The PM Podcast: Family Values – A Conversation with Lee Ernst and Ted Grossnickel

Released on August 8, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The PM Podcast, hosted by Jay Frost and produced by Jack Frost under the banner of DonorSearch, listeners delve into the intertwined professional and personal lives of two prominent figures in the philanthropy sector: Lee Ernst and Ted Grossnickel. As leaders reshaping the landscape of nonprofit fundraising and consulting, their conversation offers rich insights into their careers, shared values, and the delicate balance of working alongside family.

Background of the Guests

Lee Ernst serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Consultant at Johnson, Grossnickel and Associates (JGA). Her extensive career includes pivotal roles at the University of Chicago during its monumental $2 billion campaign and spearheading strategic initiatives for the Salvation Army’s Chicago division. Lee is also a past chair of the Giving Institute Summer Symposium and contributes to the Generosity Commission’s Communications Task Force.

Ted Grossnickel, the Chair of JGA's Board of Directors, brings a wealth of experience as managing counsel to various clients and as a mentor within the organization. Honored with the Henry A. Rosso Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Ethical Fundraising, Ted has been instrumental in shaping the values-driven approach of JGA. He also serves on the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Board of Visitors.

Career Journeys and First Experiences in Philanthropy

The conversation kicks off with Ted reflecting on his serendipitous entry into the world of philanthropy:

Ted Grossnickel [00:00]: "You know you're probably not going to change people's minds with your best arguments. What you're probably best recommended to do is to find out about the things that you share a love for..."

Ted describes his initial involvement with United Way in Cincinnati as a "happy accident," illustrating his early exposure to the "magic" of combining ideas with resources to create impactful change (03:00).

Lee shares her own path, marked by a pivotal decision to delve into fundraising during her graduate studies at the Salvation Army. Her hands-on experiences, such as volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, were transformative, fostering a deep-seated passion for building connections and relationships with donors (08:00).

Founding and Growth of Johnson, Grossnickel and Associates (JGA)

In 1994, Ted and his colleague Don Johnson co-founded JGA, grounding the firm in values derived from their collective professional experiences. Ted elaborates on the firm's commitment to authenticity and client responsiveness, values that have remained steadfast over the decades (15:20).

Lee joined JGA in the early 2000s, not through familial ties but through a merit-based invitation from a former CEO. This deliberate integration ensured that her role was grounded in expertise and earned trust rather than nepotism. Their collaboration is a testament to their shared dedication to maintaining a values-driven practice (21:41).

Family and Professional Dynamics

A significant portion of the dialogue explores the dynamic of working alongside family. Lee humorously touches on the challenges and benefits of having Ted as her father and business partner:

Lee Ernst [25:29]: "No reference of the term kiddo in public... We adhere to our values probably times 10."

Ted adds depth to this by emphasizing the importance of keeping family stories separate in professional settings to maintain authenticity and focus on client needs (28:23).

Core Values and Their Importance

The heart of their discussion revolves around the foundational values of JGA—authenticity and innovation. Lee explains how clear values act as "guardrails," navigating the firm through stress and ensuring consistency in high-stakes situations:

Lee Ernst [33:39]: "It's super dusty. And I'm still trying to, you know, do memory recall on it at times."

Ted underscores the necessity of these values in an era dominated by rapid technological advancements and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI:

Ted Grossnickel [36:32]: "They're even more important than they might have been 10 or 20 years ago because of the speed at which technological progress is occurring..."

Navigating Modern Challenges: AI and Technological Innovation

Addressing the intersection of values and technology, Lee and Ted discuss the ethical considerations in utilizing AI within philanthropy. Lee hopes for continued thoughtful integration of AI, ensuring it serves to enhance human connections rather than replace them:

Lee Ernst [39:24]: "Our sector, the nonprofit sector, continues to be really thoughtful with things like the Generosity Commission... to help guide the field."

Ted highlights JGA’s proactive stance on adopting new technologies responsibly:

Ted Grossnickel [39:55]: "We were one of the early sponsors on, you know, the AI Framework for Ethics and Values."

Personal Challenges and Joys

Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life emerges as a recurring theme. Lee candidly shares her struggle to excel both as a CEO and a mother to teenagers:

Lee Ernst [44:28]: "The hardest thing for me personally right now is trying to do the very best I can at home and at work... I need to show up well for my clients. They deserve the very best. I need to show up for my family. They deserve the best."

Ted reflects on the societal divisions and the importance of finding common ground through shared passions and values, drawing from a poignant quote he read:

Ted Grossnickel [48:00]: "What you're probably best recommended to do is to find out about the things that you share a love for... maybe over time, it'll make you and the person with whom you disagree say, okay, okay, we share a whole bunch of other things..."

Future Vision for Philanthropy and the Sector

Looking ahead, Lee expresses optimism about initiatives like the Generosity Commission and the ethical use of AI shaping a thoughtful and connected future for philanthropy. Ted echoes the need for ongoing collaboration and continuous dialogue to address emerging challenges and opportunities:

Ted Grossnickel [43:54]: "As we go forward, we should be hyper alert to ways of looking for the best minds to come together and to say, how do we solve problems together?"

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Ted on the allure of philanthropy:

  "It's the essence. And generosity, it's where that synapse is the spark." (03:30)

• Lee on the importance of values:

  "Innovation is the other critical part of values that allow us to do our best work." (33:39)

• Ted on ethical AI:

  "Having a firm set of values helps you... have less stress and it probably helps you get to the right place." (36:32)

Conclusion

This episode of The PM Podcast offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Lee Ernst and Ted Grossnickel, highlighting the intricate balance between personal relationships and professional integrity within the philanthropic sector. Their unwavering commitment to authenticity and innovation serves as a beacon for nonprofits navigating the complexities of the modern world. As they continue to lead and inspire, their story underscores the profound impact of values-driven leadership in fostering meaningful change.

Notable Quotes

1. Ted Grossnickel [03:32]: "I never get tired of that. It's a little bit of a fuel, maybe. Maybe it's closer to the truth to say it's a mild form of addiction, but I've got it."

2. Lee Ernst [08:03]: "I probably was doing asks I was not ready for... building connections and relationships with people. I loved it, it felt good."

3. Ted Grossnickel [15:25]: "We saw some things that really worked and we tried to codify those as values."

4. Lee Ernst [33:39]: "Authenticity and innovation... allow us to do our best work."

5. Ted Grossnickel [36:32]: "They were some framework efforts regarding, for example, use of AI... they're even more important than they might have been 10 or 20 years ago."

6. Lee Ernst [44:28]: "I need to show up well for my clients. They deserve the very best. I need to show up for my family. They deserve the best."

7. Ted Grossnickel [48:00]: "Find out about the things that you share a love for... let's just agree to disagree."

Further Information

For more insights into Lee Ernst and Ted Grossnickel’s work, visit jgacouncil.com. Explore the Giving Institute at givinginstitute.org and learn about the Generosity Commission at thegenerositycommission.org.