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#380: Relationships Shape Everything: What Leaders Must Know to Build Community (David “Dae-Lee” Arrington)

Episode Summary

Many nonprofit leaders believe they've built real community and trust within their organizations — but David “Dae-Lee” Arrington argues that what looks like connection is often just proximity, and that gap is costing leaders more than they realize. Founder and CEO of Bridge Builder Leadership in Charlotte, NC, Dae-Lee shares how his own journey - from a Black, working-class neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia to a mostly white, affluent Charlotte suburb at age nineteen - sparked a career spent helping leaders move from transactional relationships to transformational ones. He introduces the idea that “growth can hide fragmentation,” explains why psychological safety and trust function as an under-built layer of leadership infrastructure, and walks through the three-question framework: Who Am I? Who Are They? Who Are We? that grounds his Bridge Builder cohorts. Listeners will walk away with a concrete first step for building trust across difference, and a challenge to examine whether their own relationships are truly authentic or simply convenient.

About Dae-Lee

David “Dae-Lee” Arrington is the Founder and CEO of Bridge Builder Leadership, a Charlotte, NC-based organization that builds relational capacity and trust infrastructure among leaders across sectors, race, and generation. Raised in the Huntersville neighborhood of Norfolk, Virginia, he moved to Charlotte at nineteen in 2001, an experience that reshaped how he thought about community and connection across difference. He studied multimedia web design at the Art Institute of Charlotte and spent his early career split between the tech and entertainment worlds, working as a producer and recording artist while using music to bring people together in Charlotte's faith community and later as part of the Creative Mornings leadership team. Prompted by conversations with fellow leaders following the death of Keith Lamont Scott in 2016 and the events of 2020, Dae-Lee launched Bridge Builder Leadership to help leaders build the relational foundation - self-awareness, trust, and authentic connection - that he believes is missing from most leadership development. Over the past five years, he has led ten cohorts of leaders through that work, and describes himself, fittingly, as “an introverted lover of people.”

Resources

• Dae-Lee's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daeleebridgebuilder/
• Bridge Builder Leadership website: https://www.webridgebuild.com
• “Growth Can Hide Fragmentation” (read and add your voice!): https://www.webridgebuild.com/growth-can-hide-fragmentation
• Book recommendation: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire

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379: How to Treat Every Donor Like a Major Donor (Derric Bakker)

Episode Summary

Nonprofit leaders and fundraisers are exhausted, and the instinct when results slip is to simply work harder. In this episode of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Derric Bakker, Founder & CEO of DickersonBakker, argues that today’s struggle is not a down cycle teams can out-hustle but a structural shift in how people give, driven by demographics, the widening wealth gap, fraying community and religious ties, and donors who now expect the personalized experience every consumer brand delivers. Returning after his 2022 conversation (Episode #181), Derric makes the provocative case behind his new book: the relational behaviors long reserved for the top 1 percent of major donors, listening first, personalizing every touchpoint, stewarding consistently, and protecting trust, can become the operating system for fundraising at every level. He explains where AI makes that possible at scale, where it must never replace the human on the other end, and what a practical first step looks like, from rethinking donor survey data to reimagining portfolio size and gratitude. Listeners come away with a clear-eyed diagnosis of why the old model broke and a hopeful sense of the leadership and board decisions that move an organization toward a better way.

About Derric

Derric Bakker is the Founder & CEO of DickersonBakker, a fundraising consulting and agency firm that helps nonprofit organizations grow, thrive, and make a bigger impact, with a team of more than 50 working with over 100 clients a year. Across more than three decades in the sector, Derric moved through three chapters, roughly a decade as a frontline practitioner, a decade in consulting, and leadership of the firm he launched in 2010 that later merged to become DickersonBakker, and he is now entering a fourth focused on writing, teaching, and thought leadership as Andrew Olson takes the helm as president. Mentored early in his career by the legendary Jerry Panas, Derric built his expertise on relationship-based major gift fundraising, the foundation of his new book. Reflecting on the pace of change, he often points out that nearly everything about the work has been transformed by technology since he started, yet many of fundraising’s core assumptions have stubbornly stayed the same.

Resources

• Connect with Derric Bakker on LinkedIn and learn more about DickersonBakker
• Derric’s book: A Better Way to Fundraise: Treat Every Donor Like a Major Donor — explore the book and discussion guides at betterwaychampions.org
• Recommended reading: Nonprofit AI by Nathan Chappell (who, with Brian Crimmins, was a past guest on Episode #211, Is Philanthropy in a State of Crisis?)
• Registration is open for Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy - Learn more at institutepl.org
• Learn more about Inperium, a nonprofit that helps health and human services organizations grow without sacrificing their mission: Inperium.org
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire: ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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378: The Money Myths Holding Your Nonprofit Back (Sean Hale)

Episode Summary

Too many nonprofit leaders quietly avoid their own finances, trusting that a clean audit or a capable CPA means everything is handled, and that blind spot can put a mission at real risk. In this episode, Patton talks with Sean Hale, founder of Nonprofit CFOs, who busts five money myths that hold organizations back: that the audit has them covered, that finance is the CPA’s job, that nonprofits aren’t supposed to make a profit, that confusing financial reports are just part of the territory, and that you say yes to whatever a funder asks. Drawing on more than two decades inside the sector and a contrarian, plain-English style, Sean explains what a standard audit actually does and doesn’t catch, why a whistleblower policy and strong internal controls protect an organization far more than people realize, how an executive director can engage with the numbers in twenty minutes a month without becoming a bookkeeper, and why building a modest annual surplus is one of the smartest things a board can do. Listeners will walk away with practical, doable steps to raise financial literacy across their whole organization and the confidence to push back when a grant simply isn’t worth the cost.

About Sean

Sean Hale is the founder of Nonprofit CFOs, a team of finance and accounting professionals who provide nonprofits across the country with bookkeeping, fractional and interim CFO support, and special projects such as grant due diligence. His path into the sector started early: his mother led a nonprofit for thirty years, and his first job there involved pushing a broom for minimum wage. As an adult, Sean has worked in the sector since 1999, wearing nearly every hat across four different nonprofits over twenty-one years before launching his own practice. He found that he could make the biggest difference in the finance and administrative side of the work, helping organizations get their operations buttoned up so they can focus on mission. Known on LinkedIn for his sassy, contrarian, and occasionally grumpy take on nonprofit finance, Sean is on a mission to help leaders ditch the jargon, ask better questions, and stop accepting the pain.

Resources

• Connect with Sean on LinkedIn; Nonprofit CFOs
• Get Sean’s Financial Dashboard Starter Kit, free with code PATTON2026 at nonprofitcfos.com
• The Thief in Your Company by Tiffany Couch
• Learn more about Inperium, a nonprofit that helps health and human services organizations grow without sacrificing their mission: Inperium.org
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership at www.armstrongmcguire.com/podcasts
• Find more leadership resources at ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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377: Stop Pushing Harder: How Great Nonprofits Build Momentum (Suzanne Smith)

Episode Summary

Nonprofit leaders are exhausted, pushing harder and still feeling stuck. Suzanne Smith, Founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects, offers a different path. Drawing on sixteen years of consulting and her forthcoming book, The Nonprofit Flywheel, she reframes Jim Collins’s flywheel for the social sector: translate business practices, don’t transplant them. Suzanne walks through the six elements, impact, brand, revenue, and operations, held together by culture and governance, and explains why momentum builds only when all six align. She shares proof from the TACA arts accelerator in Dallas, where participating organizations saw average budgets rise roughly 40 percent and foundation support climb 77 percent, then challenges leaders to rethink old norms through what she calls Nonprofit 2.0. Listeners walk away with a practical diagnostic for finding the friction in their own organizations and a reminder that lasting impact comes from working smarter, not harder.

About Suzanne

Suzanne Smith is the Founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects, a social change agency in Dallas, Texas, that helps nonprofits, government agencies, and cross-sector systems move from stuck to strategic. Describing herself as “trilingual” in nonprofit, government, and business, Suzanne began her career as a lobbyist after earning a government degree from the University of Texas, then went on to complete her MBA at Duke, where she studied social entrepreneurship under pioneer Greg Dees. Over the past sixteen years she has founded nonprofits, served as a board chair, and taught the next generation of social entrepreneurs as an educator and consultant. She writes the Social TrendSpotter newsletter, a top nonprofit publication on Substack, and her TEDx talk, Everyone Is a Changemaker, reflects her belief that anyone can make a difference. She calls herself half therapist, half mechanic, a nod to her therapist mother and her love of finding the right tools to get unstuck.

Resources

• Connect with Suzanne on LinkedIn; Social Impact Architects; MeetSuzanne.com
• Social TrendSpotter - Suzanne’s weekly newsletter on the future of the social sector
• TEDx talk: Everyone Is a Changemaker
• The Nonprofit Flywheel: A Playbook for Sustainable Growth, Smarter Strategy, and Lasting Impact by Suzanne Smith, launching October 1, 2026, with a free digital edition and companion resources
• The Power of TED (The Empowerment Dynamic) by David Emerald
• Learn more about Inperium, a nonprofit that helps health and human services organizations grow without sacrificing their mission: Inperium.org
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership at www.armstrongmcguire.com/podcasts
• Find more leadership resources at ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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Episode 376: Who Should Be Part of Your Strategic Planning Process? (Renee Rubin Ross)

Episode Summary

Too many strategic plans end up gathering dust on a shelf, or worse, frustrating the very people who were left out of building them. In this episode, Renee Rubin Ross, Ph.D., Founder of The Ross Collective and author of the new book Inclusive Strategic Planning, makes the case that who you involve in planning matters just as much as the plan itself. Drawing on more than twenty planning processes, she walks through her five-step spiral, kickoff, discovery, prioritization, planning, and implementation, and introduces a simple framework for deciding who belongs in the room: deciders, builders, and sharers. Renee explains how to know whether your organization is even ready to plan, how to scale the work up or down when capacity and funding feel shaky, and how to keep a plan alive through consistent communication and disciplined implementation. Nonprofit leaders will come away with a practical, inclusive approach that turns planning into a source of energy, alignment, and focus rather than another document destined for the shelf.

About Renee

Dr. Renee Rubin Ross is a recognized leader in board and organizational development and strategy, and the founder of The Ross Collective, a consulting firm that designs and leads inclusive, participatory processes for social sector boards and staff. Committed to racial equity in the nonprofit sector, she guides leaders and organizations through strategic plans and governance processes that deepen social change, racial justice, engagement, and community strength. Renee is the author of Inclusive Strategic Planning: A Five-Step Process to Expand Energy, Alignment, and Opportunity. She also directs the Nonprofit Management Certificate program at Cal State University East Bay, where she teaches strategic planning and board development. A past board member of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management and a member of the Technology of Participation facilitators’ network, she earned her doctorate in education and Jewish studies from New York University, where her research explored parent participation in schools. She lives in Northern California.

Resources

• Listen to the episode: www.armstrongmcguire.com/podcasts
• Connect with Renee on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reneerubinross
• The Ross Collective: therosscollective.com
• Inclusive Strategic Planning: A Five-Step Process to Expand Energy, Alignment, and Opportunity
• Book recommendation: My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem
• Cal State University East Bay Nonprofit Management Certificate program
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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375: Outrageous Kindness: A Framework for Unlocking Philanthropic Potential (Kristina Joy Carlson)

Episode Summary

When disruption hits, many nonprofit leaders go quiet and wait for conditions to settle before they act, and that pause quietly signals to donors and communities that the mission can wait too. In Episode 375, Kristina Joy Carlson, CFRE, Founder and CEO of Outrageous Kindness, makes the case that perfect is never coming, and that the leaders who keep moving are the ones who build the strongest relationships. Drawing on decades in global philanthropy and a personal season of loss and recovery, she walks Patton through her KIND Method: Know More (challenge the assumptions that quietly kill donor relationships), Impact (reconnect to your own why so authentic passion does the persuading), Navigate (communicate honestly and bring a plan when funding shifts), and Deliver (do what you said, then circle back so people know their gift mattered). Along the way she offers a simple impact audit any leader can run today, a reframe of asking as a muscle you strengthen with use, and a reminder that asking a good question and truly listening may be the most outrageous kindness of all. Listeners will leave with a practical roadmap for leading with generosity when the conditions are anything but ideal.

About Kristina

Kristina Joy Carlson, CFRE, is the Founder and CEO of Outrageous Kindness, a mindset, method, and movement she built to help nonprofit organizations create stronger relationships, healthier cultures, and greater impact. She has spent most of her career in global philanthropy, helping organizations connect with people, engage donors, and grow the resources that fuel their missions, work that took her into campaigns, leadership transitions, and seasons of significant disruption. The daughter of a fundraiser and minister, she learned early that generosity changes the giver, the people around them, and the community, a conviction that now anchors her writing, speaking, and consulting. She is the author of Outrageous Kindness and will keynote the North Carolina Philanthropy Conference on September 3 with a talk titled “Perfect Isn’t Coming.” Based in Oxford, Mississippi, she leads through hard seasons with the same belief she teaches: your circumstances do not define you.

Resources

• Kristina Joy Carlson on LinkedIn
• Outrageous Kindness
• The Seven Faces of Philanthropy by Russ Alan Prince and Karen Maru File
• An American Life by Ronald Reagan
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!
• Leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire: ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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Episode 374: A Roadmap to Nonprofit Excellence: What Most Leaders Miss (Lauren Deiorio)

Episode Summary

Most nonprofit leaders don’t fail because of mission. They get stuck running one part of the operation well while neglecting the rest, often because they rose through programming and never learned the business of running an organization. In this episode, Lauren Deiorio, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, shares the Roadmap to Success, a practical tool she helped build that breaks nonprofit excellence into nine “destinations”: governance, HR, financial management, fundraising, communications, technology, strategic collaborations, community empowerment, and grant strategy. Drawing on a finance and public accounting background and nine years leading her foundation, Lauren explains why treating your nonprofit like a business, with engaged boards, strong internal controls, diversified revenue, and clear communications, is what earns donor confidence. She offers a concrete way to put the roadmap to work as a self-assessment, pairing a staff member with a board member on each destination throughout the year. Listeners will walk away with a mental checklist for diagnosing where their organization is strong, where it’s vulnerable, and exactly where to start.

About Lauren

Lauren Deiorio is President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, where she leads a nonprofit resource center dedicated to helping local organizations grow stronger and run more like a business. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Lauren earned a degree in finance and spent years in public accounting before moving into the philanthropic sector, first as the fund development director for her local school district and then, for the past nine years, at the helm of the Community Foundation. A self-described numbers person who joined her local public relations association to sharpen her communications skills, she co-created the foundation’s Roadmap to Success, now in its second edition with an accompanying workbook nonprofits across the region use as a self-study guide. Based near Orlando, she’s a fan of common-sense customer service, and has led her own staff through a book study on the subject.

Resources

• Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn | lauren@ocalafoundation.org
• Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County: ocalafoundation.org
• Roadmap to Success: the nine-destination nonprofit handbook and workbook (order at ocalafoundation.org)
• Book recommendation: The Customer Rules by Lee Cockrell
• Also mentioned: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire: ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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#373: Turning Leadership Transitions into Organizational Breakthroughs (Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CFRE)

Episode Summary

Most nonprofits treat leadership change as an emergency to survive rather than a future to plan for — and the cost of that blind spot is mounting. In this episode, Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CFRE (ret), CEO of Third Sector Company and founder of the Interim Executives Academy, names the “perfect storm” that has left the sector unprepared: taboo conversations about people, resource development defined only as money, a scarcity mindset that turns pipelines into pipe dreams, an unmanaged generational shift, and boards and staff running on separate tracks. Drawing on a career that began at United Way and 25 years building the field of interim leadership, Wilcox reframes succession planning as the stewardship of a purpose rather than the replacement of a person, and makes the case for the professionally trained interim executive as a catalyst — not a stopgap — for organizations bridging their proudest past and their hoped-for future. Listeners will come away with a practical, five-part view of what real succession planning requires, a sharper sense of when an interim is the right call, and a renewed conviction that the sector’s most valuable asset has always been its people.

About Jeffrey

Jeffrey R. Wilcox, CFRE (ret), is CEO of Third Sector Company and founder of its Interim Executives Academy and Interim Development Directors BootCamp, and a nationally recognized pioneer in leadership succession solutions for community-impact organizations. An author, columnist, and popular speaker, he advises nonprofits, trade and professional associations, and congregations on succession planning, talent development and retention, and strategic interim executive solutions. His early career was spent at United Way, including as Senior Vice President of Community Development for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, where he watched countless organizations treat leadership change as a surprise, a project, and an interruption — an experience that became the impetus for the firm he founded in 2002. Since then, Third Sector Company has served more than 900 organizations across the West Coast, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Western Canada, and was named a “Top 10” Interim Executive Services firm by Manage HR Magazine in 2023 and 2024; its Academy is the oldest and longest-running certificate program of its kind in the U.S. and Canada. The former nonprofit columnist for the Long Beach Business Journal, Wilcox authored The Nonprofit Leader of the New Decade in 2010 and remains a tireless advocate for returning nonprofit leadership to its cause-based, movement-focused, activist-driven roots.

Resources

• Jeffrey R. Wilcox on LinkedIn
• Third Sector Company — thirdsectorcompany.com
• Interim Executives Academy — interimexecutivesacademy.com
• Brains on Fire: Igniting Powerful, Sustainable, Word of Mouth Movements by Robbin Phillips, Greg Cordell, Geno Church, and Spike Jones (Wiley, 2010) — Jeffrey’s book recommendation
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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Episode 372: The Culture Work No One Warns You About in a Nonprofit Merger (Marcia Beckner)

Episode Summary

Too many nonprofit leaders treat a merger as a last resort, proof that something failed, when it can be the boldest strategic move they make. In this episode, Marcia Beckner, Founder and CEO of Culture CARES® Global, reframes merger as a path to greater impact, drawing on her own experience founding MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation and merging it into the Cancer Support Community. She covers how to know when a merger is right, why ego is so often the real obstacle, and why culture, not finances or strategy, is where mergers quietly succeed or fail. Marcia shares her CARES® framework (Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, Safety) as both a diagnostic and a roadmap for integrating two teams into one healthy, psychologically safe organization. Listeners will walk away seeing partnership not as surrender, but as a way to better fulfill their mission alongside others.

About Marcia

Marcia Beckner is the Founder and CEO of Culture CARES® Global, where she coaches nonprofit CEOs and executive directors to build healthy, inclusive workplaces and reduce sector burnout. She is the architect of the Culture CARES® Framework, a proven process for measuring and co-creating organizational culture. In 2007 she founded MyLifeLine Cancer Foundation, a digital community born from her own stage 3 ovarian cancer diagnosis in her twenties, which she led for nearly a decade before merging it into the global Cancer Support Community in 2018, where she went on to serve as VP of Digital Strategy and Chief Culture Officer. She holds a degree in Organizational Psychology, is a certified Dream Manager® and Talent Insights Analyst, and is the author of You Are Meant for Great Things. Based in Denver with her husband and four nearly-launched kids, she’s an avid reader and traveler.

Resources

• Marcia Beckner on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marciabeckner
• Culture CARES® Global: CultureCares.com
• The Culture CARES® Framework & Assessment: a culture diagnostic and roadmap built on five pillars (Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, Safety), with psychological safety as the foundation
• DISC + Driving Forces (Talent Insights): assessments Marcia uses to surface leadership styles and inner motivators in team-building
• Book: You Are Meant for Great Things by Marcia (Donziger) Beckner, her memoir of turning setbacks into stepping stones (culturecares.com/book)
• Book: The Nonprofit Mergers Workbook by David La Piana, a step-by-step guide through the merger process

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371: Stop Scaling, Start Listening: Building Nonprofits That Actually Work (jacob adams)

Episode Summary

Too many nonprofits have become experts at performing impact - hitting metrics, writing polished reports, scaling programs - without ever stopping to ask whether they’re actually changing the lives of the people they serve. In this episode, Patton sits down with jacob adams, Founder and Executive Director of Inner Spark Learning Lab in Los Angeles, to explore what it looks like when a nonprofit is genuinely built around the community it exists to serve. jacob traces his journey from Teach For America to founding STEM to the Future in 2017 to rebranding as Inner Spark Learning Lab, a shift that happened when he realized STEM was never really the point. He introduces the Human Learning Systems framework and walks through Inner Spark’s Listen→Try→Reflect→Adapt→Share cycle: a living approach to program design that treats service work as ongoing experiment rather than fixed delivery. He talks candidly about what real community listening looks like in practice, what it costs to stop a program that isn’t working, and why he shares the messy middle publicly - even when funders want a more polished story. Leaders who feel the tension between accountability and authenticity will find both challenge and permission in this conversation.

About jacob

jacob adams is the Founder and Executive Director of Inner Spark Learning Lab, a community-centered education nonprofit based in Los Angeles, California. jacob launched the organization in 2017 as STEM to the Future before rebranding to reflect a deeper commitment to what actually drives young people’s growth: curiosity, relationships, and genuine responsiveness to what communities say they need. His work is grounded in the Human Learning Systems framework, and he is known in the sector for practicing — and publicly modeling — the kind of reflective, adaptive leadership he believes the nonprofit sector urgently needs more of. Before founding Inner Spark, jacob served with Teach For America, an experience that shaped his conviction that proximity to community is not a program feature but a leadership discipline.

Resources

• Connect with jacob on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Inner Spark Learning Lab
• Human Learning Systems (created by Toby Lowe) humanlearning.systems
• How We See Us: Young People Imagining a Path to Their Futures by Michaela Leslie-Rule
• Envisioning Real Utopias by Erik Olin Wright
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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370: How to Stop Losing Half of Your Recurring Donors (Dave Raley)

Episode Summary

If your organization celebrates a 42% recurring donor retention rate (the national average), you may be focusing on the wrong number - because the real story is the 58% you’re losing every year. In this follow-up to Episode #301, Patton welcomes back Dave Raley, Founder and CEO of The Center for Sustainable Giving in Poulsbo, Washington, for a deeper dive into sustainable giving. Dave unpacks the two distinct faces of donor churn - involuntary (failed credit cards) and voluntary (donors who choose to leave) - and explains why treating them the same way is one of the most expensive mistakes a nonprofit can make. He introduces a practical three-part retention model - Affirm, Engage, Appeal - and makes the case that the middle step is where most organizations quietly lose the relationship. He also shares the data behind upgrade campaigns, including what a 25% average gift lift looks like in practice and when in the donor lifecycle to run one. Whether your organization is flying blind on churn or ready to move from knowing to doing, this episode delivers clear, immediate steps you can take this quarter.

About Dave

Dave Raley is the Founder and CEO of The Center for Sustainable Giving, based in Poulsbo, Washington, where he helps nonprofit leaders build recurring giving programs that retain donors and grow long-term revenue. With a background spanning nonprofit fundraising strategy, technology, and the subscription economy, Dave has become one of the sector’s leading voices on donor retention, passive churn, and the structural shifts required to move organizations from transactional to relational fundraising. He is also the author of The Wave Report, a research publication tracking trends in sustainable giving, and was previously the founder of Imago Consulting. Dave joined Patton first on Episode #301 and returns here with deeper frameworks and sharper tools for leaders ready to act.

Resources

• Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
• Learn more about The Center for Sustainable Giving
• Subscribe to The Wave Report - Dave’s research publication on trends in sustainable giving
• Listen to Dave’s first appearance: Episode #301: The Why Behind Sustainable Giving
• The Rise of Sustainable Giving by Dave Raley
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership - and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire: ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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369: No Money, No Mission: Rethinking How Nonprofits Are Built to Survive (Ryan Dewey Smith)

Episode Summary

Most nonprofits don’t fail because their mission stops mattering - they fail because the structure holding that mission together was never built to last. In this episode, Patton sits down with Ryan Dewey Smith, Founding Executive Chairman & CEO of Inperium, Inc., based in Reading, Pennsylvania, to explore the structural fault lines quietly threatening even well-intentioned organizations. Ryan draws on more than a decade of building Inperium’s constellation model - a networked alternative to traditional mergers that preserves local autonomy while delivering shared back-office infrastructure, access to capital, and best-in-class talent - to explain why so many nonprofits wait too long to raise their hand, and what it costs the people they serve when they do. From navigating board resistance and staff fear during affiliation to the discipline of leading from strength rather than desperation, Ryan brings a practitioner’s candor to the structural questions most leaders quietly avoid. Listeners will walk away with a sharper understanding of the early warning signs of organizational vulnerability, and a concrete alternative to going it alone.

About Ryan

Ryan Dewey Smith is the Founding Executive Chairman & CEO of Inperium, Inc., a national nonprofit parent company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, that provides shared back-office infrastructure, access to capital, and operational support to a constellation of 34 behavioral health and human services organizations operating across 20 states. Ryan founded Inperium after spending more than two decades as CEO of his own nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual disabilities - an experience that exposed firsthand the structural fragility most mission-driven organizations quietly carry. His forthcoming book, Sustaining the Mission, to be published by Forbes in September 2026, chronicles Inperium’s journey and offers a roadmap for nonprofits seeking lasting resilience without sacrificing the autonomy that makes their work meaningful.

Resources

• Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Inperium, Inc.: inperium.org
• Visit Ryan’s website: ryandeweysmith.com
• Sustaining the Mission by Ryan Dewey Smith — forthcoming from Forbes, September 22, 2026
• Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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368: Before You Merge: Five Factors Every Nonprofit Leader Must Weigh (Staci Barfield)

Episode Summary

For too many nonprofit leaders, the word “merger” lands like a verdict, a sign something has gone wrong. Staci Barfield, Senior Director of Consulting Excellence at Armstrong McGuire in Cary, NC, argues the opposite: a merger belongs early on a leader’s strategic menu, not at the end. Drawing on her work facilitating the Arise Collective and MATCH (Mothers and Their Children) merger, Staci walks Patton through the full continuum of collaboration and unpacks the five factors every leader should weigh: mission alignment and strategic rationale, organizational and cultural fit, governance and leadership readiness, financial health and due diligence, and capacity to manage change while continuing to serve. She makes the case that funders are increasingly convening these conversations and that the strategic exercise itself has value even when it doesn’t end in a merger. Listeners walk away with a practical framework for assessing any form of collaboration, and a sharper read on when a merger isn’t a retreat but a way to magnify mission.

About Staci

Staci Barfield is Senior Director of Consulting Excellence at Armstrong McGuire, where she leads the methodologies, tools, and resources that equip the firm’s advisor team to deliver consistent, high-impact client work. She came to the philanthropic sector after a long corporate career in information technology and business process improvement at Gap, Inc., Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), Sprint, AT&T, and Springs Industries. The pivot was catalyzed when a Hurricane Katrina deployment with the American Red Cross showed her that her business skill set translated directly to mission-driven work. From there she went on to serve as Vice President of Development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Eastern NC Chapter, Executive Director of National Students of AMF, and CEO of Children’s Flight of Hope, before joining Armstrong McGuire. Across all of it, Staci has been driven by the same instinct: maximizing an organization’s opportunities for success through both strategic and operational initiatives.

Resources

• Connect with Staci on LinkedIn
• Case study referenced in the episode: Arise Collective + MATCH (Mothers and Their Children)
• Shared services model referenced in the episode: Ascend Nonprofit Solutions (Charlotte, NC)
• Companion episode: #350 with Andre Anthony: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know About Mergers
• Staci’s book recommendation: I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and please leave a review!
• Learn more about Staci’s work and leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire (ArmstrongMcGuire.com)

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367: Activate Good - Leading with Fearlessness and Purpose (Marjorie Maas)

Episode Summary

Nonprofit leaders carry the weight of the next grant, the next major gift, the next board meeting - and that constant worry doesn’t make the work more productive, it just makes it heavier. In Episode #367, Patton talks with Marjorie Maas, CEO of Share Good, based in Omaha, NE, about what it actually looks like to lead with fearlessness when stakes are high and resources are tight. Marjorie leads a national technology and community-building nonprofit that helps cities position generosity in one place - now active in nine markets from Charlotte to Detroit to Omaha and beyond - and she shares the mindset shifts that have shaped both her organization’s growth and her own “patchwork quilt” career path. She unpacks the difference between scarcity thinking and an abundance mindset rooted in logical thinking rather than blind faith, why emerging leaders shouldn’t talk themselves out of their passion, and why governance fluency is something professionals should be building early — not waiting for an executive seat to learn. Listeners will walk away with a practical framework for leading through uncertainty, language for coaching the next generation of nonprofit professionals, and a clearer sense of how to keep moving forward when fear shows up.

About Marjorie

Marjorie Maas is the CEO of Share Good, a national technology and community-building nonprofit that connects passion to action in hyperlocal communities by giving nonprofits a shared megaphone to tell donors and volunteers what they need. She leads the growth and expansion of Share Good’s national footprint and supports the SHARE Family of community partners across the country. Before joining Share Good in December 2022, Marjorie launched and directed SHARE Omaha, building a platform that promotes more than 700 nonprofits across the Greater Omaha and Council Bluffs metro, and earlier created and implemented the corporate social responsibility strategy for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, redesigning their corporate giving and volunteerism programs. Her 20-plus-year career spans arts marketing, statewide grantmaking, and CSR — a winding path she calls a “patchwork quilt” and credits as the very thing that prepared her for the work she does now.

Resources

• Connect with Marjorie on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Share Good at ShareGoodUSA.org — visit the About Us page for community case studies and video testimonials
• Concept referenced: Ikigai — the Japanese framework for the overlap of mission, vocation, profession, and passion
• Book recommendation: The Dip by Seth Godin — a quick, essential read on knowing when to push through a setback and when to walk away
• Also mentioned: Mindset by Carol Dweck (Patton’s reference on growth vs. fixed mindset)
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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366: Stop Writing for Your Organization. Write for Your Donor. (Tom Ahern)

Episode Summary

Most nonprofit communications are, in Tom Ahern’s blunt assessment, built to fail. Not because the work isn’t worthy, but because organizations keep writing about themselves when they should be writing for the donor. In episode #366, Patton sits down with Tom Ahern, founder of Ahern Communications, Inc. and one of the most influential voices in fundraising copywriting, to unpack why so many appeals, newsletters, and annual reports fall flat. Drawing on decades of commercial copywriting experience before he “wandered into” the nonprofit sector, Tom walks listeners through the three questions every case for support must answer (Why us? Why now? Why you, the donor?) and explains why urgency without desperation, emotion over information, and a relentless focus on the reader are the difference between a gift and a pass. He shares a remarkable story of a Boys & Girls Club that owned a million-dollar crisis and came back stronger, makes the case that donors are already 99% of the way there, and offers a clear-eyed take on what AI can and cannot do for fundraising writers. Listeners will leave with a practical framework they can apply to their next appeal this week, a sharper understanding of donor psychology, and permission to stop trying to inform their way to a gift.

About Tom

Tom Ahern is the founder of Ahern Communications, Inc. and one of the leading voices in donor communications and fundraising copywriting. His clients have ranged from Save the Children US and Catholic Relief Services to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Boston Children’s Hospital, the Anchorage Museum, and universities including Princeton, Carleton, and the University of Saskatchewan. He came to the nonprofit sector after fifteen years as a commercial copywriter, led, as he puts it, by an angel: his wife Simone, a longtime development professional and consultant. Since then he has coached fundraisers on best practices in appeals, newsletters, and cases for support, led communications audits (he prefers to call them “autopsies”), and trained nonprofit teams on four continents. Tom is the author of eight how-to books on donor communications, each rated 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon, and a sought-after faculty member for masterclasses and webinars. These days he volunteers most of his coaching hours for small and mid-sized charities, and still keeps Jerry Weissman’s book on his desk, the spine sun-bleached from daily use.

Resources

• Connect with Tom on LinkedIn
• Learn more at Ahern Communications
• Tom’s case-for-support framework: Why us? Why now? Why you, the donor?
• Book recommendation: Presenting to Win: The Art of Telling Your Story by Jerry Weissman
• Tom’s books on donor communications, including Keep Your Donors (co-authored with Simone Joyaux), available on Amazon
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire: ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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365: The Long Game: Building a Fundraising Career That Lasts (Jim Broschart)

Episode SummaryWhat does it take to build a fundraising career that spans decades, and still choose a challenge over comfort when the next opportunity calls? In Episode 365, Jim Broschart, Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at the University of Louisville, shares the leadership philosophy behind a career that has taken him from community health centers in Syracuse to leading NC State’s $2.1 billion campaign, to his latest challenge of building a top-tier philanthropy program at UofL. Jim breaks down what makes a fundraising shop truly effective (hint: it starts with talent, not strategy), how he assesses emotional intelligence in candidates, why organizational health outperforms any strategic plan, and what leaders at every level can do to stay focused on the core work amid constant noise. Practical, candid, and grounded in hard-won experience, this conversation is essential listening for anyone navigating the long game in fundraising leadership.

About JimJim Broschart is Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at the University of Louisville, where he oversees the university’s advancement, fundraising, and alumni relations efforts. He comes to UofL from North Carolina State University, where he served as Associate Vice Chancellor for University Development and Vice President of the NC State Foundation, Inc., leading the Think and Do The Extraordinary Campaign, which surpassed its $1.6 billion goal to raise $2.1 billion. Prior to NC State, Jim served as Vice President for Advancement at Binghamton University and held a range of leadership roles at Hartwick College, Syracuse University, and the State University of New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in health services administration from Ithaca College and an MBA in marketing from Binghamton University.

Resources Connect with Jim on LinkedIn * University of Louisville — louisville.edu * The Advantage* by Patrick Lencioni * Mastermind Leadership Development Program — Learn more * Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review! * Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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Episode 364: What Will Your Donor Remember? (Norman Gildin)

Episode SummaryFundraiser burnout is real — and with average tenure in the profession hovering between two and four years, the sector is losing talent it can’t afford to lose. In Episode 364, Norman Gildin, a fundraising consultant and author with more than four decades in the field and over $100 million raised, cuts through the noise with the kind of plain-talk wisdom that only comes from doing this work at every level. Drawing on his framework of common sense, moral compass, and his RDC doctrine — respect, dignity, and consideration — Norman walks listeners through what’s really driving burnout, why fundraisers overwhelm donors instead of connecting with them, and how the fundamentals of annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowments still come down to patience, persistence, and knowing what your donor actually wants. This is a master class from someone who has lived it, written about it, and is still in the room.

About NormanNorman Gildin is a fundraising consultant, author, and sector veteran with more than four decades of experience in nonprofit development. Over the course of his career - which began with a master’s in healthcare administration from George Washington University and an administrative residency at Fairfax Hospital Association - Norm has served in senior leadership roles including executive vice president, directing fundraising strategy across annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowments. He has raised more than $100 million under his direction and spearheaded multiple successful campaigns, case statements, and strategic plans for nonprofit organizations. Norman is the author of two books - Learn From My Experiences: A Collection of Essays in Fundraising for Professionals, Lay Leaders, Volunteers and the Public, and Fundraising Insights for Nonprofits (2025) - with a third book currently in development.

Resources Connect with Norman on LinkedIn * Norman’s website, essays, and blog — normangildin.com * Fundraising Insights for Nonprofits by Norman Gildin (2025) * Learn From My Experiences: A Collection of Essays in Fundraising for Professionals, Lay Leaders, Volunteers and the Public by Norman Gildin * Daily Rituals: How Great Minds Make Time, Find Inspiration, and Get to Work* by Mason Curry * Patton’s Mastermind Leadership Development Program — Learn more * Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review! * Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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Episode 363: Your Mission Is Clear. Is Your Story? (Brandy Walker)

Episode SummaryMost nonprofit leaders are skilled at communicating their mission, but far fewer know how to tell their own story, and that gap is costing them donors, alignment, and influence. In Episode 363, Brandy Walker, M.A., CPC, founder of Brand Worthy Solutions and a former nonprofit fundraiser and educator, breaks down why personal storytelling isn’t self-promotion, it’s strategy. Drawing on her frameworks for trust, team alignment, and clarity, Brandy explains the three story types every leader needs in their toolkit (origin, impact, and transformation), why audience misalignment is the most common fundraising mistake she sees, and how even the most introverted leader can build visibility through a ladder of communication that starts with a simple weekly message. Practical, direct, and immediately actionable, this conversation will change how nonprofit leaders think about showing up, and who they’re showing up for.

About BrandyBrandy Walker, M.A., CPC, is the founder of Brand Worthy Solutions and a strategist, storyteller, and trusted thought partner with more than 20 years of experience across education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational strategy. A former K–12 educator, seven-figure grant writer, and nonprofit C-suite leader, Brandy stands at the intersection of strategy and storytelling — helping leaders and organizations tell better stories to, about, and for themselves so their work is understood, valued, and positioned for growth. Through Brand Worthy Solutions, she works with leaders navigating personal brand evolution, organizational reinvention, and new chapters of leadership, offering support across brand strategy and positioning, storytelling and messaging, and consulting and advisory services. She is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Resources Connect with Brandy on LinkedIn * Brand Worthy Solutions — youarebrandworthy.com * Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara * Patton’s Mastermind Leadership Development Program — Learn more * Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review! * Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com * Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership | ArmstrongMcGuire.com/podcasts*

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362: It’s Never Just the Money: What Donor Psychology Means for Nonprofit Leaders (Marcia Dawood)

Episode SummaryMost nonprofit leaders approach fundraising as a logical transaction — make the case, present the data, close the gift. But according to Marcia Dawood, angel investor, author, and TEDx speaker, that approach misses the deeper psychology driving every giving decision. In Episode 362, Marcia draws on her experience investing in 50+ startups and chairing the Angel Capital Association to reveal what truly motivates donors — and it has far more to do with money stories, values alignment, and identity than logic ever will. From unpacking the scarcity mindset that keeps even wealthy donors from giving, to reframing legacy conversations as something donors can experience while they’re still alive, Marcia offers nonprofit leaders a practical shift in how they engage prospects. Listeners will walk away with new language for donor conversations, a powerful group exercise for unlocking money stories at events, and a fresh understanding of why the most effective fundraising ask isn’t an ask at all — it’s an invitation.

About MarciaMarcia Dawood is an early-stage investor, author, and advocate for expanding access to capital across both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Having invested in over 50 startups and funds, she serves as a Venture Partner at Mindshift Capital, a member of Golden Seeds, and as Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), the global professional society for angel investors, where she chaired the board for a decade. Marcia also serves as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and is the founder and chair of the ACA’s Growing Women’s Capital Group, which builds syndication and collaboration among U.S. investment groups focused on women-led companies. A TEDx Charlotte speaker and host of The Angel Next Door Podcast — now more than 170 episodes — she is the author of Do Good While Doing Well (2024) and Unapologetic Wealth (2026), and served as an Associate Producer on the documentary Show Her the Money, which debuted at the Women’s Film Festival in Philadelphia in 2023. She splits her time between New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Resources Unapologetic Wealth: Rewrite Your Money Story From Any Beginning by Marcia Dawood — releasing this week! Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org * Connect with Marcia on LinkedIn * Marcia’s website and free resources — marciadawood.com * The Angel Next Door Podcast * Do Good While Doing Well: Invest For Change, Reap Financial Rewards and Increase Your Happiness by Marcia Dawood * Buoyant: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Becoming Wildly Successful, Creative, and Free by Susie DeVille * Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership* — and please leave a review! * Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

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361: 5 Reasons Your Professional Development Isn't Working (Megan Joseph)

Episode Summary

Most nonprofit leaders are spending on professional development - and still not seeing results. The workshops get attended, the boxes get checked, and the notebook sits on the shelf. In this episode, Megan Joseph, Founder of Impact Launch, makes the case that the problem isn’t effort or intention, it’s strategy. Drawing on eight years of working hands-on with organizations across the country, she identifies the five reasons PD consistently fails to deliver: disconnected from strategy, scattered and episodic, reactive instead of preventative, aimed at the wrong problems, and lacking the leadership support to translate learning into lasting change. Megan offers a practical framework for measuring real ROI through behavioral change and organizational outcomes - not attendance or satisfaction surveys - along with clear action steps leaders can take in the next 60–90 days. Listeners will walk away with better questions, a sharper PD lens, and one guiding principle: define what success looks like before you spend a dollar.

About Megan

Megan Joseph is the Founding Director of Impact Launch, a collective of social impact practitioners who partner with nonprofits, philanthropy, and local government to design and implement effective organizational, systems, and community change. Impact Launch supports leaders across leadership capacity building, equity-centered initiatives, strategic planning, and expert facilitation - and to date has worked with over 40 organizations, impacted more than 50,000 teams and communities, and developed over 1,700 leaders through its Radical Transformational Leadership program. Before launching Impact Launch, Megan spent 20 years as a nonprofit leader and practitioner, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every role a mission-driven organization requires - from executive leadership, coaching, and fundraising to the behind-the-scenes work she describes as “mastering the art of hummus procurement.” She has worked across philanthropy, social services, criminal justice, homelessness, economic opportunity, education, and public health, and brings that full range of lived experience to every engagement - grounded in the belief that everyone, regardless of title, has the capacity to lead.

Resources

• Megan Joseph on LinkedIn
• Impact Launch — impactlaunch.org
• Book: Radical Transformational Leadership: Strategic Action for Change Agents by Dr. Monica Sharma
• Book: Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers with Bold Ideas by Salvatore Manzi — past guest on Episode 322
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire

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360: The ABCs of Grassroots to Grasstops Community Impact (Tchernavia Montgomery)

Episode Summary

Most nonprofit leaders understand that community impact requires both frontline relationships and institutional influence — but building a strategy that connects those two worlds takes a very different kind of leadership. In this episode, Tchernavia Montgomery, CEO of Care Ring in Charlotte, NC, shares her ABCs of grassroots to grasstops community impact: Authentic Leadership, Board Engagement, and Capital Campaign Navigation. Drawing on five years of leading one of Charlotte’s most vital health and human services organizations through a facility relocation and a capital campaign without a chief development officer, Tchernavia speaks with the directness of a leader who has lived every lesson she teaches — from what vulnerability actually looks like in the CEO seat, to building a board culture that moves beyond governance into genuine advocacy, to the trust-based relationships that made a seemingly impossible campaign possible. Listeners will walk away with a clear picture of what it means to lead from proximity to the problem, and why emotional intelligence and the courage to ask hard questions are the real engine of sustainable impact.

About Tchernavia

Tchernavia Montgomery is the CEO of Care Ring, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that has served the community since 1955, connecting approximately 10,000 uninsured and underserved individuals each year to primary care, maternal and child health programs, and a $70 million donated care network of more than 1,600 specialists. A licensed clinical social worker with two decades of experience in health and human services, she is a double graduate of UNC Charlotte’s School of Social Work (BSW ’08, MSW ’09). Under her leadership, Care Ring completed a major facility relocation and a successful capital campaign, expanding its capacity to deliver integrated, community-centered care. Tchernavia is a member of the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and brings a deep personal commitment to humanizing systems of care — ensuring that every person served feels seen, supported, and able to dream beyond today.

Resources

• Tchernavia Montgomery on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/tchernavia-montgomery
• Care Ring — carering.org
• Black Love Charlotte — blacklovecharlotte.org
• Bells Board — bellsboard.com
• Bank of America Study on Philanthropy
• Book: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
• Follow the Podcast — podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership
• More leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire (ArmstrongMcGuire.com)

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359: Why Your Board Is Checked Out (and What Actually Re-Engages Them) (Katie Spencer)

SUMMARY

When nonprofit leaders say their board is disengaged, Katie Spencer argues the real issue is usually clarity, not commitment. Executives want board members to show up, follow through, and be proactive. But many board members are thinking, “I don’t know what my job is,” where the lines are, or how to be helpful, so disengagement becomes the predictable outcome. Katie explains why more emails and more asks don’t solve the problem in today’s noisy, overloaded environment. Instead, she recommends an intentional reset: get explicit about what the board’s role is right now (and revisit it annually), co-create the board’s work plan for the next 12 to 24 months, and put an accountability system in place so the board holds itself to its commitments. She also stresses early engagement, giving new board members a meaningful quick win within the first 30 days, then another within the first 90. Finally, Katie reframes fundraising expectations so board members can contribute without feeling like professional fundraisers. She shares simple, confidence-building steps, introductions, thank-you calls, and short activation moments built directly into board meetings, so board service becomes real leadership, not passive listening.

ABOUT KATIE

Katie Spencer is the Founder of Zipline Consulting, where she helps nonprofit boards and executive teams strengthen governance, clarify roles, and build more effective partnerships. She brings 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including national work with Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and more than a decade as a consultant supporting organizations across the country. With training in cultural anthropology, Katie brings a systems lens to board dynamics, spotting patterns, naming disconnects, and helping leaders create practical structures for accountability. Her work frequently includes board retreats, strategic planning, and facilitation that turns board service into real leadership.

RESOURCES

• Zipline Consulting
• Katie Spencer on LinkedIn
• Ask Like a Leader by Lauren Reedy
• Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire

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358: What Nonprofit Leaders Need Now: Guidance from Four Sector Experts

SUMMARY

For this special multi-state panel, we convened four statewide nonprofit leaders: Ivan Canada, Mariane Asad Doyle, Karen Riordan, and Kevin Dean, to explore what organizations need most as they prepare for an uncertain 2026. From financial volatility and policy change to workforce burnout and collaboration, these experts share frontline insights drawn from the thousands of nonprofit leaders they support. Their guidance is clear: diversify funding, strengthen advocacy, engage peer networks, and invest in the wellbeing of your people. The conversation offers timely clarity and practical tools for emerging leaders, mid-career professionals, and senior executives committed to navigating complexity with confidence.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Ivan Canada – NC Center for Nonprofits. Ivan leads statewide efforts in research, policy, and nonprofit capacity-building, helping North Carolina organizations strengthen sustainability and navigate emerging sector trends.

Mariane Asad Doyle, Ph.D. – Center for Nonprofit Excellence (VA). Mariane supports organizations across Virginia through governance, advocacy, and rural leadership development, equipping nonprofits to manage workforce strain and policy shifts.

Karen Riordan – Together SC. Karen guides South Carolina’s nonprofit ecosystem through peer convenings, leadership development, and a focus on operational excellence rooted in guiding principles.

Kevin Dean, Ed.D. – Tennessee Nonprofit Network. Kevin emphasizes organizational resilience, partnership, and the human side of leadership, helping Tennessee nonprofits navigate burnout, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.

RESOURCES

• NC Center for Nonprofits
• Center for Nonprofit Excellence
• Together SC
• Tennessee Nonprofit Network
• Armstrong McGuire
• Follow the Podcast

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357: Rethinking How Organizations Are Built to Change Lives (Logan Herring)

Episode Summary

Five years after his first appearance on Episode #128, Logan Herring returns with a dramatically expanded vision and impact. What began as an ambitious community revitalization effort has evolved into a nationally recognized model for integrated, place-based change. As CEO of The WRK Group, Logan leads a vertically integrated set of tax-exempt businesses focused on housing, cradle-to-career education, workforce development, and community wellness in Riverside, Wilmington. In this conversation, he challenges leaders to rethink how organizations are structured, funded, measured, and branded. From rejecting the term nonprofit in favor of tax-exempt business, to treating those served as customers, to measuring Net Promoter Scores and social return on investment, Logan makes the case that lasting change requires business discipline, upstream strategy, and the courage to build institutions designed to solve problems permanently rather than manage them indefinitely.

About Logan

Logan Herring is the CEO of The WRK Group, a collective of tax-exempt businesses in Wilmington, Delaware focused on housing, education, workforce development, and community wellness. Under his leadership, the organization has evolved into a nationally recognized model for vertically integrated, place-based revitalization. Logan oversees the strategic direction of Kingswood Community Center, The Warehouse, and REACH Riverside, aligning infrastructure, programming, and capital investment to address intergenerational poverty through upstream, systemic solutions. He is a frequent national speaker on community development, impact measurement, and sustainable social enterprise models, and continues to advocate for business discipline and long-term accountability in the social sector.

Resources

• The WRK Group
• Purpose Built Communities
• Sharehouse (technical assistance initiative of REACH Riverside)
• Book Recommendation: Jump by Larry Miller
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
• Learn more about Armstrong McGuire

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356: AI Without Overwhelm: 4 Insights Nonprofit Leaders Can Use Now (Mary Gallivan)

Episode Summary

AI is already reshaping how nonprofit teams work, and leaders who avoid it risk falling behind. In this episode, Mary Gallivan, Founder of Joyline Consulting, shares a practical, nonprofit-centered approach to adopting generative AI without fear or overwhelm. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across fundraising, operations, grant management, and partnership development, Mary explains why AI literacy is quickly becoming a workplace expectation, why adoption is primarily a people and change management challenge, and how clear guardrails can actually speed progress. She offers simple, actionable steps for getting started, from picking one tool and creating a login to using prompts for faster first drafts, better tone, and more time for the human relationships that build trust and impact.

About Mary

Mary Gallivan, MBA, helps nonprofits and mission-driven small businesses build sustainable capacity by improving how work actually gets done. As the founder of Joyline Consulting, she serves as a capacity partner to leaders and teams, helping them improve operations, adopt AI and modern tools, and implement practical systems that reduce friction, increase effectiveness, and support long-term sustainability. Her work is especially focused on organizations navigating growth, change, or tool overload who want hands-on support, not just strategy decks. Prior to founding Joyline, Mary held leadership roles at CNM Ingenuity, CCS Fundraising, Foundation For The Carolinas, E4E Relief, and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. She holds a BA from Duke University and an MBA from Queens University and has completed multiple leadership fellowships and civic leadership programs.

Resources

• Mary Gallivan on Linkedin
• Joyline Consulting Website
• Everyday AI One Pager (tips, guardrails, and starter guidance)
• SkillPop, Everyday AI
• Book: Zingerman’s Guide to Giving Great Service
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
• Learn more about the PMA and Armstrong McGuire merger

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355: Thinking Differently to Solve Nonprofit Problems (Sarah Tucker)

EPISODE SUMMARY:

Nonprofit leaders are often expected to solve complex problems with limited resources, increasing pressure, and entrenched ways of working. In this episode, Sarah Tucker introduces the work of Edward de Bono and explains why better outcomes require not just harder work, but different thinking. Sarah unpacks the concept of lateral thinking and how it differs from traditional linear or vertical problem solving. She explains why the human brain gets trapped in familiar patterns and how leaders can intentionally break those patterns to surface new options. The conversation explores practical applications for nonprofit leaders, including how Six Thinking Hats can reduce groupthink, rebalance power dynamics in meetings, and make decision-making more productive and inclusive.

ABOUT SARAH:

Sarah Tucker is a polymath with a portfolio career spanning journalism, broadcasting, publishing, education and corporate advisory work. An award-winning presenter and lecturer, she translates storytelling and lateral thinking into commercial success for global organisations. Discover more at www.theboardroombard.com and on LinkedIn through keynote talks, boardrooms, classrooms and conferences.

Resources and Links:

• Sarah’s Website
• Sarah’s LinkedIn
• Edward de Bono: Love Laterally by Sarah Tucker:
• Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
• Learn more about the PMA and Armstrong McGuire merger

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354: A Lifelong Learning Framework for Nonprofit Leaders (Kelsey Picken)

SUMMARY

Nonprofit leaders are surrounded by professional development options - degrees, certifications, conferences, and credentials - but many still struggle to build a learning plan that feels intentional rather than reactive. In this episode, Kelsey Picken offers a practical framework to help leaders step back, clarify their why, and make smarter decisions about how they invest in their own growth. Kelsey breaks lifelong learning into three distinct but connected areas: formal learning (degrees, certificates, and structured programs), informal learning (peer groups, mentoring, reading, and networks), and leadership as multiplication, the idea that helping others grow is one of the most powerful ways leaders deepen their own development. The conversation also explores how organizations and funders can better support leadership development, and why modeling learning from the top matters more than policies or budgets alone.

ABOUT KELSEY

Kelsey Picken is Senior Director of Legacy Giving at The Dallas Foundation, where she works with donors to build charitable legacies that strengthen communities over time. Based in Dallas, Texas, Kelsey brings experience across multiple nonprofit and philanthropic contexts, with a particular focus on connecting academic learning, professional practice, and leadership development. A lifelong learner herself, Kelsey regularly writes, speaks, and facilitates conversations on philanthropy, credentials, and the evolving expectations of nonprofit leadership.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• The Dallas Foundation
• Kelsey Picken on LinkedIn
• Organization mentioned: National Association of Charitable Gift Planners
• Book recommendation: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
• Learn more about the PMA & Armstrong McGuire merger

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Episode 353: Resilience Isn’t Optional: Tools Every Nonprofit Leader Needs Now (Russell Harvey)

SUMMARY

Nonprofit leaders are operating in a world where change is constant - and the pressure to react quickly can undermine clarity, trust, and team stability. In this episode, Russell Harvey explains why resilience is a leadership capability (not a personality trait) and how leaders can strengthen it without adding more overwhelm. Russell introduces the VUCA framework (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) alongside the leadership responses that help teams navigate it (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, Agility). He also shares his Resilience Wheel - seven connected elements leaders can develop personally and organizationally, including purpose, adaptability, support networks, meaning, and energy. Throughout, Russell emphasizes reflective practice as a practical discipline: pausing regularly to identify what’s working, what isn’t, and what to do next - so leaders and teams can “spring forward with learning” rather than simply trying to bounce back.

ABOUT RUSSELL

Russell Harvey is a leadership coach and facilitator based in Leeds, England, and the founder of The Resilience Coach. He works with senior leaders, teams, and organizations across sectors - including the nonprofit and third sector - helping them lead themselves and others well in a “full-on” world shaped by constant change. Russell’s approach blends practical frameworks (VUCA and the Resilience Wheel) with core leadership behaviors: delegating to strengths, removing blockages that prevent performance, building resilient teams, and committing to lifelong personal growth.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• The Resilience Coach
• Resilience Wheel (Russell’s framework + related posts)
• Russell Harvey on LinkedIn
• Book recommendation: Humankind by Rutger Bregman
• Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
• Learn more about the PMA & Armstrong McGuire merger

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352: Fundraising That Works: Measure What Matters (Greg Warner)

SUMMARY

Fundraisers often focus on the bottom line—how much money came in—but Greg Warner argues that many nonprofit teams are still flying blind because they don’t track the few metrics that actually explain performance. In this episode, Greg (founder of MarketSmart) explains what leaders and boards miss when they focus only on transactions, and how a small set of operational metrics can dramatically improve fundraising strategy. A major focus is donor lifetime value (LTV)—what it is, why it matters, and how any organization can calculate it using donor lifespan, average gift, and giving frequency. Greg also shares why donors give in proportion to the value they perceive from the relationship, and why shifting from transactions to partnerships leads to stronger retention, smarter prioritization, and more confident, data-informed decisions.

ABOUT GREG

Greg Warner is the founder of MarketSmart, a fundraising technology company focused on helping organizations identify donor readiness and build stronger donor relationships at scale. He entered the sector from the perspective of a committed donor—frustrated by impersonal, transactional fundraising—and turned that experience into tools and systems designed to help nonprofits deliver more value, improve donor engagement, and raise more major gifts.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Fundraising Report Card
• MarketSmart (resources + tools)
• Greg Warner on LinkedIn
• Tools mentioned: DAF widget, bequest calculator (via MarketSmart site)
• Book recommendation: Asking About Asking (Kent Stroman)
• Follow the Podcast
• Learn more about the PMA & Armstrong McGuire merger

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351: Five Finance Skills Every Nonprofit Leader Needs (Stephen Newland)

SUMMARY

Many nonprofit leaders step into their roles with deep passion for mission, but far less confidence when it comes to finance. In this episode, Stephen Newland, founder of MoneyPath FP&A, breaks down five essential finance skills every nonprofit leader must develop to lead with confidence, reduce risk, and sustain impact. Stephen explains why financial uncertainty is so common in the sector, how organizational growth often triggers financial overwhelm, and why leaders can no longer rely on a simple “there’s money in the bank” mindset. He introduces the idea of cash flow as organizational oxygen, and shares practical ways to forecast cash, use the budget as a strategic tool, and prepare for both downside risk and upside opportunity. The conversation also tackles one of the most persistent nonprofit tensions - restricted versus unrestricted funding - and offers clear guidance on how to tell the financial story in ways boards and donors actually understand. Stephen closes with a powerful reminder: financial confidence doesn’t start with spreadsheets - it starts with curiosity.

ABOUT STEPHEN

Stephen Newland, CMA is the founder of MoneyPath FP&A, where he provides fractional CFO services to growing nonprofits—most often in the $1M–$10M revenue range. He helps nonprofit leaders save time, reduce financial stress, and make confident decisions through better forecasting, reporting, and financial storytelling. Stephen’s background includes corporate finance, startup advising, and leading a large-scale financial education program—experience that shaped his ability to translate complex financial concepts into practical, mission-aligned leadership tools.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• MoneyPath (free tools, cash flow templates, nonprofit discounts)
• Stephen Newland on LinkedIn
• Book recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Follow the Podcast
• Learn more about the PMA & Armstrong McGuire merger!

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350: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know About Mergers (André Anthony)

SUMMARY

This milestone episode is brought to you by the newly merged Armstrong McGuire + PMA Nonprofit Leadership, joining forces to strengthen nonprofit leadership across the sector. Together, we are expanding our support for organizations through consulting, executive search, leadership development, and thought leadership. Learn more at ArmstrongMcGuire.com. As we announce our own merger, it felt like the perfect moment to explore what a healthy, mission-driven merger really looks like. André Anthony, CEO of NeighborUp, helps us mark Episode #350 with a conversation every nonprofit leader should hear. NeighborUp is the result of a thoughtful, intentional merger between Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry. André explains why the best mergers don’t come from crisis - they come from vision, alignment, and a shared desire to serve communities more effectively. He walks us through the realities of merging boards, teams, cultures, branding, operations, and fundraising, and why treating this as a true merger - not an acquisition - mattered for trust and long-term success.

ABOUT ANDRÉ

André Anthony is the CEO of NeighborUp, the merged organization created by Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry. A seasoned nonprofit leader who began his career with the YMCA, André is known for his relational leadership style, focus on community-centered solutions, and ability to guide organizations through complex change. Under his leadership, NeighborUp has expanded its geographic reach, strengthened financial sustainability, and increased its impact through a unified service model. André frequently shares his experience with leaders exploring collaboration, shared services, and full mergers, offering practical insight into governance alignment, culture building, and community trust.

RESOURCES

• NeighborUp
• Crucial Accountability by Patterson, Grenny & McMillan
• A Promised Land by Barack Obama
• Armstrong McGuire + PMA Nonprofit Leadership – armstrongmcguire.com
• Follow the podcast

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349: What Funders Want Nonprofit Leaders to Know (Sarah Mann Willcox)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

As you ponder your New Year’s resolutions as a nonprofit leader, funding for your organization is almost certainly on the list. That’s why Sarah Mann Willcox’s insight is such a timely way to begin the year. As Executive Director of the NC Network of Grantmakers - and a former fundraiser herself - Sarah offers an inside look at how funders think, what pressures and constraints they face, and what nonprofit leaders can do in 2026 to build stronger and more authentic relationships with them. She explains why program officers should be seen as partners rather than gatekeepers, how to communicate more effectively about your work, and why transparency helps both sides make better decisions. Sarah also shares broader sector trends: trust-based philanthropy, collaboration across the independent sector, donor-advised funds, and the growing need for collective solutions—as well as candid advice about burnout and leadership sustainability. Her message is clear: if you want a more confident and strategic year of fundraising, it starts with understanding the humans behind the grantmaking process.

ABOUT SARAH

Sarah Mann Willcox is the Executive Director of the NC Network of Grantmakers (NCNG), North Carolina’s statewide association for funders. With more than a decade of experience supporting foundations, corporate donors, and philanthropic leaders, she serves as a connector, convener, and trusted guide for grantmakers navigating complex community needs. Sarah previously served as a fundraiser with the NC Center for Nonprofits and brings both sides of the funding relationship into her work—helping funders collaborate more effectively while demystifying the philanthropic landscape for nonprofit leaders. She serves on the board of the United Philanthropy Forum, connecting North Carolina to national conversations about sector health, equity, advocacy, and philanthropic practice.

RESOURCES

• NC Network of Grantmakers – ncgrantmakers.org
• United Philanthropy Forum – philanthropyforum.org
• National Council of Nonprofits – councilofnonprofits.org
• Book recommendation: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
• Armstrong McGuire – armstrongmcguire.com
• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)
• Ready for a Mastermind in 2026?

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348: Holiday Rewind: 4 Ways to Advance Your Nonprofit Leadership

What are you doing - intentionally - to move closer to your nonprofit leadership goals?

In this Holiday Rewind of solo episode #159, Patton revisits four practical, evergreen ways nonprofit leaders can reflect, refocus, and move forward in their leadership journey. Whether you’re early in your career, preparing for your next step, or refining your impact as a senior leader, these four elements provide a simple framework for year-end reflection and year-ahead momentum.

Special thanks to our friends from TowneBank and Armstrong McGuire for supporting this podcast on its way to 350 Episodes next month!

The Four Elements

1. Sharpen Your Vision Framework. Clarity fuels progress. Revisit where you want to be in three to five years and define the kind of leader you want to become, not just the title you want to hold. A clear vision helps you evaluate opportunities, say no with confidence, and align daily work with long-term goals.

2. Practice Self-Assessment. Growth starts with honest reflection. Regularly assess your strengths, skill gaps, leadership style, and readiness for greater responsibility. Seek feedback, reflect on recent experiences, and use that insight to guide your development priorities. There were 10 Skills back in Episode #159, but the Mastermind Program now features 12!

3. Utilize Strategic Networking. Relationships don’t happen by accident. Be intentional about building a diverse network of peers, mentors, and sponsors who can challenge your thinking, open doors, and support your growth. Strategic networking is about mutual value, not transactions.

4. Curate Knowledge. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to keep learning. Be selective about the books, podcasts, conferences, and conversations that shape your thinking. Curated learning keeps you relevant, reflective, and ready for what’s next.

About Patton

Patton McDowell is a nonprofit leadership coach, consultant, author, and podcast host with more than 30 years of experience helping leaders and organizations thrive. He is the founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, where he works with emerging, mid-career, and senior nonprofit professionals through coaching, training, and strategic planning. Before launching PMA in 2009, Patton served as Vice President for University Advancement at Queens University of Charlotte and previously as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at UNC Wilmington, where he was the youngest vice chancellor in the UNC system. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Special Olympics North Carolina and Special Olympics International. Patton holds a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill where he was a Morehead Scholar, an MBA from the McColl School of Business at Queens, and a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a Master Trainer for AFP, host of the weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and author of the book of the same name.

Other Solo Episodes by Patton

• Episode #56 – 10 Essential Skills & Experiences for Nonprofit Leadership
• Episode #78 – 5 Ways to Build Your Professional Development Plan
• Episode #13 – Build a Personal Strategic Plan That Works
• Are you ready for a Mastermind?

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347: Protecting Your Nonprofit from Fraud (Amy Seintourens)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Fraud is one of the most underestimated risks in the nonprofit sector - and one of the most disruptive when it strikes. In Episode #347 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, fraud prevention expert Amy Seintourens, SVP and Director of Fraud Management at TowneBank, breaks down the real vulnerabilities nonprofits face today, from internal threats and weak controls to sophisticated email scams, phone spoofing, counterfeit checks, and mail theft. Using clear examples and practical guidance, Amy explains why small organizations can be even more vulnerable and how simple steps - dual controls, treasury services, verification habits, and ongoing team training - significantly reduce risk. Whether you’re a founder handling your own bookkeeping, a board treasurer overseeing internal controls, or a senior leader strengthening organizational resilience, Amy offers straightforward strategies to help you prevent fraud before it happens - not after it’s too late.

ABOUT AMY

Amy Seintourens is the Senior Vice President and Director of Fraud Management at TowneBank, bringing 31 years of experience in fraud prevention and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance. She began her career in 1994 at Dean Witter, later known as Morgan Stanley, before joining EverBank in 2011, where she gained extensive experience supporting a primarily online bank environment. Amy maintains both her ACAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) credentials. She joined TowneBank in 2018 to support BSA operations and was promoted in 2022 to lead Fraud Management for the organization. Amy is deeply passionate about educating employees and members, staying ahead of emerging fraud trends, and helping nonprofits and businesses strengthen their internal controls.

RESOURCES

• Learn more about fraud prevention at TowneBank.com
• TowneBank’s The Shield bi-monthly fraud-prevention newsletter
• Let Them by Mel Robbins (Amy’s book recommendation)
• Armstrong McGuire
• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)

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346: Understanding the Science of Generosity (Cherian Koshy)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do some fundraising efforts inspire generosity while others fall flat, and what can nonprofit leaders do to fix it? In Episode #346 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, global philanthropy expert Cherian Koshy helps us understand how generosity actually works. Drawing from his groundbreaking book Neurogiving, Cherian explains why many well-intended fundraising tactics unintentionally create friction, suppress generosity, or erode trust. He offers clear insights on donor psychology, identity, timing, and the neuroscience behind decision-making—making the case that great fundraising isn’t about persuasion or pressure. It’s about designing environments that affirm who donors believe themselves to be and making it easier for them to act on their generous instincts. Whether you lead a large development team or fundraise off the side of your desk, Cherian’s guidance will help you build trust, reduce barriers, and communicate with greater authenticity in a noisy world.

ABOUT CHERIAN

Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP, is a globally recognized expert in fundraising strategy and innovation, and the author of Neurogiving, which blends behavioral science with practical tools to help organizations inspire generosity more effectively. A sought-after keynote speaker and advisor, he helps mission-driven teams adapt, grow, and lead with clarity in a changing philanthropic landscape. Cherian serves on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and on the board of The Giving Institute. He received the 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award for his leadership with Volunteer Iowa and is a LinkedIn Top Voice as well as a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. His insights appear in CEO Weekly, Yahoo Finance, and other leading publications. He founded the AI-powered platform NonprofitOS, which was later acquired by Kindsight, where he now serves as Vice President.

RESOURCES

• Neurogiving by Cherian Koshy – neurogivingbook.com
• Exactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones (Cherian’s recommended read)
• Learn more about Cherian – cheriankoshy.com
• Armstrong McGuire – www.armstrongmcguire.com
• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)
• Sign up for the weekly Thursday Leadership Lens newsletter

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345: The Trust Factor: How to Strengthen Your Strategic Leadership

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support helps bring meaningful leadership conversations to nonprofit professionals across the sector. Learn more at townebank.com/nonprofitbanking. Nonprofit leaders often feel pulled in a dozen directions - responding to urgent needs, carrying the emotional weight of their missions, and struggling to find time for strategic thinking. In Episode #345 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Christy Pietryga, CEO at HEARTH in Pittsburgh, PA, shares how she has intentionally built a team culture grounded in trust, humility, and shared accountability. Christy talks openly about her journey from frontline work with veterans and families experiencing homelessness into executive leadership at a young age. She explains how listening first shaped her early success, how she empowers team members to operate as strategic contributors, and how leaders can balance compassion with clear expectations. Christy also offers thoughtful insight into fundraising as an introvert, supporting staff who face trauma in their daily work, and modeling healthy self-care for the whole organization. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned CEO, Christy’s practical approach offers a roadmap for leading with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

ABOUT CHRISTY

Christy Pietryga is the CEO at HEARTH in Pittsburgh, PA, and brings a deep background in supportive services and housing for homeless families and veterans. Before joining HEARTH, she spent a decade with the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, where she managed housing programs, provided direct case management, and advanced into key leadership roles during a period of significant organizational growth. In addition to her program and operations expertise, Christy has experience in communications and design, having created workbooks and materials for conferences and workshops. She holds a degree in Sociology with concentrations in Human Services and Nonprofits from Bucknell University. Today, she leads HEARTH with a blend of operational strength, empathy, and a strong commitment to cultivating a trusting, high-performing team culture.

RESOURCES

• Falling Free by Shannon Martin (Christy’s book recommendation)
• Ready for your next leadership role? Check out Armstrong McGuire
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here
• Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

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Thanksgiving 2025: 7 Reasons to Be ThankfulSpecial Edition Show Notes #344

This Thanksgiving episode highlights seven standout guests from 2025 - along with their books - plus three bonus titles from Patton’s Picks.

Thanks to our partners:

• TowneBank: https://TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking
• Armstrong McGuire: https://armstrongmcguire.com
• Mastermind Leadership Program: https://PMAnonprofit.com/mastermind

Featured Guests & Books

Mary Kelly — Ep. 317: Crisis-Proof Your Leadership
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/317
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Leaders-Fail-Prescriptions-Success/dp/1640950857

Ora Grodsky — Ep. 329: Leading with Transformation
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/329
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Love-Organizational-Healing-Transformational/dp/1739581604

David Rhode — Ep. 326: 5 Essential Topics Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/326
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Isnt-Enough-Practical-Nonprofit/dp/B0CR2T8XRM

Rebecca White — Ep. 320: From Paper to Progress
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/320
Book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Stress-Nonprofit-Consultant-Rebecca-White/dp/1737867935

Salvatore Manzi — Ep. 322: Make Your Nonprofit’s Message Stick
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/322
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Compelling-Communication-Strategies-Ideas/dp/1646871449

Nick Grono — Ep. 315: Lessons Nonprofit Leaders Can Teach the Business World
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/315
Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Lead-Nonprofits-Purpose-Impact/dp/1544535391

Dr. Keith Dorsey — Ep. 335: A Roadmap to Board Service
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/335
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Success-Board-Service-Leadership/dp/1637559626

Bonus Patton’s Picks (3 More Books for 2025)

Uptime — Laura Mae Martin
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Uptime-Optimize-Performance-Feel-Great/dp/0063304634

The Future Is Faster Than You Think — Peter Diamandis & Steven Kotler
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Faster-Than-You-Think/dp/1982109661

The Smart Nonprofit — Beth Kanter & Allison Fine
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Nonprofit-Alison-Fine/dp/1119818894

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343: Reclaim Your Capacity and Escape the Burnout Trap (Trasetta Washington)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do so many passionate nonprofit leaders find themselves constantly running on empty and teetering on the edge of burnout? In episode #343 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, leadership wellness coach and productivity strategist Trasetta Washington unpacks the core reasons mission-driven leaders sacrifice their own well-being for the cause, explaining that society glorifies resilience and sacrifice, creating pressure to push through. Trasetta helps define burnout as "stress that rest won't fix" - a chronic state that manifests as fatigue, irritability, and living in constant survival mode.

ABOUT TRASETTA

Trasetta Washington, known as The Team Technician™, is a nationally recognized speaker, leadership wellness coach, and productivity strategist. With over 25 years of experience in business operations and team development, she helps mission-driven leaders realign their teams without burning themselves out. As CEO of Profitable Productivity, LLC, Trasetta brings a signature blend of strategy, structure, and soul to her work, equipping nonprofit and human services leaders with practical tools to eliminate team friction and build a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and well-being. Through programs like the Teamwork Tune-Up Intensive and the Leadership Accelerator, she empowers leaders to stop managing everything and start leading teams that perform, without running on empty. Her no-fluff, heart-centered approach helps teams pause, reflect, and realign so they can thrive together.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
• Learn more about Profitable Productivity at https://trasettaannelle.com/
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & Associates
• Explore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

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342: Lessons That Shape Great Nonprofit Leaders (Garrett Cathcart)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

What does it take to build something from the ground up - and lead it with purpose, humility, and vision? In episode 342 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Garrett Cathcart shares the lessons he’s learned in creating and scaling organizations that strengthen communities and unite people across divides. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led nonprofit rebuilding civic and social trust through connection, service, and engagement, Garrett explores the power of starting from zero, leading volunteers with accountability, and measuring impact through both empathy and data.

ABOUT GARRETT

Garrett Cathcart is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led movement to strengthen communities and heal the divides in our country through meaningful connections built on service, civic engagement, and leadership development. He also co-founded 550 Capital Partners, a venture firm investing in early-stage startups led by military veterans. Previously, Garrett served as the founding Executive Director of Mission Roll Call and as Southeast Regional Director of Team Red, White & Blue. A U.S. Army Cavalry officer for nine years, Garrett is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served in multiple combat leadership roles and earned three Bronze Stars and the Meritorious Service Medal. He continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves and teaches leadership and military science at Georgia Tech. A graduate of West Point and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, he is a Truman National Security Fellow and a George W. Bush Veteran Leadership Scholar.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• It Worked for Me by Colin Powell
• Learn more about +More Perfect Union
• Explore our Mastermind Program, now accepting applications for 2026!

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341: 4 Resources Every Nonprofit Leader Needs (Ivan Canada)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

In episode #341 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Ivan Canada, President and CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, shares the four essential resources every nonprofit leader needs to succeed: advocacy tools, legal compliance guidance, sustainable fundraising practices, and peer networking. Drawing on his extensive experience leading one of the state’s most trusted sector organizations, Ivan explains why each of these elements is vital to long-term organizational health and how leaders can apply them immediately. He offers practical advice for building advocacy confidence, avoiding compliance pitfalls, and fostering collaboration across diverse organizations. Listeners will gain actionable insights into how peer learning and shared leadership can strengthen both individual leaders and the sector as a whole.

ABOUT IVAN

Ivan Canada is the President and CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, an organization dedicated to amplifying the collective voice of the state’s nonprofit sector. Under his leadership, the Center provides thousands of nonprofits with resources in advocacy, legal guidance, fundraising best practices, and peer learning opportunities. With a career spanning both nonprofit and corporate sectors, Ivan brings a unique perspective on how organizations can thrive through strategic collaboration and mission-centered leadership. Known for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to equity, Ivan works to ensure every North Carolina nonprofit has access to the knowledge and connections needed to fulfill its mission effectively.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
• Learn more about the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits at https://www.ncnonprofits.org
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & Associates
• Explore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

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340: You Should Be Moving at the Speed of Relationships (Will Acuff)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How can you build stronger community impact without burning out or losing sight of your mission? In episode #340 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Will Acuff, Co-Founder of Corner to Corner in Nashville, Tennessee, shares how relationship-driven leadership has fueled his organization’s growth and sustained its mission.

Will explains why authentic connection - not control - is the key to lasting impact. He discusses the importance of leading with empathy, setting boundaries that protect your energy, and prioritizing community trust over quick wins. His insights offer practical tools to deepen relationships, strengthen organizational culture, and build a team that moves together with purpose. If you’re striving to scale your nonprofit while staying grounded in your values, this conversation will help you lead with authenticity, humility, and resilience.

ABOUT WILL

Will Acuff is the Co-Founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit that equips neighbors with the tools and relationships they need to thrive. Under his leadership, Corner to Corner has grown into a nationally recognized organization known for its entrepreneurship programs, youth education initiatives, and storytelling platforms that celebrate community success. Guided by his belief that relationships drive sustainable change, Will has dedicated his career to creating pathways to opportunity for underserved communities. Through innovative programs like The Academy - which has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs launch and grow local businesses - he continues to prove that lasting impact begins with trust and collaboration. Will is a frequent speaker on leadership, faith, and social innovation, and his approach has inspired nonprofit leaders nationwide to “move at the speed of relationships.”

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• No Elevator to Everest by Will Acuff — Amazon
• Learn more about Corner to Corner at cornertocorner.org
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & Associates
• Explore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

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339: Retention on a Budget – 5 Smart Ways to Keep Your Best People (Rachel Platt)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How can you retain your best people when your nonprofit doesn’t have the budget for big raises or flashy perks? In episode 339 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Rachel Platt, Founder of PLATTinum Consulting in Washington, DC, shares five smart, low-cost strategies any organization can use to strengthen staff engagement and reduce turnover. Drawing from her extensive background in HR, organizational culture, and nonprofit management, Rachel outlines simple yet powerful tools to boost morale, productivity, and connection. From her Teaching Tuesdays and Focus Fridays concepts to new approaches for recognition, communication, and workload balance, she demonstrates how creative leaders can build trust and loyalty - without spending a dime.

ABOUT RACHEL

Rachel Platt brings more than 20 years of experience helping organizations and individuals achieve enduring success through strategic human resources leadership. Before founding PLATTinum Consulting in 2018, she served as a Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President, and Regional Director across diverse industries - building a reputation for creating pragmatic, people-centered solutions to complex organizational challenges. Through PLATTinum Consulting, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Rachel helps small and medium-sized nonprofits and businesses nationwide strengthen their people strategy. Her work focuses on employee engagement, leadership development, culture assessment and improvement, performance management, staff training, communications, talent acquisition, inclusion, and coaching.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Strong Ground by Brené Brown
• Learn more about PLATTinum Consulting at plattinumconsulting.com
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire & Associates at armstrongmcguire.com
• Learn more about the Mastermind Leadership Development Program – now accepting applications for all three 2026 cohorts at PMAnonprofit.com/mastermind

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338: Rebuilding When Your Fundraising Flatlines (Andy Price)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

When your fundraising model stops producing results, how do you rebuild your organization’s financial health while keeping your team and board engaged? In episode #338 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Andy Price, CEO of the Grand Canyon Council, Boy Scouts of America, shares the leadership principles and practical strategies that helped him turn years of deficit into sustained financial growth. Andy explains how he identified the warning signs of stagnation, rebuilt donor confidence, and diversified income streams to ensure long-term stability. He also shares insights on strengthening board partnerships through transparency, trust, and accountability.

ABOUT ANDY

Andy is the CEO of BSA’s Grand Canyon Council, based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has led a remarkable organizational turnaround since 2018. Under his leadership, the Council has achieved five consecutive balanced budgets, diversified revenue streams, and restored trust with key stakeholders. Before joining the Grand Canyon Council, Andy served as Chief Operating Officer of the Circle Ten Council in Dallas, Texas - one of the largest Scouting councils in the country - where he oversaw financial operations, membership growth, and program innovation across 24 counties. Earlier, as CEO of the Golden Spread Council in Amarillo, Texas, Andy led significant growth in both youth participation and fundraising, earning multiple Journey to Excellence honors. Andy began his career in banking before transitioning to nonprofit leadership, bringing a disciplined, results-oriented approach to financial management and strategic planning. His career in Scouting has spanned more than 25 years, including key roles in Georgia and Alabama councils, where he helped launch new programs and expand outreach.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
• Learn more about the Grand Canyon Council at grandcanyonbsa.org
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire & Associates at armstrongmcguire.com
• Learn more about the Mastermind Leadership Program (pmanonprofit.com/mastermind)

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337: Leading for the Long Run: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit (Janelle Miller Moravek)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitmentto strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Nonprofit leadership can feel like a marathon of competing priorities, unexpected fires, and constant pressure to do more with less - yet it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing balance or long-term impact. In episode 337 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, lifelong nonprofit leader Jannelle Miller Moravek shares practical ways to lead with resilience: set boundaries (“it’ll still be there tomorrow”), use the Eisenhower Matrix to decide what gets done, delegated, delayed, or dropped, and calendar project time with a buffer for “fires.” She shares why development literacy matters for every ED, how to hire people smarter than you, and why team “vibe” and curiosity beat credentials alone. Plus, a refreshingly doable take on succession planning and building a sustainable 40-hour culture for the long run.

ABOUT JANELLE

Janelle Miller Moravek is a nonprofit leader & mental health advocate. She has led Youth & Family Counseling as Executive Director since 2009, driving its growth and impact across Lake County, Illinois. With a deep commitment to increasing access to mental health services, she oversees strategy, programming, and operations while fostering strong partnerships throughout the community. Janelle plays a key leadership role in the region, serving on the board of the Lake County Alliance for Human Services and co-chairing the Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team. Her prior experience includes development roles at Carmel Catholic High School and Barat College. She holds a BA in French Studies from Wesleyan University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Talent Development Platform by Heather Carpentar & Tara Qualls
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible

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336: Escaping Scarcity to Reclaim Strategic Leadership (Pierre Berastaín)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

What happens when scarcity becomes the default mindset in your organization? In episode #336 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, global nonprofit leader Pierre Berastain reveals how operating with too little for too long goes far beyond financial strain - it reshapes culture, stifles innovation, and narrows leadership’s field of vision. Drawing from personal experience and his work addressing systemic challenges, Pierre explains the structural, psychological, and relational costs of scarcity and why they so often leave organizations stuck in survival mode. He challenges leaders to step back, examine strategy, culture, and systems, and ask whether decisions are driven by fear or clarity. With practical insights and examples, this conversation offers nonprofit leaders a roadmap to shift from reactive to strategic, reimagine what’s possible, and create healthier, more resilient organizations that protect people while advancing mission.

ABOUT PIERRE

Pierre Berastaín is the Regional Director for North America of the Centre for Public Impact. He brings over 15 years of experience in organizational management and program implementation. He is the co-founder of Caminar Latino-Latinos United for Peace and Equity, a national organization focused on addressing gender-based violence. He has previously held leadership roles at organizations such as the District Alliance for Safe Housing, Harvard University, and Esperanza United, focusing on gender-based violence. A published author and public speaker, Pierre has been recognized for his work in immigration, LGBTQ advocacy, and restorative justice. Pierre holds degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School and a doctorate in public health from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Originally from Peru, he now lives in Washington, DC with his husband Paul.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Scarcity by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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335: A Roadmap to Board Service (Dr. Keith Dorsey)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

What does it take to prepare yourself, or your board, for greater impact? In episode #335 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Keith Dorsey shares a clear and actionable framework for leaders to step into meaningful board roles AND recruit talented volunteers to serve their organizations. Drawing on his own journey and extensive research, he highlights why nonprofit leadership experience is fully transferable and how to leverage it with intentionality. His “five capitals” model - human, social, director, cultural, and commitment - offers a self-assessment tool to identify gaps and strengthen candidacy. He challenges common assumptions about who is “qualified” to serve, reframing recruitment around skills, strategy, and diversity of thought.

ABOUT KEITH

Dr. Keith D. Dorsey is an executive coach, thought leader, and author specializing in leadership development, corporate governance, and Optimal Diversity. With 25+ years of senior leadership experience, he empowers individuals and teams to reach their full potential. His book, The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table, provides actionable strategies for aspiring board members to succeed in governance. Keith earned his Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC and an MBA from Pepperdine. A sought-after advisor, he helps leaders break barriers, build social capital, and lead with purpose at the highest levels.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Boardroom Journey by Keith Dorsey
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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334: The Three Levels of Nonprofit Leadership (Chris Wong)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

How do you build a high-performance culture when emerging leaders crave autonomy, mid-career managers seek influence, and senior executives must crush silos? In episode #334 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, leadership coach Chris Wong of Leadership Potential unpacks practical moves at every stage. Emerging leaders learn to separate required processes from personal preferences, document what lives in their heads, and delegate with “maximum accountability and maximum support.” Mid-career professionals can use Wong’s BRIDGE framework to map real power, set relationship goals, read communication styles, recruit allies, deliver visible value, and plan authentic engagement. Senior executives tackle cross-department turf wars through clear roles, open dialogue, and meetings with explicit outcomes.

ABOUT CHRIS

Chris is a certified executive coach, certified nonprofit strategy coach, licensed therapist, and seasoned leadership development professional with a proven track record in the nonprofit sector. His extensive experience spans nonprofit, health insurance, and government systems. Currently, he partners with human service nonprofit executives to fix dysfunctional organizations and create high performing cultures. This involves working with nonprofit leaders around overcoming barriers to executing strategic plans as well as addressing challenges such as conflict resolution, culture enhancement, board engagement, building influence, and fostering inclusive work environments.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Jack Reacher Complete Series by Lee Child
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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333: 5 Levels to Sustainability (Dan Johnson)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

Why do so many passionate nonprofit leaders struggle to keep their organizations alive? In episode #333 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dan Johnson shares the hard lessons he’s learned from launching and supporting dozens of organizations, and introduces a powerful framework: the 5 Levels of Sustainability. Vision, team, fundraising, impact, and marketing may sound familiar, but Dan explains why the sequence is critical and how each level builds on the last. Through vivid stories from grassroots movements to disaster relief efforts, he emphasizes the balance leaders must strike between passion and practicality. Whether you’re building a new nonprofit or leading an established one, Dan’s insights will help you clarify your vision, avoid burnout, and position your organization for long-term impact.

ABOUT DAN

Dan Johnson is a 4x nonprofit founder, former impact evaluator, and nonprofit coach. He grew his first nonprofit to 10,000 volunteers nationwide in three years and has created federal and state policy change on numerous issues. Dan’s work has been featured in The Nonprofit Communications Report, CNN, The Chicago Tribune, The Examiner, Mic Magazine, and organizations he’s helped have been featured in national outlets including Vanity Fair, the New York Times, and hundreds of local news stories. Dan developed the 5 Levels of Sustainability to give business owners and professionals a pathway to creating a nonprofit that lasts. He serves these leaders through 1:1 and group coaching programs.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Asking by Gerald Panas
• Little Bets by Peter Sims
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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332: Endowment Essentials Every Nonprofit Leader Must Know (John Griffith)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

Are you so focused on meeting this year’s budget that you’re neglecting the long-term financial stability your nonprofit needs to survive and thrive? In episode #332 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, financial strategist John Griffith dismantles common myths and explains why endowments are essential for long-term stability, mission growth, and donor engagement. He reveals how shifting from a poverty mindset to a strategic mindset can transform your organization’s financial future, diversify revenue streams, and provide resilience in times of economic uncertainty. Learn practical ways to educate your board, integrate endowment goals into your strategic plan, and create broad funding “buckets” that align with your mission while inspiring donor investment.

ABOUT JOHN

John Griffith, Director and Endowment Specialist at Hirtle Callaghan & Co., brings over 35 years of nonprofit experience. He leads the firm’s holistic planning process, partnering with Investment Committees to design investment programs aligned with mission, goals, and risk tolerance. He advises endowments on strategic issues such as spending and liquidity policies, debt management, capital campaigns, operating reserves, and governance. From 2003 to 2014, John served as CFO and Treasurer of Bryn Mawr College, overseeing its $850 million endowment, modernizing and diversifying its portfolio, and earning a rare debt rating upgrade during the recession. He previously held senior financial roles at the University of New Hampshire and began his career at Coopers & Lybrand. John holds a Master’s in Finance from Bentley University and a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Pioneering Portfolio Management by David F. Swensen
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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331: 3 Keys to Great Nonprofit Leadership (Dianne Chipps Bailey)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

What does it take to lead with purpose and longevity in today’s nonprofit sector? In episode 331 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dianne Chipps Bailey shares three essential practices for sustaining strong leadership: diversifying revenue beyond institutional funders, building authentic board engagement rooted in trust and structure, and prioritizing self-care for long-term impact. Drawing from her legal and philanthropic background, Dianne outlines how nonprofit leaders can unlock transformational gifts from individuals and families, advocate for employment agreements and sabbaticals, and model healthy leadership habits. She also emphasizes the growing power of women in philanthropy and the importance of creating a personal board of advisors.

ABOUT DIANNE

Dianne Chipps Bailey is Managing Director and National Philanthropic Strategy Executive for Philanthropic Solutions at Bank of America Private Bank. Dianne and her team deliver customized consulting and advisory services on topics including strategic visioning, mission advancement, high-impact grant making, leadership development, governance and board dynamics. Her professional passion is empowering donors and nonprofit leaders to create meaningful and enduring change. She enjoys sharing what she’s learned about best practices and trends in philanthropy. Her insights have been featured in Axios, Barron’s, Business Insider, Fortune, The Washington Post and The New York Times, among other publications. She has served on and led many nonprofit boards and is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership, currently serving as chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute national council.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
• Join a Giving Circle with Philanthropy Together
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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330: How to Partner with Family Foundations (Tom Kelly)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

What if the key to growing your nonprofit’s sustainability and reach was hiding in plain sight? In episode 330 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Kelly shares how family foundations, often overlooked or misunderstood, can be powerful allies for nonprofit leaders. He breaks down the misconceptions that keep organizations from building relationships with these under-the-radar funders and offers practical strategies for meaningful engagement. Tom also explores why thinking like a for-profit business is essential to scaling nonprofit impact. Listeners will learn how to use AI to increase fundraising efficiency, how to build multigenerational philanthropic strategies, and why “living your legacy” now is just as important as what you leave behind.

ABOUT TOM

Tom Kelly is an entrepreneur, Legacy Builder, and Founder of Legacy by Design. He helps high-net-worth families protect wealth, amplify influence, and create lasting legacies. As the founder of Legacy by Design, he empowers first-generation wealth builders to establish Private Family Foundations for tax benefits, financial literacy, and philanthropic impact. With a track record of scaling businesses to 8-figure revenues and raising over $500 million for nonprofits, Tom’s entrepreneurial approach ensures families turn success into significance for generations.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Check out Tom’s book Million Dollar Nonprofit
• Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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329: Leading with Transformation (Ora Grodsky)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

Why do so many nonprofit leaders feel stuck, even when the problem is clear? In episode #329 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the deeper mindset shifts and systemic insights necessary for meaningful change with Ora Grodsky, author of Justice, Love, and Organizational Healing and the Principal of Just Works Consulting. Sheshares how you can move your organization beyond a “transactional fix” to a genuine culture shift, and explains the importance of holding space over having all the answers. Learn how to elevate every voice in the room, and approach problems with fresh eyes and shared power. Whether you're navigating change or planning a board retreat, this episode offers practical tools and inspiration to lead with humility, strategy, and humanity.

ABOUT ORA

Ora Grodsky is a mission-driven consultant with over 25 years of experience working with social justice-oriented organizations, guiding change efforts, leading participatory and productive planning processes, and supporting leaders in the service of justice and love. Ora co-founded the AIDS Care Project - at one time the largest holistic clinic in the US - during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Through these experiences, Ora developed the question “How can we humans work together to create a just and sustainable world while nourishing and sustaining our own lives and spirits?” This question led her back to graduate school at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and onto the path of organizational development. She is the author of the new book: Justice, Love, and Organizational Healing: A Guide to Transformational Consulting.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Justice, Love, and Organizational Healing by Ora C. Grodsky
• Doppelgängerby Naomi Klein
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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328: From Proposals to Partnerships: What Funders Really Want (Whitney Feld)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

What if the best way to secure funding is to stop writing proposals and start building relationships? In episode #328 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, foundation president Whitney Feld offers a fresh perspective on what funders really want. She unpacks the power of bold, relational philanthropy, where trust, humility, and partnership drive investment. She explores why funders are shifting away from transactional models, how to articulate catalytic impact, and why investing in talent is as important as investing in programs. Whitney also addresses the potential of AI in philanthropy, the importance of vulnerability with funders, and the rising tide of collaborative giving. Nonprofit leaders will leave this episode inspired and better equipped to build lasting, transformational funder relationships.

ABOUT WHITNEY

Whitney Feld is the inaugural president of the Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation (BBLF), a private family foundation established by Smoky and Margaret Bissell. She leads BBLF’s grant making across health, human services, and education in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, having built the foundation’s strategic and governance framework from the ground up. Previously, Feld served in regulatory relations at Wells Fargo and spent six years at Foundation For The Carolinas, where she led divisions including Planned Giving and Family Office Partners. She advised FFTC’s most complex donors on philanthropy, legacy planning, and multi-generational engagement. A former special education teacher in Brooklyn, Feld is a passionate advocate for nonprofits, serving on several local boards. She holds degrees from Miami University (BA), Pace University (M.Ed), and Charleston School of Law (JD), and is licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• A Choice of Weapons by Gordon Parks
• Billions of Drops in Millions of Buckets by Steven H. Goldberg
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible

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327: Banking on Impact: How TowneBank Champions Nonprofit Success (Alice Joyce & Carol Holland)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for their commitment to nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

What makes a community bank an essential ally for nonprofit leaders? In episode 327 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alice Joyce and Carol Holland explore how genuine relationships, personal service, and community involvement distinguish their approach to nonprofit partnerships. From offering no-cost resources like boardroom space and networking events to specialized banking services designed with nonprofits in mind, they show how banks can be more than just financial institutions but collaborators, connectors, and champions of community impact.

ABOUT ALICE

Alice brings over 20 years of banking experience, helping individuals and businesses—especially nonprofits, healthcare providers, attorneys, executives, and small business owners—achieve their financial goals. She leads a monthly Lunch and Learn series for local nonprofits, providing valuable education and growth opportunities. Alice serves on the boards of WIN (Women in Networking) Uptown and the Executives Association of Charlotte, reflecting her passion for community leadership. A Pittsburgh native, she earned her B.S. in Marketing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and now lives in Mount Holly with her husband, Kevin.

ABOUT CAROL

Carol brings over 30 years of banking experience and manages a portfolio of over 350 nonprofits and associations in the Triangle, focusing on relationship-building and collaboration. She leads a bimonthly Nonprofit Lunch & Learn and regularly creates opportunities for nonprofit engagement. Carol has deep ties to Raleigh’s nonprofit community, serving on boards including Junior Achievement of Eastern NC, NC Arts in Action, and SAFEchild. She’s also volunteered with organizations like the Salvation Army, Rise Against Hunger, the Food Bank, and Habitat for Humanity. Carol holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and Meredith College and is a graduate of the NC School of Banking.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.
• Armstrong McGuire
• The People Code by Taylor Hartman and Good Energy by Casey Means

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326: 5 Essential Topics Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know (David Rhode)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

Are you leading with passion but still struggling to build a sustainable nonprofit? In episode 326 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, David Rhode dives into five critical areas every nonprofit leader must master to thrive in today’s challenging environment. From forming authentic corporate partnerships to understanding the long game of branding, you’ll get practical strategies that go beyond theory. Learn how to make AI your secret weapon for efficiency, build a focused KPI dashboard that actually guides decision-making, and prepare for inevitable crisis communications with clarity and confidence. Drawing on lessons from coaching and frontline leadership, this episode is a must-listen for leaders of small to mid-sized organizations looking to grow with intention.

ABOUT DAVID

In 2005, David Rhode founded, led and scaled Pitch In For Baseball and Softball, a nonprofit organization that increased access to baseball and softball for children in under-resourced communities through the donation of equipment and uniforms. After leaving Pitch In For Baseball and Softball in 2019, David founded Dot Dot Org, a nonprofit consulting firm focusing on CEO mentoring. David teaches Nonprofit Branding and Nonprofit Consulting at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the Deputy Director at PennPAC, an organization that mobilizes pro bono teams of University of Pennsylvania alumni as consultants to strengthen the nonprofit sector. He is the author of “Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders,” released in November 2024. He and his family now live in New York City.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Think Again by Adam Grant
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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325: The Strategic Leap: How Nonprofit Leaders Can Scale with Intention (Shilpa Alva)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

What does it really take to scale a nonprofit while staying true to your mission and avoiding burnout? In episode 325 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Shilpa Alva shares how her organization, Surge, achieved 70% growth while remaining community-led, women-centered, and globally impactful. Listeners will learn how to build infrastructure before chasing funding, why modular programming enables nimble scaling, and how multiple advisory boards can fuel strategic expansion without overloading core staff. She also discusses how self-care and reflection are essential, not optional, for sustainable leadership. Whether you're in the early stages of growth or navigating a bold, new strategic plan, you’ll gain practical insights on fundraising, board development, and leading with authenticity.

ABOUT SHILPA ALVA

Shilpa’s motivation to start Surge began when she was a child visiting family in India. She saw children her age who didn’t have the luxury of playing; instead, many were fetching water. Even as a seven-year-old child, she saw the inequity. Children should not have to bear this kind of responsibility for their family’s survival. The founding of Surge in 2008 was in response to this essential need, and Shilpa spent increasingly more time in the communities where they work. That is how Surge’s community-led, women-centered model came to be. She listened to and learned from the locals and understood that in order to drive sustainable change, it had to be them driving the agenda on their terms and timeline. Today, a global team of talented staff and volunteers run Surge. And together with local community leaders, they are making a transformational difference.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
• Ready for a Mastermind? Go to PMAnonprofit.com/Mastermind
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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324: Building the Foundation for Nonprofit Success (Patricia Glass)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Whether you’re looking for your next leadership opportunity, or your organization needs an interim or permanent leader, they can help. Learn more at armstrongmcguire.com.

Are you building your nonprofit on passion alone, only to find yourself overwhelmed, under-resourced, and unsure how to move forward? In episode #324 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Patricia Glass shares her deeply personal journey from grief to grassroots leadership, revealing the hard-won lessons behind starting and sustaining a nonprofit. Drawing from her own missteps and her work with other founders at Flourish Nonprofits, she outlines the critical elements every startup nonprofit needs: clear community alignment, operational structure, and the right board—not just friends and family. She challenges listeners to replace competition with collaboration and offers practical guidance on evaluating need, communicating expectations, and building a culture of accountability. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to grow with purpose, this episode is a powerful reminder that heart alone isn’t enough—strategy and community are essential.

ABOUT PATRICIA

Patricia Glass has been a cornerstone in community development in Tyler, Texas. Growing up in a background marked by poverty, she learned early the transformative power of community aid, which ignited her passion for advocacy and led to the creation of Flourish—a hub designed to empower nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Holding certifications in Nonprofit Management and Advance Nonprofit Management from UT Tyler and being recognized as a Certified Nonprofit Professional, Patricia’s involvement extends beyond leadership. She actively serves on various boards and committees and is a nonprofit founder. She dedicates herself to building a space where individuals and organizations can connect, grow, and find the resources to succeed.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Ready for a Mastermind? Check it out at PMAnonprofit.com/Mastermind
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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323: Unlock the Unrestricted Gifts You Deserve (Sherry Quam Taylor)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com.

If your organization is stuck chasing small, restricted gifts through events, sponsorships, or appeals, it’s time for a mindset shift. In episode #323 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Sherry Quam Taylor reveals why general operating support isn’t as elusive as many believe, and how fundraisers can confidently lead donors to their best, most flexible gifts. She breaks down how to stop defaulting to transactional fundraising, how to engage board members and CEOs in authentic donor relationships, and why knowing your numbers is essential to making a compelling case. You’ll learn how to move donors from “project-only” thinking to true investment in your mission. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders ready to align their time with transformational fundraising and finally unlock the unrestricted gifts they deserve.

ABOUT SHERRY

Sherry Quam Taylor works with business-minded Nonprofit CEOs whose Strategic Plans require expansive budgets and larger amounts of unrestricted revenue for growth and infrastructure. As a result of learning her methodology, Sherry’s clients become sustainable, diversify revenue, and know how to add significant amounts gen-ops revenue to their budgets. But mostly, their development departments and boards transform into high-ROI revenue generators – aligning their hours with relational dollars and are set free from time-consuming transactional activities like events, appeals, and campaigns. Sherry attributes the success of her business to her passion for modeling radical confidence to the future CEOs in her house - her two college-aged daughters.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings by Nick Gray
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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322: How Can You Make Your Nonprofit’s Message Stick? (Salvatore Manzi)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do even the most passionate nonprofit leaders struggle to cut through the noise and communicate a message that truly inspires action, and what can they do to make it stick? In episode 322 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, leadership communication coach Salvatore Manzi shares powerful, practical strategies to help leaders develop presence, inspire trust, and communicate with impact. He introduces key frameworks including “project confidence, command attention, inspire trust,” the “You-Then-Me” approach for difficult conversations, and the “humble brag” formula for sharing accomplishments without sounding boastful. Learn how to build a shared story vault to unify your team’s messaging, prepare for crisis communication with clarity, and transform your storytelling into a tool for deeper engagement and fundraising success. Whether you're an introvert or an experienced public speaker, this episode offers essential communication tools every nonprofit leader can use to rise above the noise and make their message truly resonate.

ABOUT SALVATORE

Salvatore Manzi is a leadership communications coach, speaker, and facilitator helping nonprofit leaders amplify their message and impact. With over 20 years of experience coaching executives, scientists, and investment officers, he brings research-driven strategies to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and REDF. Studying the psychology and neuroscience of communication, Salvatore has developed proven frameworks to help leaders inspire action, build trust, and engage donors, teams, and boards with greater clarity and confidence.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from the Moth by The Moth, et al.
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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321: How to be an Adaptive Leader in Turbulent Times (Theo Ellington & Genevieve Leighton-Armah)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

What does it take to lead with purpose when resources are stretched, burnout is high, and the future feels uncertain? In episode #321 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Genevieve Leighton-Armah and Theo Ellington share how Black Citizen is redefining leadership development through trust-based philanthropy, flexible funding, and deep community engagement. Grounded in their lived experience and commitment to equity, they describe how their cohort model supports Black change makers with grants, coaching, and media tools to amplify impact and avoid isolation.

ABOUT THEO

Theo Ellington has extensive public and private sector organizing experience. As co-founder of Black Young Democrats of SF, he successfully fought against Stop-and-Frisk and later led The Salvation Army’s efforts to double its impact on homelessness, modernize its real estate, and respond to COVID-19—generating $10M in new revenue. As a city commissioner, he helped create over 1,200 affordable housing units. At the Golden State Warriors, Theo secured approvals for a $1B arena across 14 agencies. He holds a BA in Political Science from Notre Dame de Namur University and an MA in Urban Affairs from the University of San Francisco.

ABOUT GENEVIEVE

Genevieve Leighton-Armah is a first-generation Dominican and Ghanaian changemaker working with BIPOC youth and elders in criminal justice reform, violence prevention, and advocacy. For over 12 years, she’s led nonprofit initiatives connecting young people to tech/media careers and advancing equity across Northern California. She designs trauma-informed programs for healthcare settings and launched Bay Area Black Leaders in response to George Floyd’s death, centering restorative rest and equity planning for Black leaders. She earned a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Ethnic Studies from San Francisco State University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves by Dr. Shawn Ginwright
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Looking for your next leadership opportunity? Check out our partners Armstrong McGuire

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320: From Paper to Progress: 4 Steps to Actionable Strategy (Rebecca White)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do so many strategic plans gather dust instead of driving impact? In episode #320 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit strategist Rebecca White unpacks why well-intentioned plans often fail, and what to do about it. She offers a practical, four-step approach to move strategy from paper to progress: audit your existing plan, define decision filters, align capacity with goals, and build weekly accountability into your implementation. Rebecca also shares how to identify interdependencies, avoid burnout through realistic resource planning, and maintain momentum through continuous monitoring. Whether you lead a small shop or a growing organization, you'll find clear tools to turn lofty goals into manageable actions. Plus, get an insight into her popular capacity calendar and strategy-to-action funnel, frameworks designed to make your planning process more grounded, realistic, and effective.

ABOUT REBECCA

With over two decades of experience leading teams and developing resources in the nonprofit sector, Rebecca White brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges mission-driven organizations face. Now a consultant, Rebecca helps nonprofit organizations effectively action their strategic plan, within currently available resources. A Standards for Excellence© Licensed Consultant through Maryland Nonprofits, Rebecca works to be a catalyst for positive change. Rebecca lives in the Texas Hill Country, serving on two local nonprofit boards. Rebecca enjoys pickleball, hiking, and reading. And is a fierce defender of the Oxford comma.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Check out Rebecca’s resources at The Content Cove
• The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
• Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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319: Become Fireproof: Negotiate Your Salary, Severance & Sanity (Sean Kosofsky)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Are you protecting yourself as well as your nonprofit’s mission? In episode #319 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit leader and consultant Sean Kosofsky breaks down the critical, but too often overlooked, topics of executive compensation, board accountability, and employment protection. Drawing from decades of experience across advocacy, political campaigns, and executive leadership, he offers a no-nonsense approach to overcoming the sector’s toxic “poverty mindset.” Kosofsky lays out practical steps nonprofit leaders can take to negotiate fair compensation, demand severance protections, and rebalance the power dynamics between boards and executives. You’ll learn how to implement board agreements, hold board members accountable, and use contracts to ensure job security, all without compromising your mission. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a first-time ED, this conversation provides the tools you need to lead with confidence, clarity, and sustainability.

ABOUT SEAN

Sean Kosofsky is the Nonprofit Fixer! He is a coach, consultant, trainer, speaker, author, and strategic advisor. For the past 33+ years, he has helped causes, campaigns and candidates raise millions of dollars and transformed nonprofit organizations and leaders. He has served in a wide variety of roles in nonprofits, including policy, communications, development, grassroots organizing, direct service, board leadership, and executive director. He has worked on a wide range of issues, including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. His work has been covered in media outlets internationally and he has received many awards and recognitions from the sector. His work and advice has been featured by AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, TechSoup, and more. He is an author and the owner of Mind the Gap Consulting. Sean is a proud Detroit native but lives with his husband and dog in New York City.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Prosperous Coach by Steve Chandler and Rich Litvin
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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318: AI for Nonprofit Leaders – Beyond the Hype (Andrew Gossen & Stamie Despo)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How can nonprofit leaders cut through the noise and start using AI to strengthen relationships, increase efficiency, and stay mission-driven? AI is reshaping how nonprofits engage donors, manage data, and build relationships. In episode #318 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit marketing and fundraising experts Andrew Gossen and Stamie Despo share why nonprofit leaders can’t afford to ignore AI.

ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew is executive director for communications, marketing, and participation at Cornell University's Division of Alumni Affairs and Development. Since joining Cornell in 2010, he has integrated emerging digital technologies, including social media and crowdfunding, into the division’s strategy. Previously, he spent eight years in various roles at the Alumni Association of Princeton University. Gossen focuses on using digital tools to build audiences and mobilize support for causes and organizations. A frequent speaker to domestic and international audiences, he has served on the CASE Commission on Alumni Relations, co-chaired the CASE Joint Commission Task Force on Social Media, and received a CASE Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton and a doctorate in social anthropology from Harvard.

ABOUT STAMIE

Stamie brings over 20 years of experience in philanthropy to Cornell University. Previously she served as the Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for the greater Charlotte, NC, area. Stamie was a 2019 honoree for the Charlotte Athena Leadership Award for Service. Her focus in philanthropy is engaging donors in a meaningful and authentic way, creating a culture of philanthropy, building relationships and providing strategic leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics, Cum Laude, from Smith College, a Masters in Teaching degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Monmouth University, a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Duke University, and an Event Planning Certificate from UNC Charlotte.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadershipis FeedSpot’s #1 podcast in Philanthropy!
• The Filter Bubble by Eli Pariser and AI for Good by Gaius Chinanu
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell

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317: Crisis-Proof Your Leadership (Mary Kelly)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do so many nonprofit leaders feel unprepared when crisis strikes and what can they do today to ensure they’re ready to lead with confidence when it inevitably does? In episode 317 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Mary Kelly offers a masterclass in crisis-ready leadership for nonprofit executives. Drawing from her 25-year naval career and deep experience with mission-driven organizations, she unpacks how to prepare for the inevitable disruptions that challenge even the strongest leaders. She introduces the PIVOT model—Purpose, Influence, Volatility, Opportunity, and Tools—as a practical framework for guiding your team through uncertainty. Learn how to balance emotional resilience with decisive action, how to keep teams focused during volatility, and why preparation, not panic, is the true hallmark of great leadership. Mary also shares productivity tools and planning habits to strengthen daily performance and long-term strategy. This is an essential listen for nonprofit leaders seeking to crisis-proof their organizations while building trust, clarity, and confidence.

ABOUT MARY

Mary Kelly is a leadership expert and Hall of Fame speaker who helps leaders and teams navigate crises, challenges, and change with clarity and confidence. A retired Navy Commander with a PhD in economics, she brings 21 years of military service and decades of teaching and consulting experience to her work. Mary is the author of 15 books, including How to Lead Yourself and Your Teams Through Crises and FutureNomics. She delivers keynotes, trainings, and coaching that improve leadership, boost productivity, and drive profit growth. Based in Denver, Dallas, and Nashville, she’s also a board member, dog mom, wine enthusiast, and lover of all things strategy. Access her tools at www.ProductiveLeaders.com/free-resources.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Competent Leader by Peter Stark
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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316: Building a Mission-Driven Nonprofit That Pays the Bills (Maggie Kane)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How do you stay true to your mission while keeping the lights on? In episode 316 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we dive into that question and others with Maggie Kane, who shares the story behind A Place at the Table, a nonprofit café in Raleigh, NC, where good food and community go hand in hand through a pay-what-you-can model. You’ll hear candid lessons about sustaining a powerful mission with sound financial strategy, balancing fundraising, revenue generation, and creative pivots when the economy shifts. From developing a board from hands-on to strategic, to hiring for mission alignment, to introducing catering and curbside services, this conversation offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders navigating growth. It’s a masterclass in inclusive leadership, strategic planning, and building a culture where staff, volunteers, and diners feel seen, heard, and valued.

ABOUT MAGGIE

Maggie is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe. She graduated from NC State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with people experiencing homelessness. By befriending many people living on the margins, she saw the challenges of food insecurity as well as providing dignity to those in need. In February 2015, A Place at the Table was born and Maggie never looked back. Opening in January 2018, Table has served thousands of people in Raleigh with a dignified and an affordable meal, together. Maggie has a heart to serve, a desire to always be inclusive, and a passion for loving people. She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains, and all things sunflowers.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Maggie’s book: Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Dr. Vivek Murthy
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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315: Lessons Nonprofit Leaders Can Teach the Business World (Nick Grono)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Let’s flip the usual script! Rather than learning from business practices, what if the business world learned from you? In episode #315 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Nick Grono shares powerful insights on why purpose-driven leadership is nonprofits' greatest strength, and why corporations are striving to replicate it. Drawing from his work leading the Freedom Fund, he explores how nonprofit leaders master the art of stakeholder balance, measure complex impact, foster true collaboration without competition, and build resilient, mission-aligned teams. Nick offers candid advice on strategic planning, board relationships, fundraising with authenticity, and navigating tough leadership decisions. Grounded in optimism and hard-won experience, this conversation reminds nonprofit leaders of the transformational role they play, and how the world needs their example now more than ever.

ABOUT NICK

Nick Grono is an Australian human rights campaigner and author. His book “How to Lead Nonprofits” was published in July 2024. Nick has been the CEO of the Freedom Fund, a collaborative fund dedicated to ending modern slavery and human trafficking around the world, since its founding in 2014. He has twenty years of leadership experience of US and international nonprofits, and another decade working in corporate law, government, and investment banking. He was CEO of the Walk Free Foundation, Deputy President of the International Crisis Group, and Chief of Staff and National Security Adviser to the Australian Attorney-General. He is a member of the advisory council of Global Witness. Nick has briefed the United Nations Security Council and testified before parliamentary committees in the UK, Australia and the Netherlands. He has appeared on national and international tv and radio shows, and written for international publications including the New York Times, The Guardian and the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• James: A Novel by Percival Everett
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens newsletter!

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314: It’s Time to Rethink How Your Nonprofit Does Marketing (Lou Kotsinis)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Many nonprofits treat marketing as a luxury or an afterthought, but doing so limits their impact. In episode #314 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, digital strategist Lou Kotsinis challenges nonprofit leaders to rethink their approach, emphasizing that marketing must be mission-critical, not secondary. Lou breaks down why an authentic story, a strong digital presence, and consistent audience engagement are essential for growth. He shares how to simplify data tracking, leverage free tools like Google Analytics, and start using AI platforms to better understand and expand reach. For organizations with tight budgets, Lou offers practical tips to build momentum without needing massive resources. If you want to increase awareness, grow fundraising success, and fulfill your mission more effectively, it’s time to rethink not just how you market, but how you prioritize marketing across your organization.

ABOUT LOU

Lou Kotsinis is CEO and Co-Founder of BCS Interactive, a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on the nonprofit and educational communities. Since co-founding BCS in 2011, Lou leads a team of designers, technologists, and strategists that have helped organizations such as The World Childhood Foundation, The Seeing Eye and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories, showcase their impact, and grow their causes. Prior to co-founding BCS Interactive, Lou was marketing manager at Time Warner Trade Publishing, the book-publishing arm of Time Warner. Lou graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a B.A. in English and History. His interests include hiking, reading, and practicing yoga. He’s deeply passionate about political reform and pro-democracy efforts and is an advocate of initiatives such as FairVote and the Institute for Political Innovation.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell

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313: What They Don’t Tell You About Being a Nonprofit Leader (Kevin Dean)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

What happens when your first day as an executive director ends in tears - and your second day requires laying off most of the staff? In episode #313 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Kevin Dean shares the raw truths about the loneliness, imposter syndrome, and burnout that often accompany nonprofit leadership. From leading a turnaround at Literacy Mid-South to scaling the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, Kevin reveals how he built his support system, learned to fundraise as an introvert, and developed a long-term career plan grounded in both lived experience and education. He offers hard-won lessons on board engagement, strategic risk-taking, and authentic mentorship - urging seasoned leaders to guide the next generation. A must-listen for navigating the highs and lows of leadership in the nonprofit sector.

ABOUT KEVIN

Kevin Dean is President & CEO of the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit capacity building. His previous roles include Executive Director of Literacy Mid-South, Director of Development at Hope House, and Community Services Director at Volunteer Memphis. He holds a BA in Communications from the University of Memphis, an MA in Executive Leadership from Christian Brothers University, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Learning from Vanderbilt University. A licensed Standards for Excellence consultant and BoardSource-certified in board education, Kevin has earned numerous honors, including Memphis’ Top 40 Under 40, the ProLiteracy Award for Community-Based Adult Literacy, and Memphis Magazine’s CEO of the Year. He currently serves on the National Council of Nonprofits board and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Development Advisory Council.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Want to chat leadership 24/7? Go to www.delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
• Have you gotten Patton’s book? Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – also available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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312: Moving Your Organization from Toxic Stress to Radical Resilience (Brett Loftis)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why are so many nonprofit leaders exhausted, irritable, or dealing with chronic health issues—and not realizing the deeper cause? In episode 312 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Brett Loftis explores how unacknowledged trauma and toxic stress infiltrate nonprofit organizations, often masked as burnout or fatigue. Brett, a national leader in trauma-informed care, explains how individuals and entire organizations can become "trauma-organized," and what it takes to shift toward radical resilience. Drawing on decades of experience in child advocacy and organizational leadership, he shares practical tools like emotional safety plans and values-based leadership practices that support healing and sustainability. Learn why self-awareness, grief processing, and cultural rituals are essential for leaders and teams to thrive—and how your organization can transform stress into strength. This episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader seeking long-term impact and well-being.

ABOUT BRETT

Brett Loftis graduated from Furman University with degrees in Sociology and Political Science and in 2000 from Wake Forest University School of Law. After spending numerous years working in ministry and child advocacy, including as the Executive Director of the Council for Children’s Rights in Charlotte, NC, Brett came to Crossnore in 2013 as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Brett leads all initiatives of the organization, including programs, external relations, operations, and organizational growth. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth soccer and basketball. Brett is married to Sally, and the couple has three sons.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
• Get Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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311: Leading with Systems: The Secret to Mission-Driven, High-Performing Nonprofits (Kevin Wilkins)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Are you so focused on keeping your nonprofit running that you don’t have time to step back and fix the systems holding you back? In episode 311 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, organizational expert Kevin Wilkins shares how to break free from these constraints and build a thriving, mission-driven culture. Expert insights reveal why culture is the strongest predictor of success, how to foster collaboration despite competition for funding, and why strategic planning should be adaptable rather than rigid. Discover practical steps to strengthen organizational effectiveness, align people with processes, and implement a plan that doesn’t just sit on a shelf. Explore how stakeholder engagement, accountability structures, and performance management drive long-term impact. Whether leading a small nonprofit or managing complex systems, this discussion provides actionable strategies to maximize resources and create lasting change.

ABOUT KEVIN

Kevin N. Wilkins is the Founder and CEO of Trepwise, a strategy consulting firm dedicated to unlocking the potential of purpose-driven organizations by aligning people, process, and vision. With over 35 years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and private ventures, Kevin has led Trepwise to support over 700 organizations. Since moving to New Orleans, he has worked with for-profit, nonprofit, and public entities, shaping his vision for thriving communities driven by impactful ideas. A Dartmouth graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Kevin has held executive roles at Procter & Gamble, Fidelity, and State Street Research. He serves on multiple boards and has received many honors, including Louisianian of the Year (2021) and Best Place to Work recognitions for Trepwise. Most recently, Trepwise was named Outstanding Business of the Year (2024) by Best of America Small Business Awards.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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310: Why is Now the Time for Future Thinking? (Trista Harris)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How can nonprofit leaders break free from the exhausting cycle of putting our fires to create a clear, future-focused strategy that drives long-term impact? In episode 310 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, philanthropic futurist, Trista Harris dives into why many in the sector struggle to think beyond immediate crises and how future-focused strategies can drive transformational change. Learn practical tools for envisioning long-term impact, including how to align organizational activities with a shared vision and develop a rolling three-year strategic plan. With actionable insights on integrating futurism into your culture and engaging stakeholders, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine what’s possible for your organization—and equip you to build a brighter, more equitable future.

ABOUT TRISTA

Trista Harris is a renowned philanthropic futurist who advocates for the use of futurism to address critical community challenges worldwide. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, The New York Times, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and many social sector blogs. Trista is the President of FutureGood, a consultancy that helps visionaries create a better future. She has authored two books - "How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar" and "FutureGood.". Prior to her work at FutureGood, she served as President of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a thriving grant-making community that awards over $1.5 billion annually. She was also the Executive Director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice and a Program Officer at Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. A strategic foresight expert certified by Oxford University, Trista holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Rest is Resistance: Free Yourself from Grind Culture and Reclaim Your Life by Tricia Hersey
• Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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309: Are You Really Onboarding for Long-Term Success? (Tiffany Slater)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Struggling to retain great talent? In episode 306 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, HR expert Tiffany Slater shares practical strategies to transform your onboarding process into a tool for retention and team success. Learn why onboarding begins the moment a new hire says "yes" and how small gestures—like a personalized welcome video or a thoughtful gift—can set the stage for a strong workplace culture. Tiffany shares actionable advice on preparing new employees with the right tools, clear processes, and meaningful first projects to ensure they feel valued and capable from day one. Whether your team operates in-person, virtually, or hybrid, these tips will help you reduce turnover and empower your team to thrive.

ABOUT TIFFANY

Tiffany E. Slater, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP is the Founder & CEO for HR TailorMade - THE human resource solution for small businesses and nonprofits. HR TailorMade partners with nonprofits and small businesses to provide seamless Fractional HR support for their team. Dr. Tiffany has been an HR professional for over 25 years with experience in all aspects of human resources. She also has experience in a variety of sectors, including union and non-union, PK-12 public education, property management, manufacturing, and casino industries, to name a few. The HR TailorMade team handles everything from onboarding & managing employee relations to benefits administration to guiding team leaders through difficult conversations & exit interviews. They are here to help you avoid those common HR mistakes, protect your business, and ensure that you and your employees thrive.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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308: 3 Keys to Building a Dynamic Nonprofit Team (Chris Jenkins)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

What makes or breaks a nonprofit team? In episode #308 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Chris Jenkins shares how he has built a thriving organization by prioritizing trust, mission alignment, and strategic leadership. Discover why micromanagement is one of the biggest threats to team dynamics and how empowering staff with autonomy leads to stronger results. Learn how to foster a culture of accountability, encourage team-driven decision-making, and create an evaluation process that ensures long-term success. This conversation dives into the importance of hiring people who challenge your perspective, how to balance visionary leadership with structured planning, and why succession planning starts long before a leadership transition.

ABOUT CHRIS

Chris Jenkins is the Founder of Hope Restorations Inc. which he started in February of 2015. Hope Restorations is a non-profit social enterprise striving to help adults recover from addiction and/or incarceration by providing honest, paid, dignified employment. The program uses the daily work environment to build relationships and trust as the foundation to help each individual identify and overcome their own unique barriers to success. The work involves acquiring and renovating deteriorating, eyesore properties in the community to provide affordable housing for low-income families. Chris served in the US Navy and then managed privately owned manufacturing operations before opening his own auto repair shop. In 2004, he began answering a calling into formal ministry. He holds a Bachelor's in Occupational Education from Eastern New Mexico University and has completed the Course of Study for Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church at Duke Divinity School. He’s an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician, an NC General Contractor, and a USCG Licensed Captain.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Watch Chris’s story here!
• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• Have you gotten Patton’s book

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307: How to Overcome 5 Nonprofit Communication Challenges (David Chatham)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you pouring your heart into your nonprofit’s mission, yet struggling to get donors, partners, and the community to truly understand and support your work? In episode 307 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, communication expert David Chatham shares how organizations can transform their storytelling by focusing on the “Four C’s” of effective communication: clear, concise, compelling, and consistent messaging. He breaks down the five biggest communication challenges nonprofits face—from weak foundational messaging to the lack of a strategic marketing plan—and offers practical, actionable solutions to overcome them. Learn how to refine your mission statement, engage key stakeholders, and make the most of limited marketing budgets. Plus, discover why investing in strong communications isn’t just about visibility—it’s about strengthening donor engagement and long-term sustainability. If your nonprofit struggles to communicate its impact effectively, this episode will help you sharpen your strategy and amplify your voice.

ABOUT DAVID

David has more than 25 years of marketing communications experience, with the last 10 focused on serving nonprofits through his work as senior client success strategist at Angel Oak Creative. He's grateful for the opportunity to work with organizations who are working each day to make the world a better place. David lives in Raleigh, N.C. with his wife of 20+ years, Lisa, and his mighty 7lb Yorkie, Max.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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306: Building Resilient Nonprofits Through Interim Leadership (David Harris)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check out their Interim Management Institute.

Leadership transitions can be a pivotal moment for any nonprofit, yet many organizations rush to fill the gap without assessing their true needs. In episode #306 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the critical role of interim executive leadership with David Harris, and how it strengthens nonprofits during times of change. David is a national expert in interim leadership and shares insights on why nonprofits should resist the urge to hire quickly and instead use transition periods to build resilience. Learn how skilled interim leaders address financial stability, talent development, board engagement, and operational adaptability—ensuring the next executive is set up for success.

ABOUT DAVID

David is the Managing Director of Interim Executive Solutions, and has extensive experience working with for-profit and nonprofit organizations to develop and implement strategies to improve operations, marketing, board governance, and leadership team effectiveness. He served as co-chair of Community Action Partners where he provided strategic planning, marketing and other services to Boston area nonprofits. In that capacity, David has led projects with nine different organizations. Most recently, he served as the interim Executive Director of the Springfield Empowerment Zone in western Massachusetts and the Landing School in Maine. David spent five years as Deputy Director of Teachers21, a professional development service provider, and provided coaching and consulting services to school and district leaders on business strategy and organization. David is currently Clerk of YouthBuild Boston. David holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MAT from Simmons College and a Sc.B. in Biochemistry from Brown University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Want to be an Interim Executive? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Wait, What? And Life’s Other Essential Questions by James Ryan
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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305: 5 Steps for Balancing Leadership with Personal Wellness (Latoya Robinson)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you constantly giving everything to your mission but feeling like there’s nothing left for yourself? In episode 305 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Latoya Robinson shares why prioritizing wellness is essential for sustaining long-term impact and preventing burnout. Drawing on her leadership journey, she introduces five practical steps to help nonprofit executives balance their professional responsibilities while maintaining personal well-being. She discusses leading with empathy and self-compassion, building supportive relationships, setting boundaries, aligning leadership with purpose, and staying organized without overwhelming. Latoya also shares her personal strategies for maintaining balance, including morning routines, intentional goal-setting, and prioritizing time for reflection.

ABOUT LATOYA

Latoya Robinson is a Nonprofit Growth Architect dedicated to transforming service-based and community-focused organizations. She helps nonprofits, foundations, and corporations align their missions with sustainable strategies that drive measurable impact and long-term financial stability. As the founder of LUR Growth, Latoya provides innovative donor engagement and strategic growth services, leveraging her LUR 3D Strategy™—Data-Driven Direction, Donor Devotion Dynamics, and Dynamic Impact Orchestration—to foster capacity building, donor loyalty, and organizational growth. Since 2016, Latoya has served as Executive Director of Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN), where her leadership has expanded the budget from $310K to $1.2M. She previously co-founded SAVED Health and launched the SAVED4HOPE Therapeutic Summer Camp, growing both into multi-county initiatives.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens

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304: Balancing the Head and the Heart as a Nonprofit Leader (Eric Newman)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

How do you sustain the passion that fuels your nonprofit mission while ensuring long-term financial and operational success? In episode 304 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll hear from Eric Newman, a nonprofit leader who turned personal adversity into a powerful movement, scaling an organization from a grassroots fundraiser to a national force for pediatric cancer support. Learn how he navigated the critical balance between mission-driven passion and business-minded strategy, built a sustainable fundraising model, and leveraged corporate partnerships for impact. He shares hard-earned lessons on overcoming early financial struggles, the importance of adaptability, and why "marrying the mission, not the model" is key to longevity.

ABOUT ERIC

Eric Newman is a passionate entrepreneur, speaker and visionary leader. A childhood cancer survivor, he founded Roc Solid Foundation in 2009, a nonprofit that builds hope for kids fighting the same battle throughout the U.S. Roc Solid partners with over 100 children’s hospitals to gift Ready Bags to families just after diagnosis, and they’ve provided thousands of play sets for children throughout the country who need a safe place to play and a reason to smile. As a best-selling author and guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Eric’s story continues to inspire people who are looking for ways to turn their pain from past experiences into their life’s passion.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Carpenter: A Story About the Greatest Success Strategies of All by John Gordon
• 10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector –

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303: Advocacy That Matters: Taking Your Nonprofit to the Next Level (Sam Daley-Harris)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you leveraging advocacy to amplify your nonprofit’s impact? In episode 303 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Sam Daley-Harris, author of Reclaiming Our Democracy, shares transformative insights on moving beyond transactional actions to engage in transformational advocacy. Sam emphasizes the power of asking big questions, building meaningful relationships with elected officials, and training teams to embrace grassroots victories. Discover practical strategies to engage your board, staff, and volunteers in impactful advocacy, even if your organization is just starting out. This conversation challenges nonprofit leaders to think bigger, connect deeper, and embrace their potential to create systemic change.

ABOUT SAM

Sam Daley-Harris founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS in 1980, co-founded the Microcredit Summit Campaign in 1995, and founded Civic Courage in 2012. The 2024 edition of his book Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy was named an editor’s pick by Publisher’s Weekly BookLife. Kirkus Reviews wrote: "Overall, [the author's] analysis of effective action is as persuasive as it is accessible, and his call to democratic participation is inspiring. A handbook for aspiring activists that readers will find to be both inspiring and practical." Daley-Harris has been interviewed on NPR’s Here and Now and 1A and on PBS’s Laura Flanders and Friends. Ashoka founder Bill Drayton said, “Sam Daley-Harris is one of the certified great social entrepreneurs of the last decades.”

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• American Shield by Aquilino Gonell and Susan Shapiro
• How Nonprofits Lose Out When Volunteer Advocates Are Asked to Do Little Real Advocacy
• Learn more and connect with Sam here

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302: Nonprofit Success Through Donor Relationships (Melissa Le Roy)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you ready to take your nonprofit’s fundraising to the next level? This episode dives deep into the art of relationship-driven fundraising and the strategies that sustain long-term nonprofit success. In episode #302 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Melissa Le Roy shares actionable advice for building meaningful donor connections. Learn her "five steps to building a fire" for sustainable fundraising strategies, discover how gratitude and consistent communication can transform donor retention, and explore how AI can streamline segmentation and personalized outreach. Melissa also highlights leadership lessons, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and prioritizing relationship-building to inspire greater engagement.

ABOUT MELISSA

Melissa Metcalf Le Roy, a graduate in Entrepreneurship, with a minor in business law of Western Carolina University and a graduate in Nonprofit Management of Duke University teaches non-profit management classes throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia for Duke University and Western Carolina University. She is a past board member of the North Carolina Center for Non-Profits. For four years she contributed a regular “Non-Profit Leadership” column for the Tryon Daily Bulletin and currently offers her services as a consultant through her own firm, OnFire Nonprofit Consulting. You can also view her TEDx talk “A Love Affair, the Art of Not Asking” on Nonprofit Fundraising.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Donor Centered Fundraising by Penelope Burke
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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301: Unlocking the Power of Sustainable Giving (Dave Raley)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates, your go-to resource for career opportunities OR for help finding an interim executive or your nonprofit’s next leader.

Are you struggling to build a reliable, sustainable revenue stream while keeping donors engaged in your mission? The grind is real. In episode #301 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dave Raley dives into the essential shifts nonprofit leaders need to embrace, inspired by lessons from the subscription economy. He shares practical strategies for creating engaging donor experiences, building ongoing value propositions, and maximizing the long-term impact of recurring donors. Drawing on two decades of experience and insights from his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving, Dave outlines the key elements of a thriving recurring giving program, from understanding your tech stack to cultivating donor relationships that go beyond “set it and forget it.” If your organization wants to deepen donor loyalty and create sustainable revenue streams, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT DAVE

Dave Raley is the founder of Imago Consulting, an advisory firm that helps organizations create growth through innovation. As a speaker and advisor, he has inspired thousands of nonprofit leaders to grow both personally and organizationally. He’s the author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving, and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit. Dave also writes a weekly innovation and leadership column called The Wave Report, and he’s the co-founder of the Purpose & Profit Podcast – a show about the ideas at the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit brands.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Rise of Sustainable Giving by Dave Raley
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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300: 30 Takeaways from 300 Episodes

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates, your go-to resource for career opportunities OR for help finding an interim executive or your nonprofit’s next leader.

In this special milestone episode of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, host Patton McDowell highlights key moments, lessons learned, and pivotal conversations from the podcast’s first 300 episodes.

15 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

1. First Episode: November 13, 2019
2. First Guest: Penny Hawkins, AVC of Development at UNC Charlotte
3. Most Downloaded Episodes: #130 Manuel Campbell ("How Do You Prepare for Nonprofit Leadership?"), #124 Shana Plott ("How to Make Yourself an Outstanding Candidate for Nonprofit Leadership"), and #165 Bill Connors ("3 Technology Traps All Nonprofit Leaders Must Avoid")
4. Longest Conversations: #36 with Tina Admans (“Fortune 500 to Nonprofit Founder & CEO”) and #213 with Brian Collier (“Keys to Advancing Your Nonprofit Career”)
5. Two Guest Hosts: Chris Delisio hosted episode #100, and Ken Fuquay stepped in for episode #148
6. Most Appearances by a Guest: Andrew Olsen: episodes #145, #196, and #276.
7. Two Trios: Episode #98 featured Charlie Elberson, Diane Gavarkavich, and Whitney Feld. Episode #237 highlighted Josue’ Hernandez, Tiffany Kong, and Mike Walsh
8. Guests have come from 38 of the 50 U.S. states and 14 different countries
9. Furthest Guest: Leif Cocks (#254) joined from Perth, Australia, 11,455 miles away.
10. Top Listener Region: 85% of downloads come from the U.S., with Canada, the UK and Australia rounding out our international audience.
11. 200 Total Hours of Content
12. 100,000 Cumulative Downloads
13. Top Topics Covered: Leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, board engagement
14. First-Time Challenges: failed to record Lisa Baxter’s first session, but she joined us again for episode #57!
15. Achieved a #1 ranking in the world of nonprofit leadership podcasts according to FeedSpot

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299: No Ego Allowed: Leading with Humility (Lisa Steven)

SUMMARY

Our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates bring this episode to you. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you letting ego impede building a stronger, more effective nonprofit team? Leadership in the nonprofit sector often demands humility, yet the pressure to appear confident and in control can lead to isolation, burnout, and missed opportunities for growth. How can nonprofit leaders shift their mindset, embrace humility, and empower their teams while staying connected to their mission? In episode #299 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Lisa Steven, Executive Director of Hope House Colorado, shares her journey from being a teenage mom to leading a transformative nonprofit organization. Lisa explores the challenges of isolation in leadership, the importance of reconnecting with your mission, and how to approach delegation as an act of empowerment for your team. She discusses building a culture of humility, learning to lead with faith and authenticity, and navigating the complexities of board relationships. Lisa also provides actionable insights into fostering mentorship, creating environments of excellence, and approaching fundraising as a deeply relational and transformational practice.

ABOUT LISA

Lisa Steven has over 28 years of experience working with teen moms. In 2003, she co-founded Hope House Colorado and has served as the founder & executive director ever since. Under Lisa’s leadership, Hope House has reached new levels and growth that, with a budget of over $3.5 million, puts the organization in the top 10 percent of nonprofits in the United States. Lisa is also a co-founder of the Colorado Teen Parent Collaborative (TPC) and serves on the Board for the Arvada Chamber. Lisa co-authored the Teen MOPS Handbook and worked with MOPS International on their strategic plan for expanding the ministry of Teen MOPS. Lisa is the author of A Place To Belong, a book that shares the miracle of Hope House while encouraging women in their leadership journey. A former teen mom, Lisa is committed to empowering teen moms in her community and across the world.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• CEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, Vikram Malhotra
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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298: Do You See Your Nonprofit as a Corporation? (Laura Bonnell)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you running your nonprofit like a passion project – or a thriving corporation? Maybe you’re struggling to balance mission-driven work with the organizational discipline needed for sustainable growth. In episode #298 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Laura Bonnell, founder of The Bonnell Foundation, shares her journey of transforming a deeply personal mission into a globally impactful nonprofit. She highlights the critical need for nonprofit leaders to adopt a corporate mindset - emphasizing strategic financial planning, program expansion, and board engagement as essential tools for growth.

ABOUT LAURA

Laura Bonnell, a seasoned journalist with 25 years of experience in Detroit, founded The Bonnell Foundation in 2010 after her daughters, Molly and Emily, were born with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite having ten siblings between them, Laura and her husband, Joe, did not know they were carriers of the disease, as no one else in either family had been diagnosed with CF. Driven by her personal experience and professional expertise, Laura used her platform as a reporter to raise awareness about CF. Before establishing The Bonnell Foundation, she actively raised funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participating in the Great Strides Walk fundraisers and speaking at CFF events. Bonnell also organized events like the first Celebrity Softball game with the Detroit Tigers’ wives and launching the "Portraits of Cystic Fibrosis" calendars in 2003—both of which are integral to The Bonnell Foundation's fundraising efforts today. Through her foundation, Laura continues to advocate tirelessly for those affected by CF, leveraging her journalistic skills to amplify the cause and support the CF community.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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297: Four Ways to Future-Proof Your Nonprofit in 2025 (Bert Armstrong & Shannon Williams)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you ready to navigate the opportunities of 2025, or are you feeling the pressure of stretched resources, leadership turnover and a disengaged board of directors? In episode #297 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Bert Armstrong and Shannon Williams share findings from statewide community conversations that illuminate all of these issues.

ABOUT BERT & SHANNON

Bert Armstrong found his career mojo as a nonprofit leader and fundraiser, and has served the nonprofit community as a fundraising professional, consultant, volunteer, and board member. As co-founder and principal of Armstrong McGuire, he has led searches for nonprofit executives, facilitated planning efforts, and helped clients raise tens of millions. Prior to co-founding the firm, Bert served as the Vice President for Advancement for the Methodist Home for Children.

After graduating from the UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism, Shannon Williams stumbled into a fundraising position cloaked in a communications job and found her passion. For over 25 years, she has focused on helping organizations change the trajectories of their communities. Shannon leads the Armstrong McGuire team in helping boards find strategic direction, maximizing fundraising potential, and matching talented leaders to exceptional organizations.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Discernment by Henri Nouwen
• Thank You. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More by Rod Wilson

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296: PMA’s Holiday Gift Basket for Nonprofit Leaders (Patton McDowell)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

As the year ends, nonprofit leaders are reflecting on 2024 while gearing up for a successful 2025. In episode 296 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, host Patton McDowell delivers PMA’s “holiday gift basket” of actionable strategies to support your leadership journey. From building a personal strategic plan and aligning your professional goals with your organization’s mission to boosting year-end fundraising success with storytelling and corporate partnerships, this episode is packed with practical tips. Patton also shares ideas for celebrating your team’s achievements, thanking donors with personalized stewardship, and closing the year with a high-impact board meeting. You’ll leave equipped to prepare for tax season, craft a strategic budget, and set the stage for sustainable growth. Tune in to this holiday special and unwrap the tools you need for a thriving new year!

ABOUT PATTON

Patton is the Founder and President of PMA Nonprofit Leadership and brings over 30 years of expertise in philanthropic leadership, having partnered with over 300 organizations across all nonprofit sectors. A CFRE and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he's recognized for his speaking and dynamic facilitation. Starting with Special Olympics International and NC Special Olympics, his journey led to roles at Queens University of Charlotte and UNC Wilmington before founding PMA in 2009. Currently, an Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Patton's leadership insights resonate through his weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadershipand his 2022 book of the same title. A Morehead Scholar from UNC Chapel Hill, he also earned an MBA from McColl School and a Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the University of Southern California. Originating from Elizabeth City, NC, Patton's involvement with AFP Charlotte and AFP International Board demonstrates his unwavering dedication to nurturing leaders at all stages of their nonprofit careers.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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295: Unlocking Marketing Mastery for Nonprofits (Kirsten Suto Seckler)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity, help finding an interim executive, or to find your next leader.

Are you struggling to align your nonprofit’s marketing efforts with fundraising goals while staying true to your mission? Marketing can feel daunting, but mastering it is crucial to driving impact and building deeper donor connections. In episode 295 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Kirsten Suto Seckler shares her expertise on leveraging marketing to elevate nonprofit impact. With over 20 years of experience, Kirsten discusses the critical differences between nonprofit and for-profit marketing, emphasizing storytelling and mission-driven engagement. She highlights how strategic alignment between marketing and fundraising creates a stronger donor pipeline, while also providing practical tips on building brand awareness, measuring success, and fostering thought leadership. Drawing from her work at Shatterproof and Special Olympics, Kirsten offers actionable strategies to create authentic messaging and reach diverse audiences, helping nonprofit leaders take their organizations to the next level.

ABOUT KIRSTEN

Kirsten Suto Seckler is the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit working to reverse the addiction crisis in America. She uses her expertise in marketing and communications to drive social change, focusing on science-based interventions and reducing addiction stigma. At Shatterproof, Seckler leads initiatives like the Treatment Atlas, a platform to help families find quality addiction treatment, and a national campaign to end addiction stigma. She also oversees mass-market fundraising efforts and brand alignment. Previously, Seckler spent over 20 years at Special Olympics International, serving as Chief Brand and Communications Officer. She led global campaigns that elevated the organization’s brand to nearly 200 countries, reaching 6 million athletes. Her accomplishments include organizing 11 World Games and establishing a global broadcast partnership with ESPN. Seckler has taught Integrated Marketing at Georgetown University since 2013 and previously worked in marketing at Kraft and as a journalist. She was named to PRWeek’s Health Influencer 30 Class of 2022 and honored by Washington Women in Public Relations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Management from Georgetown University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom'Have you gotten Patton’s book

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294: Starting from Scratch: What it Takes to Build a Successful Nonprofit (Courtney Johnson)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

What does it really take to build a nonprofit from scratch, especially when you’re balancing limited resources, overwhelming demands, and the challenge of staying resilient as a leader? In episode 294 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Courtney Johnson shares the inspiring story of founding Culinary Care, a nonprofit dedicated to providing meals for cancer patients and their families. What began as a personal response to the challenges her own family faced during her father's cancer treatment has evolved into a mission to make nourishment a fundamental part of cancer care. Courtney discusses the importance of relationship-building, persistence, and staying true to your mission in the nonprofit space. She offers insights on navigating early challenges, scaling growth, and managing burnout as a leader. Her experience highlights how strategic partnerships and focusing on small, sustainable steps can lead to big impact over time.

ABOUT COURTNEY

Courtney is the Founder of Culinary Care, which brings nourishment, care, and joy to cancer patients and their families by delivering free, restaurant-prepared meals. In 2006, while a high school junior, her father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. Told he would have five months to five years to live, he passed away just seven months later. Amidst everything, there was always one thing that brought a sense of joy and normalcy to their lives, and that was the meals that friends and neighbors delivered each night. After graduating college in 2011, she returned home to Chicago wanting to bring meals to others fighting cancer that may not have the same community support. After searching for organizations to volunteer with, she found none; that is the void Culinary Care is working to fill. Every year, 1 in 5 cancer deaths are a direct consequence of malnutrition. In Illinois alone, that’s over 6,000 individuals. With every meal, Culinary Care is helping take something off the plate for cancer patients by simply putting something on it.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly

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293: Unlocking Crypto Donations and Millennial Giving (Pat Duffy)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you missing out on donations from the next generation of donors simply because your nonprofit isn’t equipped to accept cryptocurrency or appeal to tech-savvy millennials? In episode 293 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we unlock new opportunities in fundraising with Pat Duffy. He shares how nonprofits can integrate crypto donations seamlessly and unlock the potential of millennial and Gen Z donors. Learn why cryptocurrency is more than a buzzword—it’s a highly tax-efficient giving method that aligns with the preferences of younger, tech-savvy philanthropists.

ABOUT PAT

Pat Duffy founded The Giving Block, with co-founder Alex Wilson, creating a new fundraising category they called “Crypto Philanthropy”. Pat and his team developed the largest crypto giving platform for donors, raising over $100M for nonprofits and taking crypto and NFT donations mainstream. Today, The Giving Block is the platform helping thousands of the world’s leading charities, schools, healthcare systems and faith-based organizations fundraise cryptocurrencies, stocks and Donor Advised Fund grants more effectively from modern philanthropists, including Save the Children, United Way Worldwide, Feeding America and St. Jude. Pat was honored for being one of the 100 Most Influential people in crypto, as well as The Kennedy Center’s Next 50 class of 2022. Pat’s been featured in Time Magazine, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Associated Press, Coindesk, and CNBC.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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292: 5 Keys to Building Your 2025 Leadership Plan (Patton McDowell)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

This Thanksgiving season, take a moment to pause and invest in your future. As the year draws to a close, there’s no better time to craft your personal strategic plan for 2025. In episode 292 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, discover five actionable steps to elevate your leadership journey: revisit your career vision, reflect on 2024’s achievements and lessons, create a targeted knowledge-building roadmap, develop a strategic networking plan, and optimize your calendar and productivity systems. These keys will help you clarify your goals, build meaningful connections, and focus on growth opportunities. Ready to dive deeper? Join PMA’s new Master Class: Launch Your 2025 Strategic Plan, offered in Charlotte on December 11th or virtually on December 13th. Let’s turn your “someday” into today’s plan for success!

ABOUT PATTON

Patton is the Founder and President of PMA Nonprofit Leadership and brings over 35 years of expertise in philanthropic leadership, having partnered with over 300 organizations across all nonprofit sectors. A CFRE and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he's recognized for his speaking and dynamic facilitation. Starting with Special Olympics International and NC Special Olympics, his journey led to leadership roles at Queens University of Charlotte and UNC Wilmington before founding PMA in 2009. Patton serves as the Director for the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership and facilitates its signature programs: Leadership Gift School and the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy program. Patton is an Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, and his leadership insights resonate through his weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadershipand his 2022 book of the same title. A Morehead Scholar from UNC Chapel Hill, he also earned an MBA from McColl School at Queens and a Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the University of Southern California.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Register today for Patton’s Master Class: Launch Your 2025 Leadership Plan
• Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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291: Nonprofit Volunteer: Ready for Leadership? (Arcelia Miller)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends atArmstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you ready to turn a passionate volunteer into your next nonprofit leader, or are you overlooking the hidden talent within your organization? In episode 291 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Arcelia Miller, Executive Director of Under His Wings, shares her inspiring journey and discusses the unique challenges of transitioning into nonprofit leadership, particularly the importance of measuring success and impact in a sector focused on lives, not profit. Arcelia reflects on the lessons learned from her volunteer experience, the unexpected leap to Executive Director, and the power of mentorship and community support. With a focus on servant leadership and growing others, she offers valuable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating change, building volunteer relationships, and balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day operational demands.

ABOUT ARCELIA

Arcelia Miller'sleadership journey has spanned from military service to nonprofit management, highlighting her versatility and impact. As the Executive Director of Under His Wings, a residential home for teen girls in Baldwin County, she has led the organization since 2019, offering counseling, education, and life skills to young women. Her leadership earned the nonprofit the 2022 Non-Profit of the Year award from the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. Arcelia's career began as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, followed by roles as a business consultant, leadership coach, and homeschool director. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from George Washington University and a Master’s in Quality Systems Management. A certified Biblical Counselor and Maxwell Leadership coach, Arcelia remains deeply involved in her community, serving on various boards while focusing on preparing the next generation of leaders.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell
• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest news

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290: What Can You Do to Grow Donor Loyalty? (Alyce Lee Stansbury)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends atArmstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you tired of constantly chasing new donors while struggling to keep the ones you have? I In episode 290 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFREdelves into the art and strategy of building lasting donor relationships. She breaks down five practical strategies for nonprofit leaders. Alyce Lee explains why genuine, heartfelt gratitude, timely outcome reporting, and tailored two-way communication are crucial to retaining supporters over time. Listeners will gain insights into transforming data into deeper connections, including how to track donor interactions to ensure each touchpoint is meaningful and personalized.

ABOUT ALYCE LEE

Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE, brings over 30 years of dedicated experience to nonprofit consulting, having guided hundreds of organizations through the complexities of fundraising, strategic planning, governance, and board development. As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Master Trainer, she is a respected thought leader and an in-demand speaker at both state and national conferences, where she shares her insights on nonprofit leadership, effective strategy, and sustainable fundraising. Alyce Lee is also a columnist for the Tallahassee Democrat (USA Today News), where her "Notes on Nonprofits" column serves as an educational resource and a voice of advocacy for nonprofit leaders, staff, and donors. Her contributions have earned her several honors, including Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Big Bend, the Civic Leadership Award from the American Society for Public Administration, and recognition as one of the Tallahassee Democrat’s 25 Women You Need to Know. Known for her dedication to the sector, Alyce Lee’s accolades also include finalist nods for Distinguished Leader of the Year and Business of the Year in the Tallahassee community. Through her consulting practice, she continues to inspire and equip nonprofits with the tools they need to achieve lasting impact.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Generosity Crisis by Nathan Chappell and Brian Crimmins (and listen to their podcast appearance - episode #211 - here)
• Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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289: Is it Time to Go? Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Succession Plan (Mike Melara)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help to find an interim executive or your next leader.

Succession planning is often an overlooked priority for nonprofit leaders, but its importance can't be overstated. In episode 289 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the critical difference between succession thinking and formal succession planning, and how the latter can protect your organization during times of leadership transitions with a seasoned leader, Mike Melara. Learn about the "sudden loss of leader" plan, a practical tool to ensure that your nonprofit can smoothly navigate unplanned absences, whether temporary or permanent. You'll also discover actionable steps to engage your board and senior leadership in the succession planning process, helping to reduce anxiety across the organization.

ABOUT MIKE

Mike Melara is a native of Watertown, New York and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, NY. He has a BA from Le Moyne College and an MS from Chapman University. He has over 40 years of experience in not-for-profit and government work, including being a direct service provider, supervisor, and administrator. In his current role, Mike oversees the day-to-day operations of an $86 million agency, including strategic planning, resource development, budget planning and management, human resources management, public relations, and Board relationships. With a workforce of nearly 1,500 staff, Catholic Charities serves over 150,000 people across the seven counties in the Diocese of Syracuse. In addition, Mike is also the sole operator of MFM Leads, LLC, an executive consultation, leadership coaching and training business. His consultation work includes succession planning, organizational assessments, supervisor training and leadership workshops.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• University of Washington's Succession Planning Resources
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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288: How Can Nonprofits Use For-Profit Ventures to Drive Growth? (Brett Jenks)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you struggling to find sustainable funding for your nonprofit and wondering if for-profit ventures could be the solution? In episode 288 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Brett Jenks shares an innovative approach to revenue generation that challenges traditional nonprofit thinking. By exploring the intersection of nonprofit missions and for-profit ventures, he offers insight into how organizations can scale their impact through creative partnerships with private capital. Brett explains the importance of blending philanthropic support with market-driven solutions, using real-world examples from his work at Rare, a global conservation organization. He also discusses how nonprofits can tap into additional revenue streams while maintaining their mission, the role of impact investing, and the legal and cultural complexities that come with these strategies.

ABOUT BRETT

Brett Jenks is a global conservation leader and social entrepreneur. As CEO of Rare, he has led the international nonprofit’s mission to drive social change for the benefit of people and nature in more than 60 countries. Under Brett’s leadership, Rare has catalyzed the conservation community’s embrace of people-centered, behavior-based approaches to conserving nature and addressing climate change. Amongst its programs around the world today, Rare is promoting regenerative agricultural practices, establishing community-managed marine protected areas across the developing tropics, launching the world’s first impact bond for small-scale fisheries, partnering with Hollywood to promote climate-friendly behaviors, and engaging gamers globally with video games designed to drive climate-friendly actions. A former journalist, Brett’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and Behavioral Scientist.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Deluge by Stephen Markley
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector? Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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287: Leading with Impact: Strategies for Effective Fundraising that Scales (Ruthe Farmer)

SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends atArmstrong McGuire. Check them out for your next career opportunity, help finding an interim executive, or to find your next leader.

How can nonprofit leaders better scale social change and build lasting funder relationships? In episode 287 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore how Ruthe Farmer and the Last Mile Education Fund have revolutionized support for underrepresented students pursuing degrees in STEM. Launched in 2020, the fund has raised over $30 million and granted over 8,000 micro-grants to students in need, helping close the gap in degree completion for low-income students. Ruthe shares key insights from her 30-year career, emphasizing the power of building meaningful, long-term relationships with funders and leveraging data-driven strategies to scale social impact.

ABOUT RUTHE

Ruthe Farmer is the founder and CEO of the Last Mile Education Fund. She previously served as chief evangelist at CSforAll, was senior policy advisor for tech inclusion in the Obama White House, and chief strategy & growth officer at the National Center for Women & IT. Her work has been integral to the design, launch and scaling of multiple national initiatives, including the NCWIT K-12 Alliance, Aspirations in Computing, TECHNOLOchicas, AspireIT, CSEdWeek, CS and Cyber for Girl Scouts, the CSforALL Summit, and JROTC-CS. She served as 2012 Chair of CSEDWeek, was named a 2013 White House Champion of Change for Technology Inclusion, received the 2014 Anita Borg Institute Award for Social Impact, and the inaugural UK Alumni Award for Social Impact in 2015. She holds a BA from Lewis & Clark College and an MBA from Oxford.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership?

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286: Small Shops, Big Needs: Leadership Lessons for Rural Nonprofits (Allen Smart)

SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends atArmstrong McGuire. Check them out for your next career opportunity, help finding an interim executive, or to find your next leader.

Are you a small nonprofit leader struggling to secure the funding and partnerships you need to make an impact in your community? You're not alone—many rural organizations face the same uphill battle. But what if there were ways to leverage your unique position and connect with the right funders, even with limited resources? In episode 286 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Allen Smart, a rural philanthropy expert, highlights the importance of connecting with funders, the growing role of intermediaries, and ways to build meaningful, cross-county collaborations. Learn how rural nonprofits can leverage their deep community ties, engage local expertise, and turn small-scale efforts into high-impact initiatives. Whether you’re a small-shop leader or aiming to better support rural communities, this episode offers actionable strategies and insights for long-term sustainability and success.

ABOUT ALLEN

Allen Smart is a national advocate for improving philanthropic practices through his group, PhilanthropywoRx. He works with funders, rural organizations, and nonprofits on strategy, research, and coaching. Previously, Allen served as Interim President and VP of Programs at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and VP of Programs at the Rapides Foundation. He also held leadership roles in community development and grants administration. Allen holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and degrees from the University of Michigan and Macalester College. A frequent writer and speaker, he contributes to platforms like Inside Philanthropy and The Daily Yonder and presents at national organizations, including Grantmakers in Health and National Rural Assembly. He also serves on several nonprofit boards focused on community health and philanthropy.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Heartland by Sarah Smarsh
• Access numerous supporting resources for rural nonprofits here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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**285: Ready to Be a Nonprofit Consultant? (Julia Devine)

SUMMARY**

Are you pondering a move into nonprofit consulting or wondering if your organization could benefit from hiring one? In episode 285 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership,consultantJulia Devineoffers valuable insights on why more professionals are transitioning to consulting and how nonprofits can leverage consultants to tackle staffing gaps and technological challenges. Julia shares her journey from nonprofit leadership to consulting and explains how consultants can bring senior-level expertise to organizations, often at a fraction of the cost of full-time staff. She also discusses her mentorship program, which helps seasoned professionals successfully navigate the transition into consulting. Whether you're seeking to expand your organization's capacity or considering making a career shift, this conversation is packed with practical advice on how to make the most of the consulting model in the nonprofit sector.

ABOUT JULIA

Julia Devinequit her well-paying nonprofit job to pursue a career in consulting in 2021. After building a successful business to serve nonprofits, she launched a program to teach other nonprofit professionals how they could do it too, using simple, high-quality, and consistent business practices. Julia graduated from American University with a degree in Political Science, and holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University. Besides running the business, Julia spends her free time taking daily walks, traveling with her husband and reading classic literature. Relatable Nonprofitempowers growth-driven professionals with nonprofit hearts to succeed in consulting. Motherly, Canvas Rebel, Bloomerang, Bonterra, Keela, Nonprofit Hub, Virtuous, and others have featured Relatable Nonprofit.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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284: How Do You Scale Success as a Nonprofit Leader? (Erin McAleer)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends atArmstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

How do you balance rapid growth and building a strong team to support your nonprofit’s long-term success? In episode 284 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Erin McAleer, President of Project Bread, dives into the complexities of scaling a nonprofit organization while staying true to its mission. She discusses the critical balance between growth and sustainability, sharing lessons from her leadership journey. Erin highlights the importance of creating a strong organizational infrastructure, building a resilient team, and maintaining a clear strategic intent during times of rapid expansion.

ABOUT ERIN

Erin McAleer, MSW, is the President and CEO of Project Bread, a statewide food security organization in Massachusetts that connects communities to reliable food sources while advocating for accessible food policies. With expertise in government affairs and nonprofit management, Erin has expanded Project Bread's annual budget from $6.2M to $14.5M since joining in 2017, leading a team of 80+ employees. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded programs, doubled staffing for its FoodSource Hotline, and introduced new departments focused on policy advocacy, research, and community engagement. Erin’s achievements include the passage of key state bills, such as Breakfast After the Bell and An Act Promoting Student Nutrition, and she played a pivotal role in making free school meals permanent for all K-12 students in Massachusetts. Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), Erin has prioritized DEIJ initiatives across Project Bread’s strategic plan, including recruiting a diverse board and leading the organization through inclusion dialogues.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sec

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283: How Do You Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game? (Hardy Smith)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends atArmstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

Are you frustrated with your board's lack of engagement or feeling like they aren’t meeting expectations? Could the real issue be deeper than just pointing fingers? In episode 283 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, board expert Hardy Smithexplores the critical importance of building intentional relationships between nonprofit executives and their board members. Drawing from his brand new course Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, he explains that board dysfunction is a symptom of deeper issues stemming from unclear expectations, poor communication, and lack of proper orientation.

ABOUT HARDY

Hardy Smith is author ofStop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game. As a consultant and speaker, he works with organizations who want to benefit from a fully engaged board. Through board retreats, workshops, keynotes, and planning sessions Hardy provides solutions to board engagement challenges. Hardy’s results-oriented approach was developed during a longtime career in the high-performance world of NASCAR racing. He has had wide-ranging personal and professional involvement with nonprofits, associations, chambers of commerce, and community groups nationwide. He is a member of the National Speakers Association, ASAE, Association of Fundraising Professionals, BoardSource, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and Florida Society of Association Executives. He is a faculty member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Check out Hardy's online course: Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game
• Creativity, Inc by Ed Catmull
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible

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282: How Can Strategic Planning Transform Your Nonprofit? (Nikki Stewart)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends atArmstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.

How do you transform a strategic plan from a daunting task into a powerful tool for leading your nonprofit? In episode 282 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the transformative power of strategic planning with Nikki Stewart, Executive Director of Old North Illuminated. Nikki shares how the pandemic reshaped her organization’s approach to planning, from confronting drastic revenue losses to rebuilding with a focus on a more inclusive narrative around history. She emphasizes the importance of crafting a roadmap that balances innovation with operational needs, and how to engage both funders and staff.

ABOUT NIKKI

Nikki Stewartis a creative and collaborative leader with over 15 years of nonprofit management experience. She serves as the Executive Director of Old North Illuminated, which operates Old North Church & Historic Site, a role that blends her strategic leadership and fundraising expertise with her passion for connecting audiences to local history. Nikki previously served as the VP of Development at United South End Settlements (USES), where she led the organization’s fundraising and communications efforts through an ambitious growth phase that included the implementation of a five-year strategic plan and launch of a capital campaign. AFP Massachusetts named Nikki the 2019 Outstanding Fundraising Rising Star. She launched the Change Maker Dinner series, which was awarded the Get Konnected GK10 award in 2018, naming it one of the top 10 ideas advancing racial equity in the City of Boston. Nikki received a Juris Doctor and bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University. She is a graduate of the Course in Exponential Fundraising at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, as well as the Institute for Nonprofit Practice.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 by Ibram X. Kendi
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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281: Ask a Funder: Crucial Insights for Nonprofit Success (Cathryn Dhanatya)

SUMMARY

Are you struggling to secure the funding your nonprofit needs, unsure if your proposals are hitting the mark or if your leadership approach is holding you back? In episode 281 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Cathryn Dhanatyashares invaluable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating the complexities of fundraising and leadership. With experience on both sides of the funding process, Cathryn highlights the common mistakes organizations make when submitting proposals. She emphasizes the critical role of relationship-building, clear communication, and developing a strong team to secure large-scale donations. Cathryn also dives into strategies for demonstrating a "return on impact" to funders, showcasing how nonprofits can measure success and make a compelling case for support. For those aiming to lead with confidence, she also discusses the significance of inclusive leadership and servant leadership, offering practical insights for building an effective organizational culture.

ABOUT CATHRYN

Cathryn is Co-founder and President/CEO ofGrowing Good Inc., a professional services firm that partners with non-profit organizations and companies who aim to do good in the world. Cathryn has previously held key C-suite executive positions and board director and advisory positions for organizations in the areas of research, higher education, and across the non-profit sector tackling complex social issues from healthcare, education, diversity and gender equity, microfinance, green technology, and food insecurity. She has lived and worked on five continents; earned her Ph.D. in Social Science and Comparative Education from UCLA; and has led and conducted research on media and technology as it relates to health issues around the globe. She has been a keynote speaker at several international and domestic conferences, events, trainings, and featured in numerous media outlets.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence by Lisa Sun
• Learn more about Cathryn and the work done at Growing Good
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire

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280: 3 Characteristics of a Great Nonprofit Leader (Jeffrey Abramowitz)

SUMMARY

Are you struggling to balance mission-driven leadership with the practical demands of scaling your nonprofit AND keeping your team motivated and engaged? In episode 280 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Jeffrey Abramowitzshares his powerful journey from trial lawyer and incarceration to nonprofit leadership, and explores the three essential characteristics that define great leadership in the sector: listening, learning, and engaging. Drawing from his personal experiences, including time spent in federal prison, Jeff illustrates how education and workforce development can create life-changing opportunities for marginalized individuals.

ABOUT JEFFREY

Jeffrey Abramowitz, J.D is the CEO of the Petey Greene Program. He was previously the ED of Justice Partnerships and served as the ED Reentry Services for JEVS Human Services and the Program Director of Looking Forward Philadelphia Reentry Program. Prior to his tenure at JEVS, Jeff was the Director of Workforce Development for the Community Learning Center and successfully completed a fellowship with Justleadership USA. Jeff proudly sits on the Executive Board of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education, COABE, where he serves as Secretary, and chairs the State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship Program. Jeff was appointed to the Pennsylvania Reentry Council and serves as Chairman of the Employment Committee and Co-chairs the Reentry Committee for the PA Workforce Development Board. Jeff is the current Chair of the Philadelphia Reentry Coalition and was recently appointed to the Montgomery County Pennsylvania Public Defender’s Association Advisory Board. Jeff is a subject matter expert for the US Department of Education, is the Moderator for the US Department of Education LINCS (Literacy Information and Communication System, Resource Collection) Community of Practice on Correctional and Reentry Education and has worked on the Integrated Education and Training (IET) in Corrections Project.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Second Mountain: How People Move from the Prison of Self to the Joy of Commitment by David Brooks
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire

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279: Digital Transformation: A New Era for Nonprofit Leaders (Beth Kanter)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders embrace the opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) while navigating the ethical challenges it presents, all without losing sight of the human-centered mission at the heart of their work? In episode 279 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Beth Kanter, a seasoned expert in nonprofit technology, delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. She offers a nuanced perspective on adopting AI in a way that enhances human-centered work, improves productivity, and upholds organizational values. Beth also shares her journey to becoming a leading voice in nonprofit tech, emphasizing the importance of empathetic leadership, ethical AI use, and maintaining workplace well-being. Whether you're leading a small nonprofit or a large organization, this conversation will provide valuable strategies for integrating technology without compromising the human touch that defines effective nonprofit work.

ABOUT BETH

Beth Kanter is an internationally recognized thought leader and trainer in digital transformation and well-being in the nonprofit workplace. She is the co-author of the award-winning Happy Healthy Nonprofit: Impact without Burnout and co-author with Allison Fine of The Smart Nonprofit. Named one of the most influential women in technology by Fast Company and recipient of the NTEN Lifetime Achievement Award, she has over three decades of experience in designing and delivering training programs for nonprofits and foundations. As a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop leader, she has presented at nonprofit conferences around the world to thousands of nonprofits. Learn more about Beth at www.bethkanter.org.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
• Learn more about Beth here at Beth Kanter.org
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Re

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278: 3 Barriers to Nonprofit Strategic Planning (Chris Wong)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders shift from simply surviving to strategically thriving in an environment filled with resource constraints and external pressures? In episode 278 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Chris Wongdelves into the intricacies of strategic planning for nonprofits, addressing common challenges and offering actionable solutions. Drawing from his extensive experience, Chris identifies the three biggest barriers nonprofit leaders face: resource constraints, lack of engagement and buy-in, and external pressures. He emphasizes the importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to a strategic, long-term approach and highlights the need for inclusive planning processes that foster team alignment and commitment. Chris also shares insights on the critical role of leadership in championing strategic initiatives and offers practical tips for assessing and improving organizational culture.

ABOUT CHRIS

Chrisis a certified executive coach, licensed therapist, and seasoned leadership development professional with a proven track record in the nonprofit sector. He specializes in guiding leaders through strategic prioritization, confident navigation of difficult conversations, and fostering high-performing cultures. As a facilitator and public speaker, Chris has trained hundreds of leaders and spearheaded successful organizational projects. His extensive experience spans nonprofit, health insurance, and government systems. Currently, he partners with human service nonprofit executives to execute strategic plans, addressing challenges such as conflict resolution, culture enhancement, productivity improvement, and fostering inclusive work environments. Chris' expertise encompasses leadership development, strategic planning, change management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Looking for more resources? Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire

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277: Unlocking Pay Equity as a Nonprofit Leader (Sally Loftis)

SUMMARY

Are you grappling with compensation issues in your nonprofit organization? In episode 272 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Sally Loftis returns to shed light on pay equity and its importance in the nonprofit sector. Sally, the author ofThe Pay Equity Guide for Nonprofit Organizations, delves into what pay equity means and why it matters for leaders striving for fairness and transparency. She emphasizes the need for updated pay models, especially considering current labor shortages and the shift towards hybrid work environments. Sally also shares practical advice on starting pay equity initiatives, engaging in cost-of-living studies, and building compensation philosophies. Listen in to gain insights on how to make your organization more attractive to talent and retain your valuable employees through equitable pay practices.

ABOUT SALLY

Sally Loftis, a consultant specializing in human resources, organization development, and social justice, has made significant contributions in the realm of pay equity. She completed her Master of Science in Organization Development at Pepperdine University, where she focused her thesis on Pay Equity in Nonprofits. Sally’s mission is to co-create workplaces where humans feel valued through living wages and healthy human connections. Her work with Loftis Partners emphasizes racial and pay equity, appreciative inquiry, and building on human strengths within organizations. Sally’s commitment to ensuring people feel seen, heard, and represented is evident in her multifaceted career. She has worked with over 50 organizations across 15 states and 3 continents, including Fortune 50 companies, small boutique businesses, and nonprofits of varying sizes. Her approach centers on creating lasting impact, leaving a collective of individuals capable of advancing this work independently.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
• Hear more from Sally in episode 64: How Can We Address Compensation Gaps in the Nonprofit Sector?
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire

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276: Transform Your Leadership in the Next 90 Days (Andrew Olsen)

SUMMARY

Are you struggling with leadership challenges in your nonprofit organization? In episode 276 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we dive into another insightful conversation withAndrew Olsen, a seasoned expert in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. Andrew introduces his new email-based course, the 90-Day Leader's Journey, designed to address critical areas of character, culture building, and leadership competence. Drawing from his extensive experience and research, Andrew reveals the common misconception that nonprofits have a fundraising problem, whereas the core issue often lies in leadership. He shares practical strategies for developing leadership skills, fostering a healthy organizational culture, and empowering team members. Discover how focusing on effective leadership can drive significant improvements to your organization’s impact and fundraising success.

ABOUT ANDREW

After spending 25+ years leading global teams to deliver professional services that drive value for companies and consumers around the world, I learned an important lesson. Everything in business (and life) rises and falls on leadership. That’s why I’m passionate about helping leaders increase their impact. It’s why I created the90-Day Leader’s Journeyemail course, and why I providestrategic advisoryandcoaching servicesto entrepreneurs and business leaders. If you want to accelerate the impact, you’re making as a leader, I invite you to take my90-Day Leader’s Journeyemail course or get in touch today about how I can help you through 1:1 coaching or advisory services.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook: A Guide to Maximizing Donations, Retaining Donors, and Saving the Giving Sector for Good by Lisa Greer
• Increase your Leadership Impact in 90 Days with Andrew Olsen here
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Looking for more resources? Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire

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275: Fundraising Without Fear: Tips for Non-Fundraising Executives (Shannon Williams)

SUMMARY

Are you struggling with the complexities of fundraising as a senior leader at your nonprofit organization? In episode 275 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we delve into the insights and experiences ofShannon Williams from Armstrong McGuire, who offers valuable advice for nonprofit leaders. Shannon shares why fundraising often falls by the wayside and emphasizes the critical role executive directors must play in this essential task. Discover practical strategies to boost your confidence and effectiveness in fundraising, learn the importance of relationship-building, and explore how to engage your board members in the process. Shannon's journey from an accidental fundraiser to a mentor for nonprofit leaders provides inspiring lessons on cultivating donor relationships, asking for advice, and leveraging your executive title to its fullest potential. Tune in for actionable tips that can transform your approach to fundraising.

ABOUT SHANNON

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism,Shannonstumbled into a fundraising position cloaked in a communications job and found her passion. For over 25 years, Shannon has focused on bringing fundraising systems, stories of impact, staff and volunteers together to help organizations change the trajectories of their clients and communities. Shannon leads the Armstrong McGuire team of advisors in helping boards find strategic direction, transforming vision into a clear, articulate case, maximizing fundraising potential, and matching talented leaders to exceptional organizations. When she is not partnering with nonprofits, you will find Shannon cheering on Furman Cross Country and Track, all things Tar Heels, and the Carolina Hurricanes.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Asking: A 59-Minute Guide to Everything Board Members, Volunteers, and Staff Must Know to Secure the Gift by Jerold Panas
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here.
• Sign up for our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire

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274: Leading Through Adversity (Bruce Ham)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders effectively balance daily challenges, organizational culture and strategic growth while staying true to their mission? In episode 274 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Bruce Ham brings nearly 40 years of experience and two pivotal lessons that shaped his leadership: tackling uncomfortable tasks first thing in the morning and adopting a holistic view of any challenge. He discusses the importance of mentors, strategic meeting management, and cultivating a positive organizational culture. Learn how Bruce navigated personal adversity and professional growth, emphasizing the significance of strategic planning, collaboration, and building strong board relationships. His candid reflections on fundraising reveal practical tips for developing confidence and competence in this essential skill.

ABOUT BRUCE

Bruce Ham has been employed by the YMCA of the Triangle Area for thirty years. His experience has focused on supervision, team development, leadership, and volunteerism. For the past five years, Bruce has led successful fundraising efforts for the YMCA and the Strategic Planning and Board Development processes. Bruce lost his young wife to cancer in 2010 and spends his free time working with families as they navigate illness and loss. In addition, Bruce has had the opportunity to address medical staff members at multiple hospitals, helping them more fully understand how to honestly and simply work with critically ill patients and their families.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern Worldby John Mark Comer & John Ortberg
• Read Bruce’s journey through loss in his bookLaughter, Tears and Braids
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn morehere
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector– Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weeklyThursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Looking for more resources? Check out our new website,PMAnonprofit.com
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire

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273: How A Funding Collaborative Can Empower Your Nonprofit (Tara Townsend & Carlos Hernandez)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders navigate the challenges of equitable collaboration and sustainable funding in a sector often marked by resource disparities and systemic barriers? In episode 273 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, two influential nonprofit leaders,Tara Townsend and Carlos Hernandez, discuss the intricacies of collaboration, sustainability, and access to capital within the nonprofit sector. Carlos shares his journey from founding an organization in his basement to navigating equitable collaborations with mainstream institutions and Tara emphasizes the importance of systems change and sustainable funding, particularly through their initiative focused on supporting Chicago's cultural treasures.

ABOUT TARA

Named President of IFF’s Social Impact Accelerator in June 2022,Dr. Tara Townsendleads IFF’s work to accelerate positive social impact and systems change by meeting nonprofit sector needs and addressing place-based challenges throughout the Midwest. Dr. Townsend previously served as Senior Vice President of IFF’s research and evaluation practice, which informs and guides strategic planning and the investment of resources to maximize the transformational impact on low-income and disabled communities. Townsend brings to her role over 20 years of applied research and evaluation experience in the nonprofit and public spheres within several sectors, including criminal justice, public health, and education.

ABOUT CARLOS

Carlos R. Hernandez is the founder executive director of the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA), and has transformed the organization into one of Chicago's leading Latino arts institutions. PRAA offers a broad spectrum of cultural and academic enrichment programs for youth and children and is renowned for producing the annual Emmy Award-winning National Cuatro Festival. In 2021, PRAA, under Carlos’s guidance, was awarded $500,000 and named one of Chicago’s Cultural Treasurers.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Working with You is Killing Me: Freeing Yourself from Emotional Traps at Work by Katherine Crowley & Kathi Elster & 1776 by David McCullough
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Need more resources? Check out our website:

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272: Cultivating Community and Compassion in the Digital Age (Andria Larson)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders harness the power of technology to build meaningful relationships while driving organizational growth and maintaining a motivated volunteer base? In episode 272 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Andria Larsonshares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to nonprofit leadership. She discusses the unique challenges and opportunities technology brings to nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of turning instant impacts into long-term relationships. Andria highlights the critical role of surrounding oneself with a knowledgeable team and the significance of maintaining clear, simple communication with volunteers. She reveals how to grow an organization driven by a mission of kindness and community support and offers valuable insights into strategic planning and team motivation.

ABOUT ANDRIA

Andria Larsonis the Executive Director of Lasagna Love, a spirited global initiative dedicated to combating hunger and overwhelm by spreading support through the heartfelt sharing of home-cooked meals. Andria has catalyzed the organization’s explosive growth from a heartfelt local project in San Diego to a globally celebrated emblem of hope and solidarity. Leveraging her extensive experience in operations management and visionary leadership across the retail, hospitality, and food service sectors, Andria's career highlights her versatility and fervent desire to make a tangible difference. Her earlier roles refined her skills in crisis management, strategic planning, and team motivation, which she now applies to empower a dedicated army of 52,000 volunteers at Lasagna Love. Under her passionate leadership, the organization has not only broadened its horizons but also fortified its operational frameworks, ensuring enduring and meaningful community impact.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Second CEO: Accelerating Scale When Following the Founder by Matt Sharrers
• Learn more about Andria and Lasagna Love here
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens: the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Looking for more resources? Check out our website, PMAnonprofit.com
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire

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271: Rethinking Time Management for Nonprofit Leaders (Hunter Corn)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders break free from traditional time constraints and foster imaginative, value-driven leadership that drives impactful change? In episode 271 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Hunter Corndives deep into the essence of time management and imaginative leadership within the nonprofit sector. He challenges conventional time constraints, encouraging leaders to reframe their approach by incorporating imaginative thinking and creative practices. Hunter shares his unique methods for maintaining an open mind, such as delving into fiction and magical realism, which he finds essential for innovative problem-solving. He emphasizes the importance of core values and inclusivity, drawing on personal experiences and diverse cultural references to inspire fresh perspectives. Hunter also discusses the significance of adaptability in organizational success, offering practical advice for nonprofit leaders to foster an environment where creativity and resilience thrive.

ABOUT HUNTER

Hunter Cornis a proud North Carolinian with over twenty-five years of non-profit experience. Born and raised in rural Cleveland County, he worked in the Office of University Development while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After living in the Washington, DC area serving two national non-profits, he returned to North Carolina working at the state’s second largest chamber of commerce for over a decade. He joined the small staff ofWildacres Leadership Initiative over six years ago, guiding the organization through twoFriday Fellowship class cycles and the covid-19 pandemic. Besides staff roles in membership, operations, fundraising, and leadership, Hunter has served on several non-profit boards (including lead officer roles) throughout the years. Hunter’s core reflection is a constant reconsideration of the question “How will we be with each other?”

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Let the Dead Bury Their Dead by Randall Kenan
• Stewardship: Choosing Service Over Self-Interest by Peter Block
• Ready for a Mastermind leadership development program? Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available in Audible!
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com and don’t miss our weekly

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270: Entrepreneurial Best Practices for Nonprofit Leadership Success (Katya Hancock)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, how can you amplify your nonprofit’s impact through strategic funding and a clear organizational vision? In episode 270 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Katya Hancock, Executive Director of Young Futures, shares her innovative approach to strategic design and funding, and how she’s amplified impact across various themes like digital play and youth expression. By outlining an Entrepreneurial Operating System adapted for nonprofits, Katya emphasizes the importance of setting clear, ambitious goals and fostering accountability within teams. She underscores the significance of transparency in reporting to funders, sharing practical insights on maintaining open communication even during challenging times. Katya delves into effective storytelling, advocating for narratives that are both inspiring and consumer-friendly, essential for engaging stakeholders and donors alike.

ABOUT KATYA

Katya Hancock is a mission-driven executive, entrepreneur and public health champion with over two decades of impact leadership across healthcare, technology and philanthropic ventures. Leveraging all she has learned to help build startup ecosystems to solve health “moonshots”, she is dedicating the next chapter of her career to the urgent need of improving youth mental health in today’s rapidly evolving world. Katya is the founding Executive Director of Young Futures, a non-profit on a mission to make it easier to grow up in the digital world. Young Futures was founded to help young people and their families not just survive, but flourish as a team when meeting the uncertainties of this digital wilderness. Prior to Young Futures, Katya spent a decade as a founding team member and Chief Impact Officer of StartUp Health, an organization dedicated to achieving health moonshots: the world’s most pressing health challenges, including Mental Health, Health Equity, Access to Care, Children’s Health and Women's Health.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (and Adults are Missing)by Emily Weinstein and Carrie James
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available in Audible!
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com
• Don’t miss our weeklyThursday Leadership Lensfor the latest on nonprofit leadership

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269: Empowering Women in Nonprofit Leadership (Jenny Mitchell)

SUMMARY

How can organizations better utilize coaching to support and retain their rising stars, rather than just addressing problem employees? In episode 269 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Jenny Mitchelldelves into the nuances of nonprofit leadership, especially for women, sharing personal experiences and actionable strategies. From the challenges of transitioning from a manager to a leader to the importance of reflection and prioritization, she offers invaluable advice on maintaining productivity without sacrificing well-being. Learn about the significance of defining high-value tasks and the impact of leadership intentions on organizational culture. Jenny also highlights the necessity of self-care and energy management, urging leaders to recalibrate their routines for sustainability. She further explores the critical role of boards in supporting leaders, discussing systemic burnout and the potential benefits of sabbaticals.

ABOUT JENNY

Jenny Mitchell,CFRE, DMA, CEC is the Chief Visionary Officer of Chavender, where she works closely with leaders to change the world one mission at a time. She is a dynamic speaker, executive coach, fundraising professional, and host of the Underdog Leadership podcast. She is also the author ofEmbracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, and Lead, uniting twelve exceptional women leaders from across North America with a simple goal: to share their leadership stories as a mentorship resource for the next generation of women leaders.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thriveby Kristin Neff
• Learn more about Jennyhere
• Ready for a Mastermind Leadership Development program? Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector– Now available on Audible!
• Don’t miss our weeklyThursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

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268: Strategic Philanthropy: Navigating Choices and Building Impact (Steven E. Mayer, Ph.D.)

SUMMARY

How can shifting from a need-based approach to an asset-based mindset transform your nonprofit’s impact and fundraising success? Discover transformative strategies to elevate your nonprofit’s impact in episode 268 of Your Path to Nonprofit LeadershipfeaturingDr. Steven Mayer, the Chief Strategist forEffective Communities. Drawing from his extensive experience, Steve shares practical advice from hisbookaimed at both individuals and organizations. He introduces a shift from the traditional need-based approach to an asset-based mindset, highlighting the importance of recognizing and leveraging community strengths. Steve outlines three key actions encouraging nonprofits to persuasively communicate their mission and progress. Through real-world examples and actionable tips, this episode offers nonprofit leaders’ invaluable guidance on enhancing their organizational effectiveness and fundraising success, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and impactful nonprofit sector.

ABOUT STEVE

As an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in Johns Hopkins University’s Master of Arts Program in Non-Governmental Organization Management, Steve Mayerfor many years taught an online course in Nonprofit Program Development and Evaluation. This has allowed him to hone his perspective on evaluation and energize brilliant mid-career students with perspective and tools to pursue a more decent society. In 2019 he began work on his first eBook, How to Show Off Your Wicked Strong Sexy and Incredibly Effective Nonprofit. The book was tailored to nonprofit staff and board members, and incorporated work from his website, EffectiveCommunities.com – its main purpose was to help nonprofits demonstrate their effectiveness to key stakeholders. Now, 25 years after ECP’s founding, Steve is turning his lens to focus on individuals wanting to make the world a better place. This new direction is found in his recently launched book, How to Save the World: Evaluating Your Options.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Crafting Effective Mission and Vision Statements, by Emil Angelica
• Check out Steve’s bookHow to Save the World: Evaluating Your Options
• Have you read Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector? You can now download the audiobook!
• Check out our new website,PMAnonprofit.com!

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267: Recapture Time with Simplification, Strategic Focus, and Systems (Alexia Maas)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders harness business strategies to enhance collaboration, strategic planning, and board dynamics for greater impact? In episode 267 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alexia Maasshares her wealth of experience and practical advice tailored to leaders like you. She emphasizes the importance of integrating business strategies into nonprofit operations, particularly through collaboration and strategic partnerships. Alexia outlines a meticulous approach to strategic planning, highlighting the need for clear goals, focused priorities, and incremental steps to achieve success. She also addresses the critical elements of fundraising, stressing the importance of sustainability, diversification, and financial acumen. Alexia provides thought-provoking insights on board dynamics, advocating for smaller, more effective boards with diverse perspectives. Her mantra, "Do less, achieve more," encapsulates her advice to prioritize impactful initiatives and maintain strategic focus.

ABOUT ALEXIA

Alexia’sexecutive and legal career spans almost 30 years. A dual qualified lawyer (UK & US), she has lived & worked in several countries around the world. After 16 years in private practice, Alexia joined the Volvo Group in 2013 and became the Global GC for Volvo Financial Services in 2014. As a member of the C-Suite Executive Management Team, Alexia gained valuable experience in transformation & change management; Business Development & Growth Strategies; Compliance & Risk Management; Crisis Management and People & Talent Development. An accomplished strategist thought leader & mentor among peers, Alexia quickly became a valued and trusted business adviser and is renowned for her strong focus on execution and high impact & creative problem solving. Alexia now offers niche consultancy & mentoring services through her own firm, Stratevix. Despite her previous hectic schedule as a C-Suite Executive, Alexia mastered how to recapture her own time & value and not only found time to launch and run her own consulting business, write & publish articles, speak nationwide and–most importantly relax with friends & family, she still found time left over to combine her passion, philanthropy and community spirit as Co-Founder & Executive Director of a local nonprofit organization: Triad International Ballet.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less by Michael Hyatt
• Learn more about Alexia here
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Adv

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**266: Managing Overload as a Nonprofit Leader (Anton Skornyakov)

SUMMARY**

How do you lessen your load and effectively delegate while also fostering an environment of continuous learning and creativity at your nonprofit? In episode 266 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we dive into effective delegation strategies for nonprofit leaders withAnton Skornyakov, author of "The Art of Slicing Work." Anton shares invaluable insights on how to delegate results rather than activities, fostering both team creativity and growth. He explains the importance of setting clear, specific goals and providing regular feedback to ensure continuous learning. Anton also highlights the need to tackle high-risk tasks first to uncover potential challenges early on. By distinguishing between predictable and unpredictable projects and building a robust feedback infrastructure, nonprofit leaders can enhance their impact and adaptability. This episode offers a practical framework for managing projects and empowering teams, essential for anyone striving to lead a successful nonprofit organization.

ABOUT ANTON

Anton Skornyakovis partnering with organizations to support them on their path to becoming learning & adaptive environments that encourage everyone to contribute their full productive and creative potential. For this Anton givesScrumMaster trainingsandProduct Owner trainings, mentor, coach and a builder of internal and public communities. Anton believes in Scrum being a fundamental ingredient that enables motivating ideas to become reality with an order of magnitude higher effectiveness. Today, many organizations with hundreds and thousands of people are looking for answers on how to apply Scrum and engage everyone's full potential in their product development. Having successfully applied it, Anton is a firm believer in the body of knowledge behind Large Scale Scrum (LeSS). Anton is a believer in the transformative power of communities. He consistently nurtures communities around topics he is passionate about such as Large-Scale Scrum, Liberating Structures and coaching. Anton has co-founded and lead several digital startups. Here he made own experiences in Lean Startup - applying empiricism on developing sustainable business models. He has worked as a product owner, Scrum master and developer.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
• Learn more about Anton here
• Ready for a Mastermind?

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265: Prioritizing Mental Wellness as a Nonprofit Leader (Yolanda Robano-Gross)

SUMMARY

How do you support your team when they (and you) are feeling the effects of a high-stress environment? In episode 265 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Yolanda Robano-Grossshares invaluable insights and experiences on building a supportive workplace culture. She discusses the importance of prioritizing staff well-being and creating a space where individuals feel valued and heard. From implementing strategic planning initiatives to engaging in innovative fundraising approaches, Yolanda emphasizes the significance of adaptability and empathy in navigating the challenges of nonprofit leadership. She offers practical advice on building and retaining an effective board of directors, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion. Through her candid reflections and commitment to kindness, Yolanda inspires fellow nonprofit leaders to embrace empathy, cultivate meaningful connections, and drive positive change within their organizations and communities.

ABOUT YOLANDA

Yolanda Robano-GrossjoinedOptions for Community Livingas Chief Executive Officer in 2014 with over twenty years of prior executive-level experience in the health care industry. She handles oversight of all agency affairs and reports to the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include fiscal management of an annual budget of over $24 million, personnel management, program development, and fundraising. She earned her Master’s in Health Care Administration from Hofstra University, Masters in Social Work from Yeshiva University, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Marist College. She holds a certificate in Executive Education, Non-Profit Leadership from The Fordham Center for Non-Profit Leaders.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Of Mice and Menby John Steinbeck
• Learn more about Yolanda here
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector– Now available in Audible
• Check out our new website,PMAnonprofit.com

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264: Navigating Nonprofit Change: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid (Michael Randel)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders effectively navigate resistance and foster genuine support for change initiatives? In episode 264 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Michael Randeldelves into the complexities of leading change in a nonprofit organization. He outlines five common mistakes leaders make, emphasizing the importance of fostering two-way communication and understanding the true nature of resistance. Michael introduces a practical framework for addressing resistance, categorizing into three levels: lack of understanding, dislike of the change, and personal mistrust. He also stresses the necessity of involving key stakeholders early in the process and building a culture of psychological safety. By focusing on listening, dialogue, and relationship-building, leaders can better navigate resistance and drive effective, inclusive change.

ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael Randel’sinterest in group dynamics dates to his time as a university student in South Africa when he was thrust into a living social experiment at the University of Natal, one of the few places at the time where Black and white people interacted as peers. He realized he wanted to support people so that they could have positive experiences as they worked together in groups, rather than being in conflict. With the backdrop of the political protests against apartheid and the birth pangs of a new democracy, he spent almost a decade inside a national youth development organization. He took part in the slow, painful transformation of a rigid, bureaucratic organization to one on meeting the needs of most of the youth across the country. Everything he learned from this experience served him well as he then worked as an organizational change consultant–with nonprofits and government agencies across Southern Africa, and subsequently in a global capacity at the World Bank. Interacting with a wide range of organizations and working in a huge variety of sectors and settings, has sharpened his ability to observe, to see systems at work, to make connections, and to find different ways of doing things. This led to the establishment of Randel Consulting Associates in 2010 with a vision is to support clients who are genuinely engaged in leading change, designing holistic and tailored interventions that suit each organization.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Psychological Safety Playbookby Minette Norman and Karolin Helbig
• The 3 Levels of Resistance framework by Rick Maurer: learn moreat this link
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you read Patton’s book

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263: Tech-Forward Strategies for Nonprofit Success (David Blyer)

SUMMARY

How can your nonprofit leverage the latest technological advancements to elevate its fundraising, donor engagement, and mission impact? In episode 263 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, technology expertDavid Blyerexplores cutting-edge tools and strategies shaping the future of the nonprofit sector. From the imperative of leveraging technology to drive social change to the practical applications of AI and machine learning, David sheds light on how nonprofits can harness these tools to enhance donor retention, acquisition, and engagement. With a focus on integrated solutions and innovative approaches, David underscores the importance of technology in streamlining operations and maximizing impact. From virtual reality to blockchain, the horizon of possibilities is vast, offering nonprofit leaders the opportunity to revolutionize their organizations.

ABOUT DAVID

David Blyeris Co-Founder, CEO, and President of Arreva, a trusted advisor and market leader to the non-profit industry for over three decades, providing software and services including virtual fundraising, donor relationship management, and virtual auction software. He founded DonorCommunity in 1999, the first All-in-One Fundraising Software for the nonprofit industry, and co-founded Arreva with Susan Packard Orr, through a merger with her company, Telosa in 2017. In 1994, he co-founded, and was the CEO and President of Vento Software, a provider of packaged vertical business intelligence applications that was gained by Chicago-based SPSS in 1999. After the acquisition, David served as President of the company's Enabling Technologies Division which was gained by IBM. Prior to Vento, Blyer held executive management and sales positions with Tandem, NCR and other leading technology/consulting firms. David holds an MBA in Finance from Nova Southeastern University and a BA in Business Management from the University of South Florida. He also is a member of NonProfit PRO's board of directors, serving as an Editorial Advisory Board Member.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challengesby Nathan Chappell, Brian Crimmins & Michael Ashley
• Want to hear more from authors, Nathan Chappell & Brian Crimmins? Listen to Patton’s interview of them in episode 211 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership today!
• Check out the Audible version of Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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262: Donors and Dollars Are Down – Now What? (Morgan Falor)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofits effectively communicate financial challenges while maintaining donor support?Morgan Falor, a seasoned nonprofit strategist, dives into this question and more in episode 261 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. From leveraging transparency to harnessing the power of donor advised funds, Morgan offers insights into fostering authentic connections with prospective donors. She challenges traditional approaches to special event fundraising, urging nonprofit leaders to adapt to changing donor demographics. Morgan emphasizes the importance of legislative awareness and optimizing digital communications for donor engagement. Hear Morgan’s holistic approach to nonprofit leadership, blending transparency, strategic planning, and adaptability to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the nonprofit sector.

ABOUT MORGAN

Morgan Falorfocuses on helping nonprofits create strategic approaches to both finance and development. Since joining Armanino, she has aimed to enable nonprofits to further their mission and create greater impact using data-driven approaches. She has experience in both public accounting and industry, most recently serving as executive director and VP of finance for a high-profile nonprofit organization. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting from the University of Iowa and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink, Et al.
• Connect with Morgan here and read some of her published articles here.
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Audiobook edition is live - start listening now
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Find more resources at PMAnonprofit.com

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261: How to Overcome Barriers & Build Capacity as a Nonprofit Leader (Matt Sharp)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, have you ever considered how investing time in refining your nonprofit’s operational processes could significantly amplify your organization’s impact on the communities you serve? In episode 261 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll learn invaluable strategies for maximizing organization efficiency and effectiveness from expert consultant,Matt Sharp. Delving into key areas such as HR management, strategic planning, technology integration, and personal strategic development, you’ll gain profound insights into transforming your nonprofit into a high-performing entity. With practical advice and actionable tips drawn from real-world experiences, this episode offers nonprofit leaders the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of organizational management and achieve their mission-driven goals.

ABOUT MATT

Matt Sharp is a highly relational nonprofit and higher education professional, with an inherent drive to stimulate personal and group excellence. With 17+ years of experience, he brings a specialized blend of knowledge, technical skills, and expertise to his work—and focuses on empowering small- to mid-size nonprofit organizations to achieve greater impact on their communities. Before entering the entrepreneurial world, Matt spent six years as the Chief Operating Officer at RunningWorks. Prior to that, he spent 11 years at Johnson & Wales University, where he served as the Director of Student Involvement & Leadership. Through the university, he gained valuable experience in event management, program management, systems, and process creation, developing and implementing strategic goals, professional development, financial management, and managing a team of professionals. Matt received his MBA at Southern New Hampshire University, as well as his Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Resort Management. He is also a proud Leadership Charlotte alumni, which is program focused on building Charlotte community leaders through inclusive leadership development. He currently sits on the Board of JoPri, a nonprofit serving the children of Uganda.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion audio version coming soon!
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

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260: The Blueprint for Building Exceptional Nonprofit Teams (Will Sparks)

SUMMARY

How can you harness the power of organizational culture to drive optimal performance in your nonprofit? In episode 260 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dr. Will Sparks, an expert in leadership and organizational culture, delves deep into the dynamics of culture, leadership, and team performance. Drawing from his extensive research and experience, Will unpacks the nuances of leadership influence and the role of executive tenure in shaping organizational culture. He explores the challenges and opportunities for new leaders in transforming established cultures, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and candid communication. From navigating board dynamics to founding theCenter for Human and Organizational Potential (CHOP),Will offers actionable strategies and valuable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence.

ABOUT WILL

Will Sparksis the Dennis Thompson Chair & Professor of Leadership at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte, where he also serves as the Director of the Office of Leadership Initiatives. In 2008, he founded the McColl School’s M.S. in Organization Development (MSOD) Program and served as Director until 2013. Will serves as the Managing Director for William L. Sparks & Associates, LLC, and as a Partner with Peter Browning Partners, LLC, a consulting firm providing board governance and executive coaching. His TedX Talk “The Power of Self Awareness” released in 2018. He is the author of “Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow & Maximizing Your Potential” and co-authored (with Peter Browning) “The Director’s Manual: A Framework for Board Governance” (2016, Wiley). He completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development under the direction of Dr. Jerry B. Harvey from The George Washington University’s School of Business and Public Management, where his research focused on group dynamics, organizational culture, and leadership.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Actualized Teamwork: Unlocking the Culture Code for Optimal Performance by William L. Sparks
• Hear more from Will on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership in episode 14.
• Have you read Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website,PMAnonprofit.com!

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259: How Do You Know if Nonprofit Leadership is for You? (Alyssia Palacios-Woods)

SUMMARY

Are you a nonprofit leader looking to enhance your strategic networking and professional development skills? In episode 259 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alyssia Palacios-Wood, CEO of Capital Idea in Austin, TX, shares invaluable insights ranging from strategic networking and fundraising tactics to the significance of professional development and personal growth. Alyssia discusses the transformative power of board service in shaping leadership perspectives and the strategic advantages of pursuing certifications like CFRE. From navigating the complexities of fundraising to mastering calendar management, she offers practical strategies for success. Discover how she leverages strategic networking to forge meaningful connections and drive organizational growth. Through candid discussions on strategic networking, fundraising strategies, professional and personal growth, this podcast offers a wealth of actionable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating the complexities of their roles.

ABOUT ALYSSIA

Alyssia Palacios-Woods is a community builder and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience supporting workforce development initiatives in Central Texas. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) dedicated to best practices in non-profit operations and fundraising. Prior to joining Capital IDEA, Alyssia served as the President & CEO of the Austin Young Chamber, where she championed regional collaboration, entrepreneurship, talent development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has been a member of the Opening Central Texas for Business Task Force for COVID-19 rebuilding, the Austin Homelessness Task Force, and the National YP Week Advisory Council. Alyssia was recognized as an Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power Nominee in 2019 and an Austin Under 40 Finalist in 2023. She received her bachelor's degree from St. Edward's University and her master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond
• Learn more about Alyssiahere.
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you read Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

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258: Creating an Emotional Connection with Your Nonprofit Donors (Haley Cooper)

SUMMARY

Are you tired of traditional fundraising approaches failing to inspire your donors? In episode 258 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we delve into a revolutionary approach to nonprofit leadership withHaley Cooper, a seasoned CFRE and expert in emotional connection strategies. From unraveling the tangled web of internal conflicts to rebuilding a culture of communication, Haley's insights, grounded in neuroscience, are transforming nonprofit dynamics. Discover how her EMC leadership framework is reshaping the way nonprofits approach fundraising by first nurturing internal bonds before venturing into external engagement. Through Haley's guidance, board members become empowered ambassadors, leveraging their unique strengths to drive fundraising success. Learn how understanding the neuroscience behind donor relationships can transform your fundraising efforts, as Haley shares actionable insights to help nonprofit leaders forge deeper, more meaningful connections with donors.

ABOUT HALEY

Caring for others was instilled inHaley Cooperfrom a young age. She studied Kinesiology because she wanted to teach people how to value their physical health. She dove headfirst into the nonprofit sector after college. From founding a nonprofit organization in Malawi when she was 24 years old (and learning how to build a peanut butter factory!) to being a part of a dozen-person strong development team here in Orange County, CA., Haley’s seen a wide range of nonprofit set ups. While grateful for all the incredible experiences, she’s also experienced an array of factors that lead to burnout. We stay stuck in these problems because we don’t know where to start.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Leading Well from Within: A Neuroscience and Mindfulness-Based Framework for Conscious Leadershipby Daniel Friedland, MD
• Learn more about Haleyhere
• Watch for Patton’s appearance on Haley’sLead with Heart Podcast.
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website,PMAnonprofit.com!

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257: The Secret to Effective Board/CEO Partnerships (Jonathan Schick)

SUMMARY

Are you a nonprofit leader grappling with the intricacies of the board/CEO relationship? In episode 257 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Jonathan Schick, author of The Nonprofit Secret: Six Principles of Successful Board/CEO Partnerships, shares keys to fostering strong partnerships between boards and CEOs, essential for organizational success. Delving into real-world scenarios,Jonathanhighlights governance challenges, emphasizing the pivotal role of clear delineation of responsibilities within boards. He dissects six fundamental principles for effective governance, from committee management to CEO evaluation, offering actionable strategies for nonprofit leaders. Jonathan explores the transformative power of CEO evaluations and board self-appraisals in driving accountability and organizational improvement. From establishing clear goals to implementing effective evaluation processes, this conversation provides invaluable guidance for nonprofit leaders striving to achieve their missions effectively.

ABOUT JONATHAN

Jonathan Schickbelieves in the power of effective leaders to unify movements and create community impact. He is a dynamic leadership consultant and nationally known speaker who has founded two successful nonprofits and consulted for hundreds of organizations. As president of GOAL Consulting Group with offices in Washington and Dallas, Jonathan’s clients include the Boys and Girls Clubs, University of North Texas, Cancer Support Community, major Independent Schools, and national associations. The author of The Nonprofit Secret: Six Principles of Successful Board/CEO Partnerships, Jonathan earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Boston College, along with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Man’s Search for Meaningby Viktor E. Frankl
• Learn more about Jonathanhere.
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you read Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector?

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256: Managing Conflict as a Nonprofit Leader (Carol Bowser)

SUMMARY

Are unresolved conflicts within your nonprofit causing chronic pain in your organization? In episode 256 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the intricate world of conflict resolution withCarol Bowser, the Founder ofConflict Management Strategies, and an expert in managing workplace dynamics. From navigating power structures to fostering healthy interactions, Carol shares invaluable insights to help nonprofit leaders cultivate environments of open communication and collaboration. She emphasizes the significance of addressing conflicts promptly and offers practical strategies toward creating harmonious and productive workplaces. Learn the art of conflict resolution and discover how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and cohesion within your nonprofit organization.

ABOUT CAROL

Carol Bowser, J.D. is a workplace conflict expert. After practicing Employment Law for several years, Carol foundedConflict Management Strategieswhen she realized a lawsuit can’t deliver the level of resolution and satisfaction that is gained when people are actively involved in creating solutions to their workplace conflict. Carol’s clients come with a wide range of employers because conflict is universal across all industries and types of organizations. Where there are people, there is conflict. The key is to help people recognize and address conflict before it damages working relationships and creates organizational drag. In her over 20 years of experience, she has discovered some universal themes about workplace conflict and loves to share how people at all levels can strengthen their conflict resolution muscles.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Mostby Douglas Stone, et al.
• Learn more about Carol here.
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website,PMAnonprofit.com

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255: Nurturing Dynamic & High-Performing Teams (Angela Grimes)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, what strategies do you need to elevate your team? In episode 255 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll gain valuable insights fromAngela Grimes, the CEO ofBorn Free USA, to help revolutionize your organization. Angela shares strategies for effective hiring, stressing cultural fit and communication styles for cohesive teams. She discusses the CEO's role in professional development and advocates for open communication in conflict resolution. Angela also advises on engaging board members and optimizing fundraising through experimentation. Finally, she shares personal organizational tactics, emphasizing calendars and tidy workspaces for productivity. This episode offers actionable advice for enhancing your nonprofit’s impact.

ABOUT ANGELA

Angela Grimes isBorn Free USA’s Chief Executive Officer. She has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Inspired by observing wildlife living freely in their jungle homes while volunteering for a sea turtle project in Costa Rica, Angela moved from arts administration to wildlife protection, where she has served in senior and executive level positions since 2004. She has a degree from Drake University. She has served on the boards of directors of several arts and animal welfare organizations and is currently on the board of EarthShare.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Circle of the 9 Muses: A Storytelling Field Guide for Innovators and Meaning Makersby David Hutchens
• Learn more about Angelahere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and audio version coming soon!
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

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254: Building and Sustaining a Successful International Nonprofit (Leif Cocks)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders effectively cultivate a culture of selflessness and meaningful collaboration within their organizations, while also navigating the challenges of global expansion and sustaining impactful initiatives across diverse ecosystems? Inepisode #254 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,Leif Cocks, a seasoned nonprofit executive, shares his expertise on fundraising dynamics and effective leadership on a global scale. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and highlights the emotional aspect of giving and the need to simplify messaging to inspire action. He discusses the significance of empowering team members and volunteers, highlighting the role of values-driven leadership in fostering long-term commitment. From managing multiple boards to writing his fourth book, Leif exemplifies a holistic approach to leadership, rooted in humility and a dedication to the cause.

ABOUT LEIF

Leif Cocks is the founder of Wildlife Conservation International (WCI) which incorporates the International Elephant Project, International Tiger Project, The Orangutan Project and Forests for People. Established in 1998, WCI has raised over $26m for conservation projects across South-East Asia. Beginning his career as a zookeeper, curator and small population biologist, Leif is highly regarded as a world-renowned expert on orangutans. He is the author of a number of books including Finding Our Humanity and Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends. In 2019 Leif was awarded the Order of Australia Medal from the Australian Government for his dedication to species conservation.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham
• Learn more about Leifhere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and audio version coming soon!
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

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253: Building Capacity as a Nonprofit Leader (Witnie Martinez)

SUMMARY

Are you ready to take your nonprofit organization to the next level of impact and sustainability? In episode 253 ofYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Witnie Martinez, founder of Absolute Impact Consulting, explores the critical elements of capacity building and strategic leadership in the nonprofit sector. From defining capacity building beyond just finances and fundraising to the importance of strategic collaboration and mindset, Witnie shares invaluable insights drawn from her extensive experience working with nonprofits of all sizes. We delve into practical strategies for fostering alignment, cultivating resilience, and driving organizational success. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit leader or just starting out on your path, this conversation offers actionable advice to help you navigate the complexities of nonprofit management.

ABOUT WITNIE

Witnie Martinezis the Founder & CEO of Absolute Impact Consulting—a social impact advisory firm that helps nonprofits maximize their impact through expert consultation and professional development opportunities led by industry experts. Witnie thrives at the intersection of education, philanthropy, and leadership. For over a decade, her career has focused on expanding & diversifying revenue streams, increasing organizational impact, building systems, and driving brand awareness for nonprofits across the country. Witnie has collectively helped organizations generate over $78M in revenue for annual budget needs and campaigns alike. Through these experiences, she saw a need to shift how philanthropic and educational resources are distributed throughout the nonprofit ecosystem. She speaks about and leads a variety of professional development opportunities focused on increasing effectiveness for organizations, teams, and individuals. Witnie was born in Haiti and is a first-generation college graduate. She holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and a M.S. in Psychology—both from Nova Southeastern University; a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University; a B.A. in Theatre and a B.S in Health Sciences both from Florida International University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Successby Carol S. Dweck
• Learn more about Witniehere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website,PMAnonprofit.com!

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252: The Five Frameworks for Leadership Excellence (Brian Quail)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders navigate the complexities of transition, engage stakeholders effectively, and drive mission-driven change? Inepisode #252 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,we delve into these critical questions withBrian Quail, a seasoned nonprofit leader who’s written a practical roadmap for new executives in the nonprofit sector. Brian explores his five frameworks designed to guide leaders through the crucial first 90 days of leadership onboarding and beyond. From understanding the organization's mission and culture to analyzing financials and engaging with stakeholders, Brian offers practical guidance about how to lead effectively in your current or future leadership role.

ABOUT BRIAN

Brian Quailis founder and CEO of Quail Consulting, which focuses on guiding nonprofit CEOs and boards to achieve exceptional results. After earning his MA in nonprofit administration and management at the University of Chicago, his career spanned four decades in nonprofits, including twenty-five years as CEO of three affiliates of national organizations. Combined, his fundraising, oversight, analysis, and development efforts have resulted in over one billion dollars in human-services funding. Brian and his wonderful wife, Liz, live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he enjoys spending time with their amazing daughter, Chloe, volunteering, fitness training, and playing golf.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Preorder Brian’s new book The Ultimate Guide for New Nonprofit CEOs by Brian Quail
• Learn more about Brian here
• The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

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251: Three Keys to Scaling a Global Nonprofit (Kate Grant)

SUMMARY

Are you ready to scale your nonprofit globally? Inepisode #251 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,Kate Grant, CEO of the Fistula Foundation, explores key strategies for expanding the reach and impact of nonprofit organizations. Kate shares valuable insights on optimizing board development, advocating for a lean and effective board structure to enhance decision-making and alignment with organizational goals. Delving into talent recruitment, she emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial culture, fostering creativity and innovation. Reflecting on her path to nonprofit leadership, Kate offers candid advice on self-awareness and embracing one's strengths, weaknesses, and humility as a leader.

ABOUT KATE

Kate Grant became the Foundation's inaugural CEO in 2005, transforming it from a single-country operation into a global leader in fistula treatment across over 20 countries. Grant's leadership has fostered key partnerships with organizations like Astellas Pharma EMEA and Johnson & Johnson, significantly increasing the Foundation's impact and earning it top ratings from Charity Navigator and Charity Watch, among others. Under her guidance, the Foundation has vastly expanded its surgical support and built new hospitals in Asia and Africa. Recognized for her contributions, Grant was awarded Nonprofit Marketer of the Year in 2014. Her career includes roles on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, at USAID, and consulting for various international organizations. Grant holds a master's degree from Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, alongside completing Harvard's Executive Education Program in Nonprofit Management.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

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250: Scaling Altruism as a Nonprofit Leader (Donald Summers)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities of scaling your organization's impact? Inepisode #250 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,we explore practical strategies for scaling altruism in the nonprofit sector withDonald Summers, a seasoned nonprofit consultant. From demystifying finance to optimizing fundraising efforts and managing disruptive influences, we'll uncover the essential tools and insights you need to lead your organization towards greater effectiveness and growth. Are you ready to take your nonprofit to the next level and make an even bigger difference in your community?

ABOUT DONALD

Donald Summersis the Founder & CEO of Altruist Partners, a global advisory firm for nonprofits and social enterprises. He and his firm have led over one hundred successful nonprofit and social enterprise accelerations from the local to the global level in the fields of education, human services, health, environmental reform, and public media. He is a graduate of Middlebury College and Harvard University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Scaling Altruism: A Proven Pathway for Accelerating Nonprofit Growth and Impact by Donald Summers
• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
• The Four Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney et al.
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

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249: Maximizing Video to Tell Your Nonprofit Story (Diane Strand)

SUMMARY

Ever wondered how harnessing the power of video storytelling could revolutionize your nonprofit's outreach efforts? Inepisode #249 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Diane Strand, a seasoned entrepreneur and nonprofit founder, shares invaluable insights into maximizing the impact of video to convey your organization's narrative. Diane explores how leveraging video storytelling resonates with individual donors and patrons, leading to increased funding. She also delves into the strategies for amplifying a nonprofit's story to corporate sponsors and stakeholders through effective video communication. Through her insights, Diane emphasizes the significance of conveying messages through video, highlighting its ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level, fostering engagement and support for nonprofit missions.

ABOUT DIANE

Diane Strand is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, speaker, and nonprofit founder. With a steadfast mission of providing access and career pathways for all in the arts, Diane leads her business with passion and purpose to help make this possible. She sets out to provide H.O.P.E., which Diane defines as; Helping One Person Every day! She is the majority owner of the multi-award-winning JDS Video & Media Productions, Inc. The Producer at JDS Actors Studio where she has launched over 100 careers into the mainstream entertainment industry and Founder of the nonprofit 501c3 JDS Creative Academy, where she works with youth, teens, and adults mainstream through special needs, at-risk, and foster youth. Diane is the Creator and Executive Producer of the broadcasted and live-streamed TV Show Spirit of Innovation, now in its sixth season delivering news and information for Riverside County and created the award-winning international event DigiFest Temecula.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Be Seen: Find Your Voice. Build Your Brand. Live Your Dream by Jen Gottlieb
• Learn more about Diane and her mission here
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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248: Building Social Capital as a Nonprofit Leader (Froswa’ Booker-Drew)

SUMMARY

Can improving the way we interact, collaborate, and cooperate help our nonprofits develop a more effective model of philanthropy? Inepisode #248 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, relationship expert and bridge-builderDr. Froswa Booker-Drewadvocates that eliminating certain social myths and misinterpretations can lead to significant positive change. She shares how you can build your social capital by developing your personal board of directors and by seeking positive mentors. Learn ways to make strong positive connections within your community and how all these relationships will then benefit your nonprofit leadership and your organization.

ABOUT FROSWA

Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Ph.D. is a Network Weaver who believes relationships are the key to our personal, professional and organizational growth. She’s been quoted in Forbes, Ozy, Huffington Post and other media for her expertise in leadership, nonprofit management, and partnership development. As former VP of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas and National Community Engagement Director for World Vision, she focused on grant-making, education, and community initiatives. Froswa’ is co-founder of HERitage Giving Circle and Power in Action-Dallas, and owner of Soulstice Consultancy providing training for nonprofits. With a PhD from Antioch University, she teaches at Tulane University and Antioch University, and has authored three books. Currently, she serves on multiple boards including Buckner International and Mayor's Star Council, and has presented workshops at the United Nations.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Building the Bridge as You Walk on It: A Guide for Leading Change by Robert E. Quin
• Learn more about Froswa’ here
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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247: The 10 Commandments of Working with a Nonprofit Board (Erik Hanberg)

SUMMARY

Do you have a productive relationship with your board of directors? Are the individual and collective roles clearly defined for optimum success? Erik Hanberg, who has over 20 years’ experience breaking down the complex and often confusing relationship between a nonprofit’s leadership and its board of directors, shares his best advice for working with a nonprofit board inepisode #247 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Erik explains his 10 Commandments for establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with a nonprofit board. Do you know what it takes to grow your small nonprofit? Erik also shares his Four D’s: how documentation, data, development, and determination are the keys to your organization’s success.

ABOUT ERIK

Erik Hanberghas spent more than 20 years working with nonprofits. In addition to serving as the director of two nonprofits, he has served as an Interim ED twice and worked for nonprofits in marketing and fundraising. He has also served on boards and committees for more than a dozen organizations, often in leadership roles, and several times during a capital campaign. He is the author of four books for nonprofits, focusing on nonprofit management, fundraising, social media, and board governance, which have collectively sold tens of thousands of copies. They’ve been praised as essential reads for nonprofits by Forbes.com, LinkedIn for Nonprofits, Kirkus Reviews, and thousands of executive directors and board members. In addition, he served for more than 12 years in elected office on the board of Metro Parks Tacoma, a junior municipality with an annual operating budget of $50+ million. He lives in Tacoma, Washington, with his wife Mary and two children.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Mission Based Management: Leading Your Not-for-Profit in the 21st Centuryby Peter C. Brinckerhoff
• Learn more about Erikhere
• For more information or to purchase Erik’s “Little Book” bundle serieshere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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246: How Do You Address the Capacity Dilemma as a Nonprofit Leader? (Teri Beckman)

SUMMARY

Is your organization operating below its capacity while your team feels like they are overloaded? This is the crux of the capacity dilemma, and in episode #246 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Teri Beckmandiscusses the imbalance this challenge creates and how nonprofit leaders can resolve the tension this apparent contradiction creates. Terialso shares key tools and routines to help you manage your many goals and activities. Improving your capacity also includes building a more effective and cohesive board of directors that takes part in raising resources for the organization. If your intention is to maximize your capacity in 2024, you’ll want to listen to this episode!

ABOUT TERI

Teri is deeply influenced by Skillful Means,a fully integrated approach to life and work developed byTarthang Tulkuuniting business practices with personal and spiritual growth – including the development compassion and wisdom. Her lifelong passion lies in integrating eastern and western psychology, organizational behavior, business, leadership, and wellness. She is on the faculty ofDharma College, which offers cutting edge classes for those spiritually inclined, but not religious. HIGOL works to align leadership behaviors with business drivers to dramatically increase revenue, community impact, and evolve overall organizational performance. With over combined 200 years of leadership experience working in mission-driven organizations, the HIGOL team has lived through most experiences our clients are dealing with. When not supporting clients or teaching, Teri can be found with her partner hiking one of North Carolina’s 41 state parks.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The E Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
• Learn more about theMarch 2024 CEO/Executive Director Retreat
• Interested in Teri’s Sunday Summit? See the frameworkhere.
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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245: 4 Ways to Become Mentally Shredded as a Nonprofit Leader (Chris Weedon)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, does the workload, isolation, and pressure to ensure the wellness of your community lead to feelings of burnout? Inepisode #245 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit leaderChris Weedonshares his struggles with these and other mental health stresses and offers support by helping you become mentally shredded. Chris explains what it is to be mentally shredded, how to recognize it, and advice for taking charge of your own mental well-being. He discusses his 4 pillars of being mentally shredded and how individuals can recognize and address each one head on.

ABOUT CHRIS

Christopher Weedonis the visionary Founder of Mentally Shredded, embodies a journey of transformation from a former athlete to a corporate professional and finally an entrepreneur. His path, marked by its challenges, reflects a resilience that has been anything but easy. Weedon's story is a testament to the power of personal development, mental fortitude, and the unwavering belief that, even in the face of adversity, one can carve a path towards empowerment and positive change. His commitment to changing the narrative around mental health and building healthy communities is rooted in both personal experience and a profound understanding of the human journey. Weedon's trajectory, from corporate to entrepreneur, encapsulates the spirit of Mentally Shredded — a movement fueled by a deep passion to break down stigmas, inspire hope, and foster unity in the realm of mental health.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Greenlightsby Matthew McConaughey
• Learn more about Chris and Mentally Shreddedhere
• Want to hear more from Chris? Check out his recentinterviewin USA Today.
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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244: Mission, Vision & Talent: A CEO’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership (Carol Hardison)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, how do you manage the “urgencies” in front of you while keeping an eye on the changing landscape ahead? You’ll want to listen to the advice of an accomplished nonprofit leader,Carol Hardison. Carol shares her advice on topics such as talent acquisition, building a strong strategic vision, and assuring you’ve got the funding you need inepisode #244 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. She reminds us about what nonprofit leaders should be focused in 2024, and provides sage counsel to those starting on their path to nonprofit leadership.

ABOUT CAROL

Carol Hardison is the second executive of Crisis Assistance Ministry. Her job is to ensure the mission of the agency is carried out through work with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and donors. She came to Crisis Assistance Ministry in 2000 after 18 years at Duke Energy Corporation as a manager and consultant in the Information Technology Department. Her lifelong passion for helping those in poverty is being fulfilled through her work at Crisis Assistance Ministry.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Now, Discover Your Strengths: The revolutionary Gallup Program that Shows You How to Develop Your Unique Talents and Strengthsby Gallup Press
• Poverty by Americaby Matthew Desond
• Learn more about Crisis Assistance Ministry and Carol here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!
• Also coming soon, the new PMA Nonprofit Leadership website!

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243: How Can You Better Maximize the Potential of Your Volunteers? (Karen Knight)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, have you struggled to build a strong and sustainable volunteer program? Inepisode #243 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, volunteer leadership expertKaren Knightdiscusses what she’s learned over 25 years of providing volunteer recruitment, engagement, and training support for nonprofit organizations. Karen shares the top four trends leaders should know to grow their volunteer engagement program. She explains how leveraging your volunteer workforce will help scale your impact. What makes a good volunteer? How can nonprofit leaders better embrace volunteer appreciation? What should we include in the onboarding process and exactly how should staff engage in their day-to-day management? Karen shares the answers!

ABOUT KAREN

Karen Knightis a consultant and volunteer leadership expert with over 25 years of experience in the social impact sector. She has served as district director, board member and in numerous other volunteer leadership roles. Karen has been a member of the Board of the Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association since 2017 and is currently serving as President. She’s used her years of experience and intimate knowledge of what goes into creating effective and strategic volunteer management programs to develop a proprietary framework for turning volunteers into enthusiastic, reliable and committed teams.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• From the Top Down: The Executive Role in Successful Volunteer Involvementby Susan J. Ellis
• Learn more about Karenhere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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242: How to Design a Personal Planning Retreat (Patton McDowell)

SUMMARY

In this solo episode #242, Patton McDowelldiscusses the process of designing a structured personal strategy retreat. The episode highlights why it's critical for nonprofit leaders to invest time in their own strategic planning, a practice often overlooked. He shares valuable strategies and insights on planning and executing a personal retreat for meaningful professional and personal development.

12 STEPS TO DESIGN YOUR RETREAT

1. Determine Date & Location
2. Getting into the Right Mindset
3. Equipment & Supplies
4. Pre-Retreat Reading
5. The Trip Itself - Creating Separation
6. Vision Framework (6 Questions)
7. 12 Skills Self-Assessment
8. Calendar & Journal Review
9. Calendar Preview
10. Translating Vision into Goals
11. Annual Metrics
12. 90-Day Action-Plan for the Next 90-Days

OTHER SOLO EPISODES BY PATTON

• Episode #159: "4 Ways to Advance Your Nonprofit Leadership"
• Episode #56: "10 Essential Skills & Experiences for Nonprofit Leadership"
• Episode #78: "5 Ways to Build Your Professional Development Plan"
• Episode #13: "Build A Personal Strategic Plan that Works"
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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241: The Power of Strategic Planning for Nonprofits (Marie Palacios)

SUMMARY

Did you know that a well-crafted strategic plan is statistically proven to double an organization’s chance of long-term success? In episode #241 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, strategic planning expertMarie Palaciosprovides clarity around the strategic planning process and how to create a powerful final written product. You’ll gain insider tips on questions like “How do we level the playing field so both introverts and extroverts have equal opportunity to contribute in conversations?” and “How do we narrow down a plethora of ideas into one concise document?”. Marie highlights the essential components so you can come away with a compelling plan with strategies to ensure the end result is clear, concise, and compelling.

ABOUT MARIE

Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, is an expert educator, consultant, and facilitator who helps leaders achieve their goals. She combines evidence-based facilitation methods and two decades of professional experience to facilitate dynamic and productive meetings. Her specialties include consensus building, leadership development, and strategic planning for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Over the past two decades, Marie has worn every hat imaginable in the business world: volunteer, board member, program director, executive director, and development consultant. Marie is bilingual and uses her Spanish skills to provide language access and diversity training services for businesses and local government sectors. She is passionate about serving others and coordinates annual service trips to Latin America through her private consulting company, MP Pro Consult. Marie is a native of Morganton, NC, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, and one spoiled rescue dog named “Mako.”

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution: Real-Time Strategic Planning in a Rapid-Response Worldby David LaPiana & Melissa Mendes Campos
• Learn more about Marie and Funding for Goodhere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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240: How Can We Build the Nonprofit Leadership Pipeline? (Carmita Semaan)

SUMMARY

Are you developing a strong pipeline of nonprofit leaders within your organization? Inepisode #240 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Carmita Semaan,founder of The Surge Institute, explains how nonprofit leaders should strategically position future talent to help their organization excel, and maintain a steady stream of candidates for when it’s time to hire. Learn how Surge is changing the narrative and supporting diverse leadership across the sector. Carmita also shares how she’s communicating her mission to funders, community members, and corporate leaders, and how her fundraising has enabled her to dramatically scale her organization. She shares how Surge measures success and how she herself recruits talented leaders.

ABOUT CARMITA

Carmita Semaan is Founder and CEO of The Surge Institute. Her superpower is supporting and elevating the genius of emerging and seasoned leaders - particularly women and people of color - and shining a light on the brilliance and ingenuity that is too often overlooked and untapped in solving systemic issues. Carmita hails from Birmingham, AL and proudly professes that her hometown made her who she has become. Birmingham’s history has shaped what she feels called to do and the hustle, horsepower and heart she exhibits. Her guiding principle is the connection of head, heart, and soul in leadership to drive sustainable impact and lasting partnerships. Carmita holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, a 2009 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow, and is a graduate of the Broad Residency in Urban Education. She honors her love for education equity, creative arts, and the amplification of and investment in women community leaders via many boards and volunteer engagements. Carmita lives in Los Angeles with her husband, daughter, and their beloved goldendoodle, Jefferson.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
• Learn more about Carmita and her work atThe Surge Institute
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller,Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector, coming soon!

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239: Nonprofit Leadership: 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started (Elizabeth Cushing)

SUMMARY

Where are you on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership? Inepisode #239, seasoned nonprofit leader Elizabeth Cushingshares some of her biggest surprises along the journey, lessons she learned while leading large-scale organizational growth during a global pandemic, and the three things she wished she’d known before her journey began. Learn the differences between scaling an organization versus scaling the solution, and how large-scale change can affect your overall fundraising efforts and donor development. Elizabeth shares sage advice for every emerging nonprofit leader.

ABOUT ELIZABETH

Elizabeth Cushingis the CEO of Playworks, a national organization headquartered in Oakland, CA, that helps schools and school districts make the most of recess through on-site staffing, consultative support, professional development, and free resources. Elizabeth has been with Playworks for 17 years. She became president in 2011, and CEO in 2021. As CEO, Elizabeth leads the senior management team and ensures that all strategic targets are met across the organization. She has spearheaded Playworks’ growth plan, leading the organization through a scaling strategy that took it from partnering with 61 schools in 2004 to nearly 2,000 schools in 2020. Elizabeth has more than 25 years of nonprofit management experience with youth development and youth-serving organizations, and as a leader in the youth development field, is frequently invited to speak about Playworks’ scaling experience, and how play supports children’s development and wellbeing.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Why Play Works: Big Changes Start Smallby Jill Vialet
• Learn more about Elizabeth and Playworkshere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector?
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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238: Is It Time to Redesign Your Nonprofit’s Website? (David Pisarek)

SUMMARY

Is your website as effective as it needs to be for your nonprofit? Inepisode #238 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, digital marketing expertDavid Pisarekshares how you can dramatically improve your website and digital marketing efforts and why you should invest in that effort right now. Learn what a redesign process looks like, the typical costs, and how to find a great agency with which to work. David’s experience within the philanthropic sector allows him to address how website analytics can lead to increased donations and the benefits of SEO for nonprofits.

ABOUT DAVID

David has been smashing the non-profit sector for 30 years, and now he's living out his dream: to design and build websites, lead design and branding projects, and be a general technology guru for non-profits in Canada. He’s a design and programming expert who has taught at the college level and found his passion for sharing knowledge at his clients' businesses. Over the past five years, he and his team have completed over 240 projects, so if you need some help, David and his team are the experts. Breaking apart processes and tearing down department silos, he uses his background to effectively bridge the gaps between IT, Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising departments to align processes, streamline operations, and ultimately help his clients achieve digital success.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Hooked On You: The Genius Way to Make Anybody Read Anything by Ian Harris
• Learn more about Davidhere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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237: Nonprofit Leadership in Action: Mastermind Success Stories (Josue’ Hernandez, Tiffany Kong, Michael Walsh)

SUMMARY

Are you ready to advance your nonprofit leadership through the PMA Mastermind program? Three Mastermind alums, Josue’ Hernandez, Tiffany Kong, andMike Walshshare their professional development experiences and the positive changes they’ve made as a result of their participation. In episode #237 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, they discuss specific aspects of the program, the ongoing collaboration with colleagues nation-wide, and what they continue to utilize in their nonprofit leadership.

Josue’ Hernandez is the Assistant Director of Donor Engagement at Memorial Medical Center Foundation, serving Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. He oversees donor acquisition, engagement, and stewardship, including programs like Simply Grateful and iGive. Josue’ earned his CFRE certification in 2021 and holds a Master of Arts in Leadership. He is an active member of SCAHD and AHP and is one of 38 Volunteer CFRE Ambassadors globally.

Tiffany Kong, Director of Community Impact, reviews grant-making in education and youth development, supporting nonprofit organizations at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. She co-founded The Give Me Hope Project in 2005, dedicated to building water wells in Laos. Tiffany serves on the board for Keystone Community Services and holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Mike Walsh, Assistant Dean of Advancement in the Virginia Tech College of Science, leads the advancement team overseeing development, alumni relations, and communications. Previously, he worked at North Carolina State University, managing major gifts and leadership annual giving. Mike holds an associate’s degree in environmental studies, a bachelor’s in geography, and a master’s in organizational leadership.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Leadership on the Lineby Ronald Heifetz & Marty Linsky;The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker;Understanding Nonprofit Organizationsby Lisa Dicke & J. Steven Ott
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector?

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236: The Five Hardest “Soft” Skills Every Nonprofit Leader Needs (Dr. Shirley Davis)

SUMMARY

What are the critical soft skills nonprofit leaders must master? Inepisode #236 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, global workforce expert Dr. Shirley Davis explores why leadership skills and competencies have shifted over the past few years away from the technical and other “hard” skills to “soft” skills which can be harder to demonstrate. She shares her top five soft skills every nonprofit leader should embody to attract and retain today’s talent. Shirley explains why soft skills have the greatest impact on an employee’s experience and how nonprofit leaders can develop and improve these skills if they want to achieve high performance and engagement from their workers.

ABOUT SHIRLEY

Dr. Shirley Davisis a sought-after global workforce expert, national board director for Make-A-Wish Foundation, and president and CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, a strategic development solutions firm that specializes in human resources strategy, talent management, leadership effectiveness, culture transformation and diversity, equity & inclusion. Dr. Davis has over thirty years of business experience in a variety of senior executive leadership roles in Fortune 100 & 50 corporations. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Oprah Daily, Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal, NBC’s Today Show, USA Today, NPR, CBS News, Fox News, CNN.com, HR Magazine, and many others. She was inducted into Inclusion Magazine’s Hall of Fame for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in November 2021, and in August 2022 was awarded The Golden Gavel Award which is Toastmasters International’s highest and most prestigious award given to one person each year based on Leadership and Communication Impact. She was nominated for Forbes 2021 Women 50 Over 50 list and again in 2022. Dr. Davis has worked in over 30 countries on 5 continents and delivers over 100 speeches a year. She served on the Board of Directors and the Foundation Board for the National Speakers Association (2017-2021). In 2021, she was named to the national board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and will serve a four-year term. She holds a Bachelor’s in Pre-Law, a Master’s in Adult Education; a second Master’s in Human Resource Management, and a Ph.D. in Business and Organizational Leadership.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck – Why Some Thrive Despite Them Allby Jim Collins
• Learn more about Dr. Davis and her bookshere
• Hear more from Hardy Smith in episode186: Why Don’t Board Members Do What They’re Supposed to Do?
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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235: When Should You Consider Nonprofit Leadership? (David Goldman)

SUMMARY

Are you pondering your career path and want to find more intrinsic value and purpose through a mission-driven organization? How will you know if you’re ready to transition to leadership in the philanthropic sector? Inepisode #235 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,David Goldmanshares what it took for him to move from a career with some of the world’s largest and most loved brands to his current role as a nonprofit leader. He shares how he prepared for this transition and offers thoughtful observations when comparing the two sectors. Learn how to maintain your case for support, even in times of crisis, as David discusses his successful marketing and fundraising techniques that serves his work across Australia.

ABOUT DAVID

With over 20 years’ experience as a strategic consumer marketer,David Goldmanhas a proven track record and a passion for doing things differently and challenging the norm. David has worked for some of the world’s largest consumer organizations, including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Canon and NewsCorp. During his time in these organizations, he launched Coca-Cola to the Palestinian Authority, developed the New Tastes Menu at McDonald’s and led a team with editorial support to reposition and relaunch The Daily and Sunday Telegraphs. One of his proudest accomplishments was to lead a strategic marketing and creative team that developed Canon’s “World of EOS”. The work was recognized globally, winning 8 Cannes Lions, including 1 Media Grand Prix, not to mention resulting in a significant uplift in underlying earnings for Canon Australia. Over the past 6 years, David has diverted his own interests to the For Purpose sector, having taken up executive roles at Relationships Australia NSW (NFP), RASE Pty Ltd (social enterprise) and his current role at theFoundation for National Parks & Wildlife. David’s philosophy: it’s time to give back and there’s fulfilment beyond material possession. In his spare time, David is committed to his community, a volunteer lifesaver at North Bondi SLSC for the past 11 years, 8 of which he was a patrol captain. He is also a volunteer mentor for Youth Off The Streets.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivorby Eddie Jaku
• Learn more about David and Foundation for National Parks & Wildlifehere
• Ready for a mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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234: Building Financial Leadership Within Your Nonprofit (Jessica McClain)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, how do you assess and ensure your organization has the financial tools, talents and resources to best advance your mission?Jessica McClain, a nonprofit leader and CPA recently named one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting in 2023, advocates inepisode #234 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadershiphow building a culture of open communication between your accounting department and other organizational leaders can better integrate your organization’s financial picture, especially when engaging new prospects and stewarding existing donors. Learn how business acumen is playing an integral part of financial leadership within nonprofits as she shares her advice for attracting, retaining, and advancing women in finance leadership positions.

ABOUT JESSICA

Jessica E. McClainserves as the Chief Financial Officer forGirl Scouts Nation’s Capital. In this role, she has strategic responsibility for finance and accounting, property, product program, retail merchandise, and business operations. Prior to transitioning to the not-for-profit industry, she spent 11 years in public accounting. Jessica represents Maryland as an AICPA Council At-Large Member. She is a Board member of the Maryland Association of CPAs Foundation, the Greater Washington Society of CPAs, and the Towson University Accounting Advisory Board, and gives back to the community as the National Treasurer for ODK Honor Society. She previously served on the AICPA Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee, the AICPA Foundation Board of Trustees, and the AICPA Student Recruitment Committee. Jessica's accomplishments include being named a 2023 CPA Practice Advisor Most Powerful Women in Accounting, a 2022 Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, the 2022 NABA DC Chapter Outstanding Accounting Leader of the Year, a Maryland Association of CPAs 2021 Women to Watch- Emerging Leader, a Black CPA Centennial's 40 Under 40 Black CPA Award honoree, a 2021 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award recipient, and a 3x CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 Professional. Jessica is a graduate of the highly competitive AICPA Leadership Academy and earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Towson University and her master’s degree in accounting from George Washington University. Jessica is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Virginia.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• What Got You Here Won’t Get You TherebyMarshall Goldsmith
• Learn more about Jessica and Girl Scouts Nation’s Capitalhere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you picked up Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector?
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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233: Navigating Frustrating Scenarios with Your Nonprofit Board (Michael Corley)

SUMMARY

How well do you get along with your board members? The complexity of the board/staff relationship can create challenges for any nonprofit leader. Inepisode #233 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit board expertMichael Corleyillustrates many of the frustrating scenarios executive directors encounter with their board of directors, and how they can better navigate them. Michael clarifies the core roles and responsibilities among all parties that will enable success for the entire organization.

ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael Corleyfounded The Corley Company in 2010 to focus on providing support to CEOs and other organizational leaders. This directly resulted from his experience being a President & COO of a mid-sized company and a nonprofit Board Chair. In those roles there were many times he wished he had a trusted resource to give advice, an experienced person to facilitate/lead critical projects when the team didn’t have the bandwidth, and someone who was genuinely interested in professional growth. As a leader, as “the” leader, he learned it can truly be “lonely at the top.” He built The Corley Company on his strengths, competencies, and areas of interest in order to grow and support organizational leaders. Over the past 12 years, he has worked with hundreds of nonprofit funders and agencies to provide strategic support to CEOs and boards. He now works only with nonprofit organizations as a confirmation of his belief in mission-focused work.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: Building Lasting Relationships and Achieving Success by Dale Carnegie
• Learn more about Michaelhere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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232: How Do You Manage a Small Nonprofit with Limited Resources? (Michael Schneider)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, do you struggle with limited resources that must be carefully managed in order to maximize the impact of your organization’s work? Learn fromMichael Schneider, founder of a successful small nonprofit finding huge success, inepisode #232 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Michael shares how to be efficient with a small team and how strategic outsourcing allows nonprofit leaders be more directly involved with their mission. He also shares ways to better communicate your message through productive and creative uses of social media.Michaelalso talks effective fundraising for a small organization. How do you identify, steward, and even create legacy giving among your donors when your resources are in short supply?

ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael Schneider startedPilots To The Rescueback in 2015 to combine his love of aviation and saving animals. Michael is a commercial, instrument-rated pilot with more than 1,200 hours. When Michael isn’t flying, he enjoys spending time with his wife, 4 boys under 7 years of age, and his 90 lb. rescue dog. Michael currently resides in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and flies out of Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Caldwell, NJ.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Game Changers: What Leaders, Innovators, and Mavericks Do to Win at Lifeby Dave Asprey et al.
• Learn more about Michael and Pilots To The Rescuehere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for Patton’s companion workbook to Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and the audiobook coming soon!

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231: Leadership Reimagined: Letting Your Community Take the Lead (Vichi Jagannathan)

SUMMARY

Are you a mission-driven leader in the nonprofit sector with more passion than answers?Vichi Jagannathanwas one such leader, and inepisode #231 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, she shares what it means to let your community take the lead and provide the answers you need as the nonprofit leader.Vichiexplains how building on design thinking ideas from across the country brought clarity to the challenges she faced in a rural and under-resourced community. She discusses the biggest challenges she had to overcome in running a small nonprofit, and the solutions she found when building staff, volunteers, and a board of directors.

ABOUT VICHI

Entrepreneur, strategist and social change leader who applies innovative ideas in unlikely settings to catalyze impact and community transformation. Vichi began her career as a high school science teacher in Northampton County, NC through Teach For America. She then spent two years on the West Coast leading the expansion of Microsoft’s TEALS computer science education program into California. In 2016, Vichi participated in the Innovation Next accelerator, where she received coaching from IDEO in human-centered design to develop a mobile sex education app called Real Talk, which has been downloaded over 10,000 times in over 100 countries. She also interned with SelfHelp Credit Union in Durham, NC where she created the strategy for Self-Help’s branch expansion into Eastern North Carolina. In 2017, Vichi co-foundedRural Opportunity Institute (ROI). ROI builds the capacity of rural communities to support people’s healing from generational trauma to achieve health, safety, connection, and self-determination. Based in rural Eastern North Carolina, ROI has grown from a small, grassroots effort to an influential organization that affects over 20,000 people in 15 states. ROI’s innovative approach has captured the interest of national state funders including New Profit and the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. Vichi holds a Master of Business Administration from Yale University School of Management, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the Worldby Anand Giridharada
• Take My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodiesby Resmaa Menakem, MSW
• Learn more about Vichihere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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230: Why Your Nonprofit is Doing Strategic Planning All Wrong (Sarah Olivieri)

SUMMARY

What exactly is strategic planning for a nonprofit organization? Does your plan truly align with your mission, and do you know how to actually get the plan in motion?Sarah Olivierishares her unique approach to strategic planning and board engagement that every nonprofit leader will want to consider inepisode #230 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. She explains her 5 keys to better strategic planning and the role your board should play in building an effective strategic framework.

ABOUT SARAH

Sarah Olivierihas been called a “Business Alchemist” in the nonprofit space; others have called her “The Money”. She’s the wizard behind the curtain who has orchestrated the transformation of nonprofit organizations, from failing to thriving, which never fails to make the jaws drop of for-profit business experts. As the former director of three nonprofits and founder of five for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations. She’s brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She’s averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, resolved board conflicts, and everything in. Sarah, who is also an international best-selling author and globally renowned speaker, is the creator of the Impact Method™ - a framework she designed and built from the ground up, to help organizations simplify their operations, build aligned teams, and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out. Her company, PivotGround, supports nonprofits to become financially sustainable world-changers, and she has an incredible 100% success rate.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Hiring for Attitudeby Mark Murphy
• Learn more about Sarah and her Impact Methodhere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Watch for the companion workbook and the audio version of Patton’s best seller, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, coming soon!

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229: What Should You Outsource at Your Nonprofit? (Eric Thomas)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, are you short-handed or unable to scale your team to keep up with growth, especially in more technical areas like technology and finance? Inepisode #229 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Eric Thomasshares how outsourcing may be a practical solution for your organization. Learn exactly what outsourcing in the nonprofit sector is and how it can help address your needs.Ericdiscusses the talent shortage, particularly in specialized roles like finance and accounting that currently exist in our sector. He provides specific keys to integrate an outsourced position into your nonprofit, and which roles and functions are most effectively outsourced. Eric also provides examples of automation that nonprofit leaders should consider to streamline operations.

ABOUT ERIC

Eric Thomasis a consulting partner with over 20 years of experience serving nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Since joiningArmanino,he has focused on helping nonprofits with their finance and accounting needs, so they can concentrate on developing their organization and delivering on their mission. He works with a diverse group of clients on their digital transformation and believes that regardless of size and age, organizations can benefit from incorporating enterprise best accounting practices through a solution that uses cloud technology and paperless processes. Prior to joining Armanino, Eric led accounting and finance functions at Robert Half, Analytic Services, and Serco NA. He received a B.S. in business administration from West Virginia University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answersby Ben Horowitz
• Learn more about Eric and Armaninohere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Take ourPodcast Surveyand let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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228: Strategic Planning Doesn’t Need to be Painful (Carol Hamilton)

SUMMARY

Is your nonprofit on a clear path, grounded with specific goals, to achieve its mission? Can you articulate organizational priorities that reflect a shared board and staff vision? Inepisode #228 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, strategic collaboratorCarol Hamiltonshares key components of an effective strategic plan, the timeline necessary to build one and why more organizations struggle without one. You’ll learn who should be involved in the framework process and questions to consider as you envision your organization’s next 3-5 years. Carol also describes impact mapping and how it can help nonprofit organizations become more effective at realizing their mission.

ABOUT CAROL

Carol Hamilton, Principal,Grace Social Sector Consulting, LLC, and host ofMission: Impactpodcast, facilitates whole-brain strategic planning, impact mapping, service audits and organizational assessments for nonprofits and associations. She combines left-brain strategy and analysis with right-brain wisdom about human complexities for a proven, whole-brain, whole-organization process through which every stakeholder thrives. She is also part of a consultant collective focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion that has a particular focus on racial equity, All In Consulting.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Workby Ruchika Tulshyan
• Learn more about Carolhere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Take ourPodcast Survey and let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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227: 3 Keys to Effective Nonprofit Leadership: (Christina Edwards)

SUMMARY

Where are you on your path to nonprofit leadership? Are you effectively serving your mission, your donors, and your board of directors with integrity, consistency, and clarity? Inepisode #227 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, acclaimed purpose and profit coachChristina Edwards discusses vital qualities effective leaders share within the philanthropic sector and how you can effectively grow and enhance your skills. Do you struggle with calendar management? Christina explains how and why it’s essential to seize control and manage your time. Learn how she advises nonprofit leaders to increase their organization’s visibility with donors and hear how Christina addresses a lack of time and funding, two challenges nonprofit leaders often face.

ABOUT CHRISTINA

Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and host of thePurpose and Profit Club Podcast, a lifelong entrepreneur, marketing and business coach who works with ambitious nonprofit leaders. Her popular courses,Easy EmailsandAmplify Social Impact, teach organizations how to get noticed and funded, create a magnetic voice, and make lead generation simple and painless!

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communicationby Vanessa Van Edwards
• Learn more about Christinahere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Take ourPodcast Surveyand let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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226: Why Do People Give to Your Nonprofit? (Tim Kachuriak)

SUMMARY

Do you know how to write your nonprofit value proposition to increase donations? Do you know why people give? Inepisode #226 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Tim Kachuriak, founder ofNextAfter, a fundraising research lab and consultancy, explains why he’s obsessed with discovering what inspires people to give and how his organization is helping nonprofit leaders answer those questions and more. He shares key takeaways learned through their research and how it compares with the latest Giving USA results. Is there a true generosity crisis among mid-level donors happening now? Learn how and why nonprofit leaders should sharpen their value proposition and what that can mean for their key volunteers and board members.

ABOUT TIM

Tim Kachuriakis the founder and Chief Innovation and Optimization Officer forNextAfter, a fundraising research lab and consulting firm that works with businesses, nonprofits, and NGOs to help them grow their resource capacity. A nonprofit thought leader, Kachuriak is the author of the book Optimize Your Fundraising, lead researcher and co-author of theOnline Fundraising Scorecard, Why Should I Give to You?(The Nonprofit Value Proposition Index Study), and The Midlevel Donor Crisis. Kachuriak has trained organizations in fundraising optimization around the world and is a frequent speaker at international nonprofit conferences. Kachuriak is also the co-founder and board member for the Human Coalition, a member of the board of directors for Open Doors USA, an Advisory Board Member for the SMU Digital Accelerator, Advisory Board Member for Kids Prosper Kids, and an Advisory Board Member for the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact. Kachuriak lives in Prosper, TX with his wife Rebecca, and their four children.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Marketer as Philosopher by Flint McGlaughlin
• Learn more about NextAfter and find helpful value proposition resourceshere
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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225: Bridging the Gap: Technology’s Role in Nonprofit Success (Jack Fanous)

SUMMARY

Are you using today’s technology to further advance your mission and better serve your community? Inepisode #225 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Jack Fanous, founder and leader of two successful, shares how technology can both increase your fundraising and better connect your mission with those you serve. Understand how having a better knowledge of software options can help nonprofit leaders better navigate transactional fees allowing 100% of charitable gifts funnel directly to your mission. Lean how this busy philanthropic executive built, manages, and scales his mission. Jack shares ways our sector can harness technology to better connect existing resources to the people who need them.

ABOUT JACK

Jack Fanousis the co-founder and CEO of JobPaths, a SaaS Enabled Marketplace (SEM) that fulfills the original goals of the internet community by bringing people together with those who can help them along their journey. JobPaths is designed as an immersive network to bring people together to support one another through sharing employment opportunities, resources, training, and guidance. At the core of the company is the network of platforms JobPaths has established that include nonprofit, governmental, and corporatepartners who license the software in order to support their clients. Within each of these licensed platforms lives JobPaths intelligent systems and easy-to-use software that connect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) users to job openings, resources, career and life trainings, and mentorship opportunities. Jack developed his company based on his years of nonprofit experience as CEO and co-founder of GI Go Fund. Started in 2006 after the death of a childhood friend Lt. Seth Dvorin, GI Go Fund provides military veterans across the country with job training and employment opportunities, as well as access to healthcare, benefits help, and connections to housing. The organization has recently expanded its efforts to support all populations within the DE&I community. Through his work at GI Go Fund, Jack discovered the shortcomings in veteran hiring and acted. He testified before the United States Senate Veterans Affairs Committee regarding veteran issues in 2008, and serves as the co-chair of the VA’s Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) Newark, NJ chapter, and is a board member of Habitat for Humanity NJ.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Disability Friendly: How to Move from Clueless to Inclusive by John D. Kemp
• Learn more about JobPath and GI Go Fund
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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224: 5 Truths for Transformational Nonprofit Leaders (Ed Mishrell)

SUMMARY

Do you want to elevate your nonprofit leadership to the next level? What are the five key principles of mission-driven leadership? Inepisode #224 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, former Chief Strategy Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and author of The Five Truths for Transformational Leaders: How Nonprofit Organizations Thrive, Grow and Make a Profound Difference, Ed Mishrell, delivers an insightful and practical discussion of how to achieve extraordinary results when leading nonprofit organizations. Ed shares how to use your organization’s mission as your north star and build an exciting, thriving nonprofit. He highlights hurdles nonprofit leaders typically face and how you can navigate them for optimal results. Understand the vital importance of leadership growth and how you can ensure you’re consistently growing and adapting.

ABOUT ED

For over four decades, Ed Mishrell worked to provide opportunities for America’s youth. Ed began a nearly 40-year career in the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement beginning at the Crime Prevention Association, a Boys & Girls Club organization in Philadelphia, PA. In 1987, Ed joined the staff of Boys & Girls Clubs of America as the Director of the Targeted Outreach Delinquency Intervention Program. He has held many positions at BGCA, including the Director of Staff Development and Senior Director of Training and Development, among others. He has led the development of numerous national program and strategic initiatives including executive leadership, deepening impact and assuring public trust. In 2009, Ed became the Chief Strategy Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, responsible for organizational strategy, strategic planning, operational planning, organizational data and outcome measurement systems. After retiring from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Ed became an adjunct professor at Georgia State University. Ed holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Alfred University, a Master of Education from Elmira College, and a Master of Social Work Administration from Temple University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Learn more about Edhere
• What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successfulby Marshal Goldsmith and Mark Reiter
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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223: Does Your Nonprofit Brand Effectively Communicate Who You Are? (Mark Miller & Ted Vaughn)

SUMMARY

How can your nonprofit stand out amidst all of the great causes in your community? In episode #223 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Mark MillerandTed Vaughn, authors of the bookCulture Built My Brand: The Secret to Winning More Customers Through Company Culturediscuss the role of storytelling in attracting and retaining donors and why most attempts at storytelling fall short. They share effective tactics to help you clearly communicate who you are and explain how brand building begins with the organization's internal culture and leadership.

ABOUT MARK & TED

Mark Miller &Ted Vaughnare the cofounders of Historic Agency, a brand strategy, innovation, and design partner that helps ambitious brand do more good. They are the authors of Culture Build My Brand: The Secret to Winning More Customers Through Company Culture. Mark leads product strategy, marketing transformation, and brand at Historic. He’s rebranded nearly 100 organizations and also specializes in all things strategy, including brand, product, and marketing. Ted leads client transformation at Historic and specializes in executive leadership, brand development, and strategic clarity. He has served hundreds of for-profit and nonprofit brands. His passion is to serve senior leaders by helping them align everything they do to build their brand from the inside out.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Learn more about Mark & Ted atHistoric Agency
• The Business of Expertise: How Entrepreneurial Experts Convert Insight to Impact and Wealthby David C. Baker
• Unreasonable Hospitalityby Will Guidara
• Formula Xby Jurriaan Kamer and Rini Solingen
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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222: Why Doesn’t Your Nonprofit Have a Succession Plan? (Mandy Pearce)

SUMMARY

Do you have a succession plan in place at your nonprofit? Most nonprofits don’t, and you may be facing any number of challenges when planning for the inevitable transition that occurs at every organization. In episode #222 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we learn fromMandy Pearcewhy having proper strategic and succession plans is vital to an organization’s long-term health. She shares the key benefits of having a succession plan and answers questions you might face when planning for one. Mandydiscusses how nonprofits can ensure a smooth leadership transition during the succession process that will minimize disruptions to the organization.

ABOUT MANDY

Mandy Pearceis the Founder ofFunding for Good, which equips organizations with all the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. She continues to enjoy developing this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs. Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities. Mandy lives in Hickory with her husband, Ricardo, and their two fur babies, Dalli and Max. She and Ricardo also own and operate a successful landscaping and custom woodworking company, Two Green Thumbs and More. On her days off, Mandy enjoys working in their garden, sipping sweet tea on their porch swing with a good magazine and cooking gourmet meals for their family and friends.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expectby Will Guidara
• Learn more about Mandy here, and check out the resources at Funding for Good
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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221: Turning your Passion into a Movement (Lynn Margherio)

SUMMARY

Starting a successful nonprofit often begins by transforming a passion project into a well-defined organization. But how do you turn that project into an actual movement? Inepisode #221 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Founder and CEO of the national nonprofitCradles to Crayons, Lynn Margherio shares just how she’s created a movement from her personal mission to end clothing insecurity. She shares her 5 keys to building a movement and how she’s activated the corporate community to engage them in her cause. Lynn discusses the staff and volunteer networks she’s built, her approach to strategic planning, and most importantly, knowing how and when to scale into new markets.

ABOUT LYNN

A leader in the fields of social justice and children’s issues, Lynn Margheriois the Founder and CEO ofCradles to Crayons. She leads this national nonprofit with Giving Factories® in Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, and an online donation platform, Giving Factory Direct®, serving NYC and the San Francisco Bay Area. The largest national nonprofit with Clothing Insecurity at the core of its mission, Cradles to Crayons provides children living in low-income and homeless situations with clothing and other everyday essentials—diapers, winter coats, shoes, hygiene items, backpacks, and more. Lynn launched Cradles to Crayons in 2002, and to date, the organization has distributed more than 4 million packages to kids’ birth through age 12. Under Lynn's leadership, the organization has successfully fulfilled the needs of millions of children and connected more than half a million volunteers to meaningful engagement opportunities and donation experiences, mobilizing people of all ages in communities all over the country. In her role as CEO, Lynn directs all aspects of the organization including strategic planning, operations, fundraising, brand/marketing, product acquisition, external relations and ongoing collaboration with both national and local Boards of Directors. She has led multiple successful capital campaigns raising millions of dollars to fund expansion and has steered the organization through major relocations and organizational restructurings. She is spearheading a national expansion campaign to serve the more than 20 million children across the U.S. who are Clothing Insecure. A graduate of Georgetown University, Lynn completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program at Harvard Business School.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Hidden Figures: The American Dream and Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Raceby Margot Lee Shetterly
• Learn more about Lynn andCradles 2 Crayons here
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!

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220: Finding Your Voice as a Nonprofit Leader (Sabrina Gilchrist)

SUMMARY

What does it mean to find your voice as a nonprofit leader? Inepisode #220 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Sabrina Gilchristshares the journey to find her voice as a nonprofit leader and the positive effect it has on furthering the mission of her organization. Are you the kind of leader talented people want to follow to further a mission in which donors have confidence investing? Learn the skills and experiences that helped Sabrina advance into senior leadership that can work for you too.Sabrinashares her approach to strategic planning, fundraising, building a dynamic board of directors and what she looks for when developing a team.

ABOUT SABRINA

Sabrina Nichole Gilchristis an author, public speaker, Clinical Mental Health Counselor, ordained Christian minister, and nonprofit professional. She earned the Bachelor of Arts from Winston-Salem State University and the dual Master of Arts (Counseling) and Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University. Sabrina has served the Charlotte community since 2010 through her work withRight Moves For Youth(RMFY), a school-based youth development and student support organization that leverages group work to help teens in grades 6-12 succeed in school and life. Beginning in direct service as the Program Manager, Sabrina now has the honor of leading RMFY as Executive Director. She is a lifelong learner committed to professional development efforts that build and refine her nonprofit leadership skills. Since becoming Executive Director, Sabrina has completed the following: the Allstate Foundation Executive Leadership Program; the Allstate Foundation Leading with Equity Program; and the Patton McDowell & Associates Mastermind Program. She is also a member of the third cohort of the Black Social Capital Initiative (BSCI), a Charlotte-based organization dedicated to increasing the representation of black leaders in the nonprofit sector at the executive and board levels.

Sabrina works in private counseling practice with Reconciliation Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, and occasionally teaches aspiring helping professionals as an adjunct instructor at Queens University of Charlotte.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• How the Best Leaders Leadby Brian Tracy
• CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Restby Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vikram Malhotra
• Learn more about Sabrina and the work she does atRight Moves for Youth
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s book

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219: Building a Career in the Nonprofit Sector (Amie Dugan)

SUMMARY

Are you prepared for the hard work the nonprofit sector requires? Working for a mission you believe in can certainly be both rewarding and fulfilling, but many well-intentioned individuals are surprised by the realities of being a professional in the sector. Inepisode #219 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with a seasoned nonprofit leader,Amie Dugan,about what it truly takes to build and sustain a successful career in the philanthropic sector. Amie discusses specific skills and attributes found in leaders that naturally draw exceptional talent to follow and learn from to advance their missions.

ABOUT AMIE

Amie Duganserves as Vice President, Organizational Development forSpecial OlympicsNorth America and leads the Organizational Development team which provides guidance and oversight to all SONA Programs in the US, Canada and the Caribbean). Over her 25+ year career at Special Olympics, she has served as the global leadership and program excellence lead for Special Olympics North America. She also served as Director of Marketing and Communications - a role she established, and began as a Special Olympics volunteer in 1994. Amie was inducted into the Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame in 2011. Prior to Special Olympics, she worked for the Walt Disney World Company and the Juilliard School of Music and has consulted with multiple performing arts organizations. Amie is an instructor, consultant, and curriculum developer for the nonprofit governance certificate program and custom consultation programming atThe Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadershipat Rollins College. She is a BoardSource certified nonprofit consultant and is a member of WISE (Women in Sports and Events), on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run (Central Florida), and is a member of the Greater Orlando Organizational Development Network, serving on its governance committee.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Amie recommends reading anything by Brene Brown
• Hear more from fellow Special Olympics leader Keith Fishburne inepisode #129
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sectorand watch for the audiobook coming soon!

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218: 5 Ways to Turn Around a Struggling Nonprofit (Lance Kawaguchi)

SUMMARY

Is your nonprofit organization not delivering on its mission? Is it struggling from poor governance, alienating key donors and staff and producing lackluster results? Inepisode #218 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk withLance Kawaguchi, who committed to fighting cancer when the disease hit his family in 2016 and became the new CEO of the struggling nonprofit, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Although he built a successful career in the world of finance, he proved to be the right leader to turn around the organization. Lance shares his 5 essential keys to turn a struggling nonprofit into a powerful organization that delivers on its mission.

ABOUT LANCE

Lance Kawaguchi, CEO ofThe Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, has over 25 years of global finance and banking experience. His outstanding leadership and innovative approach to diversity and inclusion have been recognized by many peak global bodies including the Treasury Management International, the BAME100 Board Talent Index and as one of UPstanding 100’s leading ethnic minority executives. Lance was recently named CEO Magazine’s2022 Non-For-Profit Executive of the Yearin his first year at the foundation. Connect with him onLinkedIn.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleby Stephen R. Covey
• Learn more about Lance and Cure Brain Cancer Foundationhere
• Follow Lance onhis journey to the South Polefor research and awareness of brain cancer
• Take our Podcast Surveyand let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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217: What Can We Learn from an Unconventional NGO? (Marko Kasic)

SUMMARY

Have you made the transition from the for-profit sector to nonprofit? How would you transfer your skills to effect genuine social change? Inepisode #217 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Marko Kasicshares his why and how he founded an “unconventional” NGO. Through his goal to create a social enterprise, he created a self-generating revenue model which addresses food insecurity while simultaneously providing workforce development. Marko shares how he has built his staff, volunteer teams, and an internationally diverse board of directors. As an NGO, fundraising is critical and Marko illustrates how to identify funders and build a global fundraising strategy.

ABOUT MARKO

Marko Kasicis the Founder and Executive Director of FundLife, a grassroots "for-social-profit" organization based in Tacloban, Philippines. FundLife combines a unique experiential learning curriculum with purposeful play to create enabling pathways for some of the world's most vulnerable children and young people living in short-term and chronic emergencies. FundLife mission is to ensure every single child has a right to a safe childhood, quality education, and equitable opportunity to reach their full potential - as we say, for every young person to ' Dream in Colour' Away from FundLife, Marko is an avid runner, traveler, and motorcycle enthusiast.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalismby Muhammad Yunus
• Learn more about Marko and FundLifehere
• Ernesto Sirolli’s TED Talk - Want to help someone? Shut up and listen!
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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216: How Your Nonprofit Can Benefit from a Digital Transformation (Bob Green)

SUMMARY

What does digital transformation mean for nonprofits? In episode #216 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, strategic IT expertBob Green explains how digital transformation is a pathway for nonprofit organizations to succeed by increasing overall efficiency, facilitating donor and volunteer relationships, and improving communications to reach wider audiences. He shares how incorporating new technologies in the workplace benefits nonprofits and their employees by eliminating redundancies, automating tasks, and allowing team members to focus on work that makes the most significant impact. Bob also lays out keys to effective IT governance for nonprofit leaders.

ABOUT BOB

Bob Green, CPA, CITP, CGMA is Lead Partner for SingerLewak’s "SL Business Informatics" advisory practice. His team is retained as trusted, independent advisors to help achieve the benefits of strategic IT planning and direction for growing organizations. Their skills include comfort with complex projects around ERP, CRM and other application types, Cybersecurity and ongoing Cybersecurity Program management, IT Audit and Assurance (SOX, SOC), IT Risk, IT project rescue, and others. Bob’s background combines CPA, CFO, Consulting and Technologist skills, as applied to challenges faced by many industries including non-profits of many varieties and complexities (501c3, 501c4 and 501c6) as well as entertainment, technology, government, food and beverage, medical devices and cosmetics, and others. Bob spent 8 years at PWC, later became a CFO, and is a frequent speaker and presenter at AICPA and other professionally sponsored education conferences and produces podcasts and articles regularly. In his spare time, he organizes hiking experiences, volunteers in the non-profit space and enjoys time with his family in the Los Angeles area.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Who Moved My Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Lifeby Spencer Johnson, M.D.
• Learn more about Bob and SingerLewakhere
• For additional resources visitForesight-SLBI
• Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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215: The Talent Magnet: How to Attract Nonprofit Leaders (Reid Ricciardi)

SUMMARY

How can you create a culture and strategy that motivates and empowers your team, while also aligning with your mission and vision? Inepisode #215 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,we talk with talent management expertReid Ricciardiabout building the kind of team necessary to achieve your mission. Reid shares how to attract, retain, and develop talent in a competitive and changing nonprofit sector. Learn some tips and best practices to foster a positive and productive work environment for your staff. Understanding the importance of excellent internal and external communication could be the key to building success.

ABOUT REID

As Executive Director of Talent Management, Reid is responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic talent management program for the University Advancement division and its partner colleges and units at NC State. He works closely with senior managers to identify and attract top-level talent, improve on-boarding and training experiences, and support job performance and retention through targeted professional development and career planning. Reid draws on over two decades of experience in institutional advancement. From 2012 – 2017 Reid served as Executive Director of Development for the College of Education. Prior to NC State, Reid spent four years as Director of Development at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and 9 years at Purdue University in a variety of major gift, annual giving and stewardship program roles. Currently he serves on the Boards for Triangle AFP and Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation. Reid has a B.S. from Purdue University and an M.A. from Duke University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Mythby Chris Tomlinson et al.
• Learn more about Reidhere
• Take ourPodcast Survey and let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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214: Should You Consider a Sabbatical as a Nonprofit Leader? (Laura Belcher)

Are you ready for a sabbatical? Is your organization ready for you to take a sabbatical? Are work sabbaticals the latest nonprofit retention strategy? In episode #214 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Laura Belcher, the President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, shares why her recent sabbatical was beneficial for both her and her organization. Laura explains how best to prepare yourself - and your team - for the sabbatical. The planning effort can also clarify essential leadership roles and increase organizational capacity amongst the team. Laura also addresses policy implications and provides great tips to help put your plan in motion!

ABOUT LAURA

Laura Belcher joined Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte in 2014, excited by the possibility of removing barriers to homeownership for working families in the community. She oversees the implementation of strategic plan tactics that establish aggressive goals for the affiliate. Since 2014, the organization has seen a 300% increase in families served through growth in new home production, increases in existing home preservation efforts, providing more diverse housing solutions and the expansion of financial literacy programs, demonstrating a commitment to innovate and reach an even broader audience. In February 2020, Laura managed the merger between Habitat Charlotte and Our Towns Habitat, creating Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, combining strengths and eliminating duplicative processes and technologies. The combined affiliate has served over 4000 families since inception, operates one of the largest Habitat Construction operations in the US, runs a network of 6 ReStores, and supports 3 international partners. Laura has served on many committees of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI); she is currently serving a second 3-year term on the HFHI US Council where she holds the office of Vice Chair. She spent the first 20 years of her career in corporate roles with Arthur Andersen, Wachovia Securities and Transamerica. Laura was a CPA, graduated from the College of William and Mary, and spent 9 years in nonprofit work as CFO/COO of the Arts & Science Council prior to joining Habitat. She attributes her passion for Habitat to her church where she started volunteering and building houses over 20 years ago.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner by Barbara Kingsolver
• Learn more about Laura here
• Listen to Laura discuss if a merger is right for your nonprofit inepisode 51of Your Path

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213: Keys to Advancing your Nonprofit Career (Brian Collier)

SUMMARY

Are you on the path to advancing your nonprofit career? Do you have the skills and experiences needed for leadership? Brian Collier, an experienced, successful nonprofit leader, shares his advice for aspiring leaders eager to ascend to a senior leadership role inepisode #213 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Brian shares his concerns about nonprofit proliferation and imparts his keys to a successful grant application. Nonprofit leaders know the importance of community collaboration, but how do you evaluate its effectiveness? Brian talks about the dynamic between nonprofit leaders and their board of directors and how to foster strong, proficient relationships.

ABOUT BRIAN

Brian Collieris the new President ofThe Gambrell Foundationafter serving as Executive Vice President for Foundation for The Carolinas for sixteen years. While at FFTC, he handled the Foundation’s competitive grants programs across thirteen counties in North and South Carolina. Brian also led the Foundation’s Robinson Center for Civic Leadership and the development of community initiatives including Veterans Bridge Home, Read Charlotte, Carolina Thread Trail, Project LIFT, and Leading on Opportunity, a nationally recognized, multi-year initiative to identify and implement community strategies addressing upward mobility and economic opportunity. During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Brian worked in partnership with organizations like United Way of Central Carolinas to raise and award over $25 million in private & public funds to help individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Besides his work at FFTC, Brian served on the executive leadership team at KABOOM! in Washington, D.C. and as the Founding President and Executive Director of Victory Junction, a state-of-the-art medical camp in Randleman, North Carolina for children suffering from chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses. The camp resulted from a unique partnership between the NASCAR motorsports industry, NASCAR drivers Richard and Kyle Petty, and actor Paul Newman. Brian began his career as a trial attorney with Rumberger Kirk—one of the country’s premier commercial litigation firms--in Orlando, Florida. He is a graduate of the University of Florida's Levin College of Law and the University of Central Florida. He resides in Charlotte with his wife and daughter.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
• The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Lifeby Anu Partanen
• Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World and Why Things are Better than you Thinkby Hans Rosling et al.
• Learn more about the Gambrell Foundation and Brianhere
• Check out Patton’s new book <

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212: Are You Ready to Lead a Capital Campaign? (Whitney Anderson)

SUMMARY

Is your nonprofit organization really ready to launch a capital campaign? What is a realistic and attainable goal? How do you know when you’re prepared for success? Inepisode #212 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Whitney Anderson shares her expertise in conducting campaign visioning and feasibility studies, developing donor strategies and managing the entire capital campaign process. Learn how to build a strong case for support and have the alignment between staff, board and key stakeholders. Whitneyoffers advice to avoid fatigue during the high demands of a large capital campaign. And, she ensures how nonprofit leaders can best prepare their staff and board for a successful campaign that is properly resourced.

ABOUT WHITNEY

Whitney Anderson is the Principal for Campaign Services at Fox Advancement, a leading fundraising firm that provides capital campaign consulting, grant research and writing, and fractional development officer support. She is passionate about helping nonprofits clarify their vision, tell their story, and link their mission with generous donors. She is a skilled strategist and project manager who helps nonprofits manage major fundraising campaigns from conception to completion. Her areas of expertise include working with volunteers on peer-to-peer fundraising strategies, interviewing philanthropists, and facilitating major gifts solicitation training. Whitney holds a Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication from North Dakota State University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
• Learn more about the work Whitney is doinghere
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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211: Is Philanthropy in a State of Crisis? (Nathan Chappell & Brain Crimmins)

SUMMARY

Is philanthropy in a state of crisis? Inepisode #211 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,Nathan ChappellandBrian Crimmins, co-authors of the book,The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges, offer a wake-up call to nonprofit leaders everywhere, but also suggest solutions to the downturn they see, and will help you re-establish the interconnection that drives generosity. Learn from the fascinating research they did, and implement their recommendations to spark the generosity of your organization’s donors.

ABOUT BRIAN

Brian Crimmins is a global leader in social impact, a popular public speaker with the world’s foremost speaking agency, the Washington Speakers Bureau, and Chief Executive Officer of Changing Our World. He is a frequent contributor to publications covering the sector and has been invited to speak around the world on topics touching corporate social responsibility, purpose, and social impact, emphasizing not just what mission-driven organizations can and should do in the nonprofit and CSR spaces, but how leaders might organize their inner and personal lives to expand the edges of their own potential. His expertise is tapped in service to some of the world’s largest and most influential corporations as they define their core reason for being and translate theory into action. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University and an MBA in Marketing Management from St. John’s Tobin School of Business.

ABOUT NATHAN

Nathan Chappell, MBA, MNA, CFRE is an entrepreneur, inventor, thought leader, author, and considered one of the world's foremost experts on the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and philanthropy. As a pioneer in the philanthropy sector, he has launched multiple start-ups that have revolutionized fundraising practices. Nathan’s subject expertise has been nationally recognized by organizations including Fast Company, Forbes, Citi Bank Global Insights, AWS, Microsoft, SalesForce, The Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. Nathan is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and holds a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from the University of Redlands, a certificate in International Economics from the University of Cambridge and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley’s Bill Campbellby Eric Schmidt
• Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligenceby Ajay Agarwal

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210: Leading Through Failure as a Nonprofit Leader (Amy Burkett)

SUMMARY

Do failures knock you back more than they should? Failure shouldn’t be debilitating andAmy Burkettsays it’s actually the secret to your success! Inepisode #210 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, two-time author, executive, and leadership expert Amy Burkett shares why you shouldn’t fear failure, and instead make it your friend. She shares how you can weave the lessons from failures into success and not become paralyzed with the fear of failure. Nowhere else can that fear be more prevalent than in the mission driven nonprofit sector. Learn skills that equip you with strategies enabling you to change our world for the better. She advocates that the way you react to failure can set you up for success. Do you know your ROF? Amy knows that failure’s enemy is tenacity.

ABOUT AMY

After 30 years in broadcasting, Amy still loves the business of connecting through media. She’s thrilled to lead the renaissance of WTVI PBS Charlotte as general manager since June of 2013. Before that she spent 14 years at WLVT PBS39 in Bethlehem, PA as executive vice president. She began her career in commercial television working at network affiliates as a reporter/anchor for nine years. Over the last two decades Amy’s studied the art of leadership and received her John Maxwell certification as a trainer, speaker and coach in 2012. Amy is the founder/CEO of Amy Burkett Consulting (ABC) her executive coaching, leadership training and professional speaking company. She published her first book The 7D’s to your Destiny in 2020 and her second book The Dirty F-Word: Lessons from our Failures in 2023. She’s led teams to five national PBS awards and 10 regional Emmys. Amy is originally from Ohio and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in broadcast journalism from Bowling Green State University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fableby Patrick Lencioni
• Learn more about Amy and her bookshere
• Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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209: Looking for Leadership as a Nonprofit Funder (Robb Webb)

SUMMARY

Does your nonprofit embody the leadership qualities for which major funders are looking? Nonprofit leaders who are best prepared when applying for grant funding can save themselves precious time and set their organization up for success if they seek to understand what philanthropic leaders are evaluating. But how do you know what funders are actually looking for? Inepisode #209 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Robb Webb, Director of Rural Church at The Duke Endowment, shares how they address community needs and what they’re looking for when considering funding. We examine what Robb identifies as three key topics funders look for; budget and financial help, community need, and distributed leadership. As a nonprofit leader himself, Robb shares his 70/20/10 framework for managing teams and setting attainable goals.

ABOUT ROBB

Robb Webbserves as Director of the Rural Church program area ofThe Duke Endowment. Webb joined the Endowment in January 2006 as a program officer after serving as a management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers and Healthcare Resource Associates. He is a member of the Board of Visitors for Duke Divinity School and the Parish Ministry Fund. He serves on advisory boards for the National Fund for Sacred Places, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems and the North Carolina Council of Churches. He is also consulting faculty at Duke Divinity School, teaching a class on leadership in the rural church. Webb holds degrees from Davidson College and Duke University and is an ordained deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has served the Western North Carolina Conference on the Board of Ordained Ministry and as vice-chair of the Council on Campus Ministry. Through the Rural Church Division of the Endowment, Webb has engaged in North Carolina food initiatives such as hunger relief through rural United Methodist churches, community partnership development through Come to the Table (with RAFI), and most recently, the development of the World Food Policy Center at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. He believes churches can serve as catalysts in their communities, contributing to human, community and economic advancement.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Opposable Mind: How Successful Leaders Win Through Integrative Thinkingby Roger L. Martin
• Learn more about The Duke Endowment and Robbhere
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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208: Managing People Problems as a Nonprofit Leader (Beth Napleton)

SUMMARY

How do you manage your toughest people problems? A good leader solves problems. A great one anticipates them. Inepisode #208 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,Beth Napleton shares why managing and leading people is one of the biggest and most important responsibilities nonprofit leaders have, but it’s also the hardest. She explains why earning trust is an essential component to building an environment where people can feel nurtured, supported, and mentored while working together in a highly productive, collaborative culture. Even though aligning people to work towards a common mission is critically important, it is not something that processes alone can automate. Learn how to conquer uncertainty, improve employee well-being, support diversity and inclusion in your workplace, and use the right strategies and tools to take on challenges with confidence.

ABOUT BETH

Chicago-basedBeth Napletonis an executive leadership coach, consultant and the owner and founder ofBeth Napleton Consulting. She offers senior leaders in education and at mission-driven organizations a clear path to excellence through individual, executive and group coaching experiences. She offers busy leaders a container and her expertise so they can expand their capacity in all areas. Beth leverages her extensive experience in education to work with senior leaders in education and mission-driven organizations to help them clear out the “adult problems” that impede student success. Beth is a national award-winning teacher and has been in the education field for over 20 years, having trained over 1,800 teachers and leaders to succeed. She is an alumnus of Columbia University, Building Excellent Schools, and Teach For America. Most recently, she served as Founder and CEO of a small charter school network on the South Side of Chicago that opened in 2013. All graduates of her schools – most of them first-generation students – were accepted to at least two four-year colleges, changing their paths forever. Beth took her leadership skills a step further and became a certified Clifton Gallup Strengths Coach so she can offer leaders the opportunity to lean into their own strengths and succeed. Beth completed the National Principal Supervisors Academy at Relay, and is a former member of the Far South Side Community Action Council. Beth has been a guest on The EJT Show and the Teacher Renewed: What's Possible in Education podcasts, and hosted her own podcast Live on Leadership with Beth Napleton. She is a solo parent who lives in Chicago with her three amazing kids.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanityby Kim Scott
• Learn more about Bethhere
• Have you picked up your copy of Patton’s book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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207: Embracing the Art & Science of a Capital Campaign (Bob Pierce)

SUMMARY

Will you be ready when it’s time to conduct a fundraising campaign at your organization? Nearly every nonprofit is in some stage of campaign planning: thinking about one, implementing one or recovering from one! As a leader, you will likely have to manage a campaign at some point in your career. Inepisode #207 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we turned to the leader of the University of Alabama’s highly successful Rising Tide Capital Campaign,Bob Pierce, for his best advice. Bob shares straightforward strategies that you can implement today in the planning and execution of your next campaign.

ABOUT BOB

Bob Pierceassumed the role of Vice President for Advancement for The University of Alabama in September 2015 and immediately began laying the groundwork for a $1 billion+ capital campaign. In his over seven years at UA, the Advancement Division staff, which now includes 110 members, has grown by 40 percent. In September 2021, UA announced the public phase of The Rising Tide Capital Campaign with the goal of generating $1.5 billion in charitable gift commitments by September 2026. More than $940 million had been secured at the time of the announcement, and by March 2023, The Rising Tide was approaching $1.127 billion (84 percent of the Campaign goal) with over three years remaining. Prior to returning to UA where he earned his master’s degree, Pierce spent 17 years at The University of Southern Mississippi including 12 as Executive Director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association and five as Vice President for Advancement. Pierce is a 2003 graduate of the Capstone with a Master of Arts degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Pierce earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in sales management from Southern Miss in 1991. He was inducted into the Southern Miss Alumni Hall of Fame in 2018, and he and Kristi are Life Members of the Southern Miss Alumni Association as well as President’s Circle level donors to the USM Foundation. Pierce has also been inducted into the Order of Constantine recognizing lifetime service to Sigma Chi Fraternity.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• J-B Leadership Challenge: Kouzers/Posner (6 book)by James M. Kouzes et al.
• Learn more about Bob and UAhere
• Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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206: Staffing Your Grants Program: Employee or Consultant? (Holly Rustick)

SUMMARY

Grant writing is more than just a process, it’s a skill. And like any skill, we must perfect it with time and practice. So how do you evaluate if you should outsource this aspect of your fundraising program or invest internally? Inepisode #206 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we speak with funding and grant writing expertHolly Rustickto help determine which is worth more to your organization – the time you’ll have to spend working on grant writing, or the money you’ll spend on the expert? Between juggling your regular responsibilities and the work you do for your nonprofit, you might not be able to polish your skill to the level needed to apply for grants, especially the most competitive ones.

ABOUT HOLLY

World-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling authorHolly Rustickcoaches thousands of people every week through her top-ranking podcast,Grant Writing & Funding, books on grant writing, and via the Hub Haven on taking actionable steps in grant writing. Having secured millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations around the world throughout the past 16+ years, Holly has a mission to train grant writers to simplify the process, grow capacity, and advance mission. Holly has an MA in International Political Economy, is past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and is an unapologetic feminist. Holly lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. If you are interested in advancing your grant writing skills or transitioning into freelance grant writing, be sure to check out Holly’s articles, books, and podcasts atwww.grantwritingandfunding.com.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Unicorns on Fire: A Collection of NonprofitAF Posts, Finally Edited for Spelling and Grammarby Vu Le
• Learn more about Hollyhere
• RevisitHolly’s previous episode on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
• Check out Patton’s new book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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205: What Issues Will You Face as a New Nonprofit Leader? (Tom O’Toole)

SUMMARY

Are you on the path to nonprofit leadership? How prepared are you for the challenges you’ll face? Inepisode #205 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we speak with Tom O’Toole, Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming at Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy about what skills aspiring leaders need to efficiently and effectively run a nonprofit organization. Tom shares serious concerns of burnout - not just work/life balance - but losing the sense of intrinsic motivation that drives many to nonprofit leaders face given the fact that the challenges they’re trying to confront may never be solved in their lifetimes. In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to be adaptable. Tom discusses how adaptability gives you the ability to face challenges and obstacles effectively, but it also makes you a better leader and team player.

ABOUT TOM

Thomas O’Toole is the Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming at Cornell’s MPA Program. He teaches the MPA Program’s core course on “Issues in Public Administration,” a seminar on “Comparative Public Administration: The Case of Seoul, Korea,” and has collaborated on projects and educational programming with the White House, the United Nations Division of Public Administration and Development Management, the UN World Food Programme, and the International Food Policy Research Institute. He is also responsible for monitoring the strategic direction of the MPA Program, as well as providing ongoing oversight to ensure the achievement of the program’s educational and professional missions. As part of his responsibilities, Professor O’Toole oversees all student professional development activities related to the graduate field of public affairs at Cornell, including maintaining institutional relationships with organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors and facilitating job and internship placements for Brooks MPA students. He received his undergraduate degree at Bucknell University and master’s and Ph.D. from Cornell.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Driving from the Backseat: Tips for Surviving as a Not-for-Profit CEO by Ronnie L. Bryant
• The Song of Spider-Man: Inside Story of the Most Controversial Musical in Broadway History by Glen Berger
• Learn more about Tom and the MPA program at Cornell here
• Want to know why Tom recommends Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector? Pick up your copy today!

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204: How Can Nonprofit Leaders Bring Innovation to Their Organization? (Leah Kral)

SUMMARY

How can you foster sustainable innovation within your nonprofit? Between the pandemic and workforce shortages, many nonprofit leaders today are likely exhausted and running out of actionable ideas. It’s said that adversity drives innovation, but for many, that well is drying up too soon. So where are all the good ideas? Inepisode #204 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit strategist and author,Leah Kral, explains that as leaders of nonprofits, we have the power to create the perfect formula for innovation within our organizations. While there are no quick fixes, the effort and energy you put into these solutions now will be the garden for future innovative abundance. Innovation and impact are not a gamble that might someday payoff, but with intentional mission drive, culture building and strategic planning, innovation and impact are within reach of any nonprofit organization.

ABOUT LEAH

Leah Kralis an expert facilitator and author who helps nonprofits innovate and further social change. She is a sought-after speaker at nonprofit industry events and writes frequently about her research. Her new book is Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results (Wiley, 2022). Leah is the senior director of strategy and innovation at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, in Virginia. The Mercatus Center is the home of heterodox thinkers and economists who work to discover what aspects of institutions and culture help societies prosper. Leah has been with Mercatus since 2006, where she has been providing tailored workshops and consulting to internal teams and to a network of university research centers across the country. For decades, she has been helping teams to break out of the busy daily routine and draw out their best creative thinking. She helps teams to design pilots, program strategies and meaningful evaluation approaches, leading to better outcomes and more compelling stories for supporters. She has a passion for helping altruistic organizations achieve their missions and is an active volunteer in her community. She holds a Master of Arts in public policy from Duquesne University and is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica 2002-2004).

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results by Leah Kral
• Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant
• Learn more about Leah and the work she’s doing here
• Take our Podcast Survey and let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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203: Finding Success as a New Nonprofit Leader (Aaron Randolph)

SUMMARY

How do you find success as a new nonprofit leader? Starting any new business is difficult, and while similar, starting a nonprofit has a whole host of unique complexities. In Episode #203 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Aaron Randolphshares his best advice for others looking to start, fund and run a successful nonprofit organization. Aaron navigated the “big three” - new leader, new organization, new community – and thoughtfully recounts the lessons learned that can help you as well. Specifically, we explore four key functions of successful senior leadership and the value of conducting a thorough community assessment.

ABOUT AARON

Aaron Randolphis the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Carolina Youth Coalition (CYC), a nonprofit organization that nurtures and propels high-achieving, under-resourced students to and through college. Aaron earned his Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2013 and a B.A. from Cornell University in 2011. A native of Lake City, FL, he relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2017 with his wife, Lizzy, from Baton Rouge, LA. Driven by a fervent belief in the power of education to create lasting generational change, Aaron began his career in education as a City Year AmeriCorps member and social studies teacher before finding a passion for college access work through joining the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition staff in 2015. Since moving to Charlotte, Aaron has led Carolina Youth Coalition’s launch and growth from serving 40 students in 2018 to over 300 high school and college students this school year. Through CYC, students in the program have earned over $45 million in scholarships and grants and two-thirds are attending four-year universities across the state and across the country completely debt-free.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Driving from the Backseat: Tips for Surviving as a Not-for-Profit CEO by Ronnie L. Bryant
• Want to hear more from Ronnie Bryant? Listen to Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership episode #23
• Learn more about Aaron and Carolina Youth Coalition here
• Before His Time: The Untold Story of Harry T. Moore, America’s First Civil Rights Martyr by Ben Green
• Check out Patton’s new book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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202: Turning Your Financials into a Nonprofit Leadership Tool (Melisa Galasso)

SUMMARY

Are you and your board members confident when it comes to the financials? Many nonprofit leaders - staff and board - are not. Inepisode #202 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Melisa Galassobrings two decades of experience making complex accounting topics easy to understand, and will empower you with the financial acumen to better lead your nonprofit. She breaks down the sometimes complex world of accounting so that you and your board of directors will be better equipped to harness the power of your financial statements.

ABOUT MELISA

Melisa Galassois the founder and CEO of Galasso Learning Solutions LLC. A CPA with nearly 20 years of experience in the accounting profession, Melisa designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topics, including not-for-profit and governmental accounting. She also supports essential professional development, audit level training, and train the trainer efforts. Melisa is a Certified Speaking Professional, a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), and has earned the Association for Talent Development Master Trainer™ designation. Her passion for instructional design and adult learning techniques is one differentiator that set her apart from other CPE providers. Within the industry, Melisa serves on the FASB’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC), AICPA Council and serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the Center for Plain English Accounting. She previously served on the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee (TIC), the VSCPA’s Board of Directors, and is a past-Chair of the NCACPA’s A&A committee. Melisa is the author ofMoney Matters for Nonprofits: How Board Members Can Harness the Power of Financial Statements by Understanding Basic Accounting

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Melisa’s bookMoney Matters for Nonprofits: How Board Members Can Harness the Power of Financial Statements by Understanding Basic Accounting
• The Little Book of Boards: A Board Member’s Handbook for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofitsby Erik Hanberg
• Learn more about Melisa and the work she’s doinghere
• Take ourPodcast Surveyand let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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201: Key Fundraising Trends Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know (Matt Nash)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, are you aware of the unique motivations many Donor Advise Fund (DAF) givers share? Do you target stewardship efforts to this group of individuals specifically? Inepisode #201 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Matt Nash, who has been on the cutting edge of recent key fundraising trends in the philanthropic sector shares his extensive knowledge about the rise of this donor group. Learn more about the psychology and intent behind these donors and how best to steward them. Matt discusses top trends such as strategy, digital platforms, relationships, and the rise of crypto that are affecting fundraising in 2023 and how nonprofit leaders should address each.

ABOUT MATT

Matthew Nashis the Executive Director of the Blackbaud Giving Fund, leading the organization’s mission to unleash generosity by connecting people to causes they care about around the world. An experienced executive with a focus on customer relationships, he previously served as the Executive Director of the Generosity Commission Working Group, where he continues to volunteer, focusing on implementing a research agenda aimed at more deeply understanding generosity in America. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Marketing and Donor Experience at Fidelity Charitable, one of the largest grant-makers in the United States, where he studied donor behavior and worked to make giving accessible, simple, and effective. An expert in donor-advised funds and philanthropy, Matt is an advocate for local public education, having served as a foundation president funding innovative educational programs and on the board of advisors for District C, a nonprofit that brings students together across schools to solve real problems of local businesses. He received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Good Boss: 9 Ways Every Manager Can Support Women at Workby Kate Eberle Walker
• Learn more about Matt and The Blackbaud Giving Fundhere
• Want to read Matt’s full list of Fundraising Trends you need to know?
• Take ourPodcast Surveyand let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s new book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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200: Nonprofit Leaders: Which Trends Should You Follow? (Becky Endicott & Jon McCoy)

SUMMARY

What key trends are you following as a leader in 2023? For the enterprising nonprofit executive, one of the best sources of cutting-edge information on hot topics in the sector isWe Are For Good, and that’s why we waited until the #200th episode of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadershipto speak withBecky EndicottandJon McCoy, two thought leaders in our sector who will zero in on some of the key trends that will help you steer your nonprofit in the right direction this year.

ABOUT JONAfter a career of 15 years serving within the nonprofit sector - leading teams in marketing, design and annual giving - I left my job to create what I wanted to see in the world. An open table and place to connect this generation of nonprofit leaders with the best tools, guides and inspiration to take their impact further. We Are For Goodwas taken full time in 2020 - co-founded alongside my career-long dear friend Becky Endicott. The first phase of bringing our vision to life is the We Are For Good Podcast - which debuted in August 2020 as the #1 nonprofit podcast on Apple iTunes. Now counting more than 250 episodes, we regularly welcome some of the industry’s most respected thought leaders as guests, and We Are For Good consistently ranks among the top downloaded nonprofit podcasts in the US and charts in more than a dozen countries worldwide.

ABOUT BECKY

We Are For Good,a digital kindness and social impact community, is revolutionizing the nonprofit industry through profound compassion, best-in-class education/training, authentic storytelling and crazy good marketing all leading to an #ImpactUprising. Its podcast of the same name debuted at #1 in the nonprofit category and is frequented by nonprofit colleagues around the world as well as Do Gooders who are simply looking for a reason to smile or celebrate humanity. The company’s ethos stems from the core belief that everyone matters, and our passion is to bring innovation, social impact, and, well - a little bit of good - into the world. You matter here. Come join our community or learn more at weareforgood.com or @weareforgood on most social platforms.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challengesby Bryan Crimmins et al.
• Learn more about Jon & Becky and We Are for Goodhere
• Take ourPodcast Surveyand let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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199: Finding Your Passion as a Nonprofit Leader (Helena Scott)

SUMMARY

How do you find – and keep - your passion as a nonprofit leader? Inepisode #199 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Helena Scottshares her remarkable two-decade journey with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and what sustains her energy and motivation. She discusses challenges, benefits and unique opportunities inherent to being a part of a national chapter organization and her leadership approach to such things as fundraising, board engagement, and talent acquisition and retention. Helena also shares her best advice for finding that proverbial work-life balance.

ABOUT HELENA

Helena Scottis a Regional Advancement Director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), covering North Carolina and Virginia. She has been with LLS in a variety of roles over the past 22 years and has worked in the oncology field since graduating from Washington University in St. Louis in 1999. Helena began her career at Memorial Sloan Kettering working in business management before accepting her first position at LLS in its New York office in 2001. During her tenure in NY, Helena oversaw the largest fundraising campaign and market in the country, generating over $8MM in a single year through LLS's flagship sports endurance program Team in Training. In 2011, shortly after the birth of her first son, Helena co-founded LLS’s Moms In Training program, a unique initiative bringing like-minded moms together to achieve their fitness and philanthropic goals. In 2015, Helena accepted a position as the Director of the Charlotte office where she quickly transformed the languishing market. Under her leadership, the Charlotte team increased its flagship campaigns from $900,000 to $5,500,000 in just 4 years, breaking LLS fundraising records, and elevating Charlotte to one of the fastest markets nationally. During her time running the Charlotte office, Helena oversaw the first Man & Woman of the Year campaign to ever break $3 million nationally, and also initiated a multi-million-dollar Students of the Year campaign in Charlotte. She has been a top national fundraiser for the past decade, raising just shy of $1,000,000, a milestone she hopes to break this year.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People by Gary Chapman & Paul White
• Learn more about Helena and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

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198: Dirty Little Secrets of Direct Response Fundraising (Andrew Olsen)

SUMMARY

What is direct response fundraising? Is it part of your overall fundraising plan and are you getting the returns you expect? Inepisode #198 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership,Andrew Olsenreturns to the podcast and explains why you need a better way to fundraise. Many nonprofits coming out of Covid are achieving their highest levels in giving. However, Andrew explains why giving patterns over the last decades don’t match the trends of giving today. Learn the dangers of approaching fundraising with a mass volume strategy. Andrew shows why relationships are the key to long-term giving that will sustain your organization throughout the years. Would your organization benefit from outsourcing their direct response fundraising? Do you truly understand what it means to be a good steward to your donors? Andrew has the answers.

ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew Olsenis on a mission to help leaders increase mission impact by developing healthy cultures that accelerate revenue growth. Throughout his career, he’s helped over 500 ministries and other nonprofits raise more than half a billion dollars. Andrew has built and led fundraising programs on behalf of organizations like Covenant House International, Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army Eastern Territory, The Salvation Army California South Division, Jews for Jesus, CARE USA, Save the Children, Best Friends Animal Society, and dozens of Rescue Missions and Food Banks across the U.S. and Canada. Andrew is a two-time best-selling author and host of the top-ranked show,The Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast. Andrew recently joinedDickersonBakker & Associatesas Senior Vice President of Fundraising Solutions, where he’ll lead the firm’s major gift consulting practice as well as oversee the Impact Messaging division that provides communication vehicles to support our clients’ major gift and capital campaign efforts. Andrew will also be responsible for developing and launching new products and services for the firm.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Inbound Organization: How to Build and Strengthen Your Company’s Future Using Inbound Principlesby Dan Tyre and Todd Hockenberry
• Learn more about Andrew Olsenhere
• Rainmaking: The Fundraiser’s Guide to Landing Big Giftsby Andrew Olsen & Roy Jones
• Check out Patton’s bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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197: Building a New Community as a Nonprofit Leader (Sherri Chisholm)

SUMMARY

Stepping into a new leadership role is an exciting challenge, but doing it in a new community can create new complexities. In episode #197 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, seasoned nonprofit leaderSherri Chisholmshares how she navigated a new community while maintaining her personal and professional connection to the cause. She shares the steps she took to hone the organization's vision and message, and how each of her colleagues plays a role in advancing it. Traversing the nuances and politics of any community presents its own set of opportunities, andSherrigives practical examples about how she established and developed these relationships. We also take a deep dive into economic mobility and the methods and resources available to individuals and organizations to increase the outcomes for all children.

ABOUT SHERRI

Sherri ChisholmjoinedLeading on Opportunity as its new director in September of 2020, bringing nearly a decade of experience as an educational and nonprofit strategist to the role. She has worked in senior leadership at national nonprofits and major school districts across the country, where she drove transformation through strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development. Prior to joining Leading on Opportunity, Sherri served as the founding Executive Director of Urban Alliance Detroit, a national youth workforce development nonprofit that aims to expand access to economic opportunity for youth from under-resourced neighborhoods through paid internships, job skills training, and mentoring. She is also the founder and CEO of FreeSpace Consulting Group where she has worked to guide and support districts and nonprofit organizations across the country seeking to effect positive change in public education. Sherri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Studies and Spanish from the University of Michigan; a Master of Arts degree in Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education; and a Master of Arts degree in Education Leadership from the Los Angeles-based Broad Center for the Management of School Systems.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreamsby Paris Woods
• Learn more about Sherri and Leading on Opportunityhere
• Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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196: Key Strategies for Becoming an Exceptional Nonprofit Leader (Denver Frederick)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, you’re committed to achieving greater impact, yet recent challenges could hinder the effective implementation of your mission. Inepisode #196 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we’re joined byDenver Frederick, a pioneer in the philanthropic sector who has been on the cutting edge of many fundraising principles used today. As someone who created the model for corporate sponsorships, he shares his opinions on the state of corporate giving today. Denver also addresses scaling for impact and how organizations can grow and replicate ideas to increase impact. He defines systems change and breaks down how nonprofit leaders can live up to their potential to advance true systemic change. He advocates for decision-making velocity and the benefits nonprofit organizations experience when they embrace the urgency. Denver discusses the shift in unrestricted giving and the balance of power in our sector.

ABOUT DENVER

Denver Frederickis a trusted advisor and executive coach to nonprofit CEOs, acting as a comprehensive resource, confidante, and consultant. In his 40-plus years in the nonprofit sector, he has served as a CEO, led the fundraising campaign to restore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and assisted renowned actor Michael J. Fox in launching his Parkinson’s Foundation, and pioneered the movement of peer-to-peer fundraising. For the past ten years, Denver has hosted The Business of Giving, a nationally syndicated radio show-turned-podcast. In nearly 1,000 interviews with nonprofit CEOs and subject experts, he’s revealed their challenges and the innovative solutions comprising “new best practices” for charitable organizations. He’s also conducted over 150 team focus groups to surface the “secret sauce” of organizational cultures that makes them irresistible places to work. Denver has taught at the NYU School of Fundraising Management and is a Certified Professional Executive Coach. He is a sought-after speaker who has appeared at forums such as the Harvard Social Enterprise Conference and the Citi Foundation Annual Convening of Grantees and Partners.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Business of Giving: New Best Practices for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leaders in an Uncertain Worldby Denver Frederick
• Learn more about Denverhere
• Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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195: Leading a Nonprofit in a Post Pandemic Working Environment (Katherine Lambert)

SUMMARY

The pandemic put a unique pressure on nonprofit organizations and its leaders to do more with less, and adapt to new technologies and structures. As we usher in a post Covid-19 future, what will the new normal in the nonprofit sector look like? Inepisode #195 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we speak with veteran philanthropic leader, Katherine Lambert, about finding balance post-pandemic and moving from surviving to thriving. While the sector sometimes lags in innovation, the pandemic has forced organizations to adapt which has brought positive transformation to how they communicate, engage donors and volunteers, and raise funds. A philanthropic organization’s work is as effective as the people who perform it, and Katherine shares how they have revamped work culture, hours and practices to find and retain quality talent.

ABOUT KATHERINE

Katherine Lambert joined the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter in April, 2014 as its Chief Executive Officer. She works with a volunteer and staff team across the 49 counties in Central and Western North Carolina to achieve the Association’s mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. In January, 2017 Katherine’s role with the Association expanded to serving as the Regional Leader for all chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Prior to leading the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter, Katherine served as Executive Vice President for Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council for five years and as Chief Development Officer for an additional three years. She also founded and led The Lambert Group for four years providing strategic planning, fund development and training resources for non-profit organizations. Preceding her non-profit career, Katherine spent six years in the financial services and headhunting industries. A native of Charlotte, Katherine earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Certificate in Marketing and Management from Duke University and has achieved her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation. Currently, she is an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and Women Executives. She has served on the Board of Directors and as chair for two non-profit organizations, Sharon Towers and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector by Patton McDowell
• Katherine's previous guest appearance on the Path, Episode #17
• Learn more about the Alzheimer's Associationhere
• Take ourPodcast Surveyand let us know what you want to hear!

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194: 3 Essential Characteristics for Nonprofit Leaders (Jama Campbell)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader looking for specific program funding, are you aware of all your opportunities and what those potential funders are specifically looking for when considering where to invest? Inepisode #194 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk withSECU FoundationExecutive DirectorJama Campbellabout key leadership attributes they look for when choosing projects and programs to fund. She shares the projects which can be replicated and the impact they have on both in their community and extended region they look for. Jama discusses their Mission Development Conference, which brings nonprofit leaders together, creating opportunities for collaboration and the four key areas of need they look to fund. Jama shares their key leadership components she looks for in each organization they consider. Learn how to build a better request from one expert.

ABOUT JAMA

Jama Campbellis a native of North Carolina and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For over twenty-five years, Jama has worked for SECU in various positions throughout the state. Jama served as loan officer, operations auditor, Branch Vice President and later Senior Vice President in the branch network before taking on the role of Executive Director of SECU Foundation in 2015. She brings her experience in serving members to her role as Executive Director of the SECU Foundation and helps guide the Foundation in furthering its commitment to the citizens of North Carolina. Jama states “The member funded SECU Foundation serves as an incredible resource to North Carolina by supporting high impact projects in the areas of education, healthcare, housing and human services. We strive to represent the credit union philosophy of 'People Helping People' and embrace the opportunity to serve the citizenry of our state by ensuring our footprint is felt in all 100 North Carolina counties.”

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Harvard University Leadership Courses
• Learn more aboutJama and SECU Foundationhere
• Take our Podcast Surveyand let us know what you want to hear!
• Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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193: Social Impact Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders (Jacob Harold)

SUMMARY

Many nonprofit leaders have social impact amongst their chief objectives, but do you know what social impact truly means and how to measure the impact you’re having? Inepisode #193 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, social change strategistJacob Haroldshares his tools to help you transform your corner of the world. A former GuideStar and Candid executive, Jacob talks about the importance of collaboration, transparency, communication and comprehensive storytelling to assure a nonprofit’s success. He discusses his two laws of nonprofit communication: no story without numbers and no numbers without stories. Jacob shares his book, The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting Social Impactwhere he identifies 9 different ways of thinking about social change and the essential lessons of each.

ABOUT JACOB

Jacob Haroldis a social change strategist, author, and executive. His story parallels the intellectual arc of The Toolbox: he’s traveled from farm to monastery to jail to laboratory to boardroom, all in search of the best ways to do good. From 2012 to 2021, Harold served as President & CEO of GuideStar and co-founder of Candid. Fast Company called Candid “the definitive nonprofit transparency organization.” Each year, over 20 million people use its data on nonprofits, grants, and social sector practice. The merger of GuideStar and Foundation Center formed candid in 2019. Harold co-led the $45 million capital campaign to launch Candid, wrote Candid’s guiding strategy document, Candid 2030, and served as EVP during post-merger integration. During his tenure leading GuideStar, Harold oversaw a financial turnaround, a tripling of GuideStar’s reach, and major partnerships with organizations ranging from Google to the Gates Foundation. In 2013, Harold launched the Overhead Myth campaign to shift attention from nonprofits’ financial ratios to their programmatic results. Since then, over 200,000 nonprofits have used GuideStar’s Profile Program to tell their full story to the world.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Ministry for the Future: A Novelby Kim Stanley Robinson
• ​​​​​​​Learn more about Jacob, his book, and related Field Guidehere
• ​​​​​​​Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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192: Everything You Think About Board Development Is Wrong (Sabrina Walker Hernandez)

SUMMARY

What is the biggest misconception about board development that many nonprofit leaders face? Do you have the right members on your board and do they know exactly why they've been invited to join?Sabrina Walker Hernandez, who has over 25 years’ experience in nonprofit management, answers these questions and more inepisode #192 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. She shares key advice for effective board engagement from recruitment and orientation through development and successful management. Sabrina discusses the board and staff partnership and how to motivate your board members to fundraise. Do you have board champions? Learn what they are and why they’re a vital complement to your leadership.

ABOUT SABRINA

With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and leadership,Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President/CEO of Supporting World Hope (SWH), provides consulting services and project-based leadership in helping organizations in the areas of building and managing development programs, capital campaigns, major gift fundraising, board development, marketing, annual fundraising efforts and public relations. Sabrina has a reputation for transformational leadership through staffing and mission alignment, fundraising, expanding programming and community partnerships. Prior to starting Supporting World Hope (SWH), Sabrina served as the Chief Executive Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. One of Sabrina’s greatest successes is that she increased operating revenue from $750,000 to 2.5 million over an 8-year period as well, being responsible for the planning and operations of the largest campaign in organization’s history, a $12 million comprehensive capital campaign. In addition to her CEO experience, Sabrina also held the position of Vice President of Operations. She also serves as a master national trainer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which allows her to facilitate workshops and training at clubs across the country. She has served on the Board of Directors for Edinburg Rotary and the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time. She recently earned her Certification of Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School. Sabrina earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-Pan American and holds a master’s degree in Public Administration.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• You’re in Charge–Now What? by Thomas Neff & James Citrin
• Learn more about Sabrina and the work she’s doing here
• Check out Patton’s new book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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119: Managing Turnover as a Nonprofit Leader (Bert Armstrong)

SUMMARY

As turnover affects every level of our nonprofit organizations, leaders are asking themselves “how do I attract and retain the talented people we need?” Inepisode #191 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we speak withBert Armstrong, who has served more than three decades in the philanthropic sector, about navigating turnover. He discusses how to avoid turnover in the first place, the best approach to a search process when it’s necessary, and how to better develop emerging leaders when change occurs. It’s clear that nonprofit leaders can’t afford to take a “wait and see” attitude toward turnover in the sector, but by being proactive in ways that address compensation, wellness, culture and advancement opportunities will help attract and retain the talent you need.

ABOUT BERT

Bert Armstrongfound his career mojo as a nonprofit leader and fundraiser. The teachings of his faith shaped his passion for the work and by the examples of servant leadership and generosity by people across all stations in life. His joy is reinforced daily working among brilliant leaders, talented professionals, passionate philanthropists, and frontline staff and volunteer heroes dedicated to making the lives of others a little better every day. Bert has served the nonprofit and philanthropic community as a fundraising professional, senior administrator, consultant, volunteer, and board member for over three decades. As co-founder and principal of Armstrong McGuire, he has spent the past 18 years leading searches for nonprofit and philanthropic executives and professionals, facilitating dynamic planning efforts, and helping Armstrong McGuire clients raise tens of millions of dollars. Today, Bert leads a talented team that is dedicated to helping Armstrong McGuire’s clients reach their potential for doing great things in their communities. Prior to co-founding Armstrong McGuire, Bert served as the Vice President for Advancement for the Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh, NC. Earlier in his career he held individual and corporate fundraising roles in the faith community, the arts, and in higher education, as well as working for a statewide gubernatorial campaign.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough conversations. Whole Hearts.by Brene Brown
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Learn more aboutArmstrong McGuire

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190: 22 Resources from 2022: Fundraising, Finance & Future Focus

Fundraising

• Rhea Wong’s Developing the Right Mindset to be an Effective Fundraiser
• Deepa Naik’s 3 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Inspire Greater Investment
• Autumn Keck’s Elevating Your Grants Program as a Nonprofit Leader
• Holly Rustick’s Why Diversification is Vital to Your Fundraising Plan
• Jay Frost’s Horror Stories of Fundraising: What Would You Do?

Finance & Technology

• Bill Connors’ 3 Technology Traps All Nonprofit Leaders Must Avoid
• Stu Manewith’s Navigating Data for Nonprofit Leaders
• Alex Romero’s Can You Manage the Finances as a Nonprofit Leader?
• Kevin Briscoe’s Mastering Your Financial Acumen as a Nonprofit Leader

Future Focus

• Board
  • Lea Williams’ A Nonprofit Leader’s Guide to Boosting Board Engagement
  • Lisa Cook’s Does Your Nonprofit Board Have the Sills to Thrive?
  • Hardy Smith’s Why Don’t Board Members Do What They’re Supposed to Do?
• Team
  • Stamie Despo & Tom LaFalce’s Creating a People-First Environment
  • Liz Brigham’s Excelling at Team Development as a Nonprofit Leader
  • Andrew Olsen’s Tackling Toxic Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector
• Yourself
  • Mike St. Pierre's 5 Key Productivity Moves for Nonprofit Leaders
  • Your Next Five Moves
  • The Psychology of Money
  • Be Your Future Self Now
  • Leading with Heart
  • Build for Tomorrow
  • Talk Like Ted

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189: Maximizing Community Relationships as a Nonprofit Leader (Kathy Rogers)
SUMMARY
Community partnerships can be an effective way to accomplish shared goals. What are the factors that make some partnerships more effective than others? Inepisode #189 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Mental Health America of Central Carolinas Executive DirectorKathy Rogersoutlines the importance of building intentional and strategic community relationships that maximizes collaboration, funding, and will move your mission forward. She shares key aspects for cultivating stronger relationships with local governments. Community-based nonprofit organizations offer unique and important insights into the challenges and opportunities facing residents in their area and can help local officials improve their ability to communicate and connect with a wide range of community members. This type of collaboration is vital to the organization and the community. Passionate about creating a culture of communication, she describes her recently formed workplace culture committee, its goals and progress, and lessons learned through the pandemic all nonprofit leaders will benefit from hearing.

ABOUT KATHY
Kathy Rogershas been the Executive Director of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHA) since October 2017. She has more than 20 years of executive nonprofit management experience, including 12 years as the Executive Director of United Way of Henry County and Martinsville, VA, where she was instrumental in starting an early childhood initiative, a faith-based crisis network, and a nonprofit capacity building initiative. Prior to joining MHA, Rogers was the Executive Director of Piedmont Arts, a nationally accredited arts organization in Martinsville, VA. Before moving into the nonprofit sector, she was Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations for a large textile manufacturer. She is a member of the North Carolina Mental Health Coalition, Mental Health America National’s Affiliate Relations Committee, Mecklenburg County’s Community Wellness Task Force, and the UCity Family Zone Community of Health Committee. She is also a certified QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Instructor.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanityby Kim Scott * Learn more aboutMHAandKathy Rogers * Check out Patton’s new bookYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector*

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188: How Can You Be More Effective as a Nonprofit Leader? (Grace Nicolette)

SUMMARY

Being effective in the philanthropic sector is uniquely challenging. To make every dollar count, you must continually assess performance, learn from data, and adapt in ways that are consistent with effectiveness.Grace Nicolette, co-host of the widely acclaimedGiving Done Right Podcast and Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) executive, joins us inepisode #188 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadershipto share her expertise on how to be more effective as a nonprofit leader. Grace sets realistic expectations for someone considering a move to this sector and shares advice for nonprofit leaders as they move into more senior leadership and how they can better understand important aspects of the donor relationship. Grace discusses the CEP report on the impact of Mackenzie Scott’s giving and the careful strategic planning involved with receiving such unrestricted gifts.

ABOUT GRACE

Grace Chiang Nicolette, Vice President of Programming and External Relations, oversees the organization’s partnerships, outreach efforts, fundraising, communications, and innovative programming. She is a co-host with CEP’s President Phil Buchanan of the widely acclaimedGiving Done Rightpodcast. Grace was formerly a client lead on CEP’s Assessment team, where she led the marketing, creation, and presentation of CEP’s benchmarking assessments for individual foundations. She is a frequent speaker to foundation staff and boards on topics of philanthropic effectiveness and philanthropy in China. Prior to joining CEP, Grace co-founded a philanthropy advisory firm in Shanghai that identifies investments in high potential nonprofits and social enterprises in China. The World Economic Forum named her a Young Global Leader in 2011. Grace has an executive education certificate from Harvard’s Kennedy School in Global Leadership and Public Policy and graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania as a Benjamin Franklin Scholar. She resides with her husband and two children in Cambridge, and they are active members of their church.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Flex: The New Playbook for Managing Across Differences by Jane Hyun and Audrey S. Lee
• Learn more about Grace and the Center for Effective Philanthropy here
• Check out Phil Buchanan’sepisode108: What is Giving Done Right?
• Have you read Patton’s Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

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187: Managing A Nonprofit Merger: Would You Be Ready? (Dr. Monique Perry-Graves)

SUMMARY

As nonprofits consider strategies for the future, its leadership may explore the possibility of re-aligning resources, collaborating to increase efficiencies, or even entering a formal strategic alliance or merger with another nonprofit. Inepisode #187 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dr. Monique Perry-Gravesshares key considerations nonprofit leaders can follow to guide their organization through the merger process. She discusses her career journey, valuable lessons learned from transitioning sectors, and the most defining moments that prepared her for senior leadership. Monique breaks down her 70/20/10 concept for individual learning, development and elevation to leadership. You’ll hear some challenges, benefits and unique opportunities inherent to being a chapter of a national organization as Monique talks about her approach to such things as fundraising, board engagement and talent acquisition and retention.

ABOUT MONIQUE

Dr. Monique Perry-Gravesis an award-winning social impact leader with a deep commitment to expanding educational equity and access. For over twenty years, she has aligned her personal and professional life to this commitment,born from her lived experienceand generational family commitment to education. Dr. Perry-Graves serves as Teach for America’s first statewide Executive Director for its North Carolina regions. In this role, she leads multiple teams spanning Charlotte, the Piedmont-Triad, Triangle, and Eastern North Carolina, to support Teach For America’s mission to find, develop, and support a diverse network of leaders working together to end educational inequity. As chief executive for the state, Dr. Perry-Graves’ leadership portfolio includes corps member and alumni programming, communications, public affairs, government relations, operations, fundraising, and two regional advisory boards. In her first year, she successfully led North Carolina's transition from a multi-region portfolio to unified statewide model, forged newstatewideandnationalpartnerships, and amplified the impact of the TFA NC network of educators and alumni amid unprecedented challenges during the secondary stages of COVID-19 as districts returned to in-person learning. She continues to share insights and magnify the voices of others with the broader NC community through monthly columnspublished by EducationNC.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
• Learn more about Teach for Americahere
• Follow Dr. Monique Perry-Graveshere
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