Redefiners

Scaling Giving: How GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan Connects 190 Million People to Help Each Other

May 6, 2026·30 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

The term “crowdfunding” was coined in 2006 by entrepreneur and technologist, Michael Sullivan. The number of crowdfunding tools and companies have grown since then, but the purpose has remained the same—democratizing access to capital for those who need it.GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan joins Marla Oates and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic to talk about how his organization is helping people help each other, connecting more than 190 million people to raise $40 billion since the company’s founding in 2010. Tim digs into the key drivers to scaling and growing the business, including embedding purpose, technology, and AI. He delves into the psychology of asking for and receiving help, and how emotion and the need for human connection impact fundraising. And he shares his journey from entrepreneur CEO to board chair, and how he shifted and evolved his leadership style along the way.We’ll also hear from Emma Combe, leadership advisor and the UK Board Practice Leader at Russell Reynolds Associates, who will share what it really takes to move from an executive role into the boardroom. Emma is also the host of Redefiners’ sister podcast, Leadership Lounge, where she asks our advisors to answer some of the most pressing questions senior leaders face.  Four things you’ll learn from this episode: The top leadership and tech/AI drivers to scaling and growing a businessHow to embed purpose into a culture and team to help guide strategy and decision makingThe psychology of giving and asking for helpTips on building your leadership team across different stages of a company’s growthIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like these Redefiners episodes:Action Creates Hope: A Conversation with IRC President and CEO David MilibandLeadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board DirectorLeading with Faith and Purpose with His Eminence Cardinal DolanLeadership Lounge: How GenAI Can Elevate—And Expose—Today’s LeadersMusic with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with PurposeLeadership Lounge: How to Create and Maintain Impact as a LeaderA closer look at the research from this episode:The Imperfect CEOAI and Leadership

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