Meet Dan Koval

We were lucky to catch up with Dan Koval recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dan, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from my mother. She has always been someone who not only serves but gives. Growing up in a middle-class family, we had enough to get by, though not always enough for everything we wanted. Still, we always had enough to share. My mom became known for her generosity—not just with money, but with her time and love. Her brownies, which are world-famous among family and friends, have been shared far and wide—if you’re fortunate, you’ll get to try one!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I serve as the Director of Development at a local nonprofit, where I focus on fundraising to support adults with disabilities in developing job and life skills. Essentially, I ask for money professionally, but it’s about much more than that. I’m deeply passionate about helping others, and my own journey—both personally and financially—has reinforced my belief in the power of giving.

I come from a family of givers, so generosity feels natural to me. I used to struggle with understanding those who aren’t inclined to give, but I’m learning to appreciate different perspectives. Having overcome significant financial challenges myself, I’ve discovered that giving is not only a way to support others but also a powerful way to heal and grow, even in the midst of financial recovery.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that have been most impactful for me are a willingness to learn, taking responsibility (even when it’s not “yours”), and always going the extra mile.

I wasn’t born with any remarkable skills, but my tenacity and grit to keep learning have brought me to where I am today. Everything I do now is the result of being open to growth and new knowledge. For anyone starting out, embrace learning as a lifelong journey—you’ll always have more to gain.

Second, avoid saying, “That’s not my job.” It’s a poisonous mindset. If you’re part of a company or organization, everything is your job in some way. We’re all working to make things easier for others, and you’re either contributing to that or making it harder. My advice is to step up when you’re asked for help, even if it’s outside your usual responsibilities.

Lastly, always go the extra mile. Time and effort spent beyond the bare minimum are what set you apart. Early in my career, I stayed late to help solve a problem for a department I wasn’t even part of, and that decision ended up being a turning point for me. Not only did I help the company and the customer, but I also gained valuable experience that accelerated my career growth.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has had a significant impact on my development is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. The lessons from this book have stuck with me throughout my career and personal life.

One of the key takeaways is that “it’s easier to catch flies with honey.” This taught me the power of kindness, positivity, and empathy when working with others. Approaching situations with understanding and care often opens more doors than force or aggression.

Another gem is that “the sweetest sound to anyone’s ear is their own name.” This simple idea has helped me remember the importance of making people feel valued and seen. Using someone’s name shows them that they matter and that you’re engaged in the interaction.

Finally, the lesson that truly transformed how I communicate is this: “If you’re busy responding in your head, you’re not really listening.” It’s easy to fall into the trap of preparing your response while someone is talking, but doing so means you miss the opportunity to fully understand their perspective. Learning to truly listen has improved my relationships and my effectiveness as a leader.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://givelikemad.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-koval/