Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Too often, nonprofits think they’re the cause that the community wants to support. But nonprofits are not the cause. They’re the conduit for the cause. Rob’s guest today is Bill McKendry, a marketing expert who’s spent 35 years successfully doing marketing for many for-profit companies. He pivoted out of the for-profit world to not only start a nonprofit, but is now an author of a book focused on helping nonprofit professionals build better brand awareness and increase their impact, while at the same time building donor’s support and community involvement.       Bill McKendry Bill shares his experience of leaving the for-profit sector and how his new book has been 25 years in the making. He explains why nonprofits should focus on finding strength in their voice by investing in their marketing and messaging. He dives into how the biggest competition nonprofits face are the best marketers in the world. He also points out how many businesses are creating causes to support instead of partner with nonprofits. He discusses how nonprofits can provide a “triple win” by partnering with businesses that need the trust and good stewardship a nonprofit organization offers. He also shares the top three things that nonprofit leaders need to know in order to build their brand. Bill also explains why nonprofits must understand the three categories of brands: “candy, vitamin, and painkiller”. Finally he points out the evidence that “frequency wins”, when it comes to marketing. It is not necessarily about waiting to find the perfect marketing or the best video, or the most expensive advertising. It is all about frequency. This episode is sponsored by Do More Good and Epic.inc Links to Resources: Do More Good – https://domoregood.org/ If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

Change is the one constant in our world, and most of us reluctantly acknowledged this truth perhaps never more than this past year. We all have been through so much change and we’re still going through more change. How can you as a leader adapt effectively to our ever-changing environment, especially as it relates to your organization’s culture and leadership challenges?  Rob’s guests today are Dave Jones and Phyllis Hockett, co-founders of Pathway Associates. They have many years of experience between them and are full time consultants who are dedicated to raising up effective leaders for today’s nonprofits.   Phyllis Hockett, Co-Founder Pathway Associates Dave Jones, Co-Founder Pathway Associates Dave and Phyllis discuss current trends they’re witnessing in organizations and how the pandemic has permanently affected nonprofits either for the good or the bad. They address this era of transformative change and why it’s critical for organizations to have forward-thinking leadership ready to adapt as needed. They explain why it’s important to focus on relationships and the return on investment when it comes to events and leveraging technology for fundraising. They share advice for how to achieve a healthy balance of advocacy without becoming too political, being mindful of IRS limitations, and staying true to your mission. They give examples of how organizations can double their impact by working together in successful collaboration. Phyllis and Dave also talk about why leadership is critically important to creating a positive culture and how a board’s culture of philanthropy can affect an organization. They share what leadership methods they believe are necessary to bring about social change and the practices that have shaped them personally as leaders. Finally, they explain the value of having a beginner’s mind and why it’s okay to not have all the answers as long as you’re willing to keep learning.   Links to Resources: Pathway Associates – https://www.pathwayassoc.com/ If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.orgTo be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

Our world continues to change in so many areas, particularly in regards to technology, and specifically, smart tech. Smart tech is not just changing how we use technology, but it’s actually changing the way people make decisions.  Rob’s guests today are Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, co-authors of the upcoming book entitled The Smart Nonprofit. They point out that smart tech and other advanced digital technologies are actually now making decisions for people instead of just being used by people. And that’s why they claim that this is not just a tech evolution, but a revolutionary shift in moving power away from people and towards tech. Allison Fine, co-author of The Smart Nonprofit Beth Kanter, co-author of The Smart Nonprofit Allison and Beth address what smart tech is and what it is not, and why smart automation is so revolutionary. They discuss how nonprofits can use technology in an ethically responsible way and how to avoid using racist smart tech with embedded bias. They also share why the key message of their book is about being human centered and why nonprofits should use automation and technology to encourage innovative thinking in order to have a bigger impact. They explain how smart tech allows nonprofits to shift from being transactional to being relational and why strong leadership is really the key to implementation. They give tips for finding technology that aligns with your values and why it’s time to turn the page on frantic busyness. Finally, they share some of the most important steps organizations should take today in order to become a smart nonprofit. Links to Resources: The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in An Automated World  https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Nonprofit-Staying-Human-Centered-Automated/dp/1119818125/ Beth Kanter – https://bethkanter.org/ Allison Fine – https://www.allisonfine.com/ If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at parkcityrob1@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

20 years ago, at what she thought was the height of her career, Virginia Jacko was diagnosed with a condition that caused her to gradually become blind. She then went to the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to learn how to thrive and live independently as a blind person. Today, Virginia thrives in her life there.  Rob’s guest today is Virginia Jacko, who became president and CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. At the Miami Lighthouse, Virginia provides education, training, research and vision enhancement to people of all ages. In a digitally dependent world, she and her IT team, also all visually impaired, provide counsel to organizations to ensure that their websites are inclusive and ADA compliant. In fact, she has been such a positive advocate for the visually impaired, President Biden’s team revamped the whitehouse.gov site to make it more inclusive and ADA compliant. She has grown the Miami Lighthouse from having 500 clients to 25,000 clients annually.         Virginia Jacko, president and CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Virginia explains why she’s so passionate about the work she does and how technology levels the playing field for the blind and visually impaired. She addresses why accessibility is so important even though it is a slow process of trying to get organizations to update their website to be ADA compliant. She also shares why organizations must have a clear vision statement to be successful and how she balances her role as a leader and someone who encourages her team. She gives insight to different ways she values every employee and why building relationships with government leaders is important. Virginia discusses why she follows the Platinum Rule of “Treating others how they need to be treated” in order to bring about social change. Finally, she describes the top 3 leadership traits she looks for in her staff and why she believes staying current on news and learning from each other helps her grow as a leader.  This episode was sponsored by Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Links to Resources: Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired – https://miamilighthouse.org/ Virginia Jacko – VJacko@miamilighthouse.org, cell 786-897-7022 If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

Did you know that on average, most nonprofit leaders and organizations are only tapping into 13% of their current donors’ potential? In other words, 87% of your current donors are not being fully connected with your mission, which could in turn generate an exponential increase in their support of your organization. Rob’s guest today is Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold, a donor fundraising agency with a program that moves donors from transactional giving to transformational giving, while turning supporters into ambassadors. Since its founding in 2002, this organization has organized 400 Major Donor weekend fundraising events and raised almost $1.4 billion dollars  on behalf of nonprofits, hospitals, churches and universities across the nation. Westfall Gold provides a service that helps nonprofits maximize their existing donors in order to make a difference with large philanthropic contributions, as well as encouraging philanthropy to become more central to these donors’ lives.     Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold Bob shares why he’s invested his life into raising funds for so many organizations. He also will share along the way some surprising insights from his annual Generosity Report. He explains how organizations can tap into donors already in their database and the necessity of focusing on an organization’s transformational story. He breaks down what is most important when communicating with donors and how to unlock transformational giving. He describes what fundraising should look like, and why creating community, being intentional and cultivating relationships with donors is critical. Bob discusses how nonprofit leaders can build bridges of trust by making multiple deposits in the relationship “bank” before ever trying to make a withdrawal. He also explains the value of a nonprofit’s brand and how he approaches leadership with a focus on courage. Finally, he shares the two greatest challenges that are currently facing the nonprofit sector. *This episode is sponsored by Westfall Gold. Links to Resources: Westfall Gold – https://www.westfallgold.com/ Bob Westfall – https://bob-westfall.com/ The Courage Factor – https://www.amazon.com/Bob-Westfall/e/B0057DENKI%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at parkcityrob1@gmail.comTo be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

There’s no doubt that we’ve moved into a new normal in our culture in the wake of the COVID pandemic. How should we lead in this new normal? Do nonprofit leaders need to shift their leadership style, change fundraising, or retool programs and services?  Rob’s guest today is Gaston Warner, the CEO of Zoe Empowers, a nonprofit organization that envisions children who once lived in poverty becoming entrepreneurs, providers and leaders in their community who know their worth and abilities. Zoe Empowers is the winner of the 2021 .ORG Impact Awards for the category of fighting hunger and poverty.   Zoe Empowers (photo courtesy of Zoe Empowers) Gaston explains how Zoe Empowers was initially started in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in 2004 and evolved to address the cycle of relief and dependency in Rwandan children by giving them tools to be self-empowered. He shares his greatest leadership challenge as a CEO and why leaders must be passionate, have an all-encompassing view of an organization’s needs and must be a leader among leaders, helping others develop their skills. He also discusses how he manages both doable and destructive stress within the organization by looking for opportunities to improve or create a path forward. Gaston breaks down why nonprofits of all sizes should focus on measurable impact and return on investment instead of low overheads and heartstrings, when it comes to sustainable fundraising. He explains how they have flipped upside down their org chart by starting with participants at the top, and how this structure helped address problems quickly during COVID. Finally, he talks about what leaders and resources have impacted his own leadership growth and how his board members often serve as excellent mentors.                    Links to Resources: Gaston Warner – gaston.warner@zoeempowers.org Zoe Empowers – https://zoeempowers.org/ .Org Impact Awards – https://orgimpactawards.org If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.orgTo be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

When it comes to leadership, is there a difference between leading in the nonprofit sector versus the for-profit sector? Or are the principles of leadership essentially the same, regardless of the sector?  Rob’s guest today is Jada Hoerr, who moved from a successful career at Caterpillar to now work at the Midwest Food Bank as their Chief Resource Officer.  The Midwest Food Bank will distribute approximately $400 million worth of food to 2000 nonprofits, and operates ten warehouses in the US and has two operations internationally.   Jada recalls what originally attracted her to Caterpillar and how her desire for meaningful work with a global impact helped with the transition to the nonprofit sector. She discusses how the approach to leadership in each sector is similar, but also addresses the different cultural framework of leading with the motto “Humility equals success” at Midwest Food Bank. She shares what nonprofits should know about engaging with corporate sponsors and the importance of being in service together. She also explains why consistent communication, training, and bringing into life and demonstrating your organization’s core values are key to help foster growth. Jada talks about how Midwest Food Bank addresses the root causes of food insecurity, particularly during COVID, and how they provide support by distributing food at no cost to the nonprofits to help alleviate hunger in local communities. She goes on to share what sets the Midwest Food Bank apart, why they focus on a first class volunteer experience and how they’ve maintained their volunteer program’s success. Finally, she explains their organization’s biggest leadership challenges, which leaders have inspired her most, and how she stays informed on leadership and development practices.      Links to Resources: Midwest Food Bank – https://www.midwestfoodbank.org/ MFB Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MidwestFoodBankOfficial MFB Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/midwestfoodbank/ MFB LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwestfoodbank/ If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

Passion and dedication is the fuel that nonprofits run on. When you find an individual, whether that be a paid staff, person or volunteer who is passionately dedicated to your organization’s vision, they can become a raving fan. But how can you develop and cultivate raving fans for your nonprofit? Rob’s guest today is Jeffrey Heller, a raving fan who has dedicated thousands of hours to raising awareness around the plight of refugees and asylum seekers in our country, and along the way has introduced thousands of people to Human Rights First, a nonprofit organization committed to serving as a champion for human rights of all individuals. The mission of the Human Rights First organization so captivated Jeffrey that he now dedicates his life to riding his bike around the country to raise funds and create greater awareness for this nonprofit championing human rights.  Jeffrey Heller, Human Rights First Jeffrey shares how his career in commercial law eventually led to his decision to become an ambassador for human rights, despite multiple near-death experiences. He explains why he chose to support a nonprofit instead of a government organization and the appeal of Human Rights First’s synergy and ability to bring people together, and how he respects their willingness to stick up for people no matter what. He discusses the barriers he’s faced as he advocates for those who need services and what he wants people to understand about the need to take care of all humans. He describes his upcoming 11th annual ride for human rights and why New York City is an example of what America should be—full of different communities and cultures that respect and help each other.    Links to Resources: Human Rights First – https://www.humanrightsfirst.org/ Check out Jeffrey’s specific website documenting his ride here – rideforhumanrights.org If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.orgTo be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

Did you know that we’re heading into an unprecedented wealth transfer? It’s been said that within the next few decades, as much as 68 trillion in wealth will pass from the Baby Boomers to the next generation, specifically Gen-xers and Millennials. This is a critical moment for nonprofits to connect meaningfully with their potential donors. So how can you best connect with donors in a truly meaningful way?  Rob’s guest on this episode is Lisa Greer, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, a convener and an author as of 2021. She’s the commissioner of the California State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the chair of the Giving Back Fund, and also has a new book called Philanthropy Revolution: How Inspired Donors Build Relationships and Make a Difference. Lisa Greer, philanthropist and entrepreneur Lisa addresses the potential transfer of massive wealth and what that means for nonprofits. She also shares why more nonprofits need to understand and accept donor-advised funds. One of the things she emphasizes is the need for fundraisers to treat donors as human beings and improve relationships and communication with potential donors. She discusses why nonprofit leaders must protect their organization’s brand, business and staff, and common mistakes to avoid manipulating donors when messaging about funding needs. She also explains the drawbacks of competition in the nonprofit sector as well as the huge opportunity in working with millennials both as potential donors and board members. Lisa shares why she believes nonprofits need to overhaul how they fundraise and how to maintain relationships with donors by treating them with the same care they show the communities they serve. Finally, she gives simple ways organizations can make donors feel valued and appreciated as a person instead of a dollar sign.         Links to Resources: Lisa Greer: https://www.lisagreer.com/ Philanthropy Revolution Book: https://www.philanthropyrevolution.com/ If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.orgTo be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/

How do you manage a global nonprofit organization during a pandemic in such a way that not only maintains your current programs, but actually grows and scales many of those same programs? Rob’s guest today shares how his organization, Smile Train, has done just that.  Rob’s guest is Dr. Richard Hopper, who is the Surgical Director of the Craniofacial Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital and was recently selected to serve on Smile Train’s Medical Advisory Board. Smile Train is a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering local medical professionals with training, funding and resources in order to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children. For over twenty years, Smile Train has supported safe and quality cleft care for more than 1.5 million children globally, and its clear mission and stellar organizational reputation has helped them to expand their services to 87 countries. Dr Richard Hopper, Surgical Director of the Craniofacial Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Smile Train’s Medical Advisory Board Member Dr. Hopper shares what he’s learned from working at Smile Train and the overall positive global impact he’s witnessed. He describes how Smile Train’s unique program model utilizes local medical professionals that helps both sustain and scale the organization. He shares how local leaders are selected and trained to support programs and why engagement and a shared mission and values are crucial to this nonprofit’s success. On the same note, he explains how Smile Train is able to integrate into the for-profit sector of hospitals and government entities by building a global reputation and a shared understanding of challenges, limitations, and priorities. He discusses why Smile Train will always remain a nonprofit and how they’ve overcome challenges when it comes to expanding services to more communities. Finally, Dr. Hopper shares the surprising positive impact of shifting Smile Train’s mission during COVID.  Links to Resources: Seattle Children’s – https://www.seattlechildrens.org/ Smile Train – https://www.smiletrain.org/  Cleft Simulation – www.cleftsim.org If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.orgTo be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/