From Detours to Direction: Navigating Unexpected Moves in Your Fundraising Career

In this episode of Rising Voices of Fundraising: The AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, we asked attendees at AFP ICON to reflect on the unplanned career moments that helped shape who they are today. From lateral moves and sudden role changes to unexpected opportunities and reluctant yeses, fundraisers at all career stages share how uncertainty became a catalyst for growth. These stories highlight the nonlinear nature of fundraising careers and offer reassurance to emerging leaders that progress doesn’t always follow a straight line.

Guests:

Elena Burr, MPH

Maxwell Moore

Joella Blas-Kawano

Michael Acaldo

Sarah Brown, CFRE

Sasha Lewis, MPA, CFRE

Kim Gerrish, CFRE

Bryan Vinson, MBA

Terri Williams, M.A., CFRE

Olga Krochak, M.A., CFRE