Dave Rowan - CEO, BLOCS: Curating Stories and Fostering Donor Relationships

Dave Rowan - CEO, BLOCS: Curating Stories and Fostering Donor Relationships

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola November 22, 2022 Duration: 35:17

Donors create transformations in the lives of individuals they may never meet, making the process of tracking and curating stories critical for maintaining donor relationships in the non-profit world. This week Laura speaks with Dave Rowan who explores how he communicates the transformative powers of donors in a way that showcases change and conveys the emotional value of stakeholder investments.  

 

Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation:

  • How BLOCS created a beacon of hope for the community
  • Why data is critical to the transformative storytelling process
  • How to make stories resonate
  • Advice for adjusting your approach when speaking to different stakeholders
  • How to bounce back after making a mistake during a live presentation

 

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge Dave encourages you to volunteer your time and take note of how that investment of time impacts you.

 

About Dave Rowan:

 

Dave Rowan joined BLOCS in September 2019 as the Chief Executive Officer. Rowan has over 30 years of experience in the Sports and Entertainment industries. Most recently, Rowan served as Chief Operating Officer of the National Lacrosse League (2016-2019), and previously served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of the Philadelphia Union (2010-2016).

 

Notably, Rowan made his mark as Vice President of Corporate Sales and Service for the Eagles in 1998 and played a major role in closing one of the largest stadium naming rights deals in NFL history with Lincoln Financial Group, as well as the largest deal for a team practice facility with NovaCare Rehabilitation. His department continued to thrive during the inaugural season of Lincoln Financial Field, establishing the Eagles as one of the top revenue-producing teams in the NFL.

 

Rowan spent three seasons as the Director of Corporate Sales for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he helped to develop the corporate sales plan for the team in its first year of existence. Rowan’s Staff quickly established the Jaguars as the model for future NFL Expansion in revenue generation and event creation. Rowan developed the Jaguars Training Camp as a business model that is now in place for most NFL teams.

 

You can learn more about BLOCS here: https://www.blocs.org/

 

 

To learn more about Dr. Laura Sicola and how mastering influence can impact your success go to https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com/quickstart and download the quick start guide for mastering the three C’s of influence.

 

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola


LinkedIn Business Page: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/


YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions


Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions


Twitter: 
@Laura Sicola 


Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions


Speaking to Influence features conversations about the tangible mechanics of leadership communication, moving beyond theory into practical application. Host Dr. Laura Sicola, an expert in linguistic influence, guides discussions that dissect how language, tone, and presence directly impact credibility and outcomes. Each episode brings a perspective from seasoned executives and industry figures who share their real-world experiences-not just their successes, but the nuanced moments where a single conversation changed a trajectory. The focus here is on the actionable: how to structure a message for a skeptical board, modulate your voice to convey authority without arrogance, and read a room to pivot your approach in real time. This isn't about generic public speaking tips; it's a deep exploration of the strategic choices behind influential speech. Listeners gain access to a toolkit for building confidence, commanding attention, and achieving specific professional results through more intentional communication. The podcast operates at the intersection of business strategy, personal development, and the often-overlooked technical art of persuasion, making it relevant for anyone whose role requires them to lead, sell, or inspire through spoken word. Dr. Sicola's background provides a unique lens, ensuring every conversation yields insights you can use immediately to refine your own impact.
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