BEAT

POSITIVE PODCASTING

Jessica Leila Adnani and Kendal Macumber help nonprofits spread their mission and increase donor reach

Podcasts are having their moment and the appeal of the media format is as strong as ever. Jessica Leila Adnani and Kendal Macumber, owners of Personalized Solutions, wanted to celebrate a decade in business in a unique way which led to their Philanthropy United podcast (www.philanthropyunited.com), a production that spotlights the work of nonprofits nationwide. After connecting at a networking event in Scottsdale, Adnani and Macumber knew they were meant to become a dream team for their future clients. “The balance of mindsets we have on our team really leads us to astounding results,” Macumber says. “We are so passionate about what we do.” When they’re not crafting digital strategies and creative events, the women behind the boutique consulting firm aim to spread positivity to the community by giving nonprofits a voice to tell their impactful stories and expand their network of donors. “As a team we are motivated by knowing that the work we do for our clients helps them execute their mission and those missions are life-changing to so many,” Adnani says. With 24 episodes under their belt, the upcoming season of Philanthropy United – launching Sept. 1 – is geared up to be the most impactful yet. New episodes launch live every Wednesday on all podcast platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, Audible, Amazon Music, and YouTube. “The vision is so much bigger than us, so much bigger than making money, it’s about making our world a better place to be,” Macumber says. Past featured local philanthropies include The Baller Dream Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, and Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, among others. “Even if each nonprofit gets one new donor from the episode, it was well worth it,” Adnani says. Adnani and Macumber are constantly open to learning about nonprofits that may benefit from appearing on their show and encourage their listeners to submit suggestions. “We bring a lot of energy to our work and we are constantly looking for ways to improve, learn and adapt,” Adani says. “The world is moving faster than ever and we know what worked last year, might not work this year.”

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE