About this episode

Marne Fauser discusses authentic leadership and its impact on team dynamics and fundraising.

In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers , Jeff sits down with Marne Fauser, President and CEO of United Way of Central Illinois and a former college basketball coach, to talk about what it really means to lead with authenticity. Marne shares how her coaching background shaped the way she builds and leads teams, why she believes failure is essential for growth, and how trust, communication, and mission alignment are the foundation of great fundraising. From her early days on the court to the C-suite, she has learned how to lead with heart, take risks without fear, and develop people into confident, capable leaders. If you have ever wrestled with imposter syndrome, feared making the wrong move, or struggled to get your team aligned around a shared vision, Marne’s story will speak to you. This conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and a whole lot of encouragement for anyone navigating leadership in the non-profit world. Get more insights and connect with Marne on her LinkedIn profile. Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about… Why authenticity is a non-negotiable for building trust with your team and your donors The importance of creating space for…

People in this episode

Host: Jeff

Guest: Marne Fauser

Topics covered

• authentic leadership
• team empowerment
• failure and growth
• trust and communication
• fundraising strategies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: United Way of Central Illinois, Veritus Group

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