We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adam Vohra. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adam below.

Adam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

There are three main trends I have noticed in the non-profit space. Nonprofits frequently grapple with unstable income and budgeting issues due to the unpredictable nature of donations and funding streams, which complicates long-term planning and resource allocation. This financial instability often forces them to prioritize administrative costs over mission-critical projects, operating on tight budgets and seeking ways to bridge funding gaps. Additionally, there is increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable impact, requiring sophisticated tracking and reporting systems. This shift adds to the administrative burden, necessitating investment in data collection and analysis to prove effectiveness and justify funding, which can divert resources from direct services​. Furthermore, the digital transformation presents both challenges and opportunities. While modern technology is essential for improving efficiency and data management, many nonprofits struggle with outdated systems and lack the necessary infrastructure. Transitioning to digital solutions like cloud-based applications is crucial for streamlining operations and enhancing engagement with donors and beneficiaries, but it demands significant investment and change management.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Growing up in New Fairfield, CT, in an upper-middle-class immigrant family, I always had a strong sense of community and the value of hard work. My journey into the nonprofit and public speaking industry began when I got sober and started working in the fitness industry in Greenwich, CT. There, I was inspired by the ultra-successful clients who frequented the gym, each striving to improve themselves despite their accomplishments. I developed relationships with many of them, who served on various nonprofit boards. They often expressed frustration over the lack of organization and the popularity contests among board members, highlighting a need for more impactful and structured approaches.

Realizing this need, I began sharing my story publicly, discovering the power of relatability and personal experience. The positive feedback I received led me to enter the public speaking space, where I found a profound sense of purpose in motivating others. This inspired me to launch the Finding Purpose Podcast, a platform for people to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

At ARV Enterprises, I specialize in event planning for nonprofits, back-end business administration, fundraising strategies, and social media engagement. My services are designed to solve organizational challenges, enhance fundraising efforts, and improve public relations, helping nonprofits achieve their missions more effectively. My personalized consulting approach and emphasis on building strong relationships set us apart.

What I am most proud of is maintaining two years of sobriety after battling alcoholism and addiction. This personal triumph fuels my dedication to helping others and underscores the core values of my business. Understanding people and valuing relationships are integral to my approach, ensuring that I can genuinely assist those I work with.

I built a successful career in hospitality and sales, marked by overcoming personal obstacles and achieving motivational milestones. Fueled by my experiences, I established ARV Enterprises, a dynamic consulting firm dedicated to empowering nonprofit organizations and individuals with the tools and strategies needed to make a meaningful impact. Through personalized consulting, I deliver impactful keynote speeches, develop customized fundraising strategies, and organize engaging events that raise awareness and support for important causes. With a focus on building internal capacity, strategic planning, and leveraging social media and public relations, ARV Enterprises helps clients amplify their message and drive sustainable change.

My keynote presentations are designed to motivate action, stir emotions, and drive impactful change, making your fundraiser an unforgettable and successful event. Invite me to be the catalyst for inspiration and generosity at your next fundraising gathering. I currently sit on the board of The Carlos Rodón Foundation based out of Greenwich, CT, and also serve on the Advisory Board for The Inservice Foundation based in New York City.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned in life is that the love someone has for you doesn’t always translate into the best advice for your personal or professional growth. My father, a quintessential baby boomer, has been a cornerstone in my life, embodying the traditional path: education, a lengthy corporate career, homeownership, and a comfortable retirement. His journey reflects a bygone era of stability and predictability.

However, when I shared my unconventional dreams and aspirations, his advice often leaned towards caution, urging me to avoid risks that, in hindsight, were crucial for my growth. His guidance, though well-intentioned, was shaped by a different time and set of circumstances. I came to understand that seeking advice from those who have walked the path you aspire to follow is invaluable.

The people who love us naturally project their fears and uncertainties onto our decisions, not out of malice but from a place of concern and protection. Their lack of understanding about our dreams can inadvertently hinder our progress. Conversely, those who have faced similar challenges and emerged successfully offer insights grounded in experience and relevance.

Surrounding myself with mentors who have dared to take the leap has been transformative. Their firsthand experiences, struggles, and triumphs provide a roadmap that is not only inspiring but also practical. They understand the nuances of the journey and offer advice that is both actionable and encouraging.

In essence, while the love and support from our loved ones are irreplaceable, the guidance of those who have been in our shoes can be the key to unlocking our potential and achieving our dreams.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Recovery is an integral part of my life, and getting sober was undoubtedly the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Throughout my journey, I faced numerous setbacks. I recall countless times when I’d manage a few months, even a year, of sobriety, only to revert to my old behaviors. Recently, I shared with someone that if I had to title the first 35 years of my life, it would be “This Time Will Be Different.” This phrase encapsulates the recurring cycle of my struggle. Each attempt at sobriety came with a promise to myself that this time would be different, yet history kept repeating itself.

The pattern persisted because I hadn’t genuinely committed to myself. Often, my attempts at sobriety were driven by looming consequences or the need to repair fractured relationships. When I inevitably returned to drinking, my ego would resurface, bringing with it a sense of invincibility and the misguided belief that I could control myself this time.

The turning point came when I realized that to achieve long-term sobriety, I needed to be honest with myself and vulnerable about my thoughts and feelings. It required me to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, to truly find myself, and to live a life driven by purpose. This understanding led me to embrace a life of purpose-driven sobriety, which is the purest form of sobriety.

This journey of self-discovery and purpose is why I named my podcast, “The Finding Purpose Podcast.” It reflects my commitment to living a life of meaning and sharing that journey with others. In embracing vulnerability and honesty, I found the strength to stay sober and the motivation to inspire others on their path to recovery.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @adamvohra_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamrvohra/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrvohra/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL3Gtl9vvywZiLoimeSVlRQ
• Other: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-purpose/id1748145306