Podcast Summary: RKD Group: Thinkers

Episode: The college challenge that created a nonprofit changemaker

Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Justin McCord (B)
Co-host: Ronnie Richard (C)
Guest: Mike Esposito (A), nonprofit consultant, active AFP member, and community builder.

Overview

This episode spotlights Mike Esposito, a rising thought leader and independent consultant in the nonprofit fundraising sector. The hosts explore Mike's journey from a college fundraiser to a sector influencer, focusing on deliberate career decisions, embracing change, and the power of building relationships in today’s unpredictable nonprofit landscape. Through storytelling and industry insight, the conversation offers encouragement for aspiring leaders and practical wisdom for navigating change.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Mike’s Entry into Nonprofit Fundraising

• Origin Story:

  • Mike’s first fundraiser was with the Be Positive Foundation during college (Fordham). He and a friend launched a “shave your head” challenge to incentivize donations, dramatically increasing engagement among students.

    “We got over 150 donations in like two days and easily surpassed $6,000. And then that turned into an event where our heads were shaved publicly.” (A, 06:02)

  • Reflection on his wife:

    "It was the first and last that I, where I volunteered to shave my head, but mainly because ... my wife... was just like, yeah, you don't really look great bald." (A, 07:53)

• Early Lessons:

  • Mike was initially fascinated by the “science” and systems behind fundraising, rather than just the emotional appeal (08:25).
  • The experience taught him about mobilizing peer networks and the spark that can turn indifference into active participation.

2. Commitment to Sector-Wide Involvement

• Mike’s deep involvement with nonprofit communities began around 4-5 years ago through AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) and Nonprofit Hive (09:42).
  • AFP: in-person networking, mentoring, leading Emerging Leaders Group, and sponsorship work at Fundraising Day.
  • Nonprofit Hive: virtual connections with a global network of nonprofit professionals.

    “I feel like I'm always talking about the Hive, but they're both wonderful communities.” (A, 10:45)

Influential Mentors

• Brentley Winstead: Co-chaired AFP Emerging Leaders, consistently supportive.
• Adrian Ogle: Encouraged Mike to start his own consultancy; provided pivotal confidence. (A, 11:53-13:09)

3. Leap to Independent Consultancy

• Internal Struggles and Encouragement:
  • Mike deliberated extensively with peers, family, and mentors before making the leap in late 2024. Adrian Ogle’s advice:

    "Well, what if it doesn't work? You know, what's the worst thing that could happen?" (A, 13:36)

  • The need for validation was strong but ultimately, trusting his own instincts won out (17:29).
• Desire for Impact:
  • Wanted deeper client relationships, more autonomy, and to apply coaching widely.
  • Frustrated with bureaucratic item approval at larger consultancies (“I wanted to try things out on my own…” A, 14:21-14:41).

Facing Doubt and Finding Support

• Some contacts discouraged the move—even after he had started—highlighting the emotional risks. His father's evolving support was especially meaningful:

  “One day I was talking to him and he was like, I think you’re ready. And I was like, whoa, who am I talking to here?” (A, 18:26)

4. Shifts in Perspective as a Consultant and Coach

• As a consultant, Mike’s sense of responsibility and reach has grown; frequently counsels nonprofit leaders, especially through funding uncertainty and increased competition:

  “I just feel a lot more confident in myself and the advice that I can share with them... being able to speak to different challenges that these organizations have faced and different strategies that I’ve helped them with.” (A, 20:35)

5. The Changing Face of Fundraising & Pop Culture’s Influence

• Mike uses LinkedIn to connect philanthropy with current cultural events, making sector conversation more vibrant and accessible.

• Recent example: Billie Eilish’s $11M donation and call for billionaires to step up, juxtaposed with philanthropy news about Zuckerberg/Chan and AI in health innovation.

  “I just wanted to try to find ways to make fundraising and philanthropy a little bit more interesting… tie it to pop culture, tie it to sports, tie it to things that people want to talk about.” (A, 22:18)

  • The intent: Encourage fundraisers to think contextually, not just tactically.

• Host Commentary:

  • “Why wouldn’t our donors also be [impacted by cultural events]? ...think about the broader context of where your audience finds themselves at this moment and how that context might change the way that you approach them for a gift…” (B, 25:55)

6. Forward-Looking Advice for 2026:

Navigating Uncertainty and Maintaining Focus

• Nonprofits face federal funding cuts, more competition, and increased AI-driven grant proposals.
• Mike’s recommendations:
  • Double down on relationships with donors, institutions, and funders—move beyond impersonal, cold outreach (29:52-31:08).
  • Experiment meaningfully: Use AI to stand out, but stay anchored in video testimonials and direct human touch.
  • Lean into what’s working, don’t spread too thin.

Burnout and Well-being

• Many nonprofit professionals are overstretched and at risk of burnout.

  “How do you ensure that you don’t burn out…? Step away from your work, take a breather, do some exercise… You can’t do the work if you’re not well.” (A, 32:55, 33:23)

• Mike integrates this advice into client conversations, prioritizing self-care.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Taking Big Leaps:

  “I knew that I wanted to do it. I knew how I wanted to do it. It was just that, like, little piece of confidence of actually, you know, going through with it… What if it doesn’t work? ...I guess it’s not the end of the world if this doesn’t work out.” (A, 13:36)

• On Contextual Fundraising (re: Billie Eilish):

  “Let’s talk about these things. ...how does this relate to fundraising, how this relates to philanthropy, how this relates to ultra high net worth individuals that do have the capacity to make big change in the world?” (A, 24:06)

• On Well-being:

  “You can’t do the work if you’re not well.” (A, 33:23)

• Host Reflection on Staying Grounded:

  “Don’t lose the bigger picture of what philanthropy actually literally means... about the love of humanity and the human connection that helps continue to drive this thing forward.“ (B, 31:41)

Important Timestamps

• 00:52 Introduction to Mike Esposito and his background.
• 06:02 Mike shares his first fundraising experience and the head-shaving challenge.
• 09:42 Mike begins sector-wide involvement, especially through AFP & Nonprofit Hive.
• 11:53 Key mentors: Brentley Winstead and Adrian Ogle.
• 13:36 The leap into independent consulting and the “what’s the worst that could happen?” moment.
• 16:50 The pivotal conversation that solidified Mike’s career jump.
• 18:26 Navigating naysayers and gaining crucial support from family.
• 19:29 New perspective as a sector consultant and coach.
• 22:18 Using pop culture (Billie Eilish’s donation) to drive sector conversation.
• 29:52 Counsel for nonprofits facing uncertainty: relationships, innovation, and focus.
• 32:55 Advice on self-care and avoiding burnout.

Conclusion

Mike Esposito’s journey highlights the power of thoughtful decision-making, mentorship, and the courage to chart one’s own path—even in a risk-averse sector. His advice—on relationships, context, embracing change, and maintaining balance—offers actionable inspiration for both emerging and established nonprofit professionals. The episode underscores the resilience, adaptability, and creativity required to be a changemaker in uncertain times.

For more in-depth sector content or to learn about working with RKD Group, visit rkdgroup.com.