We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Wiskerson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.
Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
My journey as a fundraiser began in childhood, when I was thrilled to raise funds for my elementary school. The idea of contributing to something bigger than myself excited me, and this dedication only grew stronger over time. As a teenager, I started collecting funds for Oxfam, deeply moved by their purpose to fight global poverty. In my 20s, I fully embraced the challenge of volunteer fundraising when the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission pulled at my heartstrings, inspiring me to raise funds and cycle 100 miles around Lake Tahoe. That exhilarating experience not only created beautiful friendships but also solidified my belief in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change.
My enthusiasm for fundraising didn’t go unnoticed. An ocean protection nonprofit that I volunteered for saw the dedication I brought to my fundraising efforts and offered me a full-time position. This moment shifted the entire trajectory of my career. What began as a volunteer commitment transformed into a lifelong devotion to raising millions of dollars in support of environmental conservation.
A couple of years ago, when a colleague reached out to me to support one of their nonprofit clients, I was intrigued but hesitant—freelancing had never been on my radar. The nonprofit’s objective resonated deeply with me, and I could see they needed significant help. However, the client was slow to commit to the project. While I was eager to dive in and make a difference, I felt held back by their indecision. During this time, a light bulb went off: I realized I didn’t need to wait for them—I could create something of my own. Something that aligned with my deep sense of purpose and allowed me to help not just one organization, but many.
With a heart full of enthusiasm and a clear vision, I decided to start my own business. I wanted to build a heart-centered consulting practice that reflected my core values—a place where I could assist truly great causes that needed to better communicate their goals and make a real difference. As a Certified Fundraising Executive, I am particularly conscientious about ethical and donor-centric fundraising practices. I wanted to ensure that my business not only adhered to the highest standards of integrity but also fostered genuine, lasting relationships with donors and supporters. I knew that many smaller nonprofits had incredible dedication but lacked the experience and resources to fully achieve their potential. I wanted to change that.
The excitement of creating something from the ground up was energizing. I channeled my energy into developing a business that I could truly be proud of. Thriving in structured environments, I began by organizing, planning, and setting up systems that would allow me to manage tasks effectively and support these organizations in meaningful ways.
Initially, I thought my focus would be on environmental causes, given my passion for protecting our planet. But as my business expanded, I had the incredible opportunity to support a diverse range of groups, from those working on community health and drug abuse prevention to those in the arts. This diversity fueled my creativity and broadened my influence, bringing a deep sense of fulfillment.
One of the most emotional realizations came from understanding how overwhelmed many nonprofits feel when it comes to grant writing. I saw firsthand how staff members were stretched thin, often lacking the time, knowledge, or resources to search for funding opportunities. It was a daunting task for them, but I discovered that I had a strength in this area. My ability to research, delve into details, and explore innovative solutions became a lifeline for these groups.
As I considered launching my own consulting business, I looked around at the landscape of nonprofit consulting. It was clear that there were other consultants in the field, but I noticed something unsettling—many of these services felt cold, sterile, and lacked the warmth and character that I believe are essential in the nonprofit sector.
I’ve always believed that the heart of nonprofit efforts is deeply personal and driven by dedication. The causes I wanted to support were full of people who cared deeply about their goals, yet the consulting services available to them often didn’t reflect that same level of commitment or empathy. I knew that I could offer something different—something that was holistic and infused with genuine care and understanding.
I envisioned a business that would provide not just expertise, but also warmth and a deep sense of connection. I wanted to approach my work in a way that aligned with the values of the organizations I supported, ensuring that our collaborations were meaningful and impactful on multiple levels. My goal was to be a partner who truly understood their challenges and aspirations, and who could help them navigate the complexities of the nonprofit world with compassion and clarity.
The logic behind this approach was simple: nonprofits, especially smaller ones, need more than just cold, hard strategies—they need someone who can connect with them on a personal level, who understands their passion, and who can help them communicate that passion to others. I believed that by bringing warmth, character, and a holistic perspective to my consulting work, I could fill a gap in the market and offer something truly valuable to these organizations.
In essence, I was solving a problem that no one else was fully addressing—bringing a holistic, heart-centered approach to nonprofit consulting that blends strategic expertise with genuine care and understanding. This approach has resonated with the nonprofits I work with, filling a gap in the market and helping them achieve success in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.
Through this journey, I’ve experienced the highs of seeing organizations thrive and the challenges of navigating the complexities of nonprofit work. But every step has reaffirmed my commitment to this path. I’m driven by a deep passion for helping others, and the privilege of creating a career in philanthropy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
At Kindred Spirits Collaborative, we specialize in addressing the unique challenges faced by nonprofit organizations, from funding hurdles to resource constraints and mission alignment issues. These challenges can often leave nonprofit leaders feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and burnt out. That’s where we come in.
Our work is dedicated to providing charitable organizations with the tools and support they need to thrive. We offer a range of services designed to enhance their financial stability, foster professional growth, and ensure that they can continue their important work without compromising their values or well-being.
Strategic Fundraising Planning: We work closely with nonprofits to develop customized fundraising strategies that align with their mission and long-term goals, ensuring sustainable financial growth.
Grant Writing and Management: Our team excels at researching, writing, and managing grant proposals, securing the critical funding these organizations need to advance their causes while maintaining ethical and donor-centric practices.
Donor Engagement and Relationship Building: We help charitable organizations build and maintain strong, lasting relationships with their donors, ensuring that supporters feel valued and deeply connected to the cause.
Campaign Development: We create and execute compelling fundraising campaigns that resonate with the public and inspire action, helping these organizations to raise the funds they need to make a difference.
Project Management: We organize and manage complex projects, breaking them down into clear, actionable steps that lead to success, allowing nonprofits to focus on their mission while we handle the details.
What makes Kindred Spirits Collaborative unique is our holistic approach. We understand that the work of nonprofits is driven by passion and purpose, and we are committed to supporting these organizations in a way that honors their values and ensures their long-term success. We focus on long-term vision and strategic planning, helping charities navigate the complexities of their work with clarity and confidence.
Our work empowers charitable organizations to achieve their missions, maintain team collaboration and integrity, and ensure a healthy work-life balance for their leaders. By partnering with Kindred Spirits Collaborative, nonprofits are able to overcome obstacles like donor dependence, mission drift, and capacity constraints, allowing them to make a lasting impact on the causes they care about most.
In essence, we are dedicated to helping charitable organizations not just survive, but thrive—creating a brighter future for both their causes and the communities they serve.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
Yes, I sell online, and I’ve chosen to host my website and manage my audience through Kajabi. The reason behind this decision is closely tied to my vision for Kindred Spirits Collaborative, particularly the leadership program I’ve developed specifically for nonprofit leaders.
When I set out to create this program, my goal was to go beyond traditional training. I wanted to offer a leadership journey that’s uniquely crafted for nonprofit leaders—one that equips them with real-world tools and strategies to navigate challenges, find their authentic voice, and amplify their nonprofit’s impact.
Why Kajabi?
I chose Kajabi because it offers an all-in-one platform that seamlessly integrates my website, audience management, and course delivery. This integration is crucial for creating a cohesive experience for the participants of my leadership program. Here’s how Kajabi supports this vision:
Pros of Using Kajabi:
Unified Platform: Kajabi allows me to host my website, manage my audience, and provide the course all in one place. This creates a seamless experience for participants, ensuring they have easy access to all aspects of the program—from course materials to community engagement.
Ease of Use: Kajabi’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for me to manage my content and for participants to navigate the course. This is particularly important for nonprofit leaders who are often juggling multiple responsibilities and need a platform that’s straightforward and accessible.
Customization: Kajabi offers a high level of customization, allowing me to tailor the course to the specific needs of nonprofit leaders. This means I can create a program that resonates deeply with my audience and provides them with the tools they need to succeed.
Community Building: A key component of the leadership program is building a network of kindred spirits—passionate nonprofit leaders who can support each other. Kajabi’s community features facilitate this by allowing participants to connect, share best practices, and inspire one another within the platform.
Integrated Marketing Tools: Kajabi’s built-in marketing tools enable me to effectively promote the program to nonprofit leaders who will benefit from it. This includes everything from email campaigns to landing pages, all of which are seamlessly integrated with the course content. The platform also allows me to include access to bonus courses and materials to maximize the value that the course brings to participants.
Cons of Using Kajabi:
Cost: Kajabi can be more expensive compared to other platforms, especially for those just starting out. However, I believe the investment is worth it given the value it provides in terms of integration and ease of use.
Limited Marketplace Reach: Unlike platforms like Amazon, Kajabi does not have a built-in marketplace where potential customers might discover the course organically. This means I need to be more proactive in marketing and driving traffic to my site.
Learning Curve: While Kajabi is user-friendly, there is still a learning curve involved in getting the most out of its features. However, once mastered, it offers a powerful suite of tools that streamline the process of course creation and delivery.
Vision for the Leadership Program:
The leadership program I’ve developed through Kindred Spirits Collaborative is designed to provide nonprofit leaders with the skills and strategies they need to succeed. The program is intimate and personalized and includes modules on uncovering core leadership values, creating capacity through delegation, conquering imposter syndrome, crafting frameworks for tackling challenges, leading with confidence, measuring impact, and building a network of supportive peers.
Each module is crafted to address the unique challenges nonprofit leaders face, ensuring they have the tools they need to effectively lead their organizations with integrity and confidence. By using Kajabi, I can deliver this content in a way that is both engaging and easily accessible, helping nonprofit leaders achieve their mission without compromising their personal values or mental health.
In conclusion, my choice to use Kajabi is driven by my desire to create a comprehensive, seamless, and supportive learning experience for nonprofit leaders. The platform’s features align perfectly with my vision for Kindred Spirits Collaborative, allowing me to offer a leadership program that truly has an impact for nonprofit professionals.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely. Personal growth has always been a cornerstone of my life and work, and I believe that continuous learning is essential for effective leadership and entrepreneurship. One resource that has profoundly impacted my thinking and philosophy is Mindvalley. I’ve been a follower and member of Mindvalley for a number of years, and the platform has played a significant role in shaping my approach to both management and entrepreneurship.
Mindvalley’s focus on holistic personal development resonates deeply with me. Through their courses, I’ve explored a wide range of topics, from leadership and communication to mindfulness, spirituality and emotional intelligence. These resources have helped me develop a more well-rounded approach to leadership—one that values not only strategic thinking and decision-making but also empathy, self-awareness, and authentic connection.
One of the key lessons I’ve taken from Mindvalley is the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals. This alignment is something I strive to bring into my work with Kindred Spirits Collaborative, ensuring that my business decisions and leadership practices are in harmony with my core beliefs. The emphasis on living with purpose and intention has also inspired me to create a business that not only supports nonprofits but also fosters a culture of well-being and personal fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kindredspiritscollaborative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredspiritscollaborative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindredspiritscollaborative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredspiritscollaborative
