111: The Importance of Strategic Visioning as a Nonprofit Leader (Chris Jackson)

111: The Importance of Strategic Visioning as a Nonprofit Leader (Chris Jackson)

SUMMARY

There are many essential elements to successful nonprofit leadership, but perhaps none more important than an ability to conceive and implement a strategic vision. Chris Jackson has demonstrated that exact skill, and shares it with our listeners on episode #111 of the Path Podcast. Chris leads Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, one of the largest nonprofits in the Southeastern United States. He talks about how he’s incorporated different experiences throughout his leadership journey, and how they now apply to his staff and board development, his focus on organizational culture, and how he continues to manage a large organization with agility and focus.

ABOUT CHRIS

Chris Jackson is President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont; he has held this position since June 2017. Chris joined Goodwill in November 2010 as VP of Strategic Planning & Organizational Development. Later, as Executive VP of Workforce Services & Organizational Development, Chris implemented a bold strategic plan resulting in a redesign of client services, increased partnerships with other agencies, improved team member engagement, and new, dynamic partnerships at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. At Goodwill, Chris leads with purpose and a commitment to creating a culture of support for all individuals to see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper. A commitment to partner with people in a way that promotes dignity and builds on the inherent strengths everyone possesses. A commitment to serve others with excellence regardless of their background, circumstance, or color of their skin. Chris is actively involved in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for Charlotte Works Charlotte Rotary, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership. He is chair of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Workforce Development Providers Council, a member of the Greenlight Fund Selection Advisory Council, Mecklenburg Executive Collaborative Steering Committee, and the City of Charlotte’s Public-Private Partnership on Racial Equity. Chris enjoys riding motorcycles, working on home projects and attending jazz concerts. He and his wife Renee live in Charlotte, and have three adult children and four grandchildren.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Michael Abrashoff’s book It’s Your Ship
• Jim Collins’ book Good to Great
• W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne’s book Blue Ocean Strategy
• Ready for a Mastermind?  Check it out here