Your discovery calls shouldn’t feel like a test.

In my latest Intentional Fundraiser episode, I walk through how I help fundraisers turn tense, scripted discovery calls into relaxed, donor-centered conversations that still move major gifts forward.

We unpack a simple four part framework, real examples of questions that open people up, and a practical way to use AI so you can listen more and type less.

What would change in your portfolio if every discovery call felt like a conversation you were both glad you had?

Listen to this episode of “Discovery That Builds Trust, Not Pressure,” and share it with a colleague, your team, or your board.

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

Major Gifts Training: Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar

Connect with Tammy Zonker on LinkedIn

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Leaders keep derailing donor visits?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched a beautifully teed‑up donor conversation go sideways the moment a well‑intentioned CEO or board member “pops in” unbriefed. You’ve done the research, built the relationship, framed the invitation…and then the message gets fuzzy, the energy shifts, and the donor walks away more confused than inspired.

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share how I’ve learned to turn those moments from chaotic to coordinated over nearly 30 years in major gifts. I walk you through the exact one‑page pre‑brief I use, how I coach leaders before we ever step into the room, and the subtle phrases I rely on to gently steer things back on track when conversations drift.

You’ll hear stories from real visits, practical language you can borrow with your own executives and board members, and a few ways AI can quietly help you prep and debrief meetings without losing the human touch.

What would change for your major gift program if every leader who joined a donor meeting showed up prepared, concise, and aligned with you?

Listen to “Turning Leaders into Effective Major Gift Partners,” and if it’s helpful, share it with a colleague or board member who often joins you in donor conversations.

Guest: Name, Title, Company

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

“More touches” are burning teams out 😅

I talk with so many fundraisers who are trying to do heartfelt, hyper-personal stewardship for everyone… and ending up exhausted, guilty, and behind by December.

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share a simple 3-tier stewardship system I have used for years to keep donor care personal, scalable, and sustainable.

We get into:

1. The burnout story of doing “all the things” for everyone 😵‍💫
2. Why donors remember moments, not message volume
3. How to segment your portfolio into high touch, mid touch, and automated care
4. Where automation and AI belong, without sounding robotic 🤖❤️
5. How to build a 90 day stewardship map that replaces year end panic with a steady rhythm

I also walk through practical examples you can adapt in a small shop or a large institution, plus a simple challenge you can complete in under an hour.

What would change for you and your team if stewardship felt planned and sustainable instead of last minute and overwhelming

Listen to “Making Stewardship Personal, Scalable, Sustainable,” and share this episode with a colleague, executive director, or board member who cares about both donors and staff wellbeing. 🎧👉

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.