. But here's what makes…
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Why Was Jess’s Black Friday Bundle Such a Hit? How do you turn a seemingly overwhelming launch into a profit-packed success story? In this behind-the-scenes episode, Cindy and Jess spill the tea on Jess’s wildly successful Black Friday Bundle launch. With 35 contributors, 408 sales, and over $24,000 in profit, Jess breaks down what worked (spoiler:…
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Ever feel like you're so busy serving clients that you never have time to work ON your business? In this episode, gathering expert Tes Cohen reveals her systematic approach to building reflection into her consulting practice. From annual "personal offsites" to monthly reset days, learn how intentional pauses can lead to better business decisions an…
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Ever find yourself in the middle of a client project thinking "How did I end up here?" In this candid conversation, nonprofit transition specialist Naomi Hattaway shares how she learned to stop taking on work that drained her energy and started building a practice true to her expertise. From setting "riverbank boundaries" that protect your time whi…
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Are you tired of superficial networking that feels more like a chore than a game-changer? In this episode, Cindy and Jess challenge the traditional "coffee chat" approach to building professional relationships, revealing how to create connections that naturally lead to business growth. They dive deep into the often-overlooked distinction between ho…
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In this episode of the Confessions Podcast, we sat down with Racheli Edelkopf, the mastermind behind Pedal Marketing - a consulting biz that helps nonprofits up their marketing game. Racheli talked about her journey as a program director and how that led her to start her own business. Racheli has valuable insights into the realm of marketing and sp…
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Building a thriving consulting business can be a challenge, but what if the key to success lies in embracing joy and redefining growth? Meena Das, CEO of Namaste Data, shares her refreshing "anti-capitalistic" approach to building a thriving consulting practice. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work, redefining growth on your ow…
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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 …
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Do you wonder if you're overlooking vital legal aspects of your business? Is the thought of hiring a lawyer daunting to you, especially if you're in the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey? In this episode, we sit down with Adrienne, a seasoned lawyer and the founder of Open LLP, a boutique law firm specializing in helping startups, and en…
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How do you rebuild your business—and your confidence—when it feels like everything is falling apart? In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Jess and Cindy welcome back Kishshana Palmer, CEO of ManageMint, to share the real story behind her business reinvention. Kishshana doesn’t hold back as she opens up about the rollercoaster of running a…
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What does it take to build a micro-agency that scales without sacrificing flexibility? In this episode of Confessions, Cindy and Jess chat with conversion copywriter Eman Ismail, founder of Eman CopyCo, about her journey to creating a micro-agency. With experience working in the charity sector, Eman dives deep into her decision to transition from s…
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What should nonprofit consultants do when growth starts to feel like hitting a wall? In today’s episode of Confessions, Jess and I are thrilled to welcome Natalie Ekdahl, CEO of Biz Chix, Inc., a powerhouse coach for nonprofit consultants who want to scale without burning out. Natalie shares her no-nonsense approach to building a lucrative consulti…
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Why do feelings sometimes mislead us in business? Cindy and Jess dive into how to keep emotions in check and focus on data, especially as we head toward 2025. Jess shares insights from her record-breaking year and explains why it’s essential to surround yourself with positive influences who push you forward. They also tackle the importance of track…
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In this episode,we chat with Shannon Bowen, a nonprofit leader who's rocking both a full-time job and a thriving side hustle. Shannon, the Chief Advancement Officer for a genetics and genomics institute in Seattle, also founded Monsoon Leadership to help people land their dream jobs. She spills the tea on salary negotiation, navigating the challeng…
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How do you navigate imposter syndrome and build confidence as a new consultant? On this episode of the Confessions of a Nonprofit Consultant podcast, Jess and Cindy interview Denyelle Fraser, nonprofit and equity design consultant who shares her journey and insights on thriving as a new consultant in the nonprofit world. Denyelle, a mom and wife, s…
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As a consultant, you probably have thought about growing a team, or hiring subcontractors or even getting work as a subcontractor. Lauren Elyse Tudor, founder of Architect Philanthropic Collective, joins us to share her journey and insights. Lauren's firm focuses on community-centered and diverse philanthropy, leveraging storytelling, strategic mar…
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In this episode of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, Cindy sits down with fellow nonprofit consultants live at the RAISE conference. She discusses the power of conferences in business development and knowledge sharing. Join Cindy as she chats with Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Barbara O'Reilly, Diana Farias Heinrich, Frank Velásquez Jr., and the dynamic…
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Ever felt the pull of those big fundraising conferences, imagining the potential clients and connections waiting just beyond those booth walls? Cindy sure did! But after two experiences, one exhilarating, the other... well, let's just say "eye-opening," we’re here to share the raw, unfiltered truth about what it's REALLY like to be a small fish in …
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Ever felt like you needed a shower after a sales call? You're not alone! This week, we're diving into the world of authentic sales strategies with email marketing queen Kristi Scott. Kristi spills the tea on her journey from cold-calling tech sales to building her nonprofit consulting business. She shares how she ditched the pushy tactics and found…
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Ever wondered what it's really like to ditch your nonprofit job and start a consulting business with your work buddy? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on that exact scenario. No sugar-coating, no BS - just the raw, unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a values-driven consulting firm from the ground up. Sarah Steiger joins us to share …
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Rachel Zant of Pen With a Purpose shares her journey from agency workhorse to boundary-setting badass. With 25 years of fundraising copywriting under her belt, Rachel dishes on the ups and downs of running a successful consulting biz while juggling motherhood and the constant urge to say "yes" to everything. From charging what she's worth (spoiler:…
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Today, we're diving into the world of client retention with Alex Lustig, co-founder of the Global Grant Writers Collective. Their business is teaching people how to build careers as grant writers, but the real magic? They're keeping 70% of their members for a second year. Alex shared insights on how they've built this success. It's not just about t…
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Ever wonder how some consultants seem to effortlessly land high-paying clients while you're still struggling to break the $5K mark? This week's guest, Kel Haney, spills the tea on her journey from theater director to six-figure fundraising consultant. Kel shares how she transitioned from a 20-year career in theater to becoming a sought-after fundra…
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Today on Confessions, we're diving into a topic that's been on all our minds lately: online courses. We all know the appeal, right? Scale your impact, ditch the time-for-money trap, and make some serious cash. But, like everything in life, it's not as simple as it seems. On our recent Mastermind retreat, we enlisted our friends Rhea Wong, Brooke Ri…
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Email marketing remains a potent tool for nurturing relationships and driving revenue. But are you truly harnessing its full potential? We're peeling back the curtain on the often overlooked strategies that separate lackluster campaigns from engagement powerhouses. With candor, we breakdown myths and discomfort surrounding email cadences, calls to …
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Have you been feeling the pinch in your nonprofit consulting business lately? You're not alone. The landscape for nonprofit consultants has been shifting, and many of us are experiencing challenges we haven't faced before. Jess recently hosted a roundtable discussion in her Build Better Together community to explore what's really going on in 2024 a…
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Ever feel like you're on an island, trying to figure out this whole business-building thing on your own? Well, shake off that isolation, because we're diving into the world of peer masterminds – where "yes, and" thinking meets the power of collective wisdom. In this episode, we're joined by Aïko Thurlow, an experienced mastermind facilitator who's …
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Building a thriving consulting business can be a challenge, but what if the key to success lies in embracing joy and redefining growth? Meena Das, CEO of Namaste Data, shares her refreshing "anti-capitalistic" approach to building a thriving consulting practice. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work, redefining growth on your ow…
  continue reading
 
We see behind the scenes of a LOT of nonprofit consulting businesses. On today’s podcast, we’re talking about trends that we are seeing for those who are finding success this year. Discover how narrowing your niche and building strategic relationships can unlock a steady stream of ideal clients. Learn the power of offering "done-for-you" services t…
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Imagine a world where ambitious entrepreneurs gather, unbound by geographical constraints, to forge unbreakable bonds and propel their businesses to new heights. In this unfiltered conversation, you'll be a fly on the wall as Jess and Cindy prepare for our upcoming Mastermind retreat. From cross-country flights and cozy Airbnb sanctuaries to curati…
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Jennie Armstrong, founder of Wild Awake and Delve, started her second business when she kept getting people who weren’t her core audience asking for her services. Jennie shares the behind-the-scenes journey of transitioning from a solopreneur to building a thriving consulting firm and online program - under the banner of two brands. Discover her st…
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Are you struggling to find the right partners to accelerate your nonprofit consulting business growth? In this candid conversation, Dana Snyder, CEO of Missions to Movement, shares her invaluable insights on building strategic partnerships that drive revenue and impact. With over 7 years of experience in the nonprofit space, Dana reveals the behind…
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Imagine pouring countless hours of unpaid labor into cultivating a vibrant online community, only to face the daunting decision of monetizing it. That's the raw reality Jess confronted with her nonprofit consultants' group, Build Better Together. In this unfiltered convo, Jess pulls you into the emotional whirlwind of pivoting a once-free offering,…
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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 e…
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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 …
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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-pe…
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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 r…
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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…
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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 consultanc…
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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,…
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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 sust…
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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 insp…
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