The Beacon

Lighthouse Counsel partners with respected nonprofits to develop and implement strategies that increase mission awareness, organizational effectiveness and philanthropic support.

The Beacon is a business podcast hosted by Lighthouse Counsel, with 135 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Lighthouse Counsel hosts The Beacon, a business show with 135 episodes published.

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  The Beacon

  Turning Bold Vision Into Practical Action

  Sep 15, 202628 min

  Major Ethan Frizzell, area commander for The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, believes bold vision matters only when leaders can translate it into practical action. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Frizzell joins Brian Hassett to discuss how mission-driven organizations can use data, local knowledge, experimentation and collaboration to move beyond treating symptoms and address the conditions creating need. He shares a simple set of strategic questions, the value of learning cultures that test and adapt, and why fundraising is strongest when it connects a clear case for support with shared values and human relationships. For leaders navigating complex community challenges, the conversation offers a practical framework for pairing ambitious goals with disciplined learning and execution. Listen to the conversation.

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  The Beacon

  What Presidents and Advancement Leaders Need From Each Other

  Sep 15, 202620 min

  Dr. Wanda Bigham of Academic Search brings the perspective of both an advancement leader and a two-time president to a practical question: What do presidents and chief advancement officers need from each other to advance an institution’s ambitions? In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Bigham joins Bob Smith to discuss the importance of defining roles early, setting clear expectations and accountability, building trust, engaging the president in donor relationships and giving advancement leaders meaningful access to the board. She also reflects on leadership development, asking for what an institution needs and learning to bring experts together around a shared purpose. For higher education and other mission-driven leaders, the conversation offers a useful reminder that strong fundraising begins with alignment at the top. Listen to the conversation.

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  The Beacon

  Planned Giving Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

  Jul 14, 202614 min

  Tony Martignetti, host of Nonprofit Radio, joins Joe Chickey to discuss why planned giving is more accessible than many organizations believe. Drawing from the ideas behind his book Planned Giving Accelerated, Tony explains why small and mid-sized nonprofits should begin with simple bequests, focus on their most loyal supporters, and frame legacy giving as a conversation about mission and long-term sustainability rather than technical fundraising strategies. The discussion offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen future support without waiting for the "perfect" time or a large development staff. Whether your organization is launching its first planned giving effort or looking to build momentum, this conversation offers an encouraging place to begin.

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  The Beacon

  Volunteer First: Building the Next Generation of Philanthropic Leaders

  Jul 11, 202621 min

  Nick DeLuna, Senior Portfolio Advisor and Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and 2026 Board President of the United Way of Greater Nashville Young Leader Society, joins Brian Hassett to discuss how nonprofits can build lasting relationships with younger professionals. Drawing from his experience as both a volunteer leader and advisor to philanthropic families, Nick explains why volunteer opportunities often lead to deeper financial commitment, how corporate partnerships create natural pathways into community engagement, and why leadership exposure matters for emerging professionals. Mission-driven organizations looking to strengthen their pipeline of future donors, volunteers, and board members will find practical ideas they can begin applying today.

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  The Beacon

  How Skills Based Volunteering Strengthens Nonprofit Capacity

  Jun 29, 202618 min

  Rachel Hutchisson, Senior Advisor at Pyxera Global, explores how skills-based volunteering can help mission-driven organizations strengthen capacity beyond traditional volunteer roles. In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Rachel joins Del Martin to discuss how leaders can align professional expertise with real organizational needs, from strategy and technology to marketing and operations. The takeaway is practical: start with the strategic need, then match the right talent to the right work.

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