Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly: An
Advanced Masterclass in Persuasion, Conviction, and the Art of the Ask
This 90-minute masterclass is built around a single, counterintuitive premise: that the most powerful fundraising tool a development professional possesses is not their proposal, their data, or their access. It is their belief.
Drawing on a personal story involving an unlikely ask to Joni Mitchell, this curriculum guides participants through six interconnected modules that address the full arc of donor engagement: from the psychology of persuasion and the role of authentic conviction, to the strategic use of storytelling, the architecture of a great ask, and the art of handling no with grace.
Each module is grounded in real-world practice and designed to shift not just how participants ask – but how they think about asking. This curriculum is designed for advanced development professionals – major gift officers, campaign directors, and senior fundraisers – who are ready to move beyond transactional techniques and into a deeper, more human-centered practice.
What You’ll Learn
Purpose-Driven Asking
Distinguish between asking from position versus asking from purpose – and understand why the difference determines outcomes.
Persuasion as Connection
Reframe persuasion as an act of trust, courage, and vulnerability rather than influence or strategy.
Authentic Conviction
Develop and strengthen authentic conviction as the foundation of every donor interaction.
Narrative Storytelling
Apply a narrative storytelling framework to transform funding priorities into human stories that move donors to action.
Navigating Donor Relationships
Navigate the full arc of a donor relationship, from cultivation through the ask to handling "no" with grace.
Mission-Aligned Personal Brand
Build a personal brand and presence that embodies the mission rather than merely representing it.
Meet Your Instructor
Timothy J. Boynton
Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer and Chief PR & Communications Officer
Lakeland Regional Health
Timothy Boynton is a nationally recognized healthcare executive, strategic communicator, and one of the most accomplished fundraisers in the field today. With more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy and development, he has raised over $1 billion throughout his career both in philanthropy and producing, leading transformational campaigns that have reshaped access to care and strengthened the communities they serve.
Before transitioning into healthcare philanthropy, Tim began his career in the entertainment industry, working on Broadway and in theatrical production alongside some of the industry’s most respected creatives. That foundation in storytelling continues to define his work today, shaping how he engages donors, inspires teams, and communicates vision at the highest levels.