In this AFP ICON edition of From the Nest, Charity Jen sits down with Doug Trout, Managing Director at DRiWaterstone Human Capital, to talk about what it takes to build and sustain exceptional nonprofit leadership. With a career dedicated to advancing mission-driven organizations, Doug brings a recruiter’s eye and a fundraiser’s heart to conversations around hiring, team culture, and what makes a candidate stand out in today’s evolving landscape.

Doug shares what trends he’s seeing in nonprofit hiring, how organizations can better invest in their people, and why leadership pipelines matter now more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how to find the right people—or be the right person—for transformational nonprofit work, this episode is packed with insights.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Meet Doug Trout of DRiWaterstone Human Capital

01:18 – Trends in nonprofit hiring and leadership

02:35 – What makes a strong candidate stand out

04:05 – Creating organizational culture that retains talent

05:40 – Advice for leaders navigating career transitions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode recorded live at AFP ICON, Charity Jen welcomes fundraising veteran Jay Frost—award-winning speaker, consultant, and senior partner at DonorSearch—to reflect on what’s changing, what’s working, and what still inspires him about the world of philanthropy. With decades of experience in prospect research, capital campaigns, and international fundraising, Jay brings both sharp insight and contagious optimism to the conversation.

He shares why curiosity is his secret weapon, how AFP ICON continues to spark new thinking, and why generosity—in all its forms—is the throughline that drives real change. Whether you’re just getting started or decades into your fundraising journey, Jay’s reflections will leave you energized and ready to reimagine what’s possible.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Welcoming fundraising legend Jay Frost

01:15 – Jay’s take on the AFP ICON experience

02:30 – Curiosity and generosity as lifelong themes

04:10 – What’s shifting in donor behavior and engagement

05:45 – Words of wisdom for the next generation of fundraisers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this vibrant and energizing episode, Charity Jen chats with Julie Naranjo Upham, Vice President of Individual Giving at Conservation International and co-chair of the Bridge Conference. A long-time AFP ICON speaker and CFRE, Julie shares what keeps her coming back year after year: the chance to connect with emerging fundraisers, learn from peers, and gather real-time ideas to strengthen her team’s fundraising strategies.

From major gift portfolio tactics to pink “Development Diva” ribbons, Julie brings equal parts insight and joy to this conversation. Whether you’re looking for fresh content to bring back to your own team or just need a reminder of how powerful community can be, this episode offers both practical tips and a healthy dose of sparkle.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at olasmedia.com

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Welcome and intro to Julie Naranjo Upham

01:22 – Why ICON energizes Julie every year

03:18 – Favorite takeaways: donor behavior and team growth

04:24 – Bringing major gift strategies straight home

06:01 – Ribbon stories and conference joy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.