Fund development professional.

Successful fund development hinges on being able to tell a story. First things first, you have to know the story. I have coached foundation boards of directors, CEOs and teams on how to package and tell their best story and make an ask.

When done well, telling your story can lead to pulling off events (like the one depicted below - yes, that's John Travolta) in a matter of weeks (instead of months). And while I don't recommend events-based fundraising as the crux of a nonprofit's development strategy, having an army of messengers mobilized in an intentional cultivation plan, means you can pivot to maximize on opportunities. Opportunities that knock on your door due to relentless, purposeful, inspiring story-tellers who know when and how to make the right ask. While my consulting began in 2012 primarily focused on nonprofit board, strategy and fund development, it evolved into providing counsel for a number of industries. And it always begins with clarity of purpose - knowing your story.