“Organizations should prioritize and actively encourage professional development, as it not only strengthens individual professionals but also builds more resilient and effective organizations overall.”

Many professionals travel for work, but for David Golaner, travel is both a passion and a mission. As Director of Gift Planning at JDC (The Joint), David journeys to communities around the world to support local Jewish life while also engaging in his own professional growth, ensuring he can serve global communities with insight and care.

Many professionals travel for work, but for David Golaner, travel is both a passion and a mission. As Director of Gift Planning at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), David journeys to communities around the world to support local Jewish life while deepening his own professional growth, ensuring he can serve global communities with understanding.

JDC is a leading global humanitarian organization working in more than 70 countries to support vulnerable populations and strengthen Jewish life. Through a combination of direct aid, community development, and crisis response, JDC provides essential services while helping build sustainable, thriving communities worldwide.

In Early February, David and his team traveled to Berlin for a meaningful professional experience that brought their work to life in powerful ways. The trip blended connection-building, professional development, and on-the-ground exposure to the very communities JDC supports.

During their time in Berlin, the team engaged in a mix of site visits and strategic conversations. Visiting local communities gave David and his colleagues a firsthand look at the impact of their work, deepening their understanding of both the challenges and opportunities these communities face. Alongside these visits, they explored what more could be done to strengthen and sustain Jewish life in the region.

Equally important was the time set aside to reflect and think strategically as a team. These moments allowed them to step back from their day-to-day responsibilities and consider how they can continue to grow and improve, both individually and organizationally.

David emphasized that JDC’s commitment to professional development is not just a stated value, but a practice woven throughout the organization. From immersive experiences like international site visits to ongoing learning opportunities throughout the year, JDC invests in growth at every level.

David believes that all organizations should prioritize and actively encourage professional development, as it not only strengthens individual professionals but also builds more resilient and effective organizations overall.

 He also highlighted the importance of seeing the work you support firsthand. Whether as a community leader or donor, being present and truly understanding impact goes far beyond financial contribution, it fosters a deeper, more meaningful connection to the work itself.

David shared that he grows as a leader when he grounds his decisions in real experiences, enabling him to lead with empathy and build authentic relationships. This approach not only strengthens his own leadership, but also deepens the impact on the communities JDC serves.