What happens when the heart of your alumni connection isn’t just the institution, but the place itself? In this episode of Alumless World, hosts Ryan and Nicole sit down with Courtney Stombock, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at The American University of Paris (AUP), to explore what it takes to build meaningful alumni engagement and fundraising programs in an international, multicultural environment. Courtney shares insights from her career spanning the U.S. and Europe, reflecting on how cross-cultural understanding shapes everything from gift conversations to volunteerism. From launching AUP’s first-ever Alumni Association to engaging globally mobile alumni across 145 countries, she explains how “place,” identity, and alumni-centric thinking redefine traditional engagement strategies. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions about international advancement and how to build community at scale with limited resources. Tune in for the extended podcast version, and special thanks to AlumniQ for sponsoring Alumless World.

How can advancement leaders thrive — not just survive — in times of high stress, tight budgets, and shifting expectations? In this episode of Alumless World, Ryan and Nicole Kempton sit down with consultant, coach, and “serial interim fundraising leader” Tess Nixon Spiller to explore what real leadership looks like when times get tough. Tess offers practical insights for creating environments where people can do their best work, even during challenging moments. In the bonus segment available only on the podcast edition, Tess reflects on courageous conversations and what it takes to develop into an authentic and effective fundraising professional. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Protopia. Be sure to check out the technology that’s causing a stir in the advancement world. Visit protopia.co/alumless for details and to set up a demo.

What does it take to find the right advancement leader, especially when you're casting a global net? On this episode of Alumless World, we are joined by Jocelyn Kelty, Director of the Australia Office for Richmond Associates, an international executive search firm specializing in fundraising and engagement leadership. Jocelyn offers insights from years of experience helping institutions across sectors and countries recruit mission-driven professionals who can lead in complex, relationship-centered environments. From navigating cultural fit and international placement logistics to identifying transferable skills and evolving fundraising competencies, she shares what hiring teams and candidates need to know. Whether you're hiring, job-hunting, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of advancement recruitment, this conversation unpacks the strategies that power successful placements in a competitive talent landscape. Bonus Segment Preview: Jocelyn explores how Richmond Associates assesses candidates, why leadership potential often trumps sector experience, and how she advises organizations to broaden their definition of a great fit. A big thanks to AlumniQ for supporting the show. Learn more about their event and volunteer engagement technology by visiting alumniq.com.

Join us for our next episode of Alumless World. This week we’re featuring Holman Chin. As Executive Director of Development at INSEAD, he’s helping lead one of the world’s top global business schools into a new era where philanthropy is personal, yet experimental, and engagement is borderless and sits at the intersection of data, culture, and storytelling. We explore INSEAD’s approach to global philanthropy, how alumni engagement differs across cultures, and why the future of fundraising may rely on both AI and NFTs. From transforming alumni identity across campuses to launching crypto gifts and a Founders Pledge, Holman shares his reflections on innovation, adaptability, and staying human in a tech-driven era. Subscribe to the podcast edition of 30 additional minutes of Alumless World, including our signature Friday Cheers segment. Thanks to AlumniQ for being our presenting sponsor. Visit alumniq.com for more details about the technology that’s making events infinitely easier.

Not all universities are built on centuries of alumni tradition. In this episode of Alumless World, Ryan and Nicole sit down with Cheng Feng, Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Duke Kunshan University (DKU), to explore what it takes to build an advancement program from the ground up at one of China’s most innovative higher education partnerships. Cheng shares the origin story of DKU, a collaboration between Duke University, Wuhan University and the city of Kunshan, and reflects on what it means to operate in start-up mode. The conversation explores the complexities of governance, the challenges of engaging a young alumni base and how DKU has built affinity and philanthropic support without long-standing traditions. Cheng also discusses how DKU serves as a kind of innovation lab for higher education in Asia and why entrepreneurial donors are drawn to the university’s liberal arts mission. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Protopia for supporting this episode. Find out more about their award-winning technology designed to make scaling engagement simple. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details.

This week on Alumless World, Ryan and Nicole are joined by Hannah Fox, Director of Alumni Community, Careers and Network Development at Regent’s University, and Marie-Rose Delauzun, Head of Alumni Engagement at The Sutton Trust, for a conversation about failure, mission-driven work, and building engagement programs from the ground up. Hannah and Marie-Rose are the co-hosts of the podcast Trials and Errors, where they interview advancement professionals about the lessons they’ve learned from moments when things didn’t go according to plan.

In this episode, they share stories from the show, reflect on their own experiences navigating alumni engagement in non-traditional institutions, and explore how failure has shaped their approaches to risk, innovation, and leadership. The conversation also covers mentorship, digital vs. in-person engagement, volunteer strategy, and how social mission can redefine advancement goals.

Subscribe to Alumless World for the extended podcast version of the episode, and special thanks to Protopia for sponsoring this episode. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details about the technology that’s got everyone talking.

On Alumless World this week, hosts Nicole and Ryan sit down with Dr. Serge Sych, Senior Lecturer and Pro-Rector for Stakeholder Engagement at the International Business School in Budapest, for a conversation about leading alumni engagement and institutional advancement during times of political disruption and uncertainty.

Drawing on his experiences as Vice President for Alumni Relations at Central European University during the school’s forced relocation from Budapest to Vienna, Serge reflects on what it means to build a culture of engagement and philanthropy in a region where those traditions are still emerging—and in an environment that can shift dramatically due to politics and global events.

The episode explores Serge’s work in pioneering integrated alumni relations models, launching Central Europe’s first annual fund and reunion giving program, and mobilizing alumni support to defend academic freedom. From his research on the professional identities of alumni relations leaders to his current role as an educator and CASE/EAIE faculty member, Serge offers global insights for advancement professionals navigating complex institutional landscapes.

Subscribe to Alumless World to hear the extended podcast conversation. Special thanks to AlumniQ for sponsoring this episode. Visit alumniq.com for more details about their unique approach to boosting alumni events and volunteerism.

In this episode of Alumless World, Ryan and Nicole welcome Emily Robin, Associate Dean for Advancement at London Business School, for a conversation about leading advancement in a global context. With experience spanning the U.S., France, and the UK, Emily shares insights into philanthropic cultures across different regions, strategies for building high-performing advancement teams, and how LBS is leveraging the “Forever Learning” approach to engage a diverse alumni base worldwide.

The discussion explores how institutions can balance global and local engagement, the role of digital transformation in advancement, and the emerging trends shaping the field of alumni and donor relations. Emily reflects on her leadership journey, her work with CASE, and the skills advancement professionals need to thrive in an international environment.

Subscribe to Alumless World to hear the extended podcast conversation. Special thanks to Protopia for sponsoring this episode. Visit protopia.co/alumless for more details about the technology everyone is talking about.