Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Jenny Mitchell.

Founder and President of Chavender, Jenny Mitchell (CFRE, DMA), works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world - one mission at a time. Chavender assists clients, across Canada and the U.S., to inspire their donors and achieve their fundraising goals through personalized fundraising coaching and training.

Jenny is a speaker, author, executive coach, podcaster, and professional fundraiser who is passionate about inspiring the very best in others. She completed her Executive Coaching Training at Royal Roads University. She has worked with hundreds of CEOs, executive directors, and high-profile executives on boards of directors across Canada. With Jenny’s coaching and consulting help, her clients have raised millions of dollars in support of their charitable missions.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Jenny has presented at major Fundraising Leadership Conferences across North America. She launched her solo podcast in July 2022 entitled Underdog Leadership. Through this platform, she brings stories about the power of leadership, and fundraising as agents of change for the world that we live in. Jenny is a lifelong learner, and actively seeks out people and situations that expand her experiences and her knowledge. Jenny’s book, Embracing Ambition which is available on Amazon, launched in March 2024 and features stories and research from 12 women CEOs across North America.

Before completing her CFRE (certified fund raising executive) Jenny trained as a classical musician and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts. She brings her creative approach, her drive for excellence, and her passion for people to the world of not-for-profits.

Summary:

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, host Dave interviews Jenny Mitchell, an accomplished artist, fundraiser, author, and executive coach. They discuss Jenny's journey from a classical musician to a leader in the nonprofit sector, exploring themes of ambition, underdog leadership, and the complexities of fundraising. Jenny shares experiences as a board chair, her insights on the importance of reflection, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and the significance of adaptability in both personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for bold leadership, the complexities of fundraising, and the evolving definition of ambition, particularly for women in leadership roles.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jenny Mitchell
03:08 The Journey to Leadership
06:09 The Complexities of Fundraising
08:57 Exploring Underdog Leadership
11:57 Key Lessons from Board Leadership
15:03 The Power of Collective Storytelling
17:53 Embracing Ambition: A New Perspective
20:52 Chavender: A Business of Adaptability
23:59 Advice for Emerging Leaders in Fundraising
26:52 Redefining Ambition in Leadership

Resources Mentioned:

https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

https://chavender.com/the-penthouse/

Connect with Jenny:

https://chavender.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chavender/