Why Stress, Comparison, and “Not Enough” Are Driving More Than You Think

In this conversation, Erin McQuade-Wright sits down with fundraising coach and What the Fundraising host Mallory Erickson to explore the inner dynamics that shape how fundraisers show up: comparison, visibility discomfort, nervous system dysregulation, and the quiet belief of “not enough.”

Together, they unpack the hidden cost of tying your identity to outcomes—and what it takes to create space between who you are and what you produce.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing well on paper but struggling internally, this episode will hit home.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why visibility can feel unsafe—even when you want to grow
• The comparison trap and what it’s really about
• How “not enough” quietly drives overperformance (and burnout)
• What nervous system dysregulation actually feels like in real time
• Practical ways to regulate before a donor conversation
• The subtle ways fundraisers become attached to stress
• How to separate your identity from fundraising outcomes

Key Insight

You can’t control how a donor responds—but you can control how you show up. And that starts with your inner climate.

🔗 About Mallory Erickson

Mallory Erickson is the founder and CEO of Practivated, an executive coach, fundraising consultant, and host of the podcast What the Fundraising. She helps fundraisers move beyond transactional approaches to build lasting, mission-aligned partnerships.

Through her Power Partners Formula™, Mallory has trained over 60,000 fundraisers, blending executive coaching, behavior design, and strategic fundraising. Her book, What the Fundraising, explores how shifting away from scarcity leads to more sustainable and impactful fundraising.

🔗 Connect with Mallory

• Learn more: malloryerickson.com/powerpartners
• Podcast: What the Fundraising — malloryerickson.com/podcast
• Book: malloryerickson.com/book
• Instagram: @_malloryerickson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-erickson-bressler/
• Practivated: https://practivated.com/
  
  

🔗 Connect with Erin

• Website: vitalistcoaching.com
• Newsletter: The Brave & Balanced Note

Send Erin a text

Book your 1:1 Brave and Balanced Breakthrough Coaching Session here: https://calendly.com/vitalistcoaching/brave-balanced-breakthrough

✨ Stay Connected & Continue Your Fundraising Growth

Listen to all episodes + subscribe:
https://thebraveandbalancedfundraiser.buzzsprout.com

Join the community:
The Brave & Balanced Fundraiser Facebook Group
👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/braveandbalancedfundraiser

Book a Brave & Balanced Breakthrough Call:
A personalized 1:1 session to support your inner clarity and fundraising wellbeing.
👉 https://calendly.com/vitalistcoaching/brave-balanced-breakthrough

Learn more about Erin’s coaching & nervous-system based support:
VitalistCoaching.com

Connect on Instagram:
@erinmcquadewright