Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Work can be a source of joy and fulfillment—but only if we feel connected. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Brower unpacks why we’re feeling more isolated than ever—and what leaders can do to build workplaces where people actually feel like they belong.

Disability is not a niche issue—it’s a reality for 60 million Americans. Yet, systemic bias and stereotypes continue to exclude people with disabilities from conversations about inclusion. In this episode, Nancy Smith of Activating Change shares practical steps nonprofits can take to build truly accessible and equitable spaces.

Three fearless nonprofit leaders share what drives them, how they navigate burnout, and the vision that keeps them going. Tomik Dash, Laura Carmichael, and Adrienne McCue are breaking barriers and sharing their stories that prove that small but mighty nonprofits are changing lives every day.

Deepa Iyer, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Building Movement Project, discusses the urgent need for nonprofit organizations to enhance their crisis management capabilities. She emphasizes building infrastructure and relationships to effectively respond to events like the Atlanta spa shootings. The conversation covers mobilizing community support, the importance of solidarity, and empowering grassroots leaders. Iyer highlights the challenges of collaboration among diverse organizations and the necessity of robust planning to tackle future crises.

Whether you’re grappling with turbulent times or striving for greater impact, these strategies will help you navigate 2025 with clarity and purpose. Join me for a conversation that will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to take on the year ahead. Let’s buckle up and face this journey together.

Christie Machorek, Chief Operating Officer at the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, brings over 20 years of expertise in building effective teams. She shares how to transform chaos into clarity with simple project management strategies. Topics include the significance of celebrating wins and the critical phase of project closure. Christie emphasizes the interplay between scope, time, and cost, while advocating for effective communication and sustainable leadership. Discover how optimizing project processes can lead to meaningful organizational improvements.

Glennda Testone, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and former leader at the LGBT Community Center of NYC, joins the discussion to reflect on key lessons from 2024. They delve into navigating leadership transitions and remote work challenges. Personal health and succession planning take center stage, often provoking thoughtful dialogue. The conversation also covers the importance of advocacy in nonprofits, the complexities of DEI, and the necessity of self-care for leaders facing an unpredictable future.

Bianca Anderson and Lamisa Mustafa join me in a conversation about shifting the stereotypes and misconceptions about Gen Z. Whether you're grappling with workforce challenges or striving to lead inclusively, this episode will equip you with insights and tools to turn generational differences into an asset.

Iara Peng, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of JustFund, shares her mission to transform philanthropy by equalizing and simplifying the giving process. She discusses the power of storytelling in marginalized communities and emphasizes the urgent need for social justice infrastructure. Iara highlights how unrestricted grants can change lives and the importance of trust between funders and applicants. She also dives into nonprofit innovation and the confidence required for effective leadership, advocating for embracing risk as a pathway to meaningful change.

Seth Chalmer, Senior Director of Communications at Leading Edge, shares his expertise on crisis management in the nonprofit sector. He discusses how leaders can effectively engage with controversial societal issues amidst polarization. Seth emphasizes the importance of crafting clear internal and external messaging to enhance organizational resilience. He also covers the delicate balance of adopting public stances on contentious topics, aligning advocacy with core values, and fostering open conversations that lead to productive outcomes.