September 29, 2025 - The Rising Leader Author Mark J Silverman and Nonprofit Fundraising Rhea Wong

Mark J. Silverman – Executive Coach, Speaker, Podcaster an Author of The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers Into Effective Leaders

Most CEOs I know are actually lovely people, but many of them, because
of the stress and the strain, either seem erratic or indecisive or change
their mind or change direction or authoritarian in different situations…
Leadership is so lonely and CEOs don’t have people to talk to.

Drawing on decades of leadership training, coaching expertise, and personal transformation, Mark works with CEOs, senior executives, and fast-rising leaders who are ready to expand their capacity without sacrificing what matters most. His unique approach blends business strategy with deep internal work – helping leaders operate with more clarity, presence, and impact in every room they walk into. As a former revenue leader responsible for driving over $90 million in growth for fast-moving startups, Mark understands the demands of high-stakes leadership. He is the author of three books – including the bestseller Only 10s 2.0 and The Rising Leader Handbook and co-author of two more. He also hosts The Rising Leader Podcast. “As your nervous system aligns, your leadership elevates naturally, powerfully, and without force.” Mark’s work is for those ready to trade force for true power and evolve into the kind of leader people follow naturally.

Rhea Wong – Podcaster, Fundraiser and the Author of Get That Money, Honey!: The No-Bullsh*t Guide to Raising More Money For Your Nonprofit 

Philanthropy is literally in its root form, love of humanity. And so how
can we help these folks who have been blessed with capacity and
resources to really love on humanity in the way that feels right to them?

Rhea helps nonprofits raise more money. Though she has deep experience with institutional, corporate and event fund-raising, she is passionate about major individual donors and helping organizations to establish individual giving programs. She has raised millions of dollars in private philanthropy and is passionate about building the next generation of fundraising leaders. She has become a leader in the New York nonprofit community and is a frequent educational commentator in the media. She has been recognized with the SmartCEO Brava Award in 2015 and NY Nonprofit Media’s 40 under 40 in 2017. Rhea lives in Brooklyn with her husband and the World’s Most Spoiled Dog Stevie Wonderdog. When she is not raising money for causes she loves, she can be found hosting her podcast Nonprofit Lowdown or onstage as a newbie stand-up comedian in downtown Brooklyn.