Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

337:  Leading for the Long Run: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit (Janelle Miller Moravek)SUMMARYSpecial 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 JANELLEJanelle 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 & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Talent Development Platform by Heather Carpentar & Tara QuallsWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible

336: Escaping Scarcity to Reclaim Strategic Leadership (Pierre Berastaín)SUMMARYSpecial 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 PIERREPierre 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/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

335: A Roadmap to Board Service (Dr. Keith Dorsey)SUMMARYSpecial 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 KEITHDr. 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 & RESOURCESThe Boardroom Journey by Keith DorseyWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

334: The Three Levels of Nonprofit Leadership (Chris Wong)SUMMARYSpecial 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 CHRISChris 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 ChildWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

333: 5 Levels to Sustainability (Dan Johnson)SUMMARYSpecial 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 DANDan 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 & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireAsking by Gerald PanasLittle Bets by Peter SimsWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

332: Endowment Essentials Every Nonprofit Leader Must Know (John Griffith)SUMMARYSpecial 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 JOHNJohn 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 & RESOURCESPioneering Portfolio Management by David F. SwensenWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

331: 3 Keys to Great Nonprofit Leadership (Dianne Chipps Bailey)SUMMARYSpecial 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 DIANNEDianne 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 & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond TutuJoin a Giving Circle with Philanthropy TogetherWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

Tom Kelly, an entrepreneur and the founder of Legacy by Design, shares unique insights on partnering with family foundations to enhance nonprofit sustainability. He dispels misconceptions about these often-overlooked funders and offers practical strategies for connection. Kelly emphasizes the need for a for-profit mindset to scale impact, discusses using AI for fundraising efficiency, and highlights the importance of engaging younger generations in philanthropy. Listeners will discover how to build meaningful relationships that lead to lasting legacies.

329: Leading with Transformation (Ora Grodsky)SUMMARYSpecial 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. She shares 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 ORAOra 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 & RESOURCESJustice, Love, and Organizational Healing by Ora C. GrodskyDoppelgänger by Naomi KleinWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

328: From Proposals to Partnerships: What Funders Really Want (Whitney Feld)SUMMARYSpecial 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 WHITNEYWhitney 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 & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireA Choice of Weapons by Gordon ParksBillions of Drops in Millions of Buckets by Steven H. GoldbergWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible