Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

To understand the people you are leading, you must first understand yourself. Truly becoming curious about who you are and being honest with yourself, will help you embody important traits needed to be a great leader. Today’s guest, Brenda Jimenez, describes the three traits she believes are most important for a nonprofit leader to have. Rob’s guest, Brenda Jimenez, is the CEO of Mentor New York. The mission of Mentor New York is to increase the quality of mentoring relationships and close the “mentoring gap” in New York State. Brenda explains how Mentor New York closes the “mentoring gap” by collaborating with community organizations, to develop mentoring programs so young people’s lives can be positively impacted. Speaking of mentoring, Brenda shares about the mentors she has had along her journey who have made a difference in her career path. She believes that nonprofit leaders must be empathetic, good listeners, and stewards of vision. Regarding challenges for nonprofit leaders, Brenda encourages leaders to develop a muscle of responsiveness and immediacy to an ever-changing marketplace. She explains that the market is no longer as predictable as it was in the past, so leaders must shift how they think and act. Brenda also believes that a good leader can identify their team members’ talents and give them room to grow. Finally, she shares that seeing the brilliance of the young people today is giving her hope for the future. Mentioned: Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn Mentor New York website  This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com

How can AI help your nonprofit? Today’s guests are going to continue a conversation I had a few months back with Justin Spelhaug of Microsoft. The topic is AI, and more specifically the good use of AI to benefit your nonprofit. So how can AI be used for good to help you and your organization? Rob’s guests are going to talk about just a few of the ways they are seeking to do just that. On the show are Anne Nies and Sam Caplan from Submittable, which is a software company that is helping thousands of organizations worldwide launch, manage and measure social impact programs. Sam is the Vice President of Social Impact at Submittable and Anne is the Director of Machine Learning/AI/Data Science at Submittable. Submittable is a software company that helps nonprofit organizations launch, manage, and measure their social impact programs. They offer a grants management system and CSR and employee engagement software. Submittable is a proponent of responsible AI technology for grant management and helps organizations adopt AI intentionally. They prioritize privacy by not letting data go into models for training and building on platforms with strong privacy and security measures. They also give users the option to opt out of using AI. Submittable balances high tech with high touch by conducting extensive user research and incorporating feedback from customers and applicants. They aim to ensure that people remain at the center of the grant-making process. The biggest benefit of implementing AI tools for nonprofits is improved efficiency and the ability to focus on more impactful work. Submittable offers examples of AI being used for good, such as Goodwill Industries using AI to generate descriptions and prices for clothing items, saving time and generating revenue. They also highlight the use of AI for translation, allowing nonprofits to reach a broader audience. Submittable mitigates potential bias by involving experts in the development process, incorporating feedback mechanisms, and continuously working to address biases. They are excited about AI’s potential to eliminate administrative work and free up time for more meaningful tasks. They also see AI as a tool to aggregate and analyze data to better understand the impact of nonprofit organizations collectively. To learn more about Submittable, visit their website or connect with the team on LinkedIn. Takeaways: -Submittable helps nonprofit organizations launch, manage, and measure their social impact programs through their grants management and CSR software. -Anne and Sam talk about how Submittable prioritizes privacy by not using data for training models and building on platforms with strong privacy measures. -Submittable seeks to strike a balance between being high tech and high touch by conducting user research and incorporating feedback from customers and applicants. -Sam and Anne talk about various AI tools that can improve efficiency and free up time for nonprofit leaders to invest in more impactful work. -Sam and Anne share how AI is currently being used for good include generating descriptions and prices for clothing items among other examples. -Submittable seeks to mitigate potential bias by involving experts, incorporating intentional feedback, and continuously addressing biases. Mentioned: Submittable’s website Connect with Sam Caplan on LinkedIn Connect with on Ann Nies LinkedIn This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page

Julia Devine According to the 2024 Social Impact Staff Retention Report, three out of every four nonprofit employees are looking for a new job. More than half of those people are unsure they will continue working in the nonprofit sector. Rob’s guest, Julia Devine, shares what nonprofit leaders can do to alleviate this retention issue. Julia is the Co-founder of Relatable Nonprofit. The team at Relatable Nonprofit is committed to empowering purpose-driven professionals to become nonprofit consultants and grow successful businesses. Julia shares her experience working for nonprofits and being promoted too quickly in a previous position. She states nonprofits often lack long-term staff retention plans and promote whoever is available, leading to burnout and misalignment. Speaking of misalignment and burnout, these are some of the main reasons nonprofit staff members will seek new employment. Julia believes it is vital for leaders to get very clear before hiring staff and to be very transparent with current staff to find out their needs. Looking at the 2024 report, the data indicates a high turnover rate for those working in marketing. Julia shares her thoughts on why that is the case. Julia also shares other trends she notices in the sector, that are holding nonprofits back from succeeding. She believes nonprofit leaders are afraid to change and take risks, leading to a lack of experimentation or innovation. Finally, Julia encourages professionals in the nonprofit sector to stop settling for the status quo and instead be unconventional in how they approach their careers. Mentioned: Social Impact Staff Retention 2024  Relatable Nonprofit Connect with Julia Devine on LinkedIn Connect with Catalina Parker on LinkedIn This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page

Tomi Hiers To affect significant change in the community, a nonprofit leader must be willing to collaborate and engage with the community they serve. Today’s guest, Tomi Hiers, believes we can make a meaningful impact in our communities through collective action and data-driven solutions. Rob’s guest, Tomi Hiers, is the Vice President of the Center for Civic Sites and Community Change at the Annie E Casey Foundation. The Annie E Casey Foundation is a private national philanthropy that creates better futures for the nation’s children by strengthening families, building economic opportunities, and transforming neighborhoods into safer and healthier places to live, work, and grow. Tomi explains the mission of the Annie E Casey Foundation, which aims to promote the well-being of young people and families and advance racial equity. She shares insights from the foundation’s “Changing the Odds” report, highlighting both the progress and the disparities facing families, especially in Atlanta. Tomi believes these issues must be addressed through collective impact and collaboration among nonprofit leaders, government, and the private sector. She encourages nonprofit leaders to understand their community landscape, collaborate with other organizations, and use data to measure and tell their impact stories. Finally, Tomi shares examples of successful initiatives in Atlanta to demonstrate the power of cross-sector collaboration and community-led solutions.  Mentioned: Connect with Tomi on LinkedIn The Annie E. Casey Foundation  2024 Changing the Odds Report  This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and is one of the strongest nonprofit brands in the United States. Many nonprofit leaders can learn valuable lessons from this impactful organization that has changed lives all over the world. Rob’s guest, Jonathan Reckford, shares some of his insights on a variety of topics that affect nonprofit organizations.  Jonathan is the CEO of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.  Jonathan explains how existing trends were made worse due to the COVID pandemic and why he thinks things will continue to remain complex for the nonprofit sector for years to come. He also shares the two biggest leadership lessons he was taught due to the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Jonathan believes that community service is the antidote to polarization in our world. He describes ways in which Habitat for Humanity is being more intentional in building bridges between people of different backgrounds. Jonathan also explains that unrestrictive giving is critical due to the impact nonprofits can have through these kinds of donations. Finally, he discusses the initiatives that Habitat for Humanity is focusing on, in order to alleviate the current housing crisis.  Mentioned:Habitat for Humanity Jonathan Reckford on LinkedIn Links to Resources: To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com This Episode is sponsored by: #FromTheArchives

Adrien Lewis To affect big change in the world, a nonprofit leader must be willing to take risks and must be willing to fail along the way. To put it simply, it takes courage. Today’s guest, Adrien Lewis, explains what is required to be a courageous leader.  Rob’s guest, Adrien Lewis, is the founder and President of CarePortal. CarePortal is a technology platform that drives action for local kids and families in crisis all over the US. They do this by connecting people who need help with people who want to help, through their care-sharing network. Adrien explains what his platform, CarePortal, is about and why he and his wife started the company. Through this care-sharing network, families across the United States can receive the help and hope they need to move forward. Adrien shares that the road to starting CarePortal was paved with lessons and failures, yet they didn’t give up on their mission to help children in need. He wants nonprofit leaders to know that courage is not the absence of fear, but it means pushing through your fears and failures. In order to establish a culture of courage, Adrien believes you must acknowledge the courageous actions of those you lead. He also believes that true courage requires a heart of humility. Adrien shares examples of leaders he admires who are both humble and courageous. Finally, Adrien describes a wonderful collaboration between CarePortal and the Stand Together Foundation and how they are making a difference on a national level. Mentioned: CarePortal Connect with Adrien on LinkedIn Sound of Hope film This Episode is sponsored by: Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page

David Dye Conflict happens in the workplace, whether we like to admit it or not. According to a recent survey, 70% of people worldwide report experiencing the same or worsening levels of conflict in the past few years. Today’s guest, David Dye, describes the factors contributing to increasing levels of workplace conflict and how to manage it effectively. David is an author, podcaster, and nonprofit consultant. He also co-authored the new book, Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict, a guide to mastering workplace conflict with confidence and ease. In preparation for his newest book, David and his co-author Karin Hurt conducted a worldwide survey to understand the current workplace conflict trends. David lists the factors currently contributing to these trends, including overwhelm and poor management practices. He believes not all conflict is destructive and that there can be healthy, positive “conflict” if we are intentional about how we go about it. David explains the four dimensions of healthy conflict listed in his book. He also offers examples, directly from the book, of a few powerful phrases to help foster collaboration. David offers practical advice on how to say “no” without creating conflict and suggests what to do if you feel ignored at work. Finally, David encourages us to speak up and avoid staying silent, since it deprives everyone of the opportunity to make positive change. Mentioned:Order the book: Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict  Connect with David on LinkedIn  Leadership Without Losing Your Soul Podcast  Let’s Grow Leaders FREE resource guides  This episode is sponsored by @IconMedia This Podcast is sponsored by: Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page

Erik Hanberg We often discuss topics related to fundraising, branding, and culture. While these are all important areas of discussion, there is another critical topic we must focus on as nonprofit leaders. This topic is board governance. Today’s guest, Erik Hanberg, shares how nonprofits can effectively approach board recruitment and development. Rob’s guest, Erik Hanberg, is a consultant who works with nonprofits in board governance and fundraising. He is also the author of various books, one of which is called, The Little Book of Boards: A Board Member’s Handbook for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofits. Erik believes many nonprofits need to pivot their recruiting process for their boards because the typical process is inefficient. He lists the steps involved in the process, including how to find potential members, how long the process should take, and the most important traits they should look for in a board member. Erik understands that not all board members can be high achievers. He believes that as long as they establish a strong system based on rules and culture, having lower-level members on the board is fine. He also shares how a nonprofit should approach a situation where a toxic member must be let go. Erik believes it is essential to start training new members before their first meeting with the board, and what the onboarding process should look like. Finally, he explains why he is in favor of term limits, and why he does not advocate for specific job duties for members.  Mentioned: Check out Erik’s Books  Connect with Erik on LinkedIn  This Podcast is sponsored by: Donorbox: Quorum:  Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page

Alex Budak, professor at University of California, Berkeley and author of “Becoming a Changemaker.” Are you a leader at a nonprofit who wants to bring about change, but you don’t think your idea will be welcomed by the rest of the team? Are you struggling to get everyone on board with this new mission and feel your efforts are futile?  Today’s guest, Alex Budak, explains that you don’t need everyone on board before bringing change and how you can become a more effective change maker.  Rob’s guest, Alex Budak, is a professor at University of California, Berkeley as well as the author of “Becoming a Changemaker.” His book is a fresh, inspiring and research-backed guide to developing the mindsets and leadership skills needed to navigate, shape, and lead change and to make a positive impact in our lives, career, and communities.  Alex explains why resistance to change is normal in an organization, and what leaders can do to effectively overcome that resistance. He shares that he had an epiphany moment while living in India, that greatly influenced the work he is doing now as a professor. Alex describes a new concept called “micro-leadership” and how each one of us can put this into practice everyday. He goes into what the common traits are that change makers have and what it actually means to be resilient. Alex shares why action is necessary if a leader seeks to have an impact. He explains the initial steps leaders should take when trying to influence their team to come on board with change. Finally, Alex explains the one area that nonprofit leaders are leaning too heavily on and what they need to do to be successful. #FromTheArchives Mentioned: Connect with Alex on LinkedIn Check out his book Changemaker Index Changemaker Canvas This Podcast is sponsored by: Donorbox Quorum

Anum Qadir It’s no secret we appreciate hearing insights from The Bridgespan Group on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. We invite two more voices from their organization to speak on relevant topics in the nonprofit space. Today’s guests, Anum Qadir and Christian Celeste Tate, discuss current trends in giving, how to improve retention and leading with intention.  Christian Celeste Tate Anum and Christian are managers at The Bridgespan Group. The Bridgespan Group is a global nonprofit that strives to make the world more equitable and just, by using rigorous research to gain insights that help clients solve problems and achieve their goals. Anum and Christian are also the co-hosts of season three of Dreaming in Color, a podcast by The Bridgespan Group and Studio Pod Media. Anum and Christian share insights about changes they are seeing in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. They offer advice to nonprofit leaders dealing with the downward trend in giving. Christian encourages leaders to pay attention to trends within the individual context of their situations, so they don’t get lost in details that don’t pertain to their organization. For leaders struggling with recruitment and retention, Anum invites them to focus on creating an internal organization that people will want to stay in. Christian believes if you aim to develop a culture of resiliency in your team, you as a leader must first demonstrate resiliency by living it out. Then it will become the culture of your organization. Anum and Christian also describe their exciting new roles as co-hosts of Dreaming in Color, and the emphasis of leadership in the current season of the podcast. Another major focus of the podcast revolves around equity and social change. Anum urges nonprofits to recognize that DEI cannot be an isolated component; it must be rooted in every part of the organization’s strategy. Christian offers examples of approaches nonprofits can adopt to establish strategies rooted in equity. Finally, they both emphasize the importance of deep introspection and why a great leader isn’t afraid to step back and truly reflect on who they are and what they do. Mentioned: Anum Qadir on LinkedIn Christian Celeste Tate on LinkedIn Darren Isom on LinkedIn Dreaming in Color Podcast This Podcast is sponsored by: Donorbox Quorum Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page