Season One of The Foundation Voice featured conversations with leaders in foundation communications, philanthropy, branding, and advocacy. In this season finale, Jennifer Stapleton revisits the five lessons that had the biggest impact on her thinking.

Hear Samantha Lasky explain why "a reporter is a tactic, not a strategy," Hanna Kellyman break down the difference between branding and visual identity, Zoe Stemm-Calderon challenge leaders to protect their mission, not just their institution, and Jennifer Laudano share why the best communicators anticipate where the puck is going instead of reacting to today's headlines.

Jennifer also reflects on lessons from Moms Demand Action and Bloomberg Philanthropies, exploring why silence is never a communications strategy.

Whether you're a foundation executive, nonprofit leader, communications professional, or philanthropist, this episode offers practical insights for leading with clarity, communicating with purpose, and staying focused on your mission.

Featured Guests

• Samantha Lasky

• Hanna Kellyman

• Zoe Stemm-Calderon

• Jennifer Laudano

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Learn more at www.fireandbliss.com

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Most foundations don't struggle with communications because they have the wrong agency.

They struggle because they start with tactics instead of strategy.

In this episode of The Foundation Voice, Jennifer Stapleton shares the five things every foundation leader should clarify before hiring a communications firm. Drawing from more than 30 years in the social sector, she explains why clarity around goals, audiences, budgets, leadership alignment, and expectations will determine whether your communications investment creates real impact or simply produces more content.

Whether you're preparing to launch a report, build public trust, engage policymakers, or strengthen relationships with fellow donors and grantees, this conversation will help you approach communications more strategically.

Learn more at www.fireandbliss.com

What does it really take to change public policy?

In this episode of The Foundation Voice, Jennifer Stapleton sits down with veteran communications strategist Jennifer Laudano to unpack the realities of advocacy communications. Drawing on decades of experience leading campaigns in philanthropy, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and national public policy, Jennifer shares what separates successful advocacy campaigns from those that never gain traction.

Together they explore why communications must begin long before legislation is introduced, how to build unlikely coalitions across ideological divides, why evidence alone rarely changes policy, and how foundations can better prepare for opposition in today's increasingly polarized environment.

Whether you're leading a foundation, managing advocacy campaigns, or shaping public narratives around complex issues, this conversation offers practical lessons on strategy, messaging, coalition-building, and the long game of creating meaningful change.

Learn more at fireandbliss.com