How to Win: Morton Blackwell on Building Leaders, Movements, and a Life of Going Big!
What does it take to not only believe in big ideas—but to win with them? In this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with conservative icon Morton C. Blackwell, founder and president of the Leadership Institute, for a remarkable conversation about a life spent shaping leaders, building institutions, and going all-in for the causes that matter.
With a career that spans decades—from being the youngest delegate for Barry Goldwater in 1964 to serving in the Reagan White House, and training over 320,000 conservative activists through the Leadership Institute—Blackwell shares timeless insights on what it truly means to Go Big! in life, leadership, and public service.
Morton’s story is one of courage, strategy, humility, and impact. He reveals how effective change isn’t just about having the right philosophy—it’s about learning how to win. From mentoring future U.S. senators to cultivating a global network of values-based leaders, he reminds us that vision without action isn’t leadership—it’s wishful thinking.
Whether you're an emerging leader, a seasoned strategist, or simply someone who wants to live with greater purpose, this episode is a roadmap to Going Big! the right way: with clarity, conviction, and a commitment to serving others.
🎧 Listen now and get inspired to build your foundation, study how to win, and Go Big! with your life’s work.
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52:40
Going Big with The Phoenix: How Scott Strode Turned Struggle into a National Movement
What does it mean to Go Big when the odds are stacked against you? In this powerful episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Scott Strode, founder of The Phoenix, a free sober active community that is redefining recovery across the country.
Scott shares his personal journey from addiction and adversity to climbing literal mountains—and building one of the most impactful recovery movements in America. With over 800,000 lives already touched and a bold goal to reach 10 million people, Scott opens up about the mindset, strategy, and heart it takes to scale something that truly matters.
From boxing gyms to Himalayan peaks, from grassroots beginnings to national innovation, this episode is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose, and purpose into impact. Whether you're leading a nonprofit, building a business, or just taking your first step out of struggle, this is what Going Big looks like.
🌐 Learn more at ThePhoenix.org
📚 Read Scott’s story in Rise, Recover, Thrive
📱 Find support or get involved through the New Form app
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45:53
Merit, Honor, and Legacy: Dr. Douglas Bradburn on George Washington’s Enduring Call to Go Big!
In this landmark episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. Douglas Bradburn, historian and President & CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, for a sweeping conversation on leadership, legacy, and the enduring relevance of America’s founding father.
What does it mean to Go Big! in a way that’s rooted in humility, preparation, and purpose? Through the life and character of George Washington, we explore not just how to lead—but how to lead well. From battlefield courage to political restraint, from nation-building to stepping away from power, Washington modeled a leadership philosophy grounded in merit and honor. And in this episode, Dr. Bradburn brings that philosophy to life in ways that speak directly to our own moment.
We also dive into the story of Mount Vernon itself—how a group of visionary women preserved Washington’s home without government funds and helped establish America’s historic preservation movement. Under Bradburn’s leadership, Mount Vernon has become not just a symbol of the past, but a forward-facing institution using research, innovation, and storytelling to inspire a new generation.
If you’ve ever wondered what principled, courageous, and honorable leadership looks like—or how to prepare yourself for your own moment to Go Big!—this episode offers both timeless wisdom and practical challenge.
🎧 Listen now and be reminded that real leadership doesn’t demand success—it earns it.
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1:00:32
Words That Move the World: Tim Kersten on Leading with Vision, Creativity, and Courage
In this powerful episode of the Going Big Podcast, Tim Kersten sits down with host Kevin Gentry for a candid, wisdom-filled conversation about leadership, legacy, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence. With more than 40 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and marketing, Tim brings a rare combination of creative brilliance and deep humility to his role as Chairman and CEO of RKD Group—America’s largest direct response fundraising agency.
From helping iconic institutions like the Salvation Army and the Smithsonian raise hundreds of millions of dollars to crafting messages that have moved hearts and sparked action, Tim has spent his career proving that the right words, delivered at the right moment, can change the world.
But Going Big, as Tim shares, isn’t just about scale. It’s about courageous leadership, the power of storytelling, and staying rooted in purpose. He reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the importance of surrounding yourself with people smarter than you, and why real leaders must be both fearless and humble.
This episode is a masterclass in building something that lasts—whether you’re leading a team, launching a cause, or simply trying to make your work more meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to move people, inspire trust, or lead with bold conviction, Tim’s story is one you won’t forget.
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54:09
Leading with Conviction: Emily Seidel on Building a Movement and Choosing to Go Big
What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail? For Emily Seidel, that question reshaped everything—from her earliest doubts about leading a national grassroots movement to becoming the CEO of Americans for Prosperity, one of the most influential citizen-powered organizations in the country.
In this episode of Going Big, Emily shares the deeply personal journey that brought her from answering phones on Capitol Hill to leading a team of 500 and mobilizing people across all 50 states. With vulnerability, wisdom, and resolve, she reflects on the power of saying yes to the uncomfortable, stepping into challenges without knowing all the answers, and trusting in a mission bigger than herself.
Her story is a powerful reminder that real leadership isn’t about having all the credentials or a perfect plan—it’s about showing up, being willing to grow, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in the cause. Along the way, Emily unpacks the urgency behind protecting tax reform, the quiet strength of citizen advocacy, and how real change happens not from Washington headlines—but from the voices of everyday Americans who dare to believe they can make a difference.
If you’ve ever felt the tug between playing it safe and stepping into something greater, this conversation is for you. It’s about conviction. It’s about courage. And it’s about what happens when you stop letting fear define your future—and start choosing to Go Big.
Welcome to Going Big!—the podcast that’s all about transforming your marketing and fundraising. Hosted by Kevin Gentry, Going Big! has consistently ranked as a top podcast on iTunes in its category and is the proud recipient of the 2024 MarCom Gold Award for Non-Profit Podcast and the 2024 Viddy Gold Award for Non-Profit and Marketing Podcast.
Each episode features conversations with some of the most influential business leaders, CEOs, and nonprofit visionaries. Together, we uncover the strategies that drive extraordinary results—pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and making a significant impact in organizations and communities.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an aspiring changemaker, or simply passionate about creating positive change, Going Big! delivers valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your leadership, your giving, and your organization’s success.
Tune in to discover how to go big with your leadership and make a lasting difference. Listen to Going Big! on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and visit TenXStrategies.com for more great content and resources.
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