Episode 003: Take Control of Your Life & Raise More Money, with Steven Wallace

How can we lead with love in a sector that often prioritizes metrics over impact? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Wallace, a master fundraiser and executive recruiter whose 28-year career in philanthropy has been defined by deep listening, authentic connection, and a relentless commitment to honoring the humanity of donors and colleagues alike.

From his early days fundraising door-to-door as a child to leading multimillion-dollar campaigns at major institutions, Wallace shares how his approach to fundraising is rooted in service, empathy, and integrity. He reflects on the power of seeing donors not as dollar signs but as people with passions, histories, and dreams—and how that perspective has helped him raise countless seven-figure gifts.

Wallace also speaks candidly about the challenges Black professionals face in traditional philanthropic spaces and why he believes not only fundraisers but all of us must take ownership of our careers. This conversation is a reminder that philanthropy, at its best, is about love in action, and that love begins with seeing and valuing people for who they truly are.

This conversation is a masterclass in relational fundraising, a call to action for empathic leadership, and a celebration of the joy that comes from doing the work fundraising.

Recorded on: April 29, 2025

In this episode, you will hear:

• Wallace’s journey from aspiring broadcaster to nationally respected fundraiser and executive recruiter
• The story of a transformative $2M+ gift that began with a donor who “wasn’t going to give”
• How listening and empathy can unlock generosity and trust
• The importance of representation in fundraising leadership
• Why fundraisers must advocate for themselves and take control of their careers

Skills and Tips You’ll Learn:

• How to lead fundraising conversations with authenticity
• Strategies for navigating power imbalances with donors
• Tips for building trust and long-term relationships with supporters
• How to use storytelling to connect donors to impact
• How to recognize when it’s time to leave an unsupportive organization
• The importance of self-love and self-care in sustaining a career in philanthropy

About Steven Wallace:

Steven W. Wallace brings nearly three decades of experience in philanthropy to his work in executive search and leadership consulting at Aspen Leadership Group. He has held senior leadership roles at some of the nation’s most respected institutions, including serving as Associate Vice President in the Office of Philanthropy at City of Hope. Prior to that, he spent 12 years with Providence Health & Services as Vice President of Development for both Providence Holy Cross Foundation and Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation.

Steven’s career also includes key fundraising and donor relations roles at California State University, Northridge; the University of Chicago, where he launched the university-wide Harper Society; Columbia University; Hunter College; and UC San Francisco’s School of Dentistry. A frequent speaker at CASE, AHP, and The Summit: THE Event for Inclusive Philanthropy, Steven is known for his empathetic leadership, deep donor relationships, and unwavering commitment to representation in the philanthropic sector. He holds a BA in Mass Communications from UC Berkeley and an MPA from the University of San Francisco.

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Episode Credits

Produced by Simuel + Murray and Emerald City Productions