In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with fundraising consultant Jake Kubik, founder of Valuable Visits, to talk about the real practices that move the needle in fundraising.Jake shares his journey from healthcare administration to major gifts officer to launching his own consulting practice. Together, we dive deep into: • Why authentic human relationships will always be the foundation of major gifts fundraising • How AI tools can streamline admin work so fundraisers can spend more time with donors • The mindset shift from budget pressure to joy-filled fundraising (#JoyDealer) • Practical ways to segment donors and treat them differently without losing consistency • Why values-based giving is changing donor expectations in 2025 • How fundraisers can fight overwhelm by finding mentors and community

From Teacher to Fundraiser: Donor Expectations & Storytelling

What if doing less made you a better fundraiser?
Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser — the podcast for nonprofit leaders who are tired of the chaos and ready to prioritize what actually drives impact.
Hosted by Rob Burke, each episode features honest conversations with fundraisers in the trenches who are cutting through the noise, saying no to the never-ending to-do list, and focusing on what matters most.
We cover:
✔️ Fundraising strategy that doesn’t burn you out
✔️ High-touch stewardship that builds real relationships
✔️ Personal productivity and leadership in nonprofit life
✔️ Systems that help you work smarter, not harder
If you’re ready to drop the “do more” mindset and lead with clarity, focus, and purpose — you’re in the right place.
Live every Tuesday at 11am CT.