This is a tool for when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Ease back into calm with this brief guided meditation from Elisabeth Andrews, MPH.

More wellness resources: https://elisabethandrews.com/wellness-resources-1

Your PhD program probably didn't cover how to build relationships with prospective donors. As you advance into academic leadership, however, these conversations become a critical part of the job. In this episode, Elisabeth talks with faculty fundraising coach Helene O’Leary, who demystifies donor relations to help academic leaders bring in transformative gifts for their institutions.

You’ll learn:

• Why successful fundraising isn’t about being extroverted or charismatic
• How to overcome awkwardness to begin — and end! — conversations that lead naturally to support
• Real examples of academics who shifted from pitching projects to creating authentic connections, and raised major gifts as a result

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable “asking for money,” this conversation will reframe donor engagement as something far more natural, rewarding, and even fun.

Find Helene on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-o-leary-10425924/

Connect with Elisabeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethandrews/

Journaling is my life-long passion and the practice I most love to teach. To help you get started, I recorded this 6-minute guided breath work meditation preparing body and mind for a short journaling session. Get your pen and paper ready and use this recording to enter a calm and reflective state.