Learning for Good | L&D Solutions and Leadership Development for Nonprofit Organizations: Recent Episodes
Heather Burright, Learning and Development Leader, Leadership Development Consultant, Instructional Designer.
As nonprofit learning and development leaders, we want a seat at the table. We want to be viewed as true business partners who can help solve problems. We want to create meaningful learning solutions that fit in the flow of work and yield real results for the organization and for the staff.
That's why in this podcast, we will not only explore instructional design and leadership development best practices, but we will also explore change management, belonging, and influence - helping you build the case for the solutions your organization needs so you can show up confidently in conversations with other senior leaders, subject matter experts, staff, and partners.
If we haven't met yet, I'm Heather, and I’ve been in your shoes. I'm a learning and development consultant and the founder and principal consultant at Skill Masters Market. Before starting Skill Masters Market, I worked for a large national nonprofit where I led learning and development leadership initiatives.
I know what it’s like to need to develop your staff quickly and effectively, and to build the relationships and cut through the organizational layers to be successful. With an eye for the larger strategy and the creative design process, I've created hundreds of learning experiences - in-person, self-paced, and virtual classroom - and have worked with dozens of leaders and their staff to help them achieve their organization’s professional development goals.
So if you're ready to bust through the barriers and start creating behavior change in your nonprofit, this podcast is for you. Let's dive in. It's Learning for Good.
Nonprofit Management | Leadership Training | Leadership Development | Staff Management | Change Management | Instructional Design | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Learn more: www.skillmastersmarket.com
Connect with me: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright
Schedule a call: https://bit.ly/3GQT6Yg
Does your learning and development team spend more time responding to requests than shaping where your organization is headed?
In this episode of Learning for Good, I sit down with L&D leaders Kamaria Scott, Rachel Platt, and Yogi Mueller for a conversation on why nonprofit learning and development teams stay reactive and what it takes to build stronger learning and development strategies.
Too many L&D functions have been reduced to a training factory instead of shaping where the organization is headed. We talk about why this happens even to skilled, well-intentioned professionals and the real cost of staying reactive instead of strategic.
▶️ The Hidden Cost of Reactive Learning in Nonprofits
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Reactive vs Strategic Learning and Development
00:04:05 Understanding Reactive Learning
00:06:31 How the L&D Business Partner Role Got Lost
00:15:25 Learning Becomes Strategic When...
00:23:06 The Real Cost of Staying Reactive
00:25:25 One Shift Every L&D Professional Can Make Today
Resources from this episode:
Past episodes on strategic learning:
- E195: Learning IS Strategy but Some Learning Teams Stay Stuck in Reactive Mode. Here's Why.
- E192: 10 Questions Strategic Learning Leaders Ask
- E191: How Nonprofit Learning Leaders Can Show Up as a Strategic Partner
- E186: The Mindset that Separates Strategic L&D Leaders from Order Takers
- E134: Being a Strategic Learning Partner & The Biggest Mistake You’re Making
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with guests from this episode:
Yogi Meuller
Kamaria Scott
Rachel Platt
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In this episode of Learning for Good, I sit down with nonprofit leader Melody Lam to explore how she built a coaching culture by training first-time managers to coach.
Coaching sounds like the obvious solution when new managers struggle to have hard conversations with their teams, but it often gets treated as a perk reserved for executives, and the cost of outside coaches can make the whole idea feel out of reach.
Melody's experience shows that coaching does not have to start big or expensive, it can start with a simple model, a willing pilot group, and two minutes of practice at a time.
▶️ When to Choose Coaching as Your Leadership Development Solution with Melody Lam
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Why Nonprofits Need Coaches, Not Just Training
00:03:50 Melody's Path into Nonprofit Leadership Development
00:07:39 The Benefits of Coaching Across Organizations
00:11:45 Building Emotional Buy-In for Coaching
00:14:39 Making Coaching Accessible with a Limited Budget
00:19:13 Piloting and Scaling Coaching Across the Organization
00:21:01 Coaching Results: From Technical Skills to Coaching Culture
00:23:42 Where to Start with Coaching (Even with Limited Time or Budget)
Resources from this episode:
E175: How One Nonprofit Used Habit Stacking to Improve Feedback Skills with Amy Glover
The Extraordinary Coach: How the Best Leaders Help Others Grow by John Zenger and Kathleen Stinnett
Join us for our next Nonprofit L&D Collective networking event on August 19: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/join-the-nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Melody
LinkedIn: Melody L.
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Why does your team go right back to their old habits the week after training ends?
In this episode of Learning for Good, I break down how nonprofit leaders can design training that leads to lasting workplace behavior change instead of a short-lived bump in knowledge. Most training ends the same way. People show up, they learn something new, and within a few weeks it is like the training never happened. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and it is not because your training was bad.
What matters is designing for what happens after training ends, so the learning people carry with them actually changes what they do on the job.
▶️ How to Make Learning Last: Designing for Workplace Behavior Change
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 How to Make Learning Last
00:05:03 The Real Goal of Nonprofit Staff Training and Development
00:05:36 The Four Gears of Lasting Behavior Change
Resources from this episode:
Episode mentioned:
- E193: Why Staff Need a Reason to Change Behavior
Join the free, virtual Nonprofit L&D Collective networking event: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/join-the-nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Does your L&D team spend most of its time responding to urgent training requests instead of shaping strategy?
In this episode of Learning for Good, I sit down with Mark Nilles and Scot Vessell, two experienced learning and development leaders, to discuss what it actually takes for nonprofit L&D to operate as a strategic lever.
We argue that becoming a strategic partner starts with an internal shift, from seeing yourself as a learning designer who produces training to seeing yourself as a change agent who helps solve organizational problems.
▶️ Learning IS Strategy but Some Learning Teams Stay Stuck in Reactive Mode. Here's Why.
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Becoming a Strategic Partner in Nonprofit L&D
00:04:25 Meet the Panel: Nonprofit L&D Leaders on Strategic Partnership
00:08:05 Why Nonprofit L&D Teams Get Stuck in Reactive Mode
00:14:24 The Risk of L&D Staying a Reactive Training Factory
00:18:03 What Strategic Learning and Development Looks Like
00:22:30 Reframing the Conversation Around Nonprofit Training and Behavior Change
00:29:46 Practical Advice for Becoming a More Strategic Nonprofit L&D Partner
Resources from this episode:
Past strategic partnership episodes:
- E192: 10 Questions Strategic Learning Leaders Ask
- E191: How Nonprofit Learning Leaders Can Show Up as a Strategic Partner
- E186: The Mindset that Separates Strategic L&D Leaders from Order Takers
- E134: Being a Strategic Learning Partner & The Biggest Mistake You're Making
Join the next Learning for Good Summit on July 22nd: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Mark
LinkedIn: Mark Nilles
Connect with Scot
LinkedIn: Scot Vessell
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Do you have employee engagement data sitting in a survey report with no plan for turning it into action?
In this episode of Learning for Good, I sit down with Wilson Kirkpatrick, Director of People Operations at Waterford.org, to talk about how they used employee engagement data to design a coaching program that strengthened leadership trust and psychological safety.
Many nonprofit leaders collect engagement survey data every year, but once the report comes back, it often sits untouched. That data only becomes valuable when you pair it with a deliberate cycle of listening, understanding, and acting, turning a single survey into an ongoing system for organizational growth.
▶️ How to Align Learning with Data with Nonprofit HR Leader Wilson Kirkpatrick
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Wilson's Path Into HR and People Operations
00:05:21 Inside Waterford.org's Mission and Team
00:06:16 Turning Employee Engagement Data Into a Business Case for Coaching
00:11:31 Prioritizing Quick Wins When Rolling Out Coaching
00:15:23 Measuring the Results: Engagement Score Improvements
00:17:18 Advice for Leaders Who Feel Intimidated by Data
00:19:02 Where to Find the Data Already Inside Your Organization
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Wilson
LinkedIn: Wilson Kirkpatrick
Website: waterford.org
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Your staff already know what to do and how to do it. So why are they still not doing it?
In this episode of Learning for Good, I break down why explaining the why is one of the simplest and most overlooked workplace behavior change strategies nonprofit leaders have available.
Nonprofit leaders pour energy into teaching their teams what to do and how to do it, then feel baffled when the new behavior never sticks. It is easy to assume the problem is the training itself, when the real gap might be something far simpler and far easier to fix.
▶️ Trying to Change Behavior? One Missing Element from Your Training
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 How an Explanation Can Change Behavior
00:05:11 Ellen Langer's Research on Behavior Change and Compliance
00:08:38 Closing the Gap Between Staff Training and Behavior Change
Resources from this episode:
The Power of the Word Because Study by Ellen Langer: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-wise/201310/the-power-of-the-word-because-to-get-people-to-do-stuff
Join the Learning for Good Summit in July: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In this episode of Learning for Good, I share 10 questions strategic learning leaders can ask to move beyond content creation and into real organizational impact, using learning and development strategies rooted in behavior change and performance.
Most nonprofit L&D professionals know that training alone does not create change. But without the right questions, it is easy to build solutions that miss the mark, overlook the real barriers, or fail to connect to organizational strategy. The gap between a training that checks a box and one that actually shifts behavior often comes down to what you asked, and what you did not.
▶️ 10 Questions Strategic Learning Leaders Ask
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Why the Best L&D Tool You Have Is a Question
00:04:07 10 Questions Strategic Learning Leaders Ask
00:12:29 Why Questions Alone Are Not Enough
Resources from this episode:
Join the Learning for Good Summit in July: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Many nonprofit learning and development professionals know their work matters, but still find themselves executing requests rather than shaping solutions.
In this episode of Learning for Good, I sit down with global learning and development leader Mark Nilles to explore what it really means to shift from order taker to strategic partner, and how nonprofit L&D professionals can build the capability, opportunity, and motivation to lead with influence.
Strategic partnership is not a personality type or a seniority level. It is a set of skills any L&D professional can develop, one small step at a time.
▶️ What Strategic Partnerships Look Like in Learning & Development with Mark Nilles
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Mark's Origin Story in L&D
00:08:23 The Three Cs of Strategic Partnership
00:13:12 Can Anyone Lead as a Strategic Partner?
00:14:21 Strategic Partnership in Practice: From Conversion Request to eLearning Solution
00:23:49 Why L&D Professionals Get Trapped in the Order Taker Role
00:26:49 The COM-B Model for Behavior Change
00:35:54 Practical Steps Toward a More Strategic Role
Resources from this episode:
Join the Learning for Good Summit in July: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625
Past strategic partnership episodes:
- Episode 186: The Mindset that Separates Strategic L&D Leaders from Order Takers
- Episode 134: Being a Strategic Learning Partner & The Biggest Mistake You're Making
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Mark
LinkedIn: Mark Nilles
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
You invested time and resources into staff training and development, but your team still isn't applying what they learned. Why? Many nonprofit leaders focus heavily on what employees need to learn and how they should learn it. While those elements are essential, they're only part of the equation.
In this episode of Learning for Good, I’m exploring why even well-designed training programs often fail to create lasting behavior change. True success happens when training translates into consistent action on the job.
I’m sharing five overlooked factors that determine whether learning becomes performance improvement or simply another forgotten workshop.
▶️ Why Your Nonprofit Training Isn't Working: 5 Factors Preventing Workplace Behavior Change
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Why Great Training Doesn't Always Lead to Action
00:05:07 5 Factors Preventing Behavior Change
00:14:12 Designing Training That Drives Lasting Behavior Change
Resources from this episode:
Join the Learning for Good Summit in July: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
What does it really take to grow as a learning leader?
In this episode of Learning for Good, I sit down with instructional design expert Dr. Luke Hobson to explore how learning professionals can build confidence, strengthen influence, and develop a clear leadership voice. We reflect on our own career journeys into learning and development and discuss how intentional growth, networking, and relationship-building shape effective leaders.
From instructional design for nonprofits to relationship-building and professional growth, this conversation is packed with practical insights for nonprofit learning and development professionals who want to create meaningful organizational impact. Whether you’re leading training initiatives, managing change, or trying to grow your confidence as a leader, this episode offers actionable ideas you can immediately apply.
▶️ Learning and Growth for Learning Leaders with Dr. Luke Hobson
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Dr. Luke Hobson’s Journey into Instructional Design
00:05:39 Heather’s Path into Learning and Development
00:08:38 Moving Beyond Content Creation into Organizational Influence
00:14:47 The Value of Partnering with Your Stakeholders
00:19:35 How Learning Leaders Invest in Their Own Growth
00:27:35 Building Confidence and Finding Your Leadership Voice
00:34:49 Advice for Nonprofit Learning Professionals Who Want to Grow Their Influence
Resources from this episode:
Join the Learning for Good Summit in July: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=9A6625
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Luke
LinkedIn: Luke Hobson, EdD
Website: drlukehobson.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
What does proof of impact really look like in nonprofit learning and development?
In this episode of Learning for Good, I break down how nonprofit leaders can measure staff training and development in a way that actually connects learning to organizational performance and mission impact.
Many nonprofit organizations focus only on participation numbers or satisfaction surveys when evaluating training. Others jump straight to behavior change and impact without worrying about knowledge transfer. I explain why effective learning and development strategies require a complete measurement chain, one where every “domino” matters.
▶️ What Proof of Impact Really Looks Like in Training
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 The Five Dominoes of Measuring Training Impact
00:05:50 Why Each Domino Matters in Nonprofit Staff Training and Development
00:13:30 Connecting Learning to Organizational Impact
Resources from this episode:
More episodes on measuring training:
- How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact from Training
- How to Measure the Impact of Your Training and Development
Join us at our next networking event for the Nonprofit L&D Collective on June 17: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/join-the-nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
What does it take to build high-performing nonprofit teams that stay engaged, grow their skills, and strengthen organizational impact?
In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Gonzalez, Chief People Officer at the Behavioral Science Research Institute (BSRI), to explore how intentional career pathing supports nonprofit leadership development, staff training and development, and employee retention.
From aligning compensation philosophy with career progression to building customized learning and development strategies, this conversation offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders who want to invest in their people while navigating limited resources and flat organizational structures.
▶️ A Look at Career Mapping: Who, What, When, and How with Nonprofit Leader Melanie Gonzalez
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Career Paths Matter for Nonprofit Growth and Performance
00:03:46 Melanie’s HR Leadership Journey
00:09:34 Career Pathing and Compensation at BSRI
00:17:34 Nonprofit Career Growth Beyond Promotions
00:21:03 Aligning Career Pathing with L&D Strategies
00:24:21 The Impact of Investing in Nonprofit Staff Development
00:27:24 Advice for Nonprofits Creating Career Paths
Resources from this episode:
Join us at our next networking event for the Nonprofit L&D Collective on June 17: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/join-the-nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Melanie
LinkedIn: Melanie Gonzalez
Website: bsrinstitute.org
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
If you want to elevate your learning and development role from an order taker to a strategic partner, it starts with something many leaders overlook: mindset.
In this episode, I explore how the way you think about your role in learning and development directly impacts your influence, credibility, and results inside your organization.
Too often, nonprofit learning professionals feel stuck reacting to requests instead of shaping strategy. But shifting from an order taker to a strategic partner isn’t about changing your job title. It’s about changing how you show up. I break down how your internal beliefs shape your external behaviors, and ultimately determine whether you're invited to the decision-making table.
▶️ The Mindset that Separates Strategic L&D Leaders from Order Takers
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 How Mindset Shapes Your Daily Experiences
00:03:50 Strategic L&D Partner vs Order Taker
00:08:58 Reinforcing Cycles: Beliefs and Outcomes
Resources from this episode:
The Psychology of Winning by Denis Waitley: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Winning-Qualities-Nightingale-Publication/dp/1640956441
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Your-Subconscious-Mind/dp/160459201X
Self-Coaching 101 by Brooke Castillo: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Coaching-101-Brooke-Castillo/dp/0977853993
Join us at our next networking event for the Nonprofit L&D Collective on May 20: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/join-the-nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Mentorship is a powerful yet underutilized tool in nonprofits, and in this episode, we’re diving into how to operationalize it for real organizational impact.
I sit down with Larcy Douglas, director at Common Power, to explore how mentorship can transform both individuals and organizations. From designing collaborative mentor-mentee relationships to embedding mentorship into broader learning and development strategies, Larcy shares how her team built a program that not only develops leaders but also strengthens retention, engagement, and long-term impact.
If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond informal mentoring into a structured, scalable program, this conversation will give you a practical roadmap.
▶️ Mentorship Programs for Nonprofits: How to Develop the Next Generation of Leaders with Larcy Douglas
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Why Mentorship is a Missed Opportunity in Nonprofits
00:03:04 The Role of Intergenerational Mentorship
00:07:59 Inside Common Power’s Mission and Programs
00:10:48 Building a Scalable Mentorship Model
00:19:39 Evolving Programs Using Data and Participant Feedback
00:24:57 Measuring Mentorship Impact in Nonprofit Organizations
00:29:21 Advice for Launching a Mentorship Program
Resources from this episode:
Data on mentoring:
- https://mentorloop.com/blog/mentoring-statistics/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecomaford/2019/07/03/new-study-76-of-people-think-mentors-are-important-but-only-37-have-one/
Join us at our next networking event for the Nonprofit L&D Collective on May 20: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/join-the-nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Larcy
LinkedIn: Larcy Douglas
Website: commonpower.org
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Good training takes time, and in a world where AI can generate content in seconds, that truth is more important than ever.
In this episode, we unpack why effective learning and development strategies in nonprofits can’t be rushed, even when tools promise speed and efficiency. Because training isn’t just about content creation. It’s about behavior change and performance improvement. We break down where your time actually goes, from building trust with stakeholders to understanding your audience and testing what works, so you can design training that leads to real results, not just completion.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to produce training quickly or wondered why your programs aren’t driving real change, this episode will shift your perspective.
▶️ Why Good Training Takes Time
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Why it takes time to create a good training
0:05:57 Where AI can speed up training design
00:07:18 The importance of testing and iteration
Resources from this episode:
Join us at our next networking event for the Nonprofit L&D Collective on May 20: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/join-the-nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Training volunteers is one of the most complex and overlooked areas of nonprofit training and development.
In this episode, I had the privilege of talking with the VP of Training at For the Children, Jim Farmer, to unpack how organizations can design training experiences that actually prepare volunteers to succeed without overwhelming them or driving them away. Jim shares how his organization has reimagined volunteer training through trauma-informed care, relational learning experiences, and intentional design choices that meet volunteers where they are.
▶️ How One Nonprofit Trains Its Volunteer Workforce with Jim Farmer
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 From corporate L&D to nonprofit leadership
0:12:38 Training employees vs. volunteers
0:15:30 Common challenges in volunteer training
0:17:32 Trauma-informed care in training
0:21:33 Building volunteer training programs
Resources from this episode:
Join us at our next networking event for the Nonprofit L&D Collective on May 20: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/join-the-nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Jim
LinkedIn: Jim Farmer
Website: forthechildren.org
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
If you’ve ever struggled to gain buy-in for nonprofit leadership development, you’re not alone. Many nonprofit leaders hesitate to invest in training, not because they don’t care, but because they have real concerns about time, cost, and impact.
In this episode, we break down the most common objections to staff training and development and show you how to address them in a way that builds trust, credibility, and support. You’ll learn how to shift mindsets and help leaders see training as a solution, not a distraction.
▶️ 5 Common Concerns About Training (and How to Address Them)
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Why training often lacks leadership support
0:03:28 “Skeptic vs. believer” leadership mindset
0:05:34 Common objections to nonprofit training
0:11:35 Shifting from objections to vision
Resources from this episode:
Join our upcoming virtual conference, Leading Learning That Sticks, a week-long virtual experience for nonprofit and association training professionals who are ready to move beyond reactive training delivery and step into strategic learning leadership: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=E3DC2B
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
AI is rapidly reshaping nonprofit leadership development, and organizations that embrace it now will be better positioned to build stronger teams, scale impact, and drive consistent performance.
In this episode, I sit down with the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, Jorge Perez, to explore how AI is transforming learning and development strategies and what that means for nonprofit leaders today. Jorge shares how his organization is already using AI to enhance staff training and development, streamline workflows, and support leadership growth in real time.
▶️ Custom AI Agents for Learning? A Look at One Nonprofit's Innovative Approach with Jorge Perez
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Jorge’s nonprofit leadership journey insights
0:07:48 AI is changing how nonprofits operate
0:18:52 AI opportunities for learning leaders
0:21:26 AI concerns: ethics, security, and quality
0:25:48 Start experimenting with AI today
Resources from this episode:
Join our upcoming virtual conference, Leading Learning That Sticks, a week-long virtual experience for nonprofit and association training professionals who are ready to move beyond reactive training delivery and step into strategic learning leadership: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=E3DC2B
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Jorge
LinkedIn: Jorge Perez
Website: ymca.org/locations/ymca-greater-cincinnati
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Too often, staff training and development ends when the workshop does. But as I share in this episode of Learning for Good, training alone rarely leads to lasting results. Without the right systems in place, even the most engaging learning experience will fade as staff return to their daily demands.
If you’ve ever struggled with creating impactful training programs that last, this episode gives you practical solutions you can implement right away.
▶️ 5 Practical Post-Training Strategies to Make Learning Stick
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Why systems matter
0:03:24 The limits of training
0:07:06 Post-training behavior change strategies
0:13:40 Creating lasting impact
Resources from this episode:
Join our upcoming virtual conference, Leading Learning That Sticks, a week-long virtual experience for nonprofit and association training professionals who are ready to move beyond reactive training delivery and step into strategic learning leadership: https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=E3DC2B
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In this episode of Learning for Good, I’m sharing a heartfelt message for nonprofit learning and development professionals who want their work to drive real impact, not just course completions.
If you’ve ever felt like a “training factory” instead of a strategic partner, this episode will remind you why your work matters and how to step into your identity as a change agent.
▶️ Nonprofit L&D Leaders: Your Role is Much Bigger Than Delivering Training
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Owning your identity as a change agent
0:04:58 Communicating with influence to stakeholders
0:07:18 Designing training for impact
Resources from this episode:
Personal branding episodes:
Episode 173: Why Your Personal Brand is the Key to Strategic Learning Leadership
Episode 164: How Learning & Development Professionals Can Use Personal Branding to Gain Influence
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
While leadership transitions are inevitable, there are too many organizations that aren’t prepared for this eventuality.
In this episode, I’ve got Jeremy Bouman with me to explore how nonprofit leadership development and intentional succession planning can protect your mission and ensure your organization continues to thrive long after a founder or executive leader steps away.
Jeremy is the founder and CEO of Rise, a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to breaking generational cycles of incarceration. Jeremy shares how his team approaches succession planning not just as a document, but as a strategy for organizational development and long-term sustainability.
▶️ Inside Look: How One Nonprofit is Building Its Leadership Development Pipeline
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Breaking generational incarceration cycles
0:08:07 Creating a nonprofit succession plan
0:17:22 Keeping succession plans active and relevant
0:20:27 Training and preparing future nonprofit leaders
0:25:50 Building a learning culture within nonprofit organizations
Resources from this episode:
Episode 140: Building a Learning Strategy to Support Your Succession Plan
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Jeremy
LinkedIn: Jeremy Bouman
Website: seeusrise.org
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
As learning and development leaders, we have lots of tools in our toolkit, and when others in our organization come to us with a challenge or an opportunity, we don't always have to point to training.
Coaching is one alternative option that can help us and our nonprofits achieve our goals. While I've talked about coaching on the podcast before, I've never really explored executive coaching.
So, in this episode, I've got Chris Wong with me to talk about the powerful tool that is executive coaching. He is an ICF-certified coach with nearly a decade of experience and has worked with leaders across nonprofit, government, and other sectors.
▶️ The Value of Executive Coaching with Chris Wong
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 From burned-out therapist to executive coach
0:08:25 Executive coaching and its great power
0:12:54 What executive coaching looks like
0:17:57 The rippling impacts of executive coaching
0:22:14 When is executive coaching the right fit?
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Guest
LinkedIn: Chris Wong
Website: myleadershippotential.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
As nonprofit L&D leaders, we often sit and wait for our stakeholders to approach us with their demands, and only then react to their needs. Unfortunately, this isn't always conducive to creating change.
But what would happen if we shifted from being reactive to proactive? What if we go to the stakeholders first, rather than the other way around? What if we drive the learning strategy?
In this episode, we are going to explore exactly that: how having a proactive approach to L&D can shift everything and allow us to create real change.
▶️ What Happens When L&D Stops Being Reactive and Starts Driving Strategy
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Align ourselves with what matters to others
0:08:43 Build stronger relationships with stakeholders
0:10:47 Take a diagnostic-first approach to training
0:11:59 Become change agents
Resources from this episode:
Catch up with these episodes that will help you navigate stakeholder demands:
- Episode 169: Is Training the Answer? How to Navigate Stakeholder Demands
- Episode 158: How to Disagree with Your Stakeholders Without Burning Bridges
- Episode 134: What It Means to Be a Good Partner in Learning and Development
- Episode 108: 3 Ways to Turn Your Subject Matter Expert into Your Biggest Asset
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Motivation is fickle. At the end of the day, even with the best learning experience and high motivation, people are going back into their workplace, and when you're back in your day-to-day, it's easy to fall back on a habit. So, how do you actually change behavior within your nonprofit?
In this episode, I'm joined by Amy Glover from the British Red Cross, who has found a great solution: habit stacking. She is a coach, facilitator, and 5Di© accredited Learning Designer.
She is sharing how they used habit stacking to effectively improve feedback skills, what they learned from this experience, and how nonprofit L&D leaders can use it too.
▶️ How One Nonprofit Used Habit Stacking to Improve Feedback Skills with Amy Glover
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Amy's very unconventional route into L&D
0:07:06 Amy's solution for improving feedback skills
0:13:36 How to make training stick with habit stacking
0:24:42 What came out of the Feedback in Action week
0:26:58 Tips for nonprofit L&D pros to change behavior
Resources from this episode:
Read the book we talked about: James Clear's Atomic Habits.
If you're interested in behavior change and how you can apply it in L&D, follow Matt Furness.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective.
Connect with Amy
LinkedIn: Amy Glover
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
⭐Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!
🔗Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In your experience as a nonprofit L&D leader, has telling people what to do and forcing them to comply ever led to the behavior change you were looking for? Unfortunately, this doesn't work for two-year-olds, 52-year-olds, or those who work at your nonprofit.
In this episode, I talk about how it's culture, not compliance, that drives consistent performance, and that if we want to create change in our organization, we have to influence the culture around us. Tune in for practical ways to nurture and build on your nonprofit's existing culture for the best results over time.
▶️ Why It's Your Nonprofit's Culture (Not Compliance) That Drives Consistent Performance
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Understanding culture and how to nurture it
0:06:30 Establishing shared strategic goals
0:09:15 Creating and strengthening shared practices
0:10:06 A practical starting point to shape culture
Resources from this episode:
Catch up with my interview with Julie Winkle Giulioni.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
I'm a big believer in the personal brand and how it can impact you and your career. I've seen it in my own life, both internally at organizations and as a consultant and a community builder. How others perceive us matters.
In this episode, I'm doing something unique, and I'm bringing you one of our sessions from the recent Nonprofit L&D Collective Career Week. This is a conversation about personal branding with Andy Storch, an author and keynote speaker who is familiar with our L&D world, where you'll learn about the importance of your personal brand and how to build it.
▶️ How to Build Your Personal Brand as a Nonprofit L&D Leader with Andy Storch
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 How a personal brand attracts opportunities
0:05:45 How a personal brand creates influence
0:07:45 Why having a strong personal brand matters
0:10:10 Exercises to intentionally build your brand
0:20:05 How you can leverage your LinkedIn presence
Resources from this episode:
Get your own copy of the Own Your Brand, Own Your Career Workbook.
Learn more about Andy's solo book Own Your Career, Own Your Life, and listen to his podcasts.
Get access to the full recording of this and all other sessions from the Nonprofit L&D Collective Career Week by joining us at the Catalyst tier of the Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Andy
LinkedIn: Andy Storch
Website: andystorch.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
When our stakeholders come to us asking for training, they are usually thinking of traditional training. So, they treat us, nonprofit L&D pros, like training factories that can easily produce a new training in a day. But we are here to create behavior change, and that takes time.
In this episode, I'm sharing four recommendations that will help you embody the change agent you already are and learn what you need to create real change in your organization.
▶️ You're Not a Training Factory. You are a Change Agent.
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 The process of creating real behavior change
0:05:41 Shift from learning designer to change agent
0:06:35 Sell real change to your stakeholders
0:07:31 Simplify the scope of the training request
0:09:05 Study learning science to get the buy-in you need
Resources from this episode:
Read the books I recommended: James Clear's Atomic Habits and BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
It's estimated that organizations spend somewhere between 50% to 200% of an employee's annual salary to replace them, depending on the level and complexity of their role.
Not only that, when someone leaves, it impacts morale, our organization, and ultimately our mission. So, it benefits nonprofits to keep our employees.
In this episode, we talk to Rachel Platt, an HR leader and people strategist with over 20 years of experience who helps nonprofits think through their entire talent lifecycle from hiring to exiting.
We are exploring the reasons behind the seemingly normal high turnover in the nonprofit sector, the role of learning and development in reversing this talent loss, how to use this to get buy-in, and low-cost ways to develop and engage your staff.
▶️ The Real ROI of Reducing Turnover (and How Training Helps) with Rachel Platt
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 From in-house HR to Plattinum Consulting
0:08:45 What's really behind high nonprofit turnover
0:12:59 Low-cost ways to develop your staff
0:17:55 The far-reaching benefits of training your staff
0:24:06 How to get training buy-in from a retention POV
0:29:04 What the best learning leaders are doing
Resources from this episode:
Catch up with Episode 103: 5 Low-Cost Leadership Development Activities for Organizations with Tight Budgets.
Also listen to Episode 168: Create Environments Where People Stay, Grow, and Thrive with Julie Winkle Giulioni.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Rachel
LinkedIn: Rachel Platt
Website: plattinumconsulting.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Recent data shows that more than half of all nonprofit leaders in the US are women. Unfortunately, we also know that many nonprofit leaders are on the brink of burnout.
This calls into question what we are doing to support these female leaders and prompts us to consider how we can give them the support they truly need.
In this episode, I'm joined by Marisa Ciesluk, a women's leadership development facilitator and coach, to help us figure out how to do that at a time when women's leadership development is under scrutiny. You'll learn practical strategies at the organizational and individual levels to make a difference.
▶️ How Most Nonprofits Approach Women's Leadership Development (and What You Should Do Instead) with Marisa Ciesluk
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 From burnout to women's leadership coaching
0:09:33 Beyond skills: do the inner work, build capacity
0:18:35 How nonprofits are supporting female leaders
0:20:42 Organizational shifts to better support women
0:24:59 Ways nonprofit L&D pros can help women
0:29:19 A conversation that must continue to happen
Resources from this episode:
Check out the book Marisa recommends: Playing Big by Tara Mohr.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Marisa
LinkedIn: Marisa Wheeling Ciesluk
Website: mwcleadership.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
It can be frustrating when nonprofit leaders and other stakeholders approach us demanding training to solve a problem. However, it's important to remember that people outside of learning and development don't always know which tools are available or which one is right for each situation, so they stick to the familiar. But it's our job as nonprofit L&D pros to diagnose the problem and offer the right solution.
That's why in this episode, I'm sharing a quick diagnostic process to help you determine whether the issue brought to you is a training problem or if another solution will work better.
▶️ Is This a Training Problem? A Quick Diagnostic Tool for Nonprofit Learning & Development Leaders
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Why we often go for training as the solution
0:04:19 Two questions to diagnose a training problem
0:09:46 Navigating the diagnostic and stakeholders
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Nonprofit leadership development is about far more than offering training. It’s about creating an environment where people want to stay, grow, and contribute meaningfully to your mission.
In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and workplace growth champion Julie Winkle Giulioni, who challenges nonprofits to rethink how they approach staff development and build truly supportive cultures of learning. You’ll hear strategies for building a culture of learning in nonprofits and why effective leadership training programs for nonprofit staff require more than a single workshop.
We explore why training alone cannot drive behavior change, how managers can become true growth partners, and the role technology (especially AI) now plays in sustaining learning.
▶️ Create Environments Where People Stay, Grow, and Thrive with Julie Winkle Giulioni
▶️ Key Points:
00:03:24 Julie’s winding career path and early lessons in learning
00:09:41 Why training isn’t enough to drive real change
00:15:03 A manager’s influence on performance and growth
00:24:34 How L&D leaders can operationalize better learning environments
00:28:37 Bringing learning into everyday work
Resources from this episode:
Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go by Julie Winkle Giulioni
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
We want to hear from you. Tell me what you want to hear more of or less of on the podcast. Ask a question or make a request through our Speakpipe link.
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Julie
LinkedIn: Julie Winkle Giulioni
Website: juliewinklegiulioni.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
As nonprofit leaders look ahead to the new year, it’s essential to understand which capabilities will matter most.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the top skills nonprofits will need in 2026 so teams can stay resilient, adaptive, and mission-focused. Plus, I’m sharing a simple three-step process to help you identify the specific skills your organization should prioritize this year.
If you’re planning your Learning and Development strategies for 2026, you’ll walk away with clarity on where to focus your efforts and how to better support your people.
▶️ 3 Skills Your Nonprofit Needs in 2026
▶️ Key Points:
00:00:00 Welcoming A New Nonprofit Year
00:04:29 Exploring Key Capabilities
00:10:13 Mapping Needed Skills
Resources from this episode:
Start by catching up with Episode 113: How to Set Values-Based Goals for 2025.
Read the article I’m referring to in the episode: 10 Critical Skills Every Leader Must Master In 2026
Take a look at my episode with Dr. Reggie Thomas: Episode 162: Why Wellbeing is Mission Critical for Your Nonprofit
Join us January 12th-16th for Career Week at the Collective, an event designed to help you grow your nonprofit L&D careers together. Learn all the details and grab your ticket at https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=3CG346
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
We want to hear from you. Tell me what you want to hear more of or less of on the podcast. Ask a question or make a request through our Speakpipe link.
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
We are already at the end of 2025. This is a time of reflection, goal setting, and a renewed commitment to being our best selves. I love this time of year, and each year I like to spend some time reflecting on my goals, what I've been able to accomplish, and where I missed a little bit.
So, in this episode, I'm going to share some details about what's going on inside Skill Masters Market, my consulting business, Learning for Good, this podcast, and the Nonprofit L&D Collective, our private community for nonprofit training pros.
You'll hear about the transformations of 2025 and what's coming in 2026.
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 My personal mission
0:03:52 Skill Masters Market
0:05:29 Learning for Good
0:07:42 Nonprofit L&D Collective
Resources from this episode:
Top 5 Learning For Good Podcast episodes:
1 Are Your Nonprofit Leaders The Best They Can Be? Your Leadership Skills Might Be Lagging And THIS Is Why
2 Using a Blended, Cohort Training Model to Create Behavior Change with Nonprofit Leader Rebecca Kelley
3 Want to Work in Nonprofit L&D? Here’s What You Should Know
4 Using AI to Create Persuasive, Visual Stories for Your Training with Nicholas Leonard
5 How to Conduct a Training Needs Analysis for Nonprofit Staff Development
If you're looking for a way to make connection and one-on-one networking easier for your organization, check out Community Hives.
Join us January 12th-16th for Career Week at the Collective, an event designed to help you grow your nonprofit L&D careers together. Learn all the details and grab your ticket at https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=3CG346
We want to hear from you. Tell me what you want to hear more of or less of on the podcast. Ask a question or make a request through our Speakpipe link.
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
As learning and development leaders, it feels like we're always trying to get a seat at the table, but are we truly prepared to have effective conversations with our nonprofit's executives when we get there?
To get you ready, in this episode, I invited Rick Dahlseid to help us position training as a worthwhile investment. He is a nonprofit CFO with over 20 years in the sector, with expertise in financial management, operations, and governance.
You'll learn about his unique point of view on the role of training and development in a nonprofit, where your conversations about people development should start, the kind of language that will be most effective, and what you should actually focus on to get your point across.
▶️ How to Position Training as an Investment (from the Perspective of a CFO) with Rick Dahlseid
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Rick's mission and nonprofit financial leadership
0:09:49 How a seasoned nonprofit CFO views training
0:16:23 Define ROI for learning and development first
0:22:16 How to get the nonprofit to invest in your training
0:31:30 Focus on the outcomes and keep the end in mind
Resources from this episode:
Catch up with my recent episode about this topic, The Real Cost of Bad Training.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Rick
LinkedIn: Rick Dahlseid
Website: janussc.org
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Are you an HR leader or L&D pro who finds themselves having to prove themselves to everyone over and over again, or being brought to the table too late?
If you want that to change, you have to build your influence in the organization. You can do it by strengthening your personal brand, which will help you build credibility inside your nonprofit and be seen as a valuable strategic partner.
In this episode, I'm joined by branding expert Lauren Davis. She is the founder of Lauren Davis Creative, where she helps speakers and entrepreneurs establish their memorable personal brands , but today, she's focused on helping you establish your influence in your nonprofit.
We talk about why being in control of your personal brand is important, even if you work at a nonprofit, how to start getting yours where you want it to be, and even a fun tip on how to walk into any meeting with confidence.
▶️ Your Brand Is Your Influence: Building Credibility Inside Your Nonprofit with Lauren Davis
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 How Lauren learned and shared along the way
0:11:27 What a personal brand is and why it matters
0:14:23 How to be seen as a strategic partner
0:21:05 Get clear on your personal brand
0:25:43 Personal branding principles to start with
0:32:34 How to not get discouraged along the way
Resources from this episode:
Join us January 12th-16th for Career Week at the Collective, an event designed to help you grow your nonprofit L&D careers together. Learn all the details and grab your ticket at https://collective.skillmastersmarket.com/invitation?code=3CG346
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Guest
LinkedIn: Lauren Davis
Website: laurendaviscreative.com
Podcast: The Real Personal Branding Podcast
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
It's very common for leaders to throw training at every performance problem we see. Yet not all performance problems result from a skill gap.
In fact, many are due to other factors, such as mindset or motivation. The problem with this is that performance won't change if you offer training in these cases.
So, in this episode, I'm breaking down how to determine if something is a mindset, motivation, or skill gap problem, and why this matters for successful behavior change.
▶️ How to Spot a Mindset or Motivation Problem (Not a Skill One)
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 Why training isn't always the right solution
0:02:44 A quick lesson on behavior change
0:05:18 Four questions to spot the root cause of a problem
Resources from this episode:
Check out The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.
Learn more about James Clear and his book Atomic Habits.
Catch up with these previous episodes if there's a lack of trust or psychological safety in your organization:
- Episode 151: How to Build a High-Performance Team Starting with Trust
- Episode 149: Key Ingredients in a High-Performance Culture
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In times of change and disruption, burnout has become a major epidemic. In fact, according to statistics, over half of the workforce is burnt out, with the nonprofit sector being hit the hardest.
Because we must address this issue, I have Dr. Reggie Thomas with me today. He is the founder of PeakePotential, Inc., and a professional speaker who gives keynote talks and teaches workshops on burnout prevention and recovery, and workplace wellness.
You will understand burnout and its symptoms, discover how it impacts both the individual and the organization, and learn practical tools to prevent burnout, support recovery, and strengthen your and your people's well-being.
▶️ From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tools to Restore Yourself in Times of Change and Disruption with Dr. Reggie Thomas
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 From his own burnout to helping others recover
0:07:33 The increase in burnout across the workplace
0:09:52 How burnout impacts individuals and organizations
0:12:57 Strategies to prevent burnout and support recovery
0:20:25 Normalize burnout and pay attention to the symptoms
Resources from this episode:
Check out Dr. Thomas' best-selling books, People Pains and Burnout Pains.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Guest
LinkedIn: Dr. Reggie Thomas
Website: peakepotential.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Nonprofits often view training as a cost. I've heard it, and I'm sure you've heard it as well. However, it's actually an investment in the very thing that moves your mission forward: your people.
That's why, in this episode, I'm sitting down with Nancy Bacon to debunk the idea that training is a cost and highlight all the value it brings when done right. She is a teacher, instructional designer, and learning strategist who has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years.
This episode is a game-changer for nonprofit leaders who are struggling with the decision to invest in training, and for nonprofit L&D pros who are struggling to frame up the value of what they do to secure the partners and funding they need.
▶️ Training Isn't a Cost: Here's How Nonprofits Actually Save Money Through Learning and Development with Nancy Bacon
▶️ Key Points:
0:00:00 How Nancy became a nonprofit learning strategist
0:06:05 Cost vs. investment: the ROI of training
0:11:02 Hidden costs of not investing in L&D
0:16:48 Effectively communicate the real value of training
21:31 The need to shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance
Resources from this episode:
Check out Mark Nilles and Nancy Bacon's ebook Conferences That Make a Difference.
Catch up with Episode 156 of Learning For Good, where I talk about the cost of training.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
If you're a nonprofit leader who's ready to invest in your people, complete our consulting application form.
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Nancy
LinkedIn: Nancy Bacon
Website: nancybacon.com and nonprofitlearning.center
Podcast: Nonprofit Radio Show
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Do you ever feel like you have to constantly babysit your team instead of focusing on your own job? It's like you can't take your eyes off them, so you always find yourself in their work and in their decisions, double-checking everything.
If that's your case, then this episode is for nonprofit leaders like yourself. I'm bringing five lessons from past clients and past podcast episodes to help you build high-performance nonprofit people managers.
This way, you'll get to finally operate as the leader and executive you are, and not the babysitter you've been forced to be.
▶️ Build Teams that Don't Need Babysitting
▶️ Key Points:
0:01:20 What teams that need babysitting look like
0:04:14 Building trust
0:05:09 Providing clarity
0:05:55 Building skills
0:06:59 Developing your leaders
0:08:08 Using coaching techniques
Resources from this episode:
If you want my support in building teams that are aligned, efficient, and consistent, fill out this form so we can work together on your organization.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Your nonprofit has a strong 2026 strategy. But is your team ready to bring it to life? If your team isn't fully equipped to deliver on your goals, you could be missing the bridge between strategy and success.
That's why, in this episode, I'm sharing a little of what it takes to align your L&D efforts and your nonprofit strategy by breaking down the five steps you can take to build a training plan that enables your organization and your people to achieve those 2026 goals.
▶️ Five Steps to Align Your People Development Efforts with Your Nonprofit Strategy
▶️ Key Points:
01:20 The value of getting support to build the right training plan
04:38 Step 1: Review your organization's strategies
05:15 Step 2: Define what your people need to do
05:48 Step 3: Identify the gaps, roadblocks, or pain points
07:08 Step 4: Prioritize the needs
08:41 Step 5: Determine how to close the gaps
Resources from this episode:
If you want to learn more about how I can support you in creating a plan for your team, fill out this form.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
We have all disagreed with our nonprofit stakeholders at some point in our careers, but speaking up and sharing that disagreement can feel hard because we tend to want to avoid conflict and not burn any bridges.
However, there are times when voicing your disagreement is necessary because it's what's best for the organization and the mission.
That's why, in this episode, I'm sharing a 4-step method to disagree with your stakeholders without causing division, along with powerful tips to make these conversations successful.
▶️ How to Say "This Isn't a Training Issue" Without Burning Bridges with Your Nonprofit Stakeholders
▶️ Key Points:
03:02 The importance of having a strong relationship with your stakeholders
04:34 When you need to speak up if you disagree
06:36 Step 1: Discover
07:34 Step 2: Align
08:21 Step 3: Compliment
09:11 Step 4: Propose
11:48 How you can prepare yourself for these conversations
13:12 Five things to keep in mind when having these conversations
Resources from this episode:
Catch up with these episodes to learn how to build a strong relationship with your stakeholders:
- Episode 134: What It Means to Be a Good Partner in Learning and Development
- Episode 108: 3 Ways to Turn Your Subject Matter Expert into Your Biggest Asset
- Episode 54: How Can Learning and Development Teams Work with Subject Matter Experts Without Frustration?
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective Catalyst Tier this November to attend our upcoming group coaching session: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Have you ever created a training only to launch it into the world and be met with crickets?
I see this happen often in learning and development. However, I know how hard you work, and I know you're doing good, meaningful work in the nonprofit sector, so I don't want you to release a learning experience and be met with silence.
That's why, in this episode, I'm joined by Hannah Clark, Marketing for Learning® expert and strategist, and podcast host. We talk about how you can avoid that silence and how you can create and market your learning so it really resonates with your audience and has the impact it's intended to make.
▶️ Avoid the Silence: How to Create and Market Your Learning So It Resonates with Hannah Clark
▶️ Key Points:
03:16 Hannah's love for marketing and how she fell into the L&D niche
07:39 Why learning experiences fail or fall flat
10:02 How to make sure you create learning that resonates
17:14 What to do to get your learning experience in front of learners
24:27 Copywriting and design: how to use these crucial marketing tactics
28:38 Simple tips for when marketing feels overwhelming
Resources from this episode:
Tune in to Hannah Clark's podcast, Marketing for Learning®, which I love.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Hannah
LinkedIn: Hannah Clark
Website: maas-marketing.co.uk
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Creating impactful training programs for nonprofit teams takes more than good intentions; it takes strategy.
In this episode of Learning for Good, we’re diving deep into the hidden and high costs of getting training wrong. From budget overruns to burnout, I’m breaking down what nonprofit leaders risk when they don’t start with the right diagnosis—and how to get it right.
This conversation is especially critical for leaders focused on nonprofit leadership development, staff training and development, and building a culture of learning that drives mission impact. Whether you're exploring learning and development strategies or already implementing instructional design in nonprofit organizations, this episode gives you a practical lens for avoiding costly missteps.
▶️ Key Points:
01:52 Training doesn't always work
02:31 Wasted resources
06:32 Hidden costs
08:20 Missed impact
09:21 How to ensure you don't build the wrong thing
Resources from this episode:
Catch up with Episode 152: When Training Works and When It Doesn't and Episode 154: Why So Many Trainings Fail.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective Catalyst Tier before November to attend our group coaching session around solving the right problems with the right solutions: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Sometimes, when we work with nonprofit executive leaders, it's easy to jump to an assumption about what they thought or what they wanted. The problem is that when we act on that, things don't turn out the way either of us expects.
I don't want that to be you, so in this episode, I'm having a chat with Danika Mitcham, the Vice President of Supporter Operations at Compassion International. We delve into what nonprofit executives really want from learning and development, their expectations, and what we may be assuming wrong.
▶️ What Executives Really Want from L&D with Danika Mitcham
▶️ Key Points:
02:49 Lessons that shaped Danika's approach to work and leadership
06:43 L&D's critical role in a nonprofit organization's strategy
09:25 Why Danika invests in training as a Nonprofit Executive
13:09 Balancing short-term pressures with long-term sustainability
16:14 What Danika looks for when she invests in training
18:46 The importance of measuring impact and a helpful tip
21:12 What L&D teams and executives should know about working together
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective Catalyst Tier before November to attend our group coaching session around solving the right problems with the right solutions: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Danika
LinkedIn: Danika Mitcham
Website: compassion.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
If you are a nonprofit L&D pro, you know how to design learning experiences. You've got the experience. Yet, sometimes the trainings we spend time and money creating don't work.
And if you are a nonprofit leader, you want to ensure that what you spend valuable time and resources on works.
Over the years, I've spent a lot of time thinking about this issue, and that's why in this episode, we're exploring the reasons why so many trainings fail and how to avoid that outcome, because your mission depends on it.
▶️ Why So Many Trainings Fail
▶️ Key Points:
01:20 The reality of unsuccessful trainings
03:42 #1 Solving the wrong problem
06:12 #2 The scope is just too big
07:31 #3 Behavior change principles are missing
09:35 #4 The lack of wraparound support
10:16 #5 Not actually measuring anything meaningful
Resources from this episode:
Find the full Workplace Learning Report 2025 here.
Catch up with episode 132, Translating Behavior Science into L&D Strategy: Lessons from Top Experts, to avoid reason #3.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective Catalyst Tier before November to attend our group coaching session on this topic: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Empathy might be one of the most essential skills for learning designers, and there's no better place to learn it than design thinking. That's why, in this episode, I am joined by Sheryl Cababa, a design researcher and strategist, and the Chief Strategy Officer at Optimistic Design, to give us some insight into her process.
She clarifies what design thinking is and what it entails, how it can help us design better learning solutions and navigate stakeholders in the decision-making process, and three principles that will get you a level deeper in the analysis phase.
▶️ 3 Design Thinking Principles for Learning & Development Pros with Sheryl Cababa
▶️ Key Points:
03:37 How Sheryl is helping clients reimagine education with design
08:31 Design thinking or human-centered design in a nutshell
12:20 The significant benefits of using a design thinking approach in L&D
17:52 Understand everyone's incentives
19:42 Always center the end user in your work
20:45 Think about your most extreme users
24:28 Valuable resources to get started with design thinking
Resources from this episode:
Get Sheryl's book Closing the Loop: Systems Thinking For Designers.
For a toolkit with practical tips on applying human-centered design, access IDEO's Design Kit.
For a breakdown of what it means to do research around design and user experience, check out the book: Just Enough Research by Erika Hall.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Sheryl
LinkedIn: Sheryl Cababa
Website: optimistic.design
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Training is often the go-to solution in our nonprofits. But what if I told you that training isn't always the right solution?
In this episode, I discuss why jumping to solutions without first diagnosing the problem can be a bad idea, and I share some situations where training works well and others where a different solution is necessary.
▶️ When Training Works and When It Doesn't
▶️ Key Points:
01:20 Training may not be the right solution
02:27 What must always be the first step
03:49 Four good use cases for training
10:02 Five times when training doesn't work
12:11 Where you can learn to know when to use training
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective Catalyst Tier before November to attend our group coaching session on this topic: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
When we think of a high-performance team, we usually think of things like productivity, how much effort people are putting in, accountability, and higher outputs and profits. All that is important, but there is one other thing without which a team will never be high-performing.
In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Cox, a leadership mentor who equips women to build high-performance teams they trust. She shares what the missing piece is for your team, as well as practical strategies to implement this key ingredient and ensure your team's success.
▶️ Team Struggling to Meet Expectations? THIS is the Missing Piece with Ashley Cox
▶️ Key Points:
02:02 How Ashley's career started down an unexpected but welcome path
05:31 THE missing piece to building a high-performing team
09:12 The Triangle of Trust framework for high performance
11:16 Strategies for leaders to build trust in their team
16:07 Strategies for leaders to earn and maintain their team's trust
20:43 The value of having support as you work on building trust
22:46 Strategies to foster trust among team members
26:46 Signs that you succeeded in creating high trust in your team
30:55 The impact ripples of not building trust among your teams
33:48 Vulnerability isn't a weakness
Resources from this episode:
Learn more about Ashley's book, Transform Your Stories.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Guest
LinkedIn: Ashley Cox
Website: ashleycox.co
Podcast: The Impact Ripple
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Welcome to episode 150 of the Learning For Good podcast! Thank you, dear listener. This podcast has grown so much since 2022, and it's all because of you.
In this special episode, we are doing something a little different to celebrate: I'm going to be on the other side of the mic as my friend, fellow nonprofit consultant and community builder, Tasha Van Vlack, interviews me.
You'll get my story, my career journey, and what I see as the biggest setbacks and opportunities for nonprofit learning and development.
▶️ Key Points:
02:17 Meet today's special interviewer, Tasha Van Vlack, and her story
06:00 Heather's journey from unsure English major to nonprofit L&D consultant
11:40 The importance of creating learning experiences that are meaningful
12:26 What's behind creating change and turning learning into action
14:30 How the right training can save lives and where change happens
17:24 The one big trap in L&D that we don't talk enough about
21:12 How to measure whether or not a training resulted in real impact
27:58 The why behind the podcast and the Nonprofit L&D Collective
29:58 The valuable peer-led learning and conversations within the Collective
32:51 Helping people do the most good in a way that feels good
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Tasha
LinkedIn: Tasha Van Vlack
Website: communityhives.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
How can we create a high-performance culture that benefits not just the organization, but also the individuals in it? In this episode, I sit down with Brett Myles, leadership coach and Founder of LeadWell, and we dive deep into how to create a culture that will support all parts of the organization.
By the end of this episode, you'll have new tools to help you navigate conflict, help leaders and teams better lead themselves, and create a culture where people feel known, seen, and valued, there's joy in the work, and a mission and vision everyone can get behind.
▶️ Key Ingredients in a High-Performance Culture with Brett Myles
▶️ Key Points:
02:46 How Brett's journey led him to start his leadership coaching business
11:01 Who LeadWell has been serving
12:01 Culture and the changing approach to high performance
17:55 Three key ingredients of a high-performance culture
22:01 The critical role of leaders and what makes a good one
26:15 How to set yourself up for success when it comes to navigating conflict
32:49 What leadership is all about and the need to approach it as a system
Resources from this episode:
Get to know yourself better with the 5 Voices Assessment Brett mentions.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Brett
LinkedIn: Brett Myles
Website: letsleadwell.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Designing a learning experience for the average learner is a thing of the past, we must now design for everyone. So, in this episode of Learning for Good, I am joined by accessibility expert Dr. Nicole L'Etoile. We're diving deep into how we can design learning strategies in our organizations that work for ALL learners.
You'll understand why accessibility is a foundational part of L&D, discover barriers your learners might be facing, and learn how to start being more inclusive today.
▶️ 8 Major Accessibility Insights for Your Nonprofit Learning Strategy with Nicole L'Etoile
▶️ Key Points:
01:20 What it feels like when accessibility and inclusion are missing
03:38 Meet Nicole L'Etoile and her path to accessibility work
07:30 Why accessibility is important for nonprofit L&D leaders
09:41 Two examples of barriers that learners might be facing
13:29 Steps for more inclusive and accessible design
16:33 The most common accessibility shortcomings found in audits
20:34 A sneak peek into our upcoming webinar: Roadmap to Accessibility
23:14 First steps you can take now toward accessibility
Resources from this episode:
Join our Roadmap to Accessibility: How to Shift Mindsets, Culture, and Workflows webinar on September 23, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Central Time.
Learn more about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Check out Nicole L'Etoile's Making Online Content Accessible For All Course.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Guest
LinkedIn: Nicole L'Etoile
Website: letoile-education.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In this episode of Learning for Good, we’re exploring how nonprofit leaders can take actionable steps to maintain performance and build capacity even during stressful seasons. If your team is feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck in reactive mode, this episode offers timely advice rooted in real-world nonprofit experience.
▶️ Stretched Thin? Three Capacity Building Strategies Every Nonprofit Leader Can Use Today
▶️ Key Points:
01:20 Stress is impacting your nonprofit more than you think
02:50 Three capacity building strategies in times of stress
07:44 What these capacity building strategies can do for your organization
Resources from this episode:
Episode 140: Building a Learning Strategy to Support Your Succession Plan with Naomi Hattaway
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Get ready to change the way you think about designing training scenarios in this episode of Learning for Good. I have used scenarios myself, and I really do think this is a skillset that we all need to get better at because scenarios are such a helpful tool in learning. That's why today I'm talking to Srividya Kumar, a learning design leader and co-founder of Learnnovators.
She makes designing scenarios approachable and shares what we need to know to create training scenarios that truly engage and allow the learner to navigate the situation and learn from their own decisions and judgments.
Whether you're just starting out with scenario design or you have some experience under your belt, this episode will give you the tools you need to up your scenario-based training game.
▶️ How to Design Realistic Training Scenarios that Actually Work with Srividya Kumar
▶️ Key Points:
03:07 Srividya's career in L&D and her passion for learning design
05:59 Defining what a training scenario is
07:45 When scenarios are helpful and when they're not
11:01 How to create scenarios that are realistic and relevant
18:12 Four things to avoid when creating scenarios
20:36 What brings scenarios to life and what gets in the way
25:42 Expert advice for those starting out with scenario design
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Srividya
LinkedIn: Srividya Kumar
Website: learnnovators.com
Podcast: The Learning+ Podcast
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Creating a strong learning culture is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity for nonprofit leadership development and sustainable mission impact. In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach and author Yogi Mueller to explore how nonprofits can foster curiosity, promote vulnerability, and embed learning into their everyday operations.
Whether you're facing high turnover, stagnant performance, or disengaged teams, building a learning culture can be the catalyst for change.
▶️ How to Make Learning Part of Your Nonprofit's DNA with Yogi Mueller
▶️ Key Points:
[03:14] Introducing Yogi Mueller and his leadership journey
[06:01] Defining a learning culture
[09:25] Creating a desire to learn
[12:26] Building a strategic learning culture from the top down and bottom up
[19:25] Shifting leader mindsets around learning
[22:28] The challenges organizations face when building a learning culture
[27:43] Advice for L&D professionals building learning cultures
Resources from this episode:
The Great Slapping: The Power of Mentorship by Yogi Mueller
Episode 103: 5 Low Cost Leadership Development Activities
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Yogi
LinkedIn: Yogi Mueller
Website: craftleadership.net
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Are your nonprofit’s people managers equipped to lead with clarity and confidence, or just left to figure it out on their own?
In this episode, I take a deep dive into how to develop nonprofit people managers using proven learning and development strategies. With a focus on building leadership through competency models, coaching, enablement, and accountability, you’ll discover how to build confident, capable staff who can lead, not just execute.
▶️ Key Points:
02:58 Identifying competencies with a needs analysis
06:51 Training options
09:05 The role of coaching in nonprofit leadership development
10:59 Enablement & accountability
12:40 Preventing burnout
14:05 Planning for staff transitions
Resources:
Workshop: How to Diagnose Learning Needs That Drive Action
- August 6, 11:00–12:30 CT, Zoom
- $49 (free for Nonprofit L&D Collective Catalysts)
Needs Analysis Episodes:
- 129: Designing for Behavior Change? Your Training Needs Analysis Blueprint
- 128: Three Ways to Identify Training Audience Needs
- 89: One Needs Analysis Method That Can Improve Your Nonprofit Training
109: How to Develop Your People Managers with Off-the-Shelf Courses & Customized Conversations
105: 5 Keys to Great Nonprofit Leadership
133: The Surprising Power of Cross-Sector Coaching with Bob Tiede
120: People Manager Development: How to Transfer Skills Beyond the Classroom with Kamaria Scott
118: How to Create Belonging and Connection at Work with Abigail Finck
140: The Role of L&D in Succession Planning with Naomi Hattaway
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In this episode of Learning for Good, we explore how nonprofit leaders can navigate the complexities of global teams with guest Dr. Lori Beyar, Global VP of Strategy & Organizational Development at Cru. If your nonprofit is scaling across borders, or even just managing diverse teams, you’ll want to hear this conversation on nonprofit leadership development, building trust, and creating high-performing multicultural teams.
We dive deep into how to build a foundation for consistent performance across teams by cultivating awareness, acceptance, and appreciation.
▶️ Leading Across Borders? How to Build High-Performing Nonprofit Teams Anywhere in the World
▶️ Key Points:
01:20 Miscommunication at work often starts with mismatched expectations
03:18 Meet Dr. Lori Beyar and her global leadership development work
05:52 Lori’s unexpected path to executive coaching
08:35 Key principles for building trust across cultures
12:30 The 3 A’s: Awareness, Acceptance, Appreciation
21:08 Identifying the difference between the result and the path to result
26:05 Advice for nonprofit leaders working across cultures
Resources from this episode:
The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Lori
LinkedIn: Dr. Lori Beyar
Website: cru.org
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Nonprofit leadership development hinges on the ability to bring people together while still moving projects forward. In this episode of Learning for Good, I dive into how inclusive decision making can elevate your training and leadership initiatives without stalling progress.
Using real-life examples, I share ten practical strategies to lead collaborative projects while staying focused on outcomes. You’ll learn how to clarify roles, create psychological safety, and ensure that every voice is heard, especially when implementing learning and development strategies across teams.
▶️ Collaboration Without Chaos: 10 Inclusive Decision Making Practices for Nonprofit Leaders
▶️ Key Points:
[01:20] How working with nonprofits differs from working with other industries
[01:55] The challenges of collaboration
[02:53] 10 Ways to facilitate inclusive decision making in learning and leadership development projects.
Resources from this episode:
Episode 95: 5 Things to Include in Your Training Project Kickoff
Episode 126: How to Conduct a Training Project Debrief
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
When nonprofits scale programs too quickly without the right foundation, teams experience burnout, confusion, and inconsistent outcomes. In this episode of Learning for Good, I unpack the role of learning and development strategies in sustainable growth - and why scaling success starts with your people, not just your program.
You’ll learn how to build infrastructure and clarity, develop staff capacity through behavior-based training, and ensure long-term success through continuous improvement strategies.
▶️ Scale Smarter, Not Harder: A Better Way to Grow Nonprofit Programs
▶️ Key Points:
01:19 Common breakdowns in scaling nonprofit programs
03:56 Why clarity is the foundation of effective scaling
05:01 What capacity really means and why training is key
07:55 Continuous improvement through data and communication
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Succession planning may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about nonprofit leadership development, but it should be. In this episode, I sit down with transition strategist Naomi Hattaway to explore what it really takes to ensure leadership continuity and why it's a core part of any learning and development strategy.
With executive turnover on the rise and funding environments shifting, organizations can’t afford to leave leadership transitions to chance. Succession planning supports not only operational stability but also employee trust, team morale, and long-term mission impact.
▶️ Not Just an HR Problem: The Role of L&D in Succession Planning
▶️ Key Points:
01:20 Why turnover hurts mission impact
03:20 Naomi’s background, career journey, and how she got into succession planning
09:05 What succession planning really means for nonprofits
11:27 How succession planning aligns with learning and development
15:00 Tips for integrating L&D with your succession plan
17:03 Questions L&D leaders can ask to influence succession conversations
21:28 Proactive steps and final advice for nonprofit teams
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Naomi
LinkedIn: Naomi Hattaway
Website: naomihattaway.com
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
If training alone isn't moving the needle, it’s time to bring coaching into the equation. In this episode, I share how nonprofit leaders can use three simple yet powerful coaching questions to drive behavior change and improve staff performance, without micromanaging.
You’ll discover why traditional training isn’t always enough and how coaching can help build autonomy and accountability. These coaching questions are rooted in the Situation-Behavior-Impact framework for feedback and can be taught to people managers or used with external partners.
▶️ Stop (only) Training. Start Coaching. How to Improve Staff Performance
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 Coaching vs. directive management
02:35 Why training alone isn't enough
03:47 Three coaching questions to improve staff performance
06:55 The bonus question that unlocks ownership
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Creating meaningful change through staff training and development in a nonprofit can feel overwhelming, especially when you're the only one driving it. In this episode, I talk with Jamie Bussey, Senior Director of Learning and Development at the National Audubon Society.
Jamie joined Audubon as a team of one, inheriting a blank slate and a whole lot of opportunity. She shares how she used a needs assessment to guide her strategy, implemented scalable solutions like a learning management system and coaching programs, and launched a comprehensive people manager training called "Leading the Flock."
▶️ Leading Change and Navigating Challenges as a New L&D Leader with Jamie Bussey
▶️ Key Points:
03:14 Jamie's career journey from journalism to nonprofit L&D
05:19 Starting L&D from scratch: challenges and early wins
09:56 Designing “Leading the Flock” for people managers
14:46 Creating a robust training program
17:02 Overcoming resistance and building credibility
21:54 Advice for L&D leaders starting from scratch in a nonprofit
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Jamie
Linkedin: Jamie Bussey
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Improving staff accountability doesn’t always require a training program. In fact, some of the most effective strategies for nonprofit leadership development and team performance don’t involve training at all. In this episode of Learning for Good, I share three powerful non-training solutions to boost accountability, enhance team culture, and drive consistent performance across teams.
Whether you're facing missed deadlines, inconsistent follow-through, or simply want to elevate your team’s effectiveness, this episode offers actionable ideas built on workplace behavior change strategies and rooted in the psychology of habit formation.
▶️ Three Non-Training Solutions that Improve Staff Accountability
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 Why accountability is essential for high-performing nonprofit teams
02:50 Three non-training solutions that can improve staff accountability
05:50 How these non-training solutions support behavior change and habit formation
07:44 Why training alone won’t solve performance challenges
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Are you curious about what a career in nonprofit Learning and Development looks like across different types of organizations? In this episode of Learning for Good, we explore the real-life journeys of two nonprofit L&D leaders - Eric Wu, formerly of Northwestern University, and Matt Tod of Plan International Canada.
You’ll get an inside look at what Learning and Development roles actually look like in two very different nonprofit settings and honest advice if you’re looking to make the transition into nonprofit L&D.
▶️ Want to Work in Nonprofit L&D? Here’s What You Should Know
▶️ Key Points:
04:54 Introduction to Eric Wu and his background in university-based talent development
11:11 Key L&D initiatives at Northwestern University
19:40 Eric’s transition from corporate to nonprofit talent development
25:33 Advice for people looking to transition into L&D or the nonprofit sector
34:30 Meet Matt Tod from Plan International Canada
39:27 Structuring L&D across global nonprofit teams
47:00 Building an internal learning culture
50:47 Matt’s journey to L&D
57:33 Career advice for transitioning into nonprofit L&D
Resources from this episode:
Listen to Nadra Dennis and Jaimie Hoffman’s career conversations in episode 130: Nonprofit Learning & Development: What Is It Really Like?
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Eric and Matt
Linkedin: Eric Wu & Matt Tod
Websites: northwestern.edu & plancanada.ca
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Employees spend 42% of their time collaborating with others. That’s almost half of their time. But are they any good at it? Or are there challenges around collaboration?
And if there are challenges, what can we do about them?
Most people would say collaboration is important for their work, but we're less likely to do it when it feels challenging. And when there's conflict, we're less likely to do it then, too. Can training help? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode.
▶️ How Training Can Improve Collaboration in Your Nonprofit
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 Collaboration in the workplace
02:02 Building a good foundation for collaboration through training
04:43 Building collaboration skills through internal training
05:31 Nonprofit collaboration training example
Resources from this episode:
2023 Global Workplace Survey from the Gensler Research Institute: https://f.tlcollect.com/fr2/723/96308/global-workplace-survey-comparison-2023.pdf
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
What does it mean to be a good partner in Learning and Development? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode, but we’re doing it from the truest sense of the word partner.
I think one of the biggest mistakes we make is that we focus on the actions we need to take to be a good partner. And while actions are important, I don't want a list of actions today. I want us to look at the attributes or the characteristics of being a good partner.
▶️ Being a Strategic Learning Partner & The Biggest Mistake You're Making
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The importance of being a good partner
04:45 The characteristics of being a good partner
07:05 Our goal in L&D
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
All too often, new managers have no training, peer group, or support. Then, when they fail or burnout, we say they weren’t management material. We can and we should do more to support new managers.
When Cru, a faith-based nonprofit, faced this exact challenge, they decided to offer a coaching program to their emerging leaders. This coaching program would bring in business leaders from outside their organization and engage them as coaches, creating cross-sector support, cross-sector relationships, and cross-sector sharing.
Bob Tiede, who helped start this program over 20 years ago, is joining me to share how this program works and what benefits they've seen in their organization.
▶️ Cross-Sector Coaching: Enhancing Nonprofit Leadership Development Strategies
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The challenges new managers face
03:11 Bob’s career journey
09:03 About Cru
10:56 The start of Cru’s cross-sector coaching program for emerging leaders
19:17 The value of cross-sector coaches
23:52 Recruiting cross-sector coaches
26:36 The benefits of a cross-sector coaching program
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Bob
Linkedin: Bob Tiede
Website: cru.org & leadingwithquestions.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
When we create learning solutions, what we really want is to create a new behavior or change behavior in some way. So, what does it take to create a new behavior?
On this episode of Learning for Good, I’m sharing lessons from behavior change experts Charles Duhigg, James Clear, and BJ Fogg. Then, I’m going to take those behavior change lessons and translate them into workplace learning.
▶️ Translating Behavior Science into L&D Strategy: Lessons from Top Experts
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The challenges of creating a new behavior
02:59 Behavior change lessons from Charles Duhigg, James Clear, and BJ Fogg
06:07 Applying behavior change principles to workplace learning
Resources from this episode:
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Our world is constantly evolving, and because of that, our experiences across generations are different. Because our experiences are different, our perspectives are different, and because our perspectives are different, our actions are also different. All of those experiences, perspectives, and actions impact our workplaces, which is why L&D needs to get to know our audiences.
In this episode, I've invited Kat Landa to talk to us about generational differences in the workplace.
Kat is the senior vice president of talent solutions at Dickerson Bakker and brings 22 years of nonprofit fundraising and marketing experience to her work.
▶️ Working across Generations? Three Things L&D Needs to Know with Kat Landa
▶️ Key Points:
04:11 Kat’s nonprofit career journey and focus on generational differences in the workplace
10:42 The generations currently in the workforce
12:33 Understanding the Traditionalist Generation in the workforce
17:05 Understanding baby boomers in the workforce
19:46 Understanding Gen X in the workforce
21:42 Understanding millennials in the workforce
24:02 Understanding Gen Z in the workforce
27:25 The impact of generational differences on Learning and Development
Resources from this episode:
For further reading, take a look at these resources:
- https://www.purdueglobal.edu/education-partnerships/generational-workforce-differences-infographic/
- https://ifmahouston.org/downloads/Meeting_Presentations/generationaldifferenceschart.pdf
- https://www.copc.com/navigating-generational-differences-in-the-workplace/
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Kat
Linkedin: Kat Landa
Website: katlanda.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
I often get questions about working in nonprofit, so I launched Career Conversations - a series of LinkedIn Live conversations with people currently in nonprofit L&D roles. We are talking about their organizations, teams, and personal career journeys.
Today, I’m bringing two of these conversations to you. We’re hearing from Nadra Dennis, the learning and talent development director at the Center for Employment Opportunities, and Dr. Jaimie Hoffman, the senior director of learning and development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
▶️ Key Points:
02:22 Career Conversations series
05:16 Intro to Nadra Dennis and the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)
09:03 L&D at the CEO
15:56 Nadra’s career journey and interest in nonprofit
22:16 Advice from Nadra for transitioning into L&D or nonprofit
30:05 Intro to Dr. J. Hoffman and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
39:09 L&D at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
50:08 Jaimie’s career journey and interest in nonprofit
59:38 Advice from Jaimie for transitioning into L&D or nonprofit
Resources from this episode:
E117: How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact in a Federated Nonprofit or Membership Association
Become a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters: https://www.bbbs.org/bebignow/
Performance-Focused Learner Survey by Will Thalheimer
Telling Ain't Training by Harold Stolovitch and Erica Keeps
Training Ain't Performance by Harold Stolovitch and Erica Keeps
Pivoting Out of Edu Podcast
Connect with Nadra and Jaimie
Linkedin: Nadra Dennis
Linkedin: Jaimie Hoffman
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Understanding your training audience may be the best thing you can do as an instructional designer. Yet, many of us have never been taught how to conduct a training needs analysis.
On this episode of Learning for Good, I want to talk about what you should be learning about your audience. What do you actually need to know? Tune in to find out.
▶️ If You've Never Conducted a Training Needs Analysis, Listen to This
▶️ Key Points:
02:11 Understanding your training audience to intentionally design for behavior change
04:35 Five things to learn about your training audience
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In L&D, when we are approached with a training request, it's our job to do a little research for ourselves about training audience needs.
Often, the time you have to do this research is limited. Your capacity and the capacity of your subject matter expert is limited, and you may not even feel like you have the expertise to do the analysis. So how can you validate the audience's needs with limited time, capacity, and expertise?
On this episode, I’m sharing three ways you can identify training audience needs.
▶️ 3 Ways to Identify Training Audience Needs
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The need for a training needs assessment
01:34 Identifying training audience needs at a micro versus macro level
03:04 3 Ways to identify training audience needs
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
The fear of failure impacts our learners’ ability to learn, so we need to help them move to a growth mindset. A growth mindset is a place where it's okay to try new things, fail, and continue to show up and be persistent even in the face of failure.
For this episode, I've invited certified professional coach, consultant, and learning facilitator Kim Andrews to talk about the growth mindset. I want us to think about how we help our learners learn and strengthen nonprofit leadership. The growth mindset is a great place to start.
▶️ How to Help Your Learners Learn | Fixed vs. Growth Mindset with Kim Andrews
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The impact of fear and limiting beliefs on learning
02:26 Kim’s background and career journey in education and learning
09:29 Defining a fixed mindset and a growth mindset
11:26 How fixed and growth mindsets show up in learners and impact their ability to learn
15:49 Fluctuating between a fixed and growth mindset
17:20 How to help learners move from a fixed to a growth mindset
23:19 Breakthrough moments using growth mindset techniques
Resources from this episode:
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Kim
Linkedin: Kim Andrews
Website: kimandrewscoaching.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Do you take the time to intentionally reflect after a training project ends? Reflection is powerful and it's something we often do, but it's not something we often do with intentionality.
That’s why on this episode of Learning for Good, I want to share the seven steps I follow each time I close out a training project and why they set you up for success later. This training project debrief is really a time of reflection.
▶️ How to Conduct a Training Project Debrief
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The power of reflection
03:05 The value of a training project debrief
03:52 How to conduct a training project debrief
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
If you are looking to transition to L&D, your experience matters! Volunteering can help you fill in the gaps. This is exactly what Dr. Ashley Dugger is here to talk about.
Ashley engages volunteers in her organization to help increase the capacity of her team. It also gives those volunteers a chance to deepen their skills in instructional design.
So whether you're a small L&D team looking to expand the capacity of your team by using volunteers, or if you're someone who's looking to transfer to the field of L&D, this episode is for you.
▶️ Small L&D Team? How One Nonprofit University Uses Volunteers to Increase their Capacity with Ashley Dugger
▶️ Key Points:
02:16 Dr. Ashley Dugger’s background in L&D and HR
08:19 How the L&D team at Bucknell University engages volunteers
15:38 The benefits of volunteering
18:53 How to manage volunteers
21:07 Filling gaps in your resume through volunteering
25:06 Tips for L&D teams seeking volunteers
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Ashley
LinkedIn: Ashley Dugger
Connect with Heather
LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
In this episode, I want to share my 4-step process to write better learning objectives.
What do I mean by better?
This is not a lesson on making them SMART (specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely) though that is important. This is about the actual process I go through when writing objectives. This thought process is what gets me to action-oriented, performance-related objectives that drive behavior change.
▶️ My 4-Step Process to Write Better Learning Objectives
▶️ Key Points:
02:15 What it means to write better learning objectives
03:13 My 4-step process to write better learning objectives
06:52 Collaboration with subject matter experts
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Are your learners bored?
So often our training audience attends training that isn't relevant or engaging, contains so much extra information they feel lost, or the included scenarios make no sense for them and their role.
Context is one of the most important things in creating effective learning. That’s why in this episode, I want us to explore learner personas. What are they? Why are they important? And how do we build them?
▶️ Are Your Learners Bored? How Building a Learner Persona Can Help.
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The value of context for creating effective learning experiences
03:54 What learner personas are and why they are important
05:20 How to create learner personas
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
What’s the value of an outside perspective?
An outside perspective will help you be more consistent, improve your awareness and confidence, and accelerate your career because they can see the things you can't. This is true in all areas of life, including your career.
That’s why on today’s episode, I'm talking to self-proclaimed nonprofit nerd, Jarrett Ransom, about how to create a personal board of directors to help you thrive in your career.
Jarrett established her consulting firm in 2009 and under her guidance, teams nationwide consistently raise millions of dollars annually to advance their missions.
▶️ How Building Your Personal Board of Directors Will Enhance Your Career with Jarrett Ransom
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The value of an outside perspective
04:23 Jarrett’s career journey and the people who have supported her
10:22 The benefits of having a personal board of directors
12:43 The types of people to include on your board
15:47 How to invite someone onto your personal board of directors
21:17 Identifying the people in your life to include on your personal board of directors
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Jarrett
LinkedIn: Jarrett Ransom
Website: therayvangroup.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
A lot of what we do in Learning and Development is not life and death. We often have the freedom to experiment with new ideas in our nonprofit training and while we want the best possible outcome, we can feel safe to fail.
This is not the case in every industry.
In this episode I want us to take some time to learn from another industry - the aviation industry - with leadership development expert Craig Coyle. Craig is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and a former U.S. Army Apache pilot.
▶️ Applying Aviation Leadership Principles to Nonprofit Development with Craig Coyle
▶️ Key Points:
02:53 Craig’s background: From Apache pilot to leadership development expert
06:57 Why two-thirds of new leaders fail
10:52 A three-part system for leadership development from the aviation industry
15:08 Implementing strategic leadership development
18:13 The value of a quick win for a new leader
Resources from this episode:
The Leader’s Preflight Checklist: https://operationlead.com/checklist/
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Craig
Linkedin: Craig Coyle
Website: operationlead.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
People managers have a hard job. They have to set goals, manage resources, support real humans who are not always easy to support, and keep everything moving on time and within budget so the organization can meet its goals.
That’s why I’ve invited Kamaria Scott, an I/O psychologist focused on people manager development and enablement, to join me on this episode. She’s sharing how you can improve the health of your organization by investing in your people managers.
▶️ Enhancing Nonprofit Health via People Manager Development with Kamaria Scott
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The role of a people manager
04:18 Kamaria Scott’s background and career journey
11:04 Defining people manager development and enablement
15:24 Challenges nonprofits face with their people managers
19:51 Solutions for effective nonprofit people manager support
23:42 Evidence-based leadership
28:21 The first step to investing in your nonprofit’s people leaders
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Kamaria
Linkedin: Kamaria Scott
Website: eneticlps.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
We know the impact a good mentor can have. Yet, according to a Forbes article, only 37% of professionals have a mentor. This means there are still many people out there who aren't benefiting from this type of relationship.
How do we know when to create a mentoring program? And if we look at the needs and determine we should create one, how do we create the buy-in we need for it? That’s what we’re exploring today with L&D expert, Neil Cunningham.
▶️ The Business Case for Mentoring - What's the Value? with Neil Cunningham
▶️ Key Points:
01:50 Neil’s career journey in Learning and Development
05:26 The Learning Network
06:31 The difference between mentoring and coaching
08:39 Identifying when an organization needs a mentoring program
11:44 The benefits of mentoring programs
13:52 The business case for mentoring
16:01 Common objections to mentoring programs and how to overcome them
Resources from this episode:
Find out more about The Learning Network: thelearning-network.org
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Neil Cunningham
Linkedin: Neil Cunningham
Website: alignlearndo.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
While work may never be the top place you feel belonging, it can be a place where you can be yourself, where you can feel safe, and where you can feel connected to your work and team.
However, this doesn’t happen organically, we have to work to create a space like this.
That’s why in this episode, leadership and mindset coach Abigail Finck is sharing the Belonging Blueprint - a tested method for creating connection among your teams. **▶️ The Belonging Blueprint: How to Create Connection among Your Teams with Abigail Finck
▶️ Key Points:00:58 What does it mean to belong?
02:36 Introducing leadership and mindset coach Abigail Finck
08:10 The importance of belonging in the workplace
10:46 The Belonging Blueprint
16:45 The challenges teams face in creating connection and belonging at work
21:47 Real results from individuals and teams who have embraced creating connection at work
27:52 How to create connection and belonging at work as a nonprofit person Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with AbigailLinkedin: Abigail Finck
Website: abigailfinckcoaching.com Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Measuring behavior change and impact is hard in most organizations, but add the complexities of federated nonprofit organizations or membership associations, and it suddenly feels impossible.
In this episode, I’m exploring why measuring behavior change and impact is so hard in these organizations and I’m sharing some creative ideas to measure them anyway. **▶️ How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact in a Federated Nonprofit or Membership Association
▶️ Key Points:01:38 Why measuring behavior change and impact is hard in a federated nonprofit or membership association
03:06 Creating effective learning experiences
04:39 Measuring the success of your learning experience in a federated nonprofit or membership association Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Creating behavior change is no easy task. So when Rebecca Kelley of Waterford.org approached me about a change she wanted to facilitate in one of her teams, I knew we had a lot of work to do.
Today’s episode is a case study of sorts - we're taking a closer look at how my team at Skill Masters Market partnered with Rebecca's team at Waterford to address their unique needs.
Rebecca is a skilled executive and as Waterford's Executive Vice President of Advocacy, she is responsible for advancing Waterford's mission and growth within philanthropic, government, and public spheres. **▶️ Using a Blended, Cohort Training Model to Create Behavior Change with Nonprofit Leader Rebecca Kelley
▶️ Key Points:**01:43 Rebecca’s background and career journey
03:50 Waterford’s mission and work
08:06 Taking a collective impact approach to support nonprofit scaling
12:00 Building a robust learning program to create behavior change
18:16 The long term impact of a robust learning program
Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with RebeccaLinkedin: Rebecca Kelley
Website: waterford.org Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
I feel strongly that you don't need a formal education in adult learning to be a good instructional designer. But I do think instructional designers have to be open to learning new things.
I’ve learned a lot over my 20 year career in Learning and Development and in this episode, I’m sharing three of my most valuable lessons. **▶️ I'm 20 Years into My Career. If You're New to L&D, Listen to This.
▶️ Key Points:00:58 The education needed to be a good instructional designer
02:18 My Learning and Development career
05:59 Three essential lessons from my Learning and Development career Resources from this episode:Episode 69: The Impact of Effective Nonprofit Training Programs
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Boundaries, coping skills, conflict resolution, empathy, mental health, and self-care are skills we all need in life, and the nonprofit Un/Do Mindset is on a mission to make sure everyone has them.
They're working to build a more resilient and compassionate society and I think we need more of that in the workplace too. That’s why I invited the founder and executive director, Erin Harris, to join me on this episode. She’s sharing how Un/Do Mindset is improving emotional intelligence through training. **▶️ How One Nonprofit Improves Emotional Intelligence through Training with Erin Harris
▶️ Key Points:01:47 Erin’s journey improving emotional intelligence in children
05:26 Why emotional intelligence matters
11:06 Understanding your brain and your broad spectrum of emotions
16:38 How to build emotional Intelligence through training
20:02 The results of incorporating emotional intelligence into training
24:17 Where to start with emotional intelligence Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with ErinLinkedin: Erin Harris
Website: undomindset.com Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
People with goals are 10 times more likely to succeed. That’s the kind of momentum I want as I head into 2025.
I've worked with others to set goals for years. I've coached people through career transitions. And I've led project teams with a specific goal in mind so I know how important a goal can be.
In this episode, I’m bringing you some recommendations for setting better goals so you can gain that momentum as you set out to achieve the things you want in 2025. **▶️ Setting Values-Based Goals for 2025
▶️ Key Points:00:58 The impact of setting goals
02:17 What to do before you start setting goals
08:25 How to set your goals for 2025 Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
The number one priority for HR leaders in 2025 is leader and manager development and yet, only 36% of organizations with leadership development programs think they work. Organizations are spending money and prioritizing leadership development but they aren't seeing the results.
So what’s missing?
New manager expert, Eric Girard is joining me on this episode to share two essential skills your people managers need, but probably don’t have. **▶️ Two Skills Your People Managers Need But Probably Don't Have with Eric Girard
▶️ Key Points:04:27 Eric’s journey to new manager development
07:48 The challenge new managers face
10:37 Leading with empathy
13:16 How to invest in your people managers
15:25 If you can only develop two skills, focus on these
17:37 The value of coaching Resources from this episode:Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers by Eric Girard
The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with EricLinkedIn: Eric Girard
Website: girardtrainingsolutions.com
Podcast: Management Development Unlocked Connect with Heather**LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Stories help us learn and engage us on an emotional level. But one of the more challenging parts of using stories is finding the right visuals to go with them. That’s where AI comes in.
I personally have not used AI to create visual stories, that’s why I invited Dr. Nicholas Leonard to be my guest. Nicholas’s passion is at the intersection of AI and learning and on this episode, he’s sharing how to use AI to create persuasive, visual stories in our training. **▶️ Using AI to Create Persuasive, Visual Stories for Your Training with Nicholas Leonard
▶️ Key Points:03:05 Nicholas’s career journey - combining art, education, technology, and corporate learning
08:09 How visual stories support learning
11:15 Using AI to find the right visuals for your training
15:59 Four steps to create training visuals with AI
24:53 Considerations before using AI to create visuals Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with NicholasLinkedIn: Nicholas Leonard
Website: leonardlxd.com Connect with Heather**LinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Peer learning is a great technique to use in your training programs because it encourages active participation and networking, ensures diverse perspectives are shared and considered, encourages social and collaborative skills, and so much more.
That’s why on this episode, I’m sharing five ways you can incorporate peer learning into your nonprofit's learning strategy. **▶️ 5 Ways to Incorporate Peer Learning into Your Nonprofit's Learning Strategy
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Should you add peer learning to your training programs?
03:01 The benefits of peer learning
04:16 Five ways you can incorporate peer learning into your nonprofit's learning strategy Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Providing off-the-shelf courses is a common approach to training and development. But one of the limitations is the lack of context which is often needed to make the training relevant and meaningful.
When I heard about Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and how they were combining off-the-shelf courses with more contextualized learning, I knew I wanted to bring this case study to you.
Is it possible to combine off-the-shelf learning with tailored content? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode with Alberto Garcia, a rising L&D professional. **▶️ Developing Your People Managers with Off-the-Shelf Courses + Customized Conversations. An Inside Look at One Nonprofit's Approach with Alberto Garcia
▶️ Key Points:02:59 Alberto’s career - from teaching high school history to human resource development
05:39 Learning and Development at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
08:39 Developing people managers with off-the-shelf training
10:29 Identifying the needs of your people managers
15:22 Tailoring off-the-shelf training to your people managers Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with AlbertoLinkedIn: Alberto Garcia
Website: imgh.org Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Working with subject matter experts can be a great experience, but it can also be challenging. They don't always understand Learning and Development, they may have competing priorities that take them away from your project, and sometimes they think that they don't really need you.
That’s why, in this episode, I’m sharing how you can turn your subject matter expert into your biggest asset. **▶️ Turn Your Subject Matter Expert into Your Biggest Asset with This Approach
▶️ Key Points:00:58 The challenges of working with a subject matter expert in L&D
02:36 Navigating relationships with subject matter experts
03:42 3 Ways to make working with your subject matter experts a success Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Is training a change project? My vote is almost always YES. Training is often either being used to drive a change or it's being offered as the result of a change.
Why does that matter?
70% of organizational changes fail and L&D has a role to play in this. That’s why in this episode I’m exploring how we, as L&D, can use change management principles to improve the chances of success in training and organizational change.
▶️ How to Use Change Management Principles to Improve Training Project Success
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 Training as a change project
02:52 Change management principles
03:58 Translating change management principles to L&D
Resources from this episode:
Take a look at my past episodes on individual and organizational change:
- Episode 104: You Need Social Influence to Achieve Behavior Change. Here's How to Create It.
- Episode 84: Why Change Initiatives Fail? Should L&D Be Involved in Change Management?
- Episode 31: Staff Not Ready to Change? This One Practice Creates Buy-In for Staff Development
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Most people form a first impression in just a tenth of a second, and there’s no second chances. So, what is your nonprofit's first impression? When you hire a new staff person, what do they think or feel? It's worth asking the question, and it's worth investing in making that first impression a good one.
That’s why, on today’s episode, I‘m sharing three practical ways you can improve your nonprofit's onboarding process and create a great first impression.
▶️ Three Practical Tips to Improve Your Nonprofit's Onboarding Process
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 Creating a great first impression with your onboarding process
02:20 Why a good onboarding process is so important
02:58 Three tips to improve your nonprofit’s onboarding process
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
50% of leaders will fail. Even those who were once successful often eventually fail. Leadership failure comes with significant cost. You have to recruit, hire, and onboard a new leader and employees may have left or stopped performing under the old leader.
So why do leaders fail? And how can we in L&D support them so they don't? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode. **▶️ Want Better Leaders? Five Ways to Get Them.
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Leadership failure
02:10 Why leaders fail
02:30 5 Things nonprofits can do to support their leaders’ success Resources from this episode:Well-being Episodes:
▶️ Episode 80: How to Add Well-Being to Your People Strategy
▶️ Episode 67: A Well-Being Approach to Leadership Development
▶️ Episode 38: Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari
▶️ Episode 30: Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
70% of organizational changes fail. I feel strongly that almost every training project is a change project. So, how do we successfully facilitate change?
One essential element is social influence.
We have to create the environment and the relationships to help our audience create and sustain the change. But how do we do that? I'm sharing five ways to use social influence to facilitate behavior change in this episode.
▶️ You Need Social Influence to Achieve Behavior Change. Here's How to Create It.
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 Why most changes fail
03:00 Getting clear on the change you are trying to make
04:09 5 Ways to use social influence to facilitate behavior change
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
I often hear from nonprofit L&D leaders about the challenges they face with constrained budgets. And I feel their pain. I know so many of you are working with small teams and few resources. But leadership development activities don’t have to be expensive and you don’t have to let a constrained budget keep you from developing your leaders.
That’s why, on this episode, I’m sharing five low to no cost ideas for leadership development. **▶️ Five Low Cost Leadership Development Activities
▶️ Key Points:**00:58 The cycle of learning
03:16 Training on a budget
05:16 Five easy low to no cost leadership development activities
Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
You spend months working hard on a training only to launch it and hear crickets. If you can't mandate people take that training, what do you do?
This is where marketing comes in.
Marketing is a pretty different skill set than what most L&D teams have. And your marketing team may not have the capacity to support you with each new training. That’s why nonprofit L&D teams need email marketing.
That’s what we’re exploring in this episode with marketing expert Julie Nichols. **▶️ Your L&D Team Needs Email Marketing. Expert Julie Nichols Shares Where to Start.
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why L&D teams need email marketing
07:20 The value of email marketing for L&D
10:53 How your L&D team can get started with email marketing
15:21 How to impact your target audience
18:29 Email marketing resources for L&D teams Resources from this episode:**
The marketing resources Julie recommends:
- Liz Wilcox’s email marketing membership
- Amy Porterfield
- The Lead Magnets Podcast
- The HubSpot Academy
- Julie’s Brand Strategy Online Course
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective:https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with JulieLinkedin: Julie Nichols
Website: julienicholsmarketing.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
I see a lot of L&D job descriptions and they usually include things like communication skills, project management skills, knowledge of learning design principles, and more. And while these are skills that you certainly do use as an L&D pro, what actually helps you hit the ground running?
In this episode, I’m sharing three not-so-obvious skills or characteristics that actually make people successful in L&D roles. **▶️ Hiring in L&D? Three Things to Look for in Your Next Job Candidate
▶️ Key Points:02:25 Typical L&D job descriptions
03:15 Three characteristics that make people successful in L&D roles
08:23 How to discover these characteristics in the interview process Resources from this episode:**Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
On today’s episode, I want us to look to the future of L&D.
However, I don't only want to talk about the future of L&D from an L&D lens; I want us to be holistic and well-rounded and hear from a diversity of perspectives. That’s why I’ve invited some of my favorite L&D and L&D adjacent thought leaders to join me to talk about what they hope for the future of L&D.
We’re sharing valuable insights, actionable strategies, and innovative ideas for the future of workplace learning.
▶️ 5 Experts Weigh In on the Future of L&D
▶️ Key Points:10:53 Using technology and AI to optimize L&D workflows and personalize the learning experience
17:47 How L&D will grow as Gen Z and Gen Alpha continue to come into the workforce
24:06 Becoming a strategic partner
25:20 Making learning more inclusive
27:04 Personalized coaching with context
28:38 The importance of having a learning leader in the C suite
30:03 Well-being as a competency, not just a buzzword
35:17 Focusing on behavior change in community with each other
Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Today’s GuestsKim Davis: LinkedIn
Chloe Chen: LinkedIn
Dave Allman: LinkedIn
Darren McKee: LinkedIn
Lotus Buckner: LinkedIn Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Fantasy football is an $11 billion business with 29.2 million people playing in the US alone in 2022.
So what’s the appeal?
It's our job to look at what fantasy football is doing well and determine what we can steal to make our training more effective. In today’s episode, I’m exploring the four things L&D can steal from fantasy football to improve our training.
**▶️ What Corporate Training Can Steal from Fantasy Football
▶️ Key Points:**00:58 The appeal of fantasy football
04:09 4 Things L&D can steal from fantasy football to improve our training
Resources from this episode:Episode on blended learning:
▶️ Episode 97: 5 Reasons Blended Learning is Effective for Staff Development
Episodes on making training fun:
▶️ Episode 63: 4 Ways to Use Humor and Storytelling in Your Nonprofit Training
▶️ Episode 36: How Nonprofit Learning and Development Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change with Acey Holmes
▶️ Episode 07: Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again with Melissa Dinwiddie
▶️ Episode 05: Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual Training
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
Is generative AI your L&D thought partner?
I've used ChatGPT for this podcast, for LinkedIn posts, for training, and more. And while I don't yet rely on it daily, it's becoming a better partner for me, because I'm getting better at using it.
I love the idea of helping L&D pros like us make generative AI our thought partner, that’s why today’s guest, Valerie Ehrlich, is sharing four ways you can leverage AI to enhance your strategic role in your nonprofit. **▶️ Making Generative AI Your L&D Thought Partner with Valerie Ehrlich
▶️ Key Points:04:13 Changing mindsets around generative AI
08:23 What is generative AI?
10:14 Four ways you can leverage AI to enhance your strategic role in your nonprofit
17:11 The security and ethical considerations of using generative AI
22:19 Experimenting with generative AI Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with ValerieLinkedIn: Valerie Ehrlich
Website: missionbloom.co Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
--
Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.
Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.
Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!
Produced by Ideablossoms
I'm a big fan of blended learning…
I like being able to have learners spend some time inside a virtual or in-person classroom, but I also like them to spend time learning independently or in groups outside the classroom.
Blended learning is a great approach to people development. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 reasons why.
▶️ 5 Reasons Blended Learning is a Good Strategy for Staff Development
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why blended learning aligns with adult learning needs
02:51 5 Reasons why blended learning is effective for staff development
08:53 Is blended learning always the right choice?
Resources from this episode:Get the Learning for Good Playbook HERE.
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Produced by Ideablossoms
We often reach for storytelling in our nonprofit training and it’s easy to understand why. Stories evoke emotion, help us connect with each other, and help us learn.
But, there is a wrong and right way to tell a story.
On this episode, Diana Farias Heinrich is sharing her ethical storytelling framework with us so we can tell stories the right way and prevent harm.
As the CEO of Habra Marketing, Diana helps nonprofits use ethical communication strategies and marketing to raise more money. **▶️ STOP Using Stories in Training...Unless You're Using This Framework with Diana Farias Heinrich
▶️ Key Points:03:59 The importance of stories and how they help us learn
09:50 Telling stories with care
14:20 A framework for ethical storytelling Resources from this episode:The Ethical Nonprofit Summit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/the-ethical-nonprofit-summit/registration
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with DianaLinkedin: Diana Farias Heinrich
Website: habramarketing.com Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Produced by Ideablossoms
I start every new training project with a sense of hope and excitement. I'm ready to build a lasting relationship with my client and I feel ready because I have a proven plan for my project kickoff. I'm not reinventing it every time I have a new project.
On today’s episode, I want to share that plan with you.
Whether you're a consultant or currently working inside an organization, this approach should work for you. And hopefully, you'll feel excited and hopeful about your projects when you use it. **▶️ 5 Things to Include in Your Training Project Kickoff
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Starting a new training project with excitement
02:40 5 Things to include in your nonprofit training project kickoff Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
As a training and leadership development consultant, I'm always wondering what we can learn from things around us, like the Olympics.
The Olympics brings together top athletes from around the world as they compete against each other and their best selves. It takes years of practice and dedication to achieve something like this.
We can learn a lot about leadership from the Olympics and I want to share that with you today with special guests Kirk Spahn and Sara Daum. **▶️ Leadership Lessons from the Olympics
▶️ Key Points:02:06 The process that athletes and leaders follow
04:41 Taking the time to celebrate
06:11 Tools that can help shape the future
08:27 Commitment to learning agility
15:40 Connecting to your bigger purpose Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Kirk and SaraLinkedin: Kirk Spahn & Sara Daum Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
We have so many tools available for how we design and deliver learning. From project management and identifying learning needs to delivering our learning solutions, we're using tech throughout the process.
Nonprofit L&D pros have very specific tech needs and we often have unique constraints that other organizations don't have. That's why I'm so excited that I got to chat with Shari Simpson about 10 tech habits that will change the way you lead talent development.
▶️ 10 Tech Habits that Will Change the Way You Lead Talent Development with Shari Simpson of Paylocity
▶️ Key Points:
01:29 Nonprofit L&D tech needs
05:38 Shari’s career journey: From the mental health space to a forward-thinking HR leader
09:52 Paylocity: A modern human capital management system
11:50 10 Tech habits that will change the way you lead talent development
Resources from this episode:
Using Data in Talent Development:
▶️ Episode 81: Using People Data to Drive Impactful Professional Development in Your Nonprofit
▶️ Episode 59: How to Measure the Impact of Your Training and Development
▶️ Episode 72: How Learning and Development Can Use Data to Create a Greater Impact in Training
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Shari
LinkedIn: Shari Simpson
Website: askhrswagger.com and paylocity.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Getting qualified candidates into the nonprofit leadership candidate pool can be challenging, so we tend to start thinking about our internal candidates. They already know and love our mission so it's logical to want to advance them into these open leadership positions.
But are your future leaders ready?
In this episode, we're going to explore 10 things nonprofits should do to develop their future leaders and build their internal leadership pipeline. **▶️ Building Your Leadership Pipeline? 10 Things Nonprofits Should Do When Developing Future Leaders
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Are your nonprofit’s future leaders ready?
02:36 10 Things nonprofits should do to help build their leadership pipeline
15:36 L&D can help develop your nonprofit leaders Resources from this episode:
Competency model episodes:▶️ Episode 79: Taking an Asset-Based Approach to Competency Models
▶️ Episode 51: How to Use Your Competency Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program
▶️ Episode 39: Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies
▶️ Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
▶️ Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
▶️ Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don't Work Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective:**https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
What makes a DEIB training successful?
From meaningful discussion to skilled facilitation, there are a lot of things that make a DEIB training successful. But today, I want to talk about using cohorts in your nonprofit’s DEIB training.
A lot of DEIB trainings are one-off experiences. And if there is more than one training, it's not really set up as a cohort. But I'm a big believer in using cohorts for DEIB training and I’m going to tell you why in this episode. **▶️ Why You Should Use Cohorts in Your Nonprofit's DEIB Training
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Advancing your nonprofit’s DEIB efforts
03:37 The power of relationships and effective communication
06:37 Why you should use cohorts in your nonprofit's DEIB training Resources from this episode:Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
A good coach or mentor can be powerful. That’s why on today’s episode, I’m sharing five ways you can use coaching and mentoring in your nonprofit’s talent development strategy.
There are so many benefits to coaching and mentoring and these tools can be used in a variety of ways. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a good place to start.
▶️ The Role of Coaching and Mentoring in Your Nonprofit's Talent Development Strategy
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 The power of a good coach or mentor
02:54 Five ways you can use coaching and mentoring in your nonprofit’s talent development strategy
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Are you listening to your learners?
In this episode, our guest is strategic listener Emily Taylor. With a background in human-centered design, Emily is an expert listener. I've worked with Emily before and she's helped me and my clients be better listeners so we can identify skill gaps and create tailored training and resources to support behavior change.
She's sharing some of her best tips in this episode, so you can too. **▶️ Just Listen. How This One Needs Analysis Method Can Improve Your Nonprofit Training with Emily Taylor
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why listening is so important
07:40 Making listening part of your nonprofit training process
09:49 What makes listening challenging for talent development teams
13:15 The benefits of listening to learners in your nonprofit training
18:09 Do this one thing to improve how you listen to your staff right now Resources from this episode:**Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with EmilyLinkedIn: Emily Taylor
Website: teenybig.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
I couldn't do what I do as a training and leadership development consultant to nonprofits without my support system, and you need a support system too.
You are doing the work day in and day out to lead your L&D team (if you’re a supervisor), engage with your internal partners, and deliver quality learning experiences. There is a lot that goes into this.
That’s why on today’s episode, we’re talking about the four partners every L&D team should have. **▶️ Four Partners Every L&D Team Should Have
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why your L&D team needs partners
03:27 The importance of a support system
05:57 Four partners every L&D team should have Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
**In this episode, I’ve invited Karen Knight, volunteer extraordinaire, to give us some specific ways we can supercharge our nonprofit’s volunteer training.
The demand for nonprofit services has increased, but the number of volunteers has decreased before and since COVID. It’s important that volunteers are trained well so that they have a good volunteering experience, and continue to volunteer.
This is the first episode that we have had specifically on volunteer training and I can’t wait for you to hear everything Karen has to share.
▶️ 5 Ways to Supercharge Your Nonprofit's Volunteer Training with Karen Knight
▶️ Key Points:
04:11 Karen’s volunteer journey
07:18 The definition of volunteers and volunteering
10:25 Why it's important to train volunteers
14:07 Challenges in volunteer training
19:19 Supercharge your nonprofit volunteer training
Resources from this episode:
Episodes on creating training that is relevant, meaningful, and fun:
▶️ Episode 73: The Forgetting Curve: How to Make Your New Training More Memorable ▶️ Episode 63: 4 Ways to Use Humor and Storytelling in Your Nonprofit Training with Gita Kulkarni
▶️ Episode 36: How Nonprofit Learning and Development Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change with Acey Holmes
▶️ Episode 07: Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again with Melissa Dinwiddie
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify****, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Karen
LinkedIn: Karen Knight Website: karenknight.ca Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.com Book an interest call with Heather here**.
As I think about all the challenges nonprofits face, all the burnout nonprofit leaders experience, and all the amazing things they want to accomplish, I am consistently reminded of how important strong trusting relationships really are.
That's why on this episode, I want to explore how good instructional design can break down silos and build those relationships in your nonprofit. **▶️ How Good Instructional Design Can Break Down Silos in Your Nonprofit
▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why we need to build good relationships in nonprofits=
02:31 How training can support relationship building
03:14 4 Ways to build relationships through training Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Today’s guest is Matt Gjertsen, former Air Force instructor pilot and founder of Better Everyday Studios. He is giving us an outside perspective on behavior change and bringing some great insights to the nonprofit sector.
Why are we surprised when we want our learners to change something and they don't?
Behavior change is a funny thing and even a simple change can feel very complex. We have to intentionally design for behavior change at every step in the process.
**▶️ Make People Uncomfortable: How Your Nonprofit's Training Can Improve Behavior with Matt Gjertsen
▶️ Key Points:05:19 The importance of focusing on behavior change in Learning and Development
09:50 The risk of not focusing on behavior change in Learning and Development
14:24 Deciding which behavior to focus on
17:51 Two things an L&D leader can do to make sure their training is creating behavior change
21:16 Getting as specific as possible with the behavior you're trying to change Resources from this episode:**Take a look at these past episodes on behavior change:
▶️ Episode 16: Use THIS Process if You Want to Create Behavior Change with Training
▶️ Episode 32: 5 Coaching Questions to Spark Behavior Change in Your People Managers
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with MattLinkedIn: Matt Gjertsen
Website: bettereverydaystudios.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Why does change fail? There are a lot of reasons, but most of them come down to people. And if we're talking about people, L&D needs to be involved.
That’s why on this episode of the podcast, I wanted to share the fastest way to organizational change and explore L&Ds role in change. **▶️ Going through Organizational Change? One Way Nonprofit Training Pros Can Help.
▶️ Key Points:**02:49 Why change initiatives fail
03:49 Creating a strategic people plan
07:33 Should L&D be involved in organizational change?
Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
In this episode of Learning for Good, my guest, Quilen Blackwell is taking us inside his nonprofit, Southside Blooms. They grew from zero to 60 employees in just four short years. That means they onboarded a lot of staff and learned a lot along the way.
He’s sharing his experience with us, what worked and what didn’t, so you can take a look at your own onboarding program and make sure you're creating a lasting memory that helps your staff feel ready to take on that important role you hired them to do. **▶️ From 0 to 60 Employees in 4 Years: How this Nonprofit Onboarded and Trained Staff to Scale their Mission with Quilen Blackwell
▶️ Key Points:05:09 An inner look at the Southside Blooms nonprofit
12:22 Nonprofit scaling challenges
16:26 Onboarding and training staff for success
20:31 Utilizing virtual resources to scale your nonprofit
22:04 Advice for nonprofits creating onboarding programs Resources from this episode:**Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Website: southsideblooms.com Connect with HeatherLinkedIn: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
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People love communities. But not all communities are created equal.
I have a learning community and it can be hard. It's not hard to create; that was pretty easy. But it's hard to get people to engage. That's where the work is.
To get better at this, I've been reading books and listening to podcasts about community and I've been reflecting on communities that I'm a part of. I want to share some of the things I've learned.
That’s why in this episode, I give you three tips for creating a thriving learning community in your organization. **▶️ WARNING: Do Not Create a Learning Community Yet (Wait Until You Hear this Episode)
▶️ Key Points:04:41 Communicating the value of a learning community
08:06 Encouraging learning community participation
09:52 Prioritizing relationships in your learning community Resources from this episode:**Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
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Website: skillmastersmarket.com
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In nonprofits, we have limited budgets. This means we need to be able to prioritize the training and professional development opportunities to be created. How do we do this?
With people data.
But what data should we be asking for and how can we use it once we get it? That’s what we’re discussing in today’s episode of the Learning for Good podcast with data expert, Dr. Serena Huang. **▶️ New to People Data? Here are the First 3 Things Nonprofit Talent Development Leaders Should Do
▶️ Key Points:06:37 What is people data?
10:54 Collecting people data to show training impact
15:15 Using data to solve a problem or answer a question
19:47 High Potential Leadership Development Program data example
24:54 The value of using people data when creating training and leadership development solutions
27:23 Three things learning and development leaders should do with people data Resources from this episode:Serena’s LinkedIn Learning Course: The Data Science of Using People Analytics Data Episodes:**▶️ Episode 59: How to Measure the Impact of Your Training and Development
▶️ Episode 72: How Learning and Development Can Use Data to Create a Greater Impact in Training
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Website: datawithserena.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
With burnout at an all-time high and becoming a global trend, you need more than the occasional wellness perk to tackle it.
If well-being in your organization is a top priority for you, but you aren't sure how to move from yoga and happy hours to something more meaningful, then this episode is for you.
I’m discussing how to create a holistic plan for well-being that fits seamlessly into your HR and talent development strategies with well-being expert Dave Allman. **▶️ Well-Being at Work | Forget Sporadic Happy Hours. Get a Strategy Instead
▶️ Key Points:03:44 Wellbeing@Work in Partnership with Gallup
08:22 Dave’s well-being journey
12:01 The meaning of well-being versus wellness
16:56 Using Wellbeing@Work as an individual
18:47 Using Wellbeing@Work as a nonprofit Resources from this episode:**Well-Being Episodes:▶️ Episode 67: A Well-Being Approach to Leadership Development
▶️ Episode 38: Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari
▶️ Episode 30: Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Website: wbatwork.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
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When I create a competency model, there are so many things I look at. The one thing I don’t look at?
Indicators of poor performance.
I’m sure we all already know what poor performance looks like. To me, the lowest behavior you want is one that meets expectations. And everything should just go up from there.
That’s why today we’re discussing why I don't memorialize poor behavior in competency models, and why asset-based competency models work. **▶️ One Thing I Don't Do When Creating Competency Models
▶️ Key Points:00:58 The one thing I don’t look at when creating a competency model
04:43 Why I don’t memorialize poor behavior in a competency model
07:30 Taking an asset-based approach to competency models Resources from this episode:
Competency Model Episodes:**▶️ Episode 51: How to Use Your Competency Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program
▶️ Episode 39: Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies
▶️ Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
▶️ Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
▶️ Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don't Work
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Have you ever created a training, only to realize it didn’t have the impact you had hoped? In this episode of the Learning for Good podcast, we explore why training alone often fails to drive lasting behavior change.
My guest Julie Dirksen, author of "Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change," discusses the limitations of training when systemic and external factors are barriers to change. Julie emphasizes the importance of understanding behavior at an individual level.
We talk about how asking good questions can help identify where learners are and how to meet their needs, whether through education, persuasion, confidence building, or reinforcement.
Changing culture may require investments beyond training. This episode provides a framework for nonprofits to evaluate training effectiveness and foster impact through systems-level interventions.
▶️ L&D Expert Julie Dirksen Exposes the Real Reason Your Training Flops
▶️ Key Points:
02:24 Julie Dirksen’s introduction and background
06:45 Using the elephant metaphor to describe decision-making09:49 Why training often gets blamed for failures
12:20 Systems view and considering external factors that impact training success
18:54 The challenge of making equitable decisions without group-level data
21:46 Knowing where learners are at on the "change ladder"
24:22 The importance of understanding learner motivations, pain points, and system influences on behavior
Resources from this episode:
"Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change” by Julie Dirksen
“Design for How People Learn” by Julie Dirksen
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
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Connect with Julie Dirksen
Julie Dirksen is an acclaimed author and learning strategist who brings behavioral science insights to the design of impactful learning experiences. She has over 20 years of experience creating digital learning experiences for diverse clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to international NGOs and technology startups.
LinkedIn: Julie Dirksen
Facebook: @designforhowpeoplelearn
Website: usablelearning.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
We all know the powerful role that mindset plays not only in our personal lives but also in our work. In this episode of the Learning for Good podcast, I explore five essential mindset shifts nonprofit L&D professionals should adopt to uplevel their leadership development strategy.
By redefining how you approach your roles and the potential of your work, nonprofits can better support evolving workforces and create meaningful impact through training and leadership development.
▶️ 5 Mindset Shifts to Uplevel Your Leadership Development Strategy
▶️ Key Points:
01:41 How joining a Crossfit gym led me to a mindset shift
04:11 Introduction of 5 Mindset Shifts to Uplevel Your Leadership Development Strategy
4:38 Mindset Shift #1: You are not just an order-taker
06:47 Mindset Shift #2: Dealing with workforce change
09:37 Mindset Shift #3: Change initiatives
10:41 Mindset Shift #4: Not every effort needs to succeed
11:58 Mindset Shift #5: You are impacting people's well-being
Resources from this episode:
Learning for Good Episode 68 "Is L&D a Last Resort or a First Response?"
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear
"Tiny Habits" by B.J. Fogg
The ADKAR model of change
"Mindset" by Carol Dweck
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Effective teams are essential to your nonprofit. I’ve been a part of teams that worked so well together, everything ran smoothly, and there were no major issues. But I’ve also been a part of teams that were the opposite.
So how do we create effective teams?
That’s what we’re exploring on today’s episode with Beth Napleton, an executive leadership coach and consultant who helps senior leaders lead through layers. **▶️ You Might Be Killing Your Team if You Aren't Doing This with Beth Napleton
▶️ Key Points:02:26 Beth’s background: Helping senior leaders lead through layers
08:17 The biggest killers of a team
09:58 Remedying these team killers
13:25 Finding time and capacity to address organizational development as a leader
18:24 Learning and Development has an important part to play in team development Resources from this episode:**Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
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Website: bethnapleton.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
What makes nonprofit training unique to corporate training or government training? While there are a number of things that are different, one thing that I thought would be fun to focus on is the three unique audiences that nonprofits create training for.
These unique audiences come with their own challenges and I’m giving you some tips to overcome those challenges.
▶️ 3 Audiences Unique to Nonprofit Training
▶️ Key Points:
03:00 The three audiences unique to nonprofit training
07:19 Challenges these unique audiences present and how instructional design teams can overcome them
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
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Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Why do we let our kids watch cartoons like Cocomelon or Bluey? Because they are teaching our kids valuable lessons through animation.
We can do the exact same thing in our nonprofit training. We can use animation to impart valuable lessons to our learners. That’s why I’ve invited Calvin Dantley to join me and share his experience with animation and training.
Calvin is a nonprofit L&D leader and an experienced animator, and he has so much good stuff to share with us today. **▶️ Getting Started: Three Ways to Use Animation in Your Training with Calvin Dantley
▶️ Key Points:03:10 Get to know Calvin Dantley: From sales to L&D animation
06:32 The value animation can add to your nonprofit training
10:26 Three ways your nonprofit can use animation in training
13:14 Barriers to using animation in training and how to overcome them
16:40 One thing you can do now to get started with animation Resources from this episode:**Here’s the video I mentioned, Systems thinking: a cautionary tale
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Connect with Calvin
LinkedIn: Calvin Dantley
Website: cdantley.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Have you heard of the forgetting curve?
We naturally forget 90% of what we learn. That's troubling to hear for those of us in L&D. All we think about is helping people learn and creating behavior change from that learning.
How can we do that If learners are forgetting the majority of what we teach them? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode.
▶️ Your New Training is Perfect, but... Your Learners Won't Remember It ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The forgetting curve
03:51 Making learning relevant
06:33 Making training meaningful
07:19 Making training fun
09:08 Providing wrap-around support Resources from this episode:Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Applying the Laws of Behavior Change to Staff Development
I use Mentimeter to create interactive learning experiences
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
In this episode, I've invited self-proclaimed frustrated changemaker Heather Hiscox to talk about how she uses data to overcome the status quo and boost workforce development.
Heather, the founder and CEO of Pause for Change, is on a mission to change the way we change the world. I'm so excited to talk with her more about data and what L&D can start to do differently to create a greater impact in training.
▶️ Workforce Development: Using Data to Move from Status Quo to Training Impact
▶️ Key Points:
03:00 Heather’s frustration working in social impact and how it compares to L&D
07:28 Why is it so important to utilize data
10:56 The best ways to capture data
15:50 Using data in your work and the impact it can have on your organization
23:56 Using data to create more impact in training
Resources from this episode:
No More Status Quo: A Proven Framework to Change the Way We Change the World by Heather Hiscox
Check out the two episodes of Possibility Project that Heather mentioned in this episode:
- Antiracist Learning & Evaluation
- New choices for how we assess impact: what is possible beyond either/or?
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
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Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Hiscox
Website: pauseforchange.com and possibilityproject.org
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Are your leaders the best they can be? Or are there areas where they are lagging behind a little bit?
My guess is they're somewhere in the middle.
You probably have leaders who excel and leaders who struggle. And even those who excel probably have room for improvement.
So today we’re talking about why your team’s leadership skills might be lagging and what we can do about it. ▶️ Are Your Nonprofit Leaders The Best They Can Be? Your Leadership Skills Might Be Lagging And THIS Is Why
▶️ Key Points:02:45 Unclear expectations for leaders
06:02 Lack of training and professional development
09:09 Ongoing support and reinforcement
10:52 Stress and burnout
12:48 External barriers outside of your leader’s control Resources from this episode:2024 HR Trends Report
Competency Model Episodes:
▶️ Episode 51: How to Use Your Competency Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program
▶️ Episode 39: Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies
▶️ Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
▶️ Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
▶️ Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don't Work
Stress and burnout episodes:
▶️ Episode 38: Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari
▶️ Episode 30: Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
If you've ever welcomed a baby into your home, you know how stressful it can be. You don't want to have the stress of what's being left undone at work on top of that.
How do we help our nonprofit leaders navigate time out of the office? That’s what I’m discussing with mission-driven fundraiser, Lacey Kempinski on today’s episode. Lacey is focused on changing the way the nonprofit sector supports parental leave and working parents. **▶️ The Parental Leave Dilemma: Helping Your Nonprofit Leaders Navigate Time Out of the Office with Lacey Kempinski
▶️ Key Points:03:50 Lacey’s career journey and how having children changed its trajectory
06:39 The parental leave dilemma
10:00 The challenges of parental leave in the workforce
12:32 Solutions to the parental leave dilemma
16:14 Supporting nonprofit leaders who need time out of the office Resources from this episode:**
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with LaceyLinkedin: Lacey Kempinski
Website: balancedgood.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Good training has a real impact on those who receive it. It can shift mindsets. It can build skills. It can change the way your organization works. And that's what I want to share with you today.
Nonprofit leader, Lauren Wiley, shares how one training at her nonprofit impacted the midwives and doulas they train and ultimately the pregnant and postpartum women they serve.
▶️ How One Nonprofit's Training Saved a Postpartum Woman's Life with Lauren Wiley
▶️ Key Points:
03:44 Lauren’s journey from a finance major to a nonprofit leader
15:11 The training and technical assistance that Start Early provides in the state of Illinois
17:51 The importance of a continuous quality improvement process for trainings
24:53 The impact a good training can have on those who receive it
Resources from this episode:
Episode 47: What is the Real Value of Training?
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Connect with Lauren
Linkedin: Lauren Wiley
Website: startearly.org
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
All too often, L&D feels like a last resort in the workplace. We, as L&D, need to be brought in earlier in the process of decision-making. We have experience and expertise to share and we have value to add, and we can help shape that final decision.
In this episode, I’m sharing some tips to help build relationships so that L&D can become the first response in your nonprofit.
▶️ Is L&D a Last Resort or a First Response?
▶️ Key Points:
05:14 Building relationships between L&D and other teams
06:07 Sharing the value of people development
07:22 Tell AND show others in your business what L&D can do
09:05 Share the business impact of people development
Resources from this episode:
2024 HR Trends Report: https://hr.mcleanco.com/research/ss/hr-trends-report-2024
Episode 59: Measuring the Impact of Your Training with L&D Detective Kevin M. Yates
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Work is a major contributor to well-being. Your leaders influence the well-being of everyone on their teams. So those leaders become an important part of the conversation.
That's why I'm so excited to have well-being strategist Loretta Turner as my guest today. We’re exploring how you can take a well-being approach to leadership development.
▶️ A Well-Being Approach to Leadership Development with Loretta Turner
▶️ Key Points:
03:21 Loretta’s career journey and unique background in the wellness and well-being sector
06:55 The meaning of a well-being approach to leadership development
10:17 The challenge with traditional leadership development
14:24 Outcomes of a well-being approach to leadership development
17:55 One way to make your leadership development more well-being focused
Resources from this episode:
Check out my other episodes on well-being at work:
▶️ Episode 38: Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari
▶️ Episode 30: Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Connect with Loretta
Linkedin: Loretta Turner
Website: www.lorettaturner.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
I talk a lot about training as an avenue to create trusting relationships and psychological safety in your nonprofit. But what do you do when the training facilitates a large cohort of learners and it becomes harder to build those relationships?
Today I am talking about what you can do to make those large cohorts of learners feel a bit more intimate.
▶️ How to Make a Large Cohort of Learners Feel More Intimate
▶️ Key Points:
03:49 Breaking a large cohort of learners into smaller groups
05:13 Using technology to facilitate learning
06:30 Providing access to personalized coaching and learning during live sessions
07:29 Ensuring access to additional supports
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
The skills you need as an individual contributor are different than the skills you need as a manager. We hear it time and time again - you promote your very best individual contributor to a supervisory position and they struggle because they aren’t equipped with the skills they need.
That’s why I’m so excited to have Summer Davies, an award-winning leadership development expert with over 15 years of experience, as my guest today. We talk about the 3 basic skills your frontline managers need and how you can develop these skills.
▶️ 3 Basic Skills Your Frontline Managers Need with Summer Davies
▶️ Key Points:
03:35 Summer’s career journey from equine reproduction to an award-winning leadership development expert
10:51 Why organizations struggle so much with frontline manager positions
03:15 Why frontline managers are so critical to organizations
17:37 The 3 basic skills that all frontline managers should have
22:48 How to develop these critical skills in your frontline managers
Resources from this episode:
Find the two books Summer recommended below
- First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Gallup Press
- It's the Manager: Gallup finds the quality of managers and team leaders is the single biggest factor in your organization's long-term success by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
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Connect with Summer
Linkedin: Summer Davies
Website: www.leader-shop.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Let's say you are kicking off 2024 with a new program or service. Are your staff prepared to implement it? Have they had a chance to build the skills and confidence they need? Or will they be struggling to figure things out on the job?
In today’s episode, I’m discussing just how Learning and Development can support your nonprofit as you’re changing program or service offerings. Have a listen to make sure you aren't left wondering whether you should have done more to support your staff during a time of change. ▶️ Is Your Staff Prepared To Implement Your New Program or Service? THIS Is How Training Can Help
▶️ Key Points:02:43 Capturing data and listening to experiences and ideas
04:10 Uncovering staff motivation or skepticism related to program changes
05:19 Identifying skills gaps
05:59 Creating trainings
06:28 Creating valuable peer-to-peer connection Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Today’s episode is all about humor. I’m not talking about corny jokes or puns, but rather the lightheartedness and energy that you need in your nonprofit to get things done and to help teams work together.
My guest, Gita Kulkarni, explains why we need to care about humor and how to use humor as nonprofit Learning and Development leaders. Gita is a humor coach who helps people find and express their sense of humor to be more productive and effective in work and life.
▶️ Using Humor to Promote Change Management, Leadership Development & Workforce Development with Gita Kulkarni
▶️ Key Points:
02:29 Get to know humor coach, Gita Kulkarni
09:56 The psychology of humor and its effect on stress
14:33 Using storytelling for humor as a nonprofit L&D leader
19:55 How nonprofits can incorporate more humor into their existing training and leadership development strategies
23:21 Finding humor within yourself
Resources from this episode:
Take a look at these episodes on play, improv, and well-being:
▶️ Episode 38: Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari
▶️ Episode 36: How Nonprofit Learning and Development Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change
▶️ Episode 30: Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger
▶️ Episode 17: This One Element Changes Everything for Training (storytelling)
▶️ Episode 07: Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again with Melissa Dinwiddie (play)
▶️ Episode 05: Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual Training (improv)
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective:
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
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Connect with Gita
Linkedin: Gita Kulkarni
Website: thehumoredge.com
Instagram: @thecorporatelaugh
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Hey friend and Happy New Year! Today's episode is a quick one. I wanted to kick off 2024 with something kind of fun and different. I’m sharing 24 tips for L&D leaders.
From knowing your worth as an L&D leader to building relationships with other business units and teams, these tips will help you get 2024 off to a great start. Let’s jump right in. **▶️ 24 L&D Tips for Nonprofit Pros to Kick Off 2024
▶️ Key Points:01:08 24 Tips for L&D Leaders: Kickstart 2024
02:21 Creating a Theory of Change for L&D
02:40 Identifying competencies and creating career path roadmaps
03:33 The Role of critical, creative, and collaborative thinking in L&D
03:54 Leveraging technology and learning in L&D
05:16 The importance of self-care in L&D
06:20 The Final Tip: Keep Learning Resources from this episode:
Custom Competency Model Episodes:▶️ Episode 51: Using Your Competency Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program And Boost Workforce Development
▶️ Episode 39: Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies
▶️ Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
▶️ Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective:** https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
If you're doing a year-end reflection, you need to listen to this episode.
I have some tips for how to do your time of reflection so that you get the most out of it. Because at the end of the day, I want you to learn from this time of reflection because when you learn from what you've done in the past, your perspective changes for what you can do in the future.
▶️ Once You Reflect This Way, Your Perspective Changes
▶️ Key Points:
00:58 Reflecting on 2023
04:30 Scheduling a time and goal for reflection
05:37 Reflection questions
9:13 What do you want to do differently in the future?
Resources from this episode:
Listen to the episodes I mentioned in the episode:
▶️ E52: Should You Use Leadership Training or Leadership Coaching in Your Nonprofit?
▶️ E43: Is Learning and Development a Valued Business Partner in Your Nonprofit? Three Ways to Know For Sure
▶️ E36: How Nonprofit Learning and Development Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change
▶️ E50: An Inside Look at a Learning and Development Consulting Business
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Do you ever feel like you're having two different conversations with someone? It’s like you're saying one thing, and they are hearing something completely different. This happens regularly in our workplaces. Your Gen Z staff are waiting for you to set clear expectations and if you don't, they just might leave.
In this episode, I’m going over three ways we can help ensure clear expectations are set for staff and in turn, increase staff retention.
▶️ Why Setting Clear Expectations May Help Retain Gen Z Staff in Your Nonprofit
▶️ Key Points:
03:37 How Learning and Development is related to staff retention
05:19 Using a competency model to define expectations
06:09 Developing your nonprofit’s people managers
7:41 Building relationships and trust
Resources from this episode:
Take a look at the YoPro Know ‘The State of Young Professionals Today’ report
Custom Competency Model Episodes:
▶️ Episode 51: Using Your Competency Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program And Boost Workforce Development
▶️ Episode 39: Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies
▶️ Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
▶️ Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
How do we know when we are successful? And how can we actually measure that? I know this can be frustrating, but it can be done. And who better to guide us than today’s guest, L&D Detective, Kevin M. Yates.
I am so excited to have Kevin as a guest, not only is he the L&D detective and an expert on measurement, but he also has his own nonprofit and we're going to hear about both of those things today. I know you're going to love it and get so much value from what Kevin has to share. **▶️ Measuring the Impact of Your Training at Your Nonprofit with L&D Detective Kevin M. Yates
▶️ Key Points:03:49 Kevin’s career journey in training, learning, and talent development and starting his own nonprofit, Meals in the Meantime
07:38 If your nonprofit isn’t measuring impact, this is where they should start
16:02 Measuring nonprofit impact through KPIs and metrics that already exist in your nonprofit
22:13 Measuring the impact of training in your nonprofit
27:33 Actions that nonprofit Learning and Development leaders can take now to measure training more effectively in the future Resources from this episode:**To learn more about assessments, check out these episodes:
▶️ Episode 13: Breaking Down the Good, Bad, and Ugly of Diversity Assessments with Dr. Hedy Lemar Walls
▶️ Episode 12: The Secret to Making Leadership Assessments Work
▶️ Episode 11: Three Types of Assessments that Pay Off for Your Hybrid Workforce
To learn more about employee and organization performance, check out these episodes:
▶️ Episode 44: How to Establish a Common Language for Performance
▶️ Episode 27: 4 Easy Habits to Improve Employee Performance and Culture with Veronica LaFemina
▶️ Episode 23: Improving Employee Performance: How I Tailor Staff Development Solutions to Your Organization
▶️ Episode 22: How People Managers Can Improve Employee Performance and Job Satisfaction
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Connect with KevinLinkedIn: Kevin M. Yates
Website: kevinmyates.com and mealsinthemeantime.org
Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
The skill sets your staff need are expected to change by 50% in 2027. That's according to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report. 50% in just a few short years. With so much changing, Learning and Development has a role to play.
In today’s episode of the Learning for Good podcast, we are exploring two techniques L&D can use to prepare your staff for the future. **▶️ One Goal, Two Techniques: How L&D Can Prepare Your Workforce for the Future
▶️ Key Points:02:55 Identifying skills for the future
05:48 Allowing staff to build skills for the future Resources from this episode:Take a look at LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report Custom Competency Model Episodes:**▶️ Episode 51: Using Your Competency Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program And Boost Workforce Development
▶️ Episode 39: Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies
▶️ Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
▶️ Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
▶️ Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don't WorkJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Culture can be a complex thing and it's what allows you to attract, retain, and develop your staff. That’s why I’m so excited to have Rebecca Marchiafava on the podcast today, to discuss culture change and to help you successfully lead or navigate that change.
Rebecca is the founder of Culture Work LLC, where she consults with organizations to develop healthy environments and improve well-being at work. An experienced speaker, facilitator, and consultant, Rebecca is passionate about building workplaces that are engines of health and well-being. **▶️ Culture Change is Hard - How to Succeed in 2023 with Rebecca Marchiafava
▶️ Key Points:03:54 How Rebecca's career in trauma-informed care informs her work as an organizational culture consultant
08:02 Signs that your nonprofit workplace culture needs to change
13:21 Challenges a nonprofit might face when creating culture change
18:04 How L&D can help – and its limitations when it comes to culture change
23:09 Tips to navigate a culture change Resources from this episode:**Episodes on well-being:
▶️ Episode 38: Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari
▶️ Episode 30: Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp EizingerJoin the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with RebeccaLinkedin: Rebecca Marchiafava
Website: culturework.co
Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Have you ever left a meeting thinking that could have been an email? As a nonprofit consultant working on training and leadership development projects, I lead a lot of meetings. And my goal is to make them an effective use of time, every time.
Today, I want to share some ways you can make your meetings more effective. So no one leaves thinking it could have been an email. You’re going to want to take notes during this one! **▶️ Your Training and Development Project Meetings are Going to be VERY Different After This
▶️ Key Points:03:32 Identifying your ideal project team
05:33 Scheduling recurring meetings
08:31 Setting project milestone dates
10:13 Setting a meeting agenda
11:53 Making sure the right people are in the meeting
12:55 Email follow-up Resources from this episode:**
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
How do global nonprofits bring people together for a global learning cohort, despite the challenges, for the good of all involved? That's what we're going to explore on today’s episode of Learning for Good with Tommy Lee.
Tommy is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in the areas of faith and work integration, organizational development, and strategic planning and he has a wealth of knowledge on running global cohorts. **▶️ Three Tips for Running a Global Learning Cohort in Your Nonprofit Organization with Tommy Lee
▶️ Key Points:05:00 Tommy’s career journey and a lesson in getting the job done
13:24 The structure and goals of the global learning cohorts that Tommy is running
17:25 The challenges faced when running a global cohort and overcoming those challenges
22:26 Three tips for someone getting ready to start a global learning cohort Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with TommyLinkedIn: Tommy Lee
Website: resourceglobal.org Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Most subject matter experts are open to redesigning activities and interactions, but when you talk about cutting content, that can be a challenge because it feels personal.
So how do I navigate situations like these? And what can you do to navigate similar situations as you are working with your subject matter experts? I have three tips to share with you today. **▶️ Need to Cut Content? How to Work with SMEs Without the Frustration
▶️ Key Points:03:49 Establishing expectations upfront
05:15 Setting clear objectives
07:43 Aligning your deliverables with meetings Resources from this episode:**
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
One of my favorite things is when a nonprofit comes to me with a strategic plan that specifically mentions developing their people, their staff. But this isn’t always the case. Regardless of whether Learning and Development has been written into your strategic plan or not, it still has a large role to play.
In today's episode, Carol Hamilton and I sit down to discuss the strategic planning process and how you prepare staff to implement it once your nonprofit strategic plan is done. ▶️ Leadership Training: Strategic Planning And How to Prepare Staff for Implementation with Carol Hamilton
▶️ Key Points:07:12 The challenges that occur when implementing a strategic plan and how to overcome them
12:20 How training supports the implementation of a strategic plan
19:04 The importance of a custom competency model
23:41 Advice for nonprofits creating training to support strategic planning and implementation
25:48 Advice for nonprofits undergoing a strategic planning process Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with CarolLinkedin: Carol Hamilton
Website: gracesocialsector.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Depending on your experiences with training or coaching, you might have a preference for one over the other. But should we make organizational decisions based on our preferences?
I'd argue no.
Which is why I wanted to bring this episode to you. It's an episode where we will compare leadership training versus coaching and explore when to use which solution in your nonprofit organization. **▶️ Leadership Training vs. Coaching - When to Use Which Solution
▶️ Key Points:03:19 Comparing leadership training and coaching
08:34 When to use leadership training
09:36 When to use leadership coaching
11:17 Offering a combination of both leadership training and coaching Resources from this episode:**
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
You know you need a comprehensive training program based on your organization's prioritized competencies. But if you don't know how to get there, it can be overwhelming to start.
This is one of the common questions I get when working with my nonprofit clients to create competency models. It's that now what question.
Today, I want to explore how you can use your competency model to develop a comprehensive training program and boost workforce development. **▶️ Using Your Competency Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program
▶️ Key Points:02:48 Identifying your focus
03:41 Identifying priority competencies
04:35 Determining learning needs
05:11 Closing the gap between where learners are and where they need to be
07:07 Testing your programs Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
**We made it! Today is the 50th episode of the Learning for Good podcast and we’re taking a behind-the-scenes look at Skill Masters Market, my consulting business that powers this podcast and helps nonprofits all over the country achieve their staff development and training goals.
I’m also giving you a sneak peek into my plans for the future!
▶️ Behind the Scenes at Skill Masters Market: Helping Nonprofits Achieve Their Staff Development & Training Goals
▶️ Key Points:03:30 Why I do what I do
06:30 The Learning for Good Podcast
09:09 The top 5 podcast episodes
10:56 Plans for the future Resources from this episode:Check out the top 5 Learning for Good podcast episodes:
Episode 26: From Poor Performer to High Achiever? Three Staff Development Solutions to Create Behavior Change
Episode 10: Two Virtual Learning Activities to Develop Collaboration Skills
Episode 30: Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger
Episode 27: 4 Easy Habits to Improve Employee Performance and Culture with Veronica LaFemina
Episode 33: Misconceptions, Barriers, and Solutions to Creating Accessible Learning in a Nonprofit Organization with Dr. Saeide Mirzaei
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
I am so excited for today's episode; it's an Ask Me Anything episode and I've collected some great questions from listeners just like you, as well as from past clients.
There's one thing you should know. You can ask me anything, anytime.
But in today’s episode, we cover questions on everything from custom competency models and competency assessments to email training for nonprofit organizations.
▶️ Ask Me Anything! Questions from the Learning for Good Audience
▶️ Key Points:03:23 Using a custom competency model to prioritize training
07:33 Where to begin with L&D in small organizations
09:58 The greatest challenges for contemporary trainers
11:23 Making a large training group feel more intimate
13:43 The role of competency assessments in ensuring staff are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed
16:11 How email training works
18:21 How to ensure that training is engaging
Resources from this episode:Competency Model Episodes:
Episode 39: Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies
Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don't Work
Competency assessment episodes:
Episode 11: Three Types of Assessments that Pay Off for Your Hybrid Workforce
Episode 12: The Secret to Making Leadership Assessments Work
Episode 41: Not Sure Where to Start with Personalized Learning? Three Tips for Nonprofits
Doing the unexpected in trainings:
Episode 07: Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again with Melissa Dinwiddie
Episode 36: How Nonprofit Learning and Development Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather
Today we're getting an inside look at the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective - a free virtual community for talent management, DEI, and learning and development leaders to share ideas and learn from each other.
I’ll be sharing what the Nonprofit L&D Collective is (and what it isn’t), the value of the Nonprofit L&D Collective, and what exactly goes on inside of it. **▶️ Want a Network of L&D Professionals? An Inside Look at the Nonprofit L&D Collective
▶️ Key Points:01:21 What prompted me to create the Nonprofit L&D Collective
04:48 What is the Nonprofit L&D Collective?
06:05 The value of the Nonprofit L&D Collective
8:15 What goes on inside the Collective Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
As Learning and Development leaders, we spend so much of our time thinking about training.
Who needs training? What do they need? How will it benefit them? How will it benefit the organization? What is the value and ROI?
Today, I want to explore the qualitative impact of training. That's why I'm bringing the stories of impact from across my network. These are stories that were shared with me by previous guests and listeners just like you and I'm so honored to share them with you here today.
▶️ What is the Real Value of Training?
▶️ Key Points:
05:43 Getting out of your comfort zone with Danielle Gines
07:08 Not making assumptions with Tim Lockie
09:34 Focusing on a growth mindset with Michelle Velasquez
12:21 The value of coaches with Marnie Van Wyk
14:06 The impact of training on leadership with Kay Meredith
15:38 Applying learning with Alanna Hughes
17:35 Never stop learning with Sonya Perez-Lauterbach
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Guests on LinkedIn
Danielle Gines
Tim Lockie
Michelle Velasquez
Marnie Van Wyk
Kay Meredith
Alanna Hughes
Sonya Perez-Lauterbach
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
We need a training.
You've probably been approached by someone in your nonprofit telling you this. They didn't come saying we have a problem, or can you help us? They said, “we need a training.” But we all know that training isn't always the answer. And while we can set up processes to help mitigate how often this happens, it still happens. And this is one reason it's helpful to proactively identify skill development opportunities in your nonprofit.
That's what we're talking about today. **▶️ Why You Should Proactively Identify Skill Development Opportunities
▶️ Key Points:
03:36 Building Cross-Organizational Bonds
04:50 Unveiling L&D's Potential
05:36 Calendar Control
06:19 Empowering Your Team Resources from this episode:**
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
When I decided to do an episode on identifying learner needs, I wanted to showcase an organization that used multiple approaches and saw results from their work. That's why I've invited Trang Truong-Hill from the YMCA of the USA to join me today to explore a project that we've worked on together as well as many other projects they have going on inside of this nonprofit.
Trang shares how her nonprofit identified what staff needed to be able to do to work with New American communities more effectively. I can't wait to dive into this conversation.▶️ Is Your Nonprofit Working with New American Communities? Three Methods This Nonprofit Used to Identify Learner Needs with Trang Truong-Hill ▶️ Key Points:02:13 Trang’s Career Journey
07:49 Unique programs and services that the Y is offering to New American communities
11:46 Identifying learner needs to deliver programs and services more effectively
14:52 Figuring out what to create to further the programs and services your nonprofit already offers
17:51 No matter how effective a program is, you should always be looking for ways to improve it
19:49 Getting feedback from learners Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Trang Truong-HillLinkedin: Trang Truong-Hill
Website: ymca.org Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Are you ready to reduce the overwhelm of creating learning for your organization?My team and I will partner with your organization to perform the analysis, design the learning, develop all of the supporting course materials, prepare your facilitators for implementation, and create the evaluation strategy and feedback loops you need to continuously improve. Send me an email at heather@skillmastersmarket.com to get started.
When you say you expect good communication skills, do your staff know what you mean?
Is it verbal communication or written? Do you mean that they are using clear concise language or that the communication is error-free? When you talk about communication, are you talking about with their colleagues, or with organizational partners, or industry leaders?
There are so many ways you can communicate. So how does your staff know what you mean? Are you using the same language?
That’s exactly what we’re going to discuss in today’s episode of Learning for Good. ▶️ How to Establish a Common Language for Performance▶️ Key Points:
03:24 Creating a custom competency model to establish a common language for performance
04:01 What are behavioral indicators?
06:29 Using behavioral indicators as the basis for your Learning & Development strategy Resources from this episode:Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Are you ready to reduce the overwhelm of creating learning for your organization?My team and I will partner with your organization to perform the analysis, design the learning, develop all of the supporting course materials, prepare your facilitators for implementation, and create the evaluation strategy and feedback loops you need to continuously improve. Send me an email at heather@skillmastersmarket.com to get started.
In our house, we have a good couch and an everyday couch. Our good couch is taken care of. And it's lasted for years. Then we have our everyday couch. It's also used to watch movies or lounge around on. But we are a little less careful about spilling popcorn on it and kids jumping on it. This couch is also part of our story, but we don't expect it to last as long.
It's easy to know which couch is more valuable. It's the one we care for. But is it that easy to know if your Learning and Development team is a valued business partner at work? That's what we're going to explore in today's episode. **▶️ Is Learning and Development a Valued Business Partner in Your Nonprofit? Three Ways to Know For Sure
▶️ Key Points:03:02 Referring team members to Learning and Development when skill gaps are noticed
04:35 Including Learning and Development when senior leaders are making operational decisions
05:15 Proactively identifying what resources Learning and Development needs to support the overall project Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Are you ready to reduce the overwhelm of creating learning for your organization?My team and I will partner with your organization to perform the analysis, design the learning, develop all of the supporting course materials, prepare your facilitators for implementation, and create the evaluation strategy and feedback loops you need to continuously improve. Send me an email at heather@skillmastersmarket.com to get started.
Do you remember your first real job?
I was probably a strange combination of timid and overconfident. I probably hesitated to speak up at first. Thankfully, I gained experience, skills, and competence over time.
What if we could help our early career staff gain some of those invaluable skills earlier in their career? Imagine the impacts that could have on your nonprofit. That's what we're exploring on this week's episode of Learning for Good with Emily Glasgow and Alanna Hughes.
Emily and Alanna are the co-creators and co-founders of Withinnovate, where they use workshops, on-demand resources, and customized support to help leaders understand themselves and their organizations and then use innovative methods to create change. **▶️ 3 Reasons to Use Intrapreneurship to Build Skills In Your Nonprofit's Early Career Staff with Emily Glasgow and Alanna Hughes
▶️ Key Points:**03:33 Emily and Alanna’s career journeys
07:25 What is intrapreneurship?
10:16 3 Ways nonprofits benefit from intrapreneurship
14:45 How nonprofit Learning and Development teams can know if their early career staff need intrapreneurship
18:41 The skills staff develop as they learn intrapreneurship
22:40 The results that Emily and Alanna have seen from their work
Resources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Emily Glasgow and Alanna HughesLinkedin: Emily Glasgow and Alanna Hughes
Website: www.withinnovate.com
Instagram: @withinnovate
Email: withinnovate@gmail.com Connect with HeatherLinkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Are you ready to reduce the overwhelm of creating learning for your organization?My team and I will partner with your organization to perform the analysis, design the learning, develop all of the supporting course materials, prepare your facilitators for implementation, and create the evaluation strategy and feedback loops you need to continuously improve. Send me an email at heather@skillmastersmarket.com to get started.
I knew I wanted to record an episode on personalized learning. So I asked myself, why do people want that? Why do people want personalized learning? And why does it work?
When I started thinking about things in my life that have been personalized like birthday parties, or baby showers, things that were just for me - I cherished them. Our learners want that. They want something that is for them, that feels like the perfect fit for exactly what they need when they need it.
But for those of us who work in Learning and Development, personalized learning can sound scary. So in today's episode of Learning for Good, we'll explore three tips for getting started with personalized learning in your nonprofit. I want to make it a little less scary. **▶️ Not Sure Where to Start with Personalized Learning? Three Tips for Nonprofits
▶️ Key Points:03:42 What is personalized learning?
04:59 Creating competency-based learning journeys
06:40 Incorporating self-reflection in training to give a student ownership in the learning process
07:56 Adding coaching both supports and personalizes a learning experience Resources from this episode:Check out my competency model episodes if you’re just getting started with your own competency model:
Episode 34: Get Clear on Staff Expectations with This Fundamental Resource
Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don’t Work
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather**Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Are you ready to reduce the overwhelm of creating learning for your organization?My team and I will partner with your organization to perform the analysis, design the learning, develop all of the supporting course materials, prepare your facilitators for implementation, and create the evaluation strategy and feedback loops you need to continuously improve. Send me an email at heather@skillmastersmarket.com to get started.
I can remember when working internally at a national nonprofit, managing up to 10 projects at once.
They were in various stages of the process. They had different subject matter experts and different people approving the projects. They all had different modalities. And I had to keep up with all of them.
Project management is a key skill in Learning and Development teams.
So when Jami Yazdani and I connected about bringing you an episode on project management, I knew we had to get it scheduled. Jami is a pro at managing projects and she supports nonprofits all over the country. She is the perfect person to join us today to give us tips for juggling multiple projects at once.
▶️ Three Tips for Juggling Multiple Training Projects at Once with Jami Yazdani
▶️ Key Points:
02:17 An introduction to Jami Yazdani
06:21 Why it is important to manage projects well
09:31 The complexities of managing multiple projects at once
12:34 Three tips for nonprofit L&D leaders who are managing multiple training projects at one time
19:07 The importance of project retrospectives as part of your project plan
Resources from this episode:
Check out this blog post I wrote for Three Ways to Incorporate Reflection into Your Training
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Jami Yazdani
Linkedin: Jami Yazdani
Website: yazdaniconsulting.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Role clarity, career development, and accountability - are just a few of the most common reasons a nonprofit reaches out to me about creating a custom competency model.
Here's the thing, a competency model can do all of those things if it's created with your organization in mind and implemented correctly. It has to be specific to your nonprofit. That's why today, we are focused on two questions you can ask to identify your nonprofits core competencies
▶️ Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies
▶️ Key Points:
02:10 Tailoring your competency model to your organization
04:00 Determining the knowledge, skills, and behaviors staff need
04:55 Aligning competencies with your nonprofit's strategies
Resources from this episode:
Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies Are Right for You
Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don’t Work
If you need support creating competencies for your organization, I'd love to connect. Send me an email at heather@skillmastersmarket.com
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
As nonprofit learning and development leaders, there are so many reasons we may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or even burned out. And to overcome burnout, we need to be able to identify the underlying causes of it. That's why I've invited special guest Jessie Pagliari to talk about dealing with corporate burnout and managing stress as a nonprofit leader.
Jessie is the founder and CEO of Everyday Bliss, a personal and corporate wellness company. She is an ex-top performer in the Fortune 15 and a survivor of stress-related illness. If you are struggling with burnout yourself, if you have a staff person who is, or if you're responsible for the corporate wellness program at your nonprofit, then tune in to today’s episode.
▶️ Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari
▶️ Key Points:
03:19 How Jessie’s medical leave and year-long sabbatical led to creating her company – Everyday Bliss
05:30 Why burnout and corporate wellness are becoming such popular topics
08:12 How organizations typically respond to corporate burnout
11:00 The five key causes of burnout and the four ways stress affects us
13:19 One easy step to take to overcome burnout
Resources:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Episode 30 of Learning for Good: Why staff well-being is the secret sauce to change management in nonprofit organizations
Connect with Jessie Pagliari
Linkedin: Jessie Pagliari
Website: everydayblissco.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
I remember many years ago, working on a tough project – like all caps, screaming at the microphone tough. I was working internally at a national nonprofit on a high-profile project. I had a difficult subject matter expert, things kept changing, and decisions were hard to come by.
And yet, I somehow managed to keep the project on time and within budget. How did I do it? That's what we're focusing on in this week's episode of Learning for Good.
▶️ Two Ways to Keep Your Staff Development Projects On Time and Within Budget
▶️ Key Points:
01:43 The two things I do to keep projects on time and within budget
02:04 Setting the project calendar
04:35 Scheduling regular check-ins with the project team
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends.
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
If your nonprofit or association is undergoing organizational change, you know that it can feel heavy and overwhelming. That's where play comes in. As nonprofit learning and development leaders, we can use play to bring curiosity and fun back to the workplace. I'm so excited to have play expert Acey Holmes here with me today to explore how we can do just that.
Acey believes that adults deserve (and need) more play. As a former speech and language pathologist, Acey has decades of experience studying the effects of play and flow on our brains and behaviors. She helps organizations implement playful work and through her efforts, she is transforming the future of work.
▶️ How Nonprofit Learning and Development Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change with Acey Holmes
▶️ Key Points:
03:23 Acey’s winding career journey and where her passion for play started
05:41 Why play is relevant and important for adults
08:43 Some of the benefits of using play in the workplace
13:35 How other non-profit learning and development leaders can use play to support big organizational changes
16:09 One thing that an L&D leader can do today to be more playful
Resources from this episode:
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Acey Holmes
Linkedin: Acey Holmes
Website: playfulworkdesign.com
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
People managers are critical to your organization. They have the greatest influence. They have the ability to help initiatives go well. They hear from both the senior leaders and the support staff.
I've heard from several nonprofits that they are focused on developing their people managers this year. But how do you know what to focus on? That's what we're going to explore in this week's episode of Learning for Good.
▶️ Training Your People Managers? Three Ways to Identify the Skills They Need
▶️ Key Points:
02:14 The three ways you can identify the skills your people managers need
02:43 Looking at employee engagement data to inform learning needs
04:15 Talking directly to your people managers to uncover what they really need
06:20 Doing external research to find trends happening in staff development
Resources:
Episode 32: 5 Coaching Questions to Spark Behavior Change in Your People Managers
Episode 22: How People Managers Can Improve Employee Performance and Job Satisfaction
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
I've worked with dozens of nonprofits as a consultant. And one thing I hear over and over again is the need for clear staff expectations. And you might be thinking, but isn’t that what the job description is for? Isn't it all laid out there?
A job description is a great first step – and it's an input into the fundamental resource I often recommend, a competency model. In this episode, I’ll share what a competency model is and how it can help your staff thrive.
▶️ 34: Get Clear on Staff Expectations with This Fundamental Resource
▶️ Key Points:
01:41 What’s a competency model? And how it can impact your nonprofit organization
03:05 What you should consider when creating a competency model for your nonprofit
03:45 Engaging staff in creating your competency model
Resources from this episode:
Episode 20: How to Determine Which Competencies are Right for You.
Episode 19: One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
Episode 18: Four Reasons Your Competencies Don't Work
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
As nonprofit L&D leaders, we are investing time and money into creating engaging solutions for our learners. But all of our learners are not the same. Their needs are not the same. Their likes and dislikes are not the same. Their goals are not the same. And their abilities are not the same. So how do we create solutions that are accessible to everyone?
That's what we’ll explore today with Dr. Saeide Mirzaei on this episode of Learning for Good. Dr. Saeide's journey is inspiring. She grew up in a small town where she was denied access to education because of her gender and socioeconomic status. Now, as an accessibility expert, she ensures that her design is accessible to all learners, and she’s committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of e-learning design.
▶️ Misconceptions, Barriers, and Solutions to Creating Accessible Learning with Dr. Saeide Mirzaei
▶️ In this episode:
03:53 How being denied access to education opportunities put Dr. Saeide Mirzaei on this path of accessible learning
08:16 Seven reasons why nonprofits should be thinking about accessible learning
22:00 Common barriers that nonprofits face when creating programs that are accessible
28:41 Solutions to overcome those barriers and ensure your nonprofit's learning initiatives are accessible
35:00 Training staff and volunteers on accessibility best practices, guidelines, and tools
39:15 How accessible content can also be engaging, empowering, and fun!
Resources from this episode:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Connect with Dr. Saeide Mirzaei
Linkedin: Dr. Saeide Mirzaei
Website: https://saeidemirzaei.com/
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Are you investing in your people managers this year? They have a central role in the organization – taking the vision and strategy from leadership, and helping your teams put all of that into action. It requires a lot of skill and leadership. Yet, people managers don't always have the training or the support they need to be successful.
So, in today's episode of Learning for Good, we'll explore five coaching questions you can ask to spark behavior change in your people managers.
▶️ Top 5 Coaching Questions to Spark Behavior Change in Your People Managers
▶️ Key Points:
01:53 Why coaching is essential to spark behavior change in your people managers
02:50 Five core questions to spark behavior change in your nonprofit organization
05:32 How you can offer more support as they go through that change
Resources from this episode:
Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
Have you ever created a training, but realized staff just didn't want to attend? Maybe you facilitated or observed and saw the hesitation, or worse, the resistance from learners. Sometimes our staff isn't ready to change. So, today, let’s talk about creating buy-in for staff development.
In this episode of Learning for Good, I'm going to share an approach that I used in a virtual instructor-led training for a national nonprofit focused on the early childhood years.
▶️ Staff Not Ready to Change? This One Practice Creates Buy-In for Staff Development
▶️ Key Points:
01:48 How to make learners actually want to learn and implement your new approach
04:07 Combining discussion with practice so learners can benefit from buy-in and skill development
04:50 How you can apply my approach to your work as a nonprofit L&D leader
Resources from this episode:
Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
We keep hearing that burnout is at an all-time high, especially within nonprofit organizations, yet changes continue happening and can sometimes add to our stressors in the workplace. That's why today I've invited Mandy Sharp Eizinger to talk about staff well-being and what nonprofit organizations can do to help prevent burnout even in the midst of a change.
In this episode, we talk about shifting the narrative around rest, how staff well-being affects your nonprofit culture and bottom line, and some practical tips on what you can start doing today to prioritize your staff’s well-being.
▶️ Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger
▶️ Key Points:
05:01 The start of Mandy's interest in well-being within the non-profit sector
08:32 Burnout, busyness, well-being, and rest: shifting narratives we’ve been reproducing for decades
15:51 How staff well-being impacts things happening across nonprofits and other organizations
18:10 Simple questions you should ask your staff to increase well-being and productivity
20:39 8 Tips to improve staff well-being in your organization
Resources from this episode:
Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski’s TED Talk: The cure for burnout (hint: it isn't self-care)
Tricia Hersey’s article: Rest is anything that connects your mind and body
Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective:
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Mandy
Linkedin: Mandy Sharp Eizinger
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
If your nonprofit or association is delivering in-person or virtual instructor-led training, you probably have trainers who lead that experience. This one role can make a big difference in the outcome of the training. And while we focus a lot on creating the training for impact, it's also important to support the trainers. That’s why I invited Dave Powell, nonprofit veteran and author of The Presenter’s Dilemma, to talk about presentation skills for nonprofit trainers in today’s episode of Learning for Good.
In this episode, we talk about why presentation skills are important and share practical tips to help you improve your skills as well as the impact they have on your organization.
▶️ Mediocre Training? Improve Your Presentation Skills with Author Dave Powell
▶️ Key Points:
03:35 How Dave’s career journey at YMCA actually started in his childhood
06:29 Why presentation skills are important and why nonprofits should develop presentation skills in their trainers
08:44 The most common internal and external challenges you will face when delivering a presentation or speaking in public
14:41 The importance of rehearsing before your big presentation
16:56 How a nonprofit can develop presentation skills in its trainers to boost training effectiveness
20:20 One of the best things you can do to develop your presentation skills
Resources from this episode:
YMCA’s website: www.ymca.org
Toastmasters website: www.toastmasters.org
The Presenter's Dilemma: Taking the Stage by Storm One Slide at a Time: get the book on Amazon!
Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective:
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Dave
Linkedin: Dave Powell
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
We've all been there. You're working on a project or initiative, and you find yourself working around someone on the team. It's a pain, but it's easier than working with them. So, let’s talk about dealing with toxic staff today.
Do they need training? Maybe. Training can help create cross-functional relationships needed to get work done. It can help motivate staff to contribute in new ways. It can build the skills and confidence needed to be effective, but it won't fix a toxic team member.
What do I mean by that? Let's explore it together on today's episode of Learning for Good.
▶️ Dealing with toxic staff? Why training is not the answer
▶️ Key Points:
02:04 The big problem of having toxic staff on your team
03:43 The importance of performance combined with trust
05:03 The team members you want to invest in
Resources from this episode:
Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
When I first started working with nonprofit organizations, I thought that the shared mission would instantly create a positive work environment. But it takes more than a shared purpose. There’s more that goes into creating a positive culture, and that’s why I invited Veronica LaFemina, non-profit executive strategic advisor, to talk about it on today’s episode of Learning for Good.
In this episode, we talk about what we’ve learned about creating and maintaining a positive culture that improves employee performance in a non-profit organization.
▶️ 4 Easy Habits to Improve Employee Performance and Culture with Veronica LaFemina
Key Points:
02:50 Veronica’s career path that led her to become a strategic advisor to non-profit executives
6:40 Discover the crucial role organizational culture plays in the success of nonprofit initiatives and the performance of their staff
09:47 Understand the main elements of organizational culture and how defining an identity, clarity, process, and vibe fosters a healthy work culture
15:31 The one element of organizational culture that impacts employee performance the most
19:24 Develop four essential habits for improving culture: clarity, internal communication, training, and accountability
Resources from this episode:
Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective:
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective
Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Connect with Veronica
Linkedin: Veronica LaFemina
Website: LaFemina.co
Connect with Heather
Linkedin: Heather Burright
Website: skillmastersmarket.com
Book an interest call with Heather here.
When we have a performance problem, we often go straight to training as the solution.
And while training can certainly be A solution, it’s not THE only solution.
Today, I want to explore three staff development solutions that can create behavior change in your staff, aligning them with the ADKAR change management model.
▶️ From Poor Performer to High Achiever? Three Staff Development Solutions to Create Behavior Change
Key Points:
00:57 Training isn’t the ONLY solution
02:00 Are your learners aware of the need to change?
02:49 Do they know they need to change?
03:59 Can they sustain change?
05:29 Do these with intentionality
Was this episode helpful? Let us know in the comments. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, leave a review! 👇👇👇
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Subscribe to the channel and hit the 🔔 for notifications.
Skill Masters Market
Our world is so often centered and tailored around us.
And I don't know about you, but I've attended training sessions where that felt the furthest from the truth. But I've also attended others where I left feeling like it was exactly what I needed.
So how do you create more of THAT scenario – where learners feel like they got exactly what they needed?
▶️ Three Questions to Ask to Center the Learners' Needs in Your Nonprofit Training
Key Points:
02:01 Do THIS before anything else.
03:29 Knowledge doesn’t equal behavior change
06:01 Focus more on the “do” than the “no”
06:58 Set them up for success by considering this
Was this episode helpful? Let us know in the comments. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, leave a review! 👇👇👇
Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗
Subscribe to the channel and hit the 🔔 for notifications.
Skill Masters Market
Imagine this. You do the work. You invest so much time and energy into creating this training. You send it out into the world.
Crickets.
It doesn’t have to be this way. You have to step up and find out whether it worked or needs improvement.
I want you to set yourself up for success by doing these five things.
▶️ Does Your Training Make a Difference? 5 Tips to Increase Staff Development and Training Effectiveness
Key Points:
00:13 Never expect a dull training launch again
02:18 Do these to get your solutions to work
03:30 Building trust is a constant process
04:27 What is driving the need for training?
05:18 Remove barriers by listening to your learners
06:01 Everything you do should be knowledge-based
07:02 Adapt and evaluate through feedback
Looking for support in implementing this process? ✨
Connect with us so we can help create the exact solutions for you!
👉 heather@skillmastersmarket.com
👉 https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/
Was this episode helpful? Let us know in the comments. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, leave a review! 👇👇👇
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Skill Masters Market
I’ve been in your shoes.
Since starting my consulting business, I’ve worked with dozens of nonprofits that needed to develop their staff to achieve specific goals. But it’s not always easy because of the barriers our staff face on a daily basis.
To cultivate effective employee performance, we need a tailored staff development solution that produces measurable and actionable outcomes.
▶️ Improving Employee Performance: How I Tailor Staff Development Solutions to Your Organization
Key Points:
00:51 This is how to create more effective employees!
02:25 Know what’s going on in the organization
04:17 Help employees discover their own needs
05:22 Test and implement while receiving feedback
Ready to get the exact solution your organization needs? ✨
Send me an email with the word “Exact” in the subject line.
👉 heather@skillmastersmarket.com
Subscribe to the channel and hit the 🔔 for notifications.
Skill Masters Market
Learn more about what I do.
👉 https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/
We’ve heard the saying, “People don’t leave bad jobs, they leave bad managers.” In fact, there is existing data that supports this.
Does that mean the opposite is true?
Here’s what I know. People want to feel heard, respected, and valued in your organization. And people managers are an important way to achieve that.
So how do we develop our people managers into the leaders we need? Let’s find out.
▶️ How People Managers Can Improve Employee Performance and Job Satisfaction
Key Points:
01:51 Develop these three behaviors in your people managers
02:25 Different ways people managers can establish trust
04:51 Unclear expectations kill performance
05:51 Staff teams need feedback and support
06:54 The best time to develop your people managers
Subscribe to the channel and hit the 🔔 for notifications.
Skill Masters Market
Moving into 2023, I’ve conducted market research calls and found out so much about what nonprofits are thinking about and are struggling with.
I know I won’t get to work with every single nonprofit out there. But I’m doing the research and this podcast to know what resonates with you.
I can’t wait to share with you what I heard from nonprofits and these new trends gearing toward the new year.
▶️ Three Professional Development Trends in 2023
Key Points:
02:09 Now’s the time to invest in people managers
04:14 Organizations are elevating mental health needs
05:48 Do this to see true behavior change
06:53 Let us know what you think!
💌 Leave a comment or send me an email with your biggest challenges and what you're focused on in 2023.
Subscribe to the channel and hit the 🔔 for notifications.
Skill Masters Market
Emotional intelligence. Digital maturity. Communication. Collaboration. Data-based decision making. Adaptability.
So many competencies. But how do you know which of them should be included in your competency model?
Let’s dissect two important components so you can decide the right competencies to implement in your organization.
▶️ How to Determine Which Competencies are Right for You
Key Points:
02:00 External landscape
03:36 Internal landscape
05:05 Conversation
Watch: One Nonprofit’s Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model
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Skill Masters Market
Have you ever wanted an inside look into another nonprofit’s competency model?
Kristi Burnham, UNICEF USA’s Vice President for Professional Learning and Leadership, is here to talk about what competencies are working for them, the challenges they face in implementation, and their strategies for reinforcement.
▶️ One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model with Kristi Burnham
Key Points:
02:20 Kristi’s career journey to UNICEF
04:48 What prompted UNICEF’s competency model
07:21 The process of crafting the model
10:01 What’s in UNICEF’s one-pager model
12:38 Introducing the model to staff and prospects
15:48 Positive responses about the model
17:48 Other ways to implement the model
19:46 Advice for organizations in creating competencies
Visit the website to see how we might work together:
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Often, organizations have competencies in place that are ineffective. But why is that?
My experience as a nonprofit consultant helped me discover four strong reasons why your competencies don’t bring the results you want, and what you can do about it.
Are you ready to start using a competency model that actually works? Let’s dive in.
▶️ Four Reasons Your Competencies Don’t Work
Key Points:
01:46 #1 Competencies are not tailored to your organization
02:36 Outdated and not tailored to individual roles
03:54 #2 Competencies are not forward-looking
05:25 #3 Too many competencies create confusion
06:25 #4 Why existing models are not used
07:51 What you should do to improve them
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Virtual training, when designed poorly, can be boring.
One effective element you can incorporate to make your virtual or in-person training engaging and effective is storytelling.
Listen as Monique Purnell, Learning and Development Manager for Alpha Gamma Delta International Headquarters talks about why stories work and how to create them in your next virtual training.
▶️ This One Element Changes Everything for Training with Monique Purnell
Key Points:
01:52 Monique’s career and background
07:01 Two ways to use storytelling
10:56 Why stories work
14:58 The challenges of storytelling
17:48 How to start writing your story
20:48 What to do after writing your story
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Visit the website to see how we might work together: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Behavior change is complex, but it isn’t impossible.
Whether they’re New Year’s resolutions or using new software at work, you can create behavior change with a good strategy in place. Keep in mind what happens after the transformation matters as well.
Tune in to discover this three-step process that you can implement to facilitate behavior change during training in your organization.
▶️ Use THIS Process if You Want to Change Behavior with Training
Key Points:
02:47 Imagining the new behavior
04:52 Using awareness and techniques
06:15 Practicing the new behavior
07:18 Using and reflecting on the new behavior
09:54 Celebrating wins
Watch: 8 Hours of the Worst Training Ever. https://youtu.be/OBkgZ1N9Y9Y
Picture the last training you attended.
Were you engaged? Hands-on in practicing a new skill? Or were you bored, yawning, and even multitasking? It might have felt like the slowest eight hours of your life. However, we can learn from that experience to create training that people actually want to attend.
Tune in to learn and be inspired to craft a training program that’s relevant, meaningful, and fun, and the tools and techniques that you can utilize to make it happen.
▶️ 8 Hours in the Worst Training Ever
Key Points:
02:55 Making training relevant
03:57 Relevant means actionable
05:44 Making training meaningful
07:10 Making training fun
08:12 Features and techniques for engagement
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Challenging our own mental models is a way of life.
This is why Dr. Hedy Lemar Walls is committed to helping organizations engage deeper cultural understanding of themselves and others. Instead of training, she creates “learning experiences” as opportunities for growth and accountability in the diverse 21st-century workplace.
Dr. Hedy Lemar Walls is the chief social responsibility officer for the YMCA of the North. She also leads the United Health Group Equity Innovation Center, using Intellectual Inventory Development (IDI) to guide groups in applying inclusivity and systemic change within their communities.
Tune in to discover as Dr. Hedy Lemar Walls shares what her institutions do to promote inclusivity, the basics and goals of IDI, her IDI success stories, the byproduct, and the downside of using IDI for assessment.
▶️ Breaking Down the Good, Bad, and Ugly of Diversity Assessments
Key Points:
02:32 Dr. Hedy’s education and career
10:06 Dr. Hedy's IDI-centered services
13:19 How IDI is used in assessments
15:41 The objectives of IDI
18:52 IDI success stories
22:15 The pros and cons of IDI
26:13 Dr. Hedy’s advice for organizations
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Watch The Secret to Making Leadership Assessments Work
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
What you do after assessments matters.
You’ve selected the right assessment, offered it to your leaders, and received their results. The three things that should happen next are the secret to making leadership assessments work.
Tune in to Learning For Good — The Secret to Making Leadership Assessments Work.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Coaching. Have a coach who can debrief results with your leaders and support them over a period of time. This step is important because it will be harder for leaders to ignore results. Coaches can help set the right goals, execute accountability, and help leaders identify and overcome barriers to change.
✔️ Tailored development. Once leaders understand their results, it’s time to take action. Give them opportunities to create goals and engage in professional development to help them achieve those goals. Dedicate time and resources for leadership training or a stretch task or assignment.
✔️ Follow-up. This is where you’ll find out if the assessments made a difference. This can look like a conversation, report, survey, or a second assessment process, and can happen with a coach, supervisor, or HR team member. You must know what the leader has accomplished and what they still need to be successful.
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Watch Self Assessments vs. 360 Assessments
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Let’s take a deeper dive into competency assessments.
Today, we’ll be talking about two different types of competency assessments that you can use in your organization: self-assessments and 360 assessments, the advantages of each, and how to know which assessment is right for you.
Tune in to Learning For Good — Self-Assessments vs. 360 Assessments.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Self-Assessments. Your leaders will answer a series of questions about their own perceptions of their competency strengths and gaps. It’s a quick and easy way to assess competency, but is subject to the leader's own bias about their skill level. These generally cost less and are easier to administer.
✔️ 360 Assessments. Your leaders will answer a series of questions about their own perceptions of their competency strengths and gaps, but those responses are combined with the responses of others, such as their supervisors and peers. These are more time-consuming, more costly to administer, and require a high level of trust.
✔️ How to Know Which Assessment is Right For You. Consider these different points.
- Cost - How much can you invest in the assessment process?
- Time - How much time do you have to administer the assessment process?
- Rater fatigue - How many other surveys are you operating?
- Trust - Will leaders be receptive to feedback? Will raters feel comfortable giving feedback?
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Watch Three Types of Assessments that Pay Off for Your Hybrid Workforce
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Welcome to Season 2!
In the previous season, I had so much fun talking about DEI in virtual training and leadership development topics. I hope you enjoyed it as well.
In the first few episodes of this season, we will focus on leadership assessments, starting with the three best types of assessments that pay off for your hybrid workforce and why.
Tune in to Learning For Good — Three Types of Assessments that Pay Off for Your Hybrid Workforce.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Strengths assessments. These help leaders recognize their strengths so they can maximize them in the workplace. Maximizing our strengths can lead to greater performance and employee engagement. Gallup, the company behind CliftonStrengths, found that strength-based development can lead to higher employee engagement, increased performance, increased sales, and increased profit.
✔️ Diversity assessments. Everyone should feel safe, respected, and valued in the workplace. Our leaders need to continue greater awareness of themselves and others in order to lead effectively. Improving our intercultural competence will improve our organizational culture and can have a lasting impact on business results as well.
✔️ Competency assessments. They help leaders see which skills are strongest and which skills might be gaps for them. There are a couple of ways to go about these, such as using an off-the-shelf assessment that aligns with your staff's leadership skills. They can then use that information to tailor their learning and development experience. If done well, they will end up with an individual plan to reskill, upskill, or leverage a skill.
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Visit my website to see how we can work together:
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
One of the top 3 skills needed in a hybrid environment is collaboration.
Collaboration is a skill that is also used in the in-person environment, but it looks different when hybrid. Hybrid collaboration requires clearer expectations, open communication, and thoughtfully designed and productive co-working sessions.
So today, we’ll explore two virtual learning activities you can implement to develop your team's collaboration skills.
Tune in to Learning For Good — Two Virtual Learning Activities to Develop Collaboration Skills.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Establish group norms. Group norms are what allow your group to work together - or collaborate - more effectively. This can be done in any shared collaboration space like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Slides, Mural, Miro, or Jamboard.
The idea here is not that they leave the space with a list of group norms, but that they leave the space ready to facilitate the conversation with their teams.
✔️Implement, reflect, and adjust. In a best-case scenario, participants are able to try out this new skill in the real world. Give them a chance to implement with their teams. Then, bring them back together virtually to reflect and adjust.
This gives participants a chance to reflect on their experience with establishing group norms AND the outcome - the impact on hybrid collaboration.
✔️Ask your team. You might also consider asking them how they might use a similar approach for other challenges they are having as a team. This will help them to apply the same skills in other areas of their role.
Watch: Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual Training
Subscribe to the channel: Skill Masters Market
Download my free Virtual Facilitation Formula: https://mailchi.mp/skillmastersmarket/three-tips-for-virtual-facilitation
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Many nonprofits are now operating in a hybrid environment.
However, the skills needed to be successful in this new normal are different than being in-person.
I reflected on my past experiences and did some research to identify the top skills needed for this hybrid way of work.
And today, I'm sharing what I learned with all of you.
Tune in to Learning For Good — Top Three Skills of the Hybrid Workforce.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Build relationships. Strong relationships are a must. The goals are:
- To empathize
- To influence your teams
- To act as an ally
- To encourage their well-being
- And so much more!
✔️Collaborate. Relationships are critical in hybrid collaboration because they require:
- Clear expectations
- Two-way communication
- Thoughtfully designed virtual co-working sessions
Without a strong foundation, these won’t be possible.
✔️Be fluent in digital tools. They’re everywhere. Whether it’s Slack, Zoom, or Calendly, these tools can help your staff build relationships and improve collaboration. Nobody needs to be an I.T. expert. Your team just has to be confident in using digital tools.
Watch: Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual Training
Subscribe to the channel: Skill Masters Market
Download my free Virtual Facilitation Formula: https://mailchi.mp/skillmastersmarket/three-tips-for-virtual-facilitation
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Over the last two years, organizations have shifted things to a virtual or hybrid environment out of necessity, and now we have an opportunity to create the best version of that environment for our staff. In today's episode, we’ll be learning three ways you can future-proof your nonprofit's leadership development training.
Tune in to Learning For Good — Future-Proof Your Nonprofit's Leadership Development Training.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Commit to developing your leaders. Our leaders are in a pivotal moment. They can continue to lead as they always have, even though the environment has completely shifted, or leaders can adapt the way they lead to work for a hybrid team.
✔️ Identify the skills needed. The top skills for the future include collaboration, communication, productivity, digital fluency, relationship-building, and empathy.
Also, consider:
- What skills does your organization need?
- What does your strategic plan say?
- What are your organization’s goals?
- What actions do you need to do to attain these skills?
✔️ Create training. Make one with the end in mind and one that everyone wants to attend.
How can you…
- make the experience engaging?
- pull them in rather than putting them to sleep?
- allow them to draw their experiences and expertise to discover the skills they need?
- give them an opportunity to practice these skills?
This is where real transformation begins.
Watch: Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual Training
Subscribe to the channel: Skill Masters Market
Download my free Virtual Facilitation Formula: https://mailchi.mp/skillmastersmarket/three-tips-for-virtual-facilitation
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
We have found ourselves in a virtual or hybrid environment, which means our meetings and training have also gone virtual in many cases.
How do we create a virtual experience that doesn’t put everyone to sleep?
In this episode, we hear from another virtual expert, Melissa Dinwiddie, to share her FUN method – so you can be sure you never have a boring virtual training again.
Tune in to Learning For Good — Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Find the flow. Ditch the boring slides and lectures. Use an engaging 2-minute activity that involves emotions. And it doesn’t have to be related to your theme. Just something to set the mood for the rest of the virtual training session!
✔️Unlock the meaning. Gather your trainees for a debrief discussion. This is where your group will connect the activity to their daily lives, the theme, or the topic. Lessons stick harder when trainees spot them for themselves!
✔️Name the change. Or… “Now what?” At the end of the session, each trainee identifies their biggest takeaway or insight. They’ll think of how to implement it between now and the next meeting. Melissa Dinwiddie suggests having shorter and fewer sessions in a week to give trainees time to practice their learnings.
Watch: One Simple but Effective Virtual Learning Activity
Subscribe to the channel: Skill Masters Market
Download my free Virtual Facilitation Formula: https://mailchi.mp/skillmastersmarket/three-tips-for-virtual-facilitation
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Now that you’ve figured out how to create a relevant and meaningful virtual training, it's time to think about tactics.
That's where today's episode comes in. We're going to talk about this one simple but effective tactic you can use in your virtual training – WHEN to use it, HOW to use it, and when NOT to use it.
Tune in to Learning For Good — One Simple But Effective Virtual Learning Activity.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Virtual breakouts are effective when used correctly. Use them only when:
- Learners have relevant experiences to share with each other.
- You want them to practice a skill.
- They will benefit from giving each other feedback.
✔️Virtual breakouts are easy to do. Go over the following steps:
- Create the discussion question(s) or activity that supports your objectives.
- Break the participants into small groups, 3-5 people is best.
- Provide ALL the information prior to breaking them out.
✔️Virtual breakouts shouldn’t be used ALL the time. It may not be the best choice if you would need a subject matter expert to explain more technical knowledge or a facilitator to guide more difficult conversations.
Watch: Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual Training
Subscribe to the channel: Skill Masters Market
Download my free Virtual Facilitation Formula: https://mailchi.mp/skillmastersmarket/three-tips-for-virtual-facilitation
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Over the last two years, organizations have been using virtual training platforms more and more.
But what they've found is that virtual training is different from in-person training.
In today's episode, we will learn three important things you must have in any virtual training.
Tune in to Learning For Good — Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual Training.
What You Will Discover:
#1 - Be intentional. Have a purpose with what you create and how you create it to keep the training relevant and meaningful to your staff. Consider:
- The organization’s needs - What do you want to accomplish through the virtual training? How does that support your organization?
- The audience’s needs - What do they already know how to do? What skills might be lacking? What motivates them to do these things?
- Imagine how you can use the virtual classroom to help them practice the skills they need.
#2 - Build trust. Your staff will be more engaged in your virtual training if they believe you want the best for them. How?
- Set expectations.
- Explain the benefits of the training on their career or position.
- Facilitate relationship-building among participants.
- Listen to your staff.
#3 - Do the unexpected. Don’t just be a talking head presenting information on a screen. People remember what is unique, uncommon, and outside the norm.
To make your virtual training more interesting:
- Use an improv activity.
- Try out a Kahoot! game.
- Turn videos off for a change.
Watch: How to Build Trust Among Your NonProfit’s Hybrid Workforce
Subscribe to the channel: Skill Masters Market
Download my free Virtual Facilitation Formula: https://mailchi.mp/skillmastersmarket/three-tips-for-virtual-facilitation
Visit my website to see how we can work together.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
Many nonprofits have spent the last two years in a hybrid model with some staff in-person and some virtual.
It’s time to be intentional about our new hybrid workforce, and building trust is foundational to a great hybrid culture.
In today's episode, we will learn three ways you can build trust among your nonprofit's hybrid workforce AND what nonprofit L&D leaders can do to create this environment for staff.
Tune in to Learning For Good — How to Build Trust among Your Nonprofits Hybrid Workforce.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Listen actively. People want to feel heard, and in a hybrid environment, leaders have to intentionally carve out time to listen to their teams because those spontaneous, unplanned hallway conversations don’t happen.
✔️Act transparently. Many people feel uncertain and uncomfortable after the many layoffs and changes that occurred during the pandemic and the Great Resignation. Sharing what information you have as you have it and are able to share it will help staff feel more at ease.
✔️Communicate consistently. Studies have shown that people need to hear a message 7x before they remember it. Even when you feel like you’ve communicated enough, communicate some more.
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Visit my website to see how we can work together to develop the skills your people need so you can scale your mission and impact, even in a virtual world.
https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/consulting-home
After 10 years in marketing communications supporting social justice organizations, Kay Meredith’s role at the University of Illinois pivoted her into the world of DEI training.
“I fell in love with helping employees feel confident and competent in their work,” she says.
In this episode, Kay Meredith shares her experiences and advice in getting your DEI training started within your organization.
Tune in to Learning For Good — What One Nonprofit Did to Kickstart Their DEI Training Initiative with Kay Meredith.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Set your goals and objectives. This can be done through market research with early childhood professionals and other activities to gather feedback and information.
✔️Decide what you’re offering. Go through the following steps:
- Revise the current plan.
- Create a new one based on recommendations.
- Deliver experiences from a facilitative lens.
Also, consider the following factors:
- How does DEI shape your work?
- How can you help impact the people you serve?
✔️ Conduct training from a long-term perspective. Facilitators play a critical role. Not just within the confines of the training, but after it as well. Support them by:
- Providing certifications.
- Offering more development opportunities.
- Doing check-ins.
✔️ Stay aligned with what’s happening in the organization. Evaluations are a great tool to deeply understand current problems and concerns. You’d want your material to be relevant and applicable.
✔️ Initiate transformative discussions. Making people feel valued and respected is often based on inclusive language. Ensure that you revise inclusive language through every part of your organization. Build it into your brand guidelines, human resources, membership, publications, emails, social media posts, and website.
✔️ Determine your success. There are two aspects to look at.
First, look at your internal work and spot:
- Strong collaboration in the creation
- New method of delivery
- Observable behaviors in learning spaces
Then, measure practice change by:
- Finding core participants
- Comparing old vs new
For more videos just like this, head on over to YouTube and subscribe for updates! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjlJEjfgGf4dJqJgpm7Wlw
Help Your Staff Feel Like They Really Belong: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/dei.
Diversity training has become a priority for many nonprofits.
Are you planning to implement it for your nonprofit organization?
It may sound overwhelming at first. Diversity and inclusion can be very sensitive topics for most people.
But don’t worry. There are ways to facilitate diversity training in a way where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Tune in to learn more 🎬 watch the full episode of Learning For Good — Three Learning Design Principles for Your Virtual Diversity Training.
What You Will Discover:
Principle 1: Set Your Objectives.
- What do you want to accomplish?
- What does it look like to accomplish that?
- How will you know when you’re successful?
Use your objectives to guide all the conversations, activities, and evaluations you create for the training.
Principle 2: Create Connection. Virtual diversity training requires your staff and volunteers to be vulnerable, and vulnerability isn’t always comfortable or easy. That’s why it’s important to create connections among the participants.
Principle 3: Lean in. While you may want to start the training with “easy” conversations to build relationships, establish trust, and create that connection, you don’t want to shy away from the reason your participants are attending the training. Creating a more diverse workforce or a greater sense of belonging or more equitable practices within your organization isn’t easy. Staff and volunteers will need to be encouraged to lean into the hard conversations too.
Principle 3 depends on principles 1 and 2 being done well. If you ask people to lean in but have no real objective, they may feel confused or disillusioned. If you ask people to lean in but have not created connection, they may feel hesitant or frustrated. We need all three principles to be successful in our virtual diversity training - set your objectives, create connection, and lean in.
For more videos just like this, head on over to YouTube and subscribe for updates! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjlJEjfgGf4dJqJgpm7Wlw
Help Your Staff Feel Like They Really Belong: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/dei.
Please note my dog makes a guest appearance in the beginning My #1 fan! You can watch this episode on YouTube too - https://youtu.be/kSELSCXjnqY.
So many nonprofits are starting to see the importance of inclusivity.
Leaders are releasing DEI statements, creating diversity goals and training, and working to create a culture where everyone feels belong.
Even in the current virtual world, you can still create a great impact that continues for years to come.
Tune in to learn more 🎬 watch the full episode of Learning For Good — 5 Things Nonprofit Leaders Can Do to Create Lasting DEI Change.
What You Will Discover:
✔️ Build a strong foundation of trust. Why do you want to create change? What parameters exist? Be transparent. Honesty can cultivate an open and welcoming atmosphere among your staff.
✔️ Assess what’s working and what isn’t. This means engaging those around you about what an inclusive workplace looks like for them. Ask questions. Review data. Gather input. DEI change is a team effort.
✔️Co-create with people around you. What is a common vision for DEI in your organization? What are the goals that will help your organization achieve that vision?
✔️ Identify and implement the tactics. Change can’t happen without an effective strategy. Now that you have a vision and goals, identify what you need to do to achieve those goals.
✔️ Listen and adapt. The work never ends. As you plan and implement the tactics, ask what is working and what isn’t, review data points to see if change is occurring, and continue to listen to those around you. Make changes as needed so you can achieve your vision and goals. Stay in the mindset of consistent learning and growth. It’s never too late to do better. And every day is a chance for your organization to discover something new.
Head over to my website and let's work together to help your staff and volunteers feel like they really belong. https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/dei