Welcome to another episode of MOJO: The Meaning of Life and Business! In today’s conversation, host Jennifer Glass is joined by John Lepp, partner and creative director at Agents of Good, a Canadian direct response strategist, designer, and author with over 25 years of experience in the world of fundraising and marketing. Together, they dive deep into the art and science of storytelling—exploring why stories are such a powerful tool for both nonprofits and businesses.

You’ll hear insights on how authentic, emotionally-driven stories can move people to take action, the importance of knowing your audience, and how to craft stories that truly resonate. Plus, John pulls back the curtain on direct mail techniques, the psychology behind what really makes people open an envelope or respond to a message, and why making mistakes or showing your human side can actually increase engagement. Whether you’re seeking to raise funds, boost sales, or simply connect more deeply with your audience, this episode will inspire you to rethink the way you tell your organization’s unique story.

Stay tuned for actionable ideas on testing your messaging, building empathy, and making meaningful human connections through every story you share.

About my guest: John Lepp is the Partner and Creative Director at Agents of Good, a Canadian direct response strategist, designer, and author with over 25 years of experience. He is a passionate champion of donor-centered approaches, prioritizing authenticity and emotional connection in fundraising. His 2022 book, 'Creative Deviations', has inspired fundraisers worldwide to embrace creativity in storytelling and communication. John brings a warm, human-first philosophy to every stage, focused on empowering fundraisers to build more meaningful donor relationships.Connect with John on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and on the web at https://www.johnlepp.com/Keywords: storytelling, fundraising, direct mail, donor engagement, emotional connection, nonprofit marketing, authenticity, donor-centered approach, creative marketing, business storytelling, empathy, marketing strategy, messaging, customer connection, storytelling techniques, perspective in storytelling, storytelling arc, length of story, multimedia storytelling, target audience, channel selection, mail personalization, business reply envelope, QR codes, testing marketing, decision science, brand professionalism, human connection, costly signaling, charitable causes