To kick off this electrifying episode of What’s The Tea with Sarah E, I sit down with a force in the philanthropic world - Layne The Auctionista (they/them), one of North America’s most sought-after fundraising auctioneers and a bold advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector.

With over $70 million raised for charities, Layne has built a reputation for transforming galas from predictable programs into emotionally charged, high-impact experiences that move people to give - generously and unapologetically.

But their journey into auctioneering didn’t begin with a microphone. It began with a deeply personal moment - sitting in a ballroom, watching an auction that missed the emotional mark, while knowing firsthand what it meant for their family to rely on community support. Six months later, Layne was in auction school. The rest? Record-breaking history.

In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Layne spills the tea on:

• Turning personal pain into professional purpose
• The fundraising industry’s biggest blind spots
• Why fear of “no” is killing nonprofit revenue
• How authenticity drives generosity
• Navigating discrimination and leadership as a non-binary professional
• The emotional intelligence required to move a room
• Why nonprofit boards need to stop playing small
• And how fun, energy, and strategy can co-exist in serious fundraising

We also dive into Layne’s advocacy for equity in the charitable sector, their bold critiques of outdated fundraising models, and why they believe the future of philanthropy demands courage, transparency, and better storytelling.

This episode is a masterclass in impact, inclusion, and raising both money and standards. If you care about nonprofit leadership, community change, or doing good without playing by broken rules - this one is required listening.

Season 2 – Episode 8 is streaming now on What’s The Tea with Sarah E. Connect with Layne The Auctionista on Instagram @theauctionista

Learn more about their work and booking information at https://layneofficial.com/

That’s today’s tea! If you loved this conversation, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show with a friend.

Join the Tea Party! New episodes drop every Tuesday, so hit that subscribe button on your favorite podcast app. And for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes clips, and even more bold conversations, follow me on Instagram at @sara_ernest.

A Reminder - The views and opinions expressed by guests on What’s the Tea with Sarah E are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. This podcast is a platform for diverse voices, stories, and perspectives - sometimes unpolished, always unapologetic.

Until next time, keep stirring the pot.

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