The PM Podcast: The Vanguard – A Conversation with H. Art Taylor

Podcast Information:

• Title: The PM Podcast
• Host: Jay Frost
• Produced by: Jack Frost
• Powered by: DonorSearch
• Episode: The Vanguard: A Conversation with H. Art Taylor
• Release Date: August 1, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The PM Podcast, host Jay Frost engages in an in-depth conversation with H. Art Taylor, the President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Taylor brings a wealth of experience from his extensive career in nonprofit management, including his 23-year tenure with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. The discussion spans Taylor's formative years in South Philadelphia, his educational journey, professional challenges, and his insights on diversity, ethics, and the future of philanthropy.

Early Life in South Philadelphia

H. Art Taylor opens up about his upbringing in South Philadelphia, painting a vivid picture of his neighborhood's diverse and tumultuous environment.

[00:00] HRT Taylor: "We're the vanguard. We're the place where people who fall out of the success of the private sector and need help, we're the people there to help them."

Taylor recounts growing up on Peter Street, nestled between predominantly Black and Italian communities, and the proximity to various factories, including one owned by Angelo Bruno, a notable crime boss.

[07:16] HRT Taylor: "That's just part of the environment that I grew up in."

A pivotal childhood memory involves witnessing a violent incident related to Angelo Bruno's operations, highlighting the delicate balance between different community influences.

Family Influence and Overcoming Adversity

Taylor emphasizes the critical role his mother played in his resilience and success. Despite facing domestic violence from an estranged father, his mother's unwavering support and involvement with local nonprofits provided a stable foundation.

[13:23] HRT Taylor: "I think about what my life would have been had she not survived."

He shares a traumatic event from his childhood where his father assaulted his mother, underscoring the strength and perseverance his mother instilled in him and his siblings.

[13:27] Jay Frost: "You were quite young at that time, too."

Educational Journey: From Choir to Collegiate Challenges

Taylor's passion for music began early, participating in choir and developing his musical talents, which continued into his high school years. His positive experiences at a diverse elementary school fostered a love for learning and community engagement.

[24:24] HRT Taylor: "The repertoire was very classical choral music. So we sang Bach, Palestrina, Brahms, Mozart..."

Transitioning to middle school, Taylor navigates racial segregation and the complexities of attending a predominantly Black school, ultimately finding his path through sports and academic excellence.

[32:33] HRT Taylor: "I ended up going to Barrett, and that was a good situation."

Higher Education and Professional Beginnings

Taylor attended Franklin and Marshall College on a basketball scholarship, balancing athletics with academics. Despite initial academic struggles, he persevered, earning his CPA and later pursuing a JD.

[44:57] HRT Taylor: "I had no idea what I was going to do. So I looked in the newspaper and I said, well, where are the jobs?"

His early career at Touche Ross and Company (now Deloitte and Touche) as one of the few African American CPAs in the firm presented significant challenges, including limited opportunities and subtle discrimination.

[51:22] HRT Taylor: "There were eight firms represented. ... I was the only African American in that firm when I started."

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Taylor reflects on the evolution of diversity and inclusion from his early career to the present day. He contrasts the tokenistic approaches of the past with today's more nuanced understanding of belonging and authentic inclusion.

[56:24] HRT Taylor: "There was little interest in diversity. There was no interest in inclusion. No interest in equity."

He critiques modern diversity programs, emphasizing the need for genuine inclusion rather than merely meeting numerical targets.

[61:40] HRT Taylor: "It's harder to come up with the standard and then enforce it. CEOs are trying to figure this out because the value of diversity is not just a moral value, it's a business value."

Taylor argues that true diversity fosters innovation and business success, contrasting it with past practices that prioritized profit over inclusive culture.

Ethics, Leadership, and the Role of Nonprofits

As president of the AFP, Taylor positions nonprofits as the "vanguard" of democracy, bridging gaps between government and the private sector. He underscores the importance of ethical leadership and maintaining positive energy to inspire and lead effective fundraising and community engagement.

[85:14] HRT Taylor: "As leaders and as individuals, we have to generate, find ways to generate and maintain positive energy, period."

Taylor advocates for a culture of giving and community support, suggesting that influential figures like Taylor Swift and LeBron James could play pivotal roles in promoting philanthropy.

[78:41] HRT Taylor: "What if people like Taylor Swift and LeBron James ... also said to the broader society, participate with us, give what you can. It might make a difference."

Current Challenges and Future Outlook

Discussing the current socio-political climate, Taylor addresses the pressures nonprofits face from government policies and societal shifts. He emphasizes the necessity of adapting while maintaining core values of diversity and inclusion.

[72:01] HRT Taylor: "We're the vanguard. We're sort of in between government and the private sector trying to hold democracy together."

Taylor expresses optimism rooted in historical progress, acknowledging setbacks but believing in long-term societal advancement through collective effort and ethical leadership.

[85:14] HRT Taylor: "History has shown that we've made progress over the long term. And what America is dealing with right now is not simply about race or gender or identity."

Conclusion: Hope and Positive Energy for the Future

Taylor concludes with a powerful message about the importance of maintaining hope and positive energy in the face of challenges. He encourages leaders and individuals alike to inspire others through enthusiasm and collaborative efforts to sustain and advance democracy and social good.

[92:38] HRT Taylor: "We have to fight all the more to make sure that we are doing what we're here to do... it takes positive energy to do, takes fearlessness."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:00] HRT Taylor: "We're the vanguard. We're the place where people who fall out of the success of the private sector and need help, we're the people there to help them."

• [07:16] HRT Taylor: "That's just part of the environment that I grew up in."

• [13:23] HRT Taylor: "I think about what my life would have been had she not survived."

• [24:24] HRT Taylor: "The repertoire was very classical choral music. So we sang Bach, Palestrina, Brahms, Mozart..."

• [51:22] HRT Taylor: "There were eight firms represented. ... I was the only African American in that firm when I started."

• [61:40] HRT Taylor: "It's harder to come up with the standard and then enforce it. CEOs are trying to figure this out because the value of diversity is not just a moral value, it's a business value."

• [78:41] HRT Taylor: "What if people like Taylor Swift and LeBron James ... also said to the broader society, participate with us, give what you can. It might make a difference."

• [85:14] HRT Taylor: "As leaders and as individuals, we have to generate, find ways to generate and maintain positive energy, period."

• [92:38] HRT Taylor: "We have to fight all the more to make sure that we are doing what we're here to do... it takes positive energy to do, takes fearlessness."

Final Thoughts

H. Art Taylor’s narrative is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of diversity and inclusion within the nonprofit sector. His insights provide valuable guidance for current and future leaders aiming to navigate and positively impact an increasingly complex and diverse world.

Learn More:

• Visit afpfpglobal.org for more information.
• Catch past episodes of the Heart of Giving at heartgiving.podbean.com.

Credits:

• Producer: Jack Frost
• Theme Music: "Moving Out, Moving In" by Jay Taylor (Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and check out our sister shows, Front Lines of Social Good and How to Raise. Join us next weekend for another inspiring conversation with a leader in the world of social good.