Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

221: Turning your Passion into a Movement (Lynn Margherio)SUMMARYStarting a successful nonprofit often begins by transforming a passion project into a well-defined organization. But how do you turn that project into an actual movement? In episode #221 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Founder and CEO of the national nonprofit Cradles to Crayons, Lynn Margherio shares just how she’s created a movement from her personal mission to end clothing insecurity.  She shares her 5 keys to building a movement and how she’s activated the corporate community to engage them in her cause. Lynn discusses the staff and volunteer networks she’s built, her approach to strategic planning, and most importantly, knowing how and when to scale into new markets.   ABOUT LYNNA leader in the fields of social justice and children’s issues, Lynn Margherio is the Founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. She leads this national nonprofit with Giving Factories® in Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, and an online donation platform, Giving Factory Direct®, serving NYC and the San Francisco Bay Area. The largest national nonprofit with Clothing Insecurity at the core of its mission, Cradles to Crayons provides children living in low-income and homeless situations with clothing and other everyday essentials—diapers, winter coats, shoes, hygiene items, backpacks, and more. Lynn launched Cradles to Crayons in 2002, and to date, the organization has distributed more than 4 million packages to kids’ birth through age 12. Under Lynn's leadership, the organization has successfully fulfilled the needs of millions of children and connected more than half a million volunteers to meaningful engagement opportunities and donation experiences, mobilizing people of all ages in communities all over the country. In her role as CEO, Lynn directs all aspects of the organization including strategic planning, operations, fundraising, brand/marketing, product acquisition, external relations and ongoing collaboration with both national and local Boards of Directors.  She has led multiple successful capital campaigns raising millions of dollars to fund expansion and has steered the organization through major relocations and organizational restructurings. She is spearheading a national expansion campaign to serve the more than 20 million children across the U.S. who are Clothing Insecure. A graduate of Georgetown University, Lynn completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program at Harvard Business School.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESHidden Figures: The American Dream and Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee ShetterlyLearn more about Lynn and Cradles 2 Crayons hereReady for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!

220: Finding Your Voice as a Nonprofit Leader (Sabrina Gilchrist)SUMMARYWhat does it mean to find your voice as a nonprofit leader? In episode #220 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Sabrina Gilchrist shares the journey to find her voice as a nonprofit leader and the positive effect it has on furthering the mission of her organization. Are you the kind of leader talented people want to follow to further a mission in which donors have confidence investing? Learn the skills and experiences that helped Sabrina advance into senior leadership that can work for you too. Sabrina shares her approach to strategic planning, fundraising, building a dynamic board of directors and what she looks for when developing a team.   ABOUT SABRINASabrina Nichole Gilchrist is an author, public speaker, Clinical Mental Health Counselor, ordained Christian minister, and nonprofit professional. She earned the Bachelor of Arts from Winston-Salem State University and the dual Master of Arts (Counseling) and Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University. Sabrina has served the Charlotte community since 2010 through her work with Right Moves For Youth (RMFY), a school-based youth development and student support organization that leverages group work to help teens in grades 6-12 succeed in school and life. Beginning in direct service as the Program Manager, Sabrina now has the honor of leading RMFY as Executive Director.  She is a lifelong learner committed to professional development efforts that build and refine her nonprofit leadership skills. Since becoming Executive Director, Sabrina has completed the following:  the Allstate Foundation Executive Leadership Program; the Allstate Foundation Leading with Equity Program; and the Patton McDowell & Associates Mastermind Program.  She is also a member of the third cohort of the Black Social Capital Initiative (BSCI), a Charlotte-based organization dedicated to increasing the representation of black leaders in the nonprofit sector at the executive and board levels.Sabrina works in private counseling practice with Reconciliation Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, and occasionally teaches aspiring helping professionals as an adjunct instructor at Queens University of Charlotte. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES How the Best Leaders Lead by Brian TracyCEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vikram MalhotraLearn more about Sabrina and the work she does at Right Moves for YouthReady for a Mastermind? Learn more here!Check out Patton’s book

219: Building a Career in the Nonprofit Sector (Amie Dugan)SUMMARYAre you prepared for the hard work the nonprofit sector requires? Working for a mission you believe in can certainly be both rewarding and fulfilling, but many well-intentioned individuals are surprised by the realities of being a professional in the sector. In episode #219 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with a seasoned nonprofit leader, Amie Dugan, about what it truly takes to build and sustain a successful career in the philanthropic sector. Amie discusses specific skills and attributes found in leaders that naturally draw exceptional talent to follow and learn from to advance their missions.  ABOUT AMIEAmie Dugan’s 27+ year career and experience in the nonprofit sector encompasses working with missions and organizations ranging from the grassroots to international levels. She currently serves as Vice President, Organizational Development for Special Olympics North America and leads the Organizational Development team which provides guidance and oversight to all SONA Programs in the US, Canada and the Caribbean), guiding the operational and programmatic advancement, excellence, and sustainability. She also served as VP of Marketing and Communications - a role she established. She began as a Special Olympics volunteer in 1994, and was inducted into the Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame in 2011. Prior to Special Olympics International, she worked for Special Olympics Florida, the Walt Disney World Company and the Juilliard School of Music. Amie is an instructor, consultant, and curriculum developer for the nonprofit governance certificate program and custom consultation programming at The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. She is a BoardSource certified nonprofit consultant and is a WISE (Women in Sports and Events) Within mentor, on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run (Central Florida), and is a member of the Greater Orlando Organizational Development Network.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESAmie recommends reading anything by Brene BrownHear more from fellow Special Olympics leader Keith Fishburne in episode #129Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector and watch for the audiobook coming soon!

218: 5 Ways to Turn Around a Struggling Nonprofit (Lance Kawaguchi)SUMMARYIs your nonprofit organization not delivering on its mission? Is it struggling from poor governance, alienating key donors and staff and producing lackluster results? In episode #218 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with Lance Kawaguchi, who committed to fighting cancer when the disease hit his family in 2016 and became the new CEO of the struggling nonprofit, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Although he built a successful career in the world of finance, he proved to be the right leader to turn around the organization. Lance shares his 5 essential keys to turn a struggling nonprofit into a powerful organization that delivers on its mission.  ABOUT LANCELance Kawaguchi, CEO of The Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, has over 25 years of global finance and banking experience. His outstanding leadership and innovative approach to diversity and inclusion have been recognized by many peak global bodies including the Treasury Management International, the BAME100 Board Talent Index and as one of UPstanding 100’s leading ethnic minority executives. Lance was recently named CEO Magazine’s 2022 Non-For-Profit Executive of the Year in his first year at the foundation. Connect with him on LinkedIn.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. CoveyLearn more about Lance and Cure Brain Cancer Foundation hereFollow Lance on his journey to the South Pole for research and awareness of brain cancerTake our Podcast Survey and let us know what you want to hear!Check out Patton’s new book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

217: What Can We Learn from an Unconventional NGO? (Marko Kasic)SUMMARYHave you made the transition from the for-profit sector to nonprofit? How would you transfer your skills to effect genuine social change? In episode #217 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Marko Kasic shares his why and how he founded an “unconventional” NGO. Through his goal to create a social enterprise, he created a self-generating revenue model which addresses food insecurity while simultaneously providing workforce development. Marko shares how he has built his staff, volunteer teams, and an internationally diverse board of directors. As an NGO, fundraising is critical and Marko illustrates how to identify funders and build a global fundraising strategy.   ABOUT MARKOMarko Kasic is the Founder and Executive Director of FundLife, a grassroots "for-social-profit" organization based in Tacloban, Philippines. FundLife combines a unique experiential learning curriculum with purposeful play to create enabling pathways for some of the world's most vulnerable children and young people living in short-term and chronic emergencies. FundLife mission is to ensure every single child has a right to a safe childhood, quality education, and equitable opportunity to reach their full potential - as we say, for every young person to ' Dream in Colour' Away from FundLife, Marko is an avid runner, traveler, and motorcycle enthusiast.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESCreating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism by Muhammad YunusLearn more about Marko and FundLife hereErnesto Sirolli’s TED Talk - Want to help someone? Shut up and listen!Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

216: How Your Nonprofit Can Benefit from a Digital Transformation (Bob Green)SUMMARYWhat does digital transformation mean for nonprofits? In episode #216 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, strategic IT expert Bob Green explains how digital transformation is a pathway for nonprofit organizations to succeed by increasing overall efficiency, facilitating donor and volunteer relationships, and improving communications to reach wider audiences. He shares how incorporating new technologies in the workplace benefits nonprofits and their employees by eliminating redundancies, automating tasks, and allowing team members to focus on work that makes the most significant impact. Bob also lays out keys to effective IT governance for nonprofit leaders.  ABOUT BOBBob Green, CPA, CITP, CGMA is Lead Partner for SingerLewak’s "SL Business Informatics" advisory practice. His team is retained as trusted, independent advisors to help achieve the benefits of strategic IT planning and direction for growing organizations. Their skills include comfort with complex projects around ERP, CRM and other application types, Cybersecurity and ongoing Cybersecurity Program management, IT Audit and Assurance (SOX, SOC), IT Risk, IT project rescue, and others. Bob’s background combines CPA, CFO, Consulting and Technologist skills, as applied to challenges faced by many industries including non-profits of many varieties and complexities (501c3, 501c4 and 501c6) as well as entertainment, technology, government, food and beverage, medical devices and cosmetics, and others. Bob spent 8 years at PWC, later became a CFO, and is a frequent speaker and presenter at AICPA and other professionally sponsored education conferences and produces podcasts and articles regularly. In his spare time, he organizes hiking experiences, volunteers in the non-profit space and enjoys time with his family in the Los Angeles area. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESWho Moved My Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson, M.D.Learn more about Bob and SingerLewak hereFor additional resources visit Foresight-SLBICheck out Patton’s new book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

215: The Talent Magnet: How to Attract Nonprofit Leaders (Reid Ricciardi)SUMMARYHow can you create a culture and strategy that motivates and empowers your team, while also aligning with your mission and vision? In episode #215 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with talent management expert Reid Ricciardi about building the kind of team necessary to achieve your mission. Reid shares how to attract, retain, and develop talent in a competitive and changing nonprofit sector. Learn some tips and best practices to foster a positive and productive work environment for your staff. Understanding the importance of excellent internal and external communication could be the key to building success.  ABOUT REIDAs Executive Director of Talent Management, Reid is responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic talent management program for the University Advancement division and its partner colleges and units at NC State. He works closely with senior managers to identify and attract top-level talent, improve on-boarding and training experiences, and support job performance and retention through targeted professional development and career planning. Reid draws on over two decades of experience in institutional advancement. From 2012 – 2017 Reid served as Executive Director of Development for the College of Education. Prior to NC State, Reid spent four years as Director of Development at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and 9 years at Purdue University in a variety of major gift, annual giving and stewardship program roles. Currently he serves on the Boards for Triangle AFP and Delta Upsilon Educational Foundation. Reid has a B.S. from Purdue University and an M.A. from Duke University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESForget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth by Chris Tomlinson et al.Learn more about Reid hereTake our Podcast Survey and let us know what you want to hear!Check out Patton’s new book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

214: Should You Consider a Sabbatical as a Nonprofit Leader? (Laura Belcher)Are you ready for a sabbatical? Is your organization ready for you to take a sabbatical? Are work sabbaticals the latest nonprofit retention strategy? In episode #214 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Laura Belcher, the President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, shares why her recent sabbatical was beneficial for both her and her organization. Laura explains how best to prepare yourself - and your team - for the sabbatical. The planning effort can also clarify essential leadership roles and increase organizational capacity amongst the team. Laura also addresses policy implications and provides great tips to help put your plan in motion!  ABOUT LAURALaura Belcher joined Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte in 2014, excited by the possibility of removing barriers to homeownership for working families in the community. She oversees the implementation of strategic plan tactics that establish aggressive goals for the affiliate. Since 2014, the organization has seen a 300% increase in families served through growth in new home production, increases in existing home preservation efforts, providing more diverse housing solutions and the expansion of financial literacy programs, demonstrating a commitment to innovate and reach an even broader audience. In February 2020, Laura managed the merger between Habitat Charlotte and Our Towns Habitat, creating Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, combining strengths and eliminating duplicative processes and technologies. The combined affiliate has served over 4000 families since inception, operates one of the largest Habitat Construction operations in the US, runs a network of 6 ReStores, and supports 3 international partners. Laura has served on many committees of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI); she is currently serving a second 3-year term on the HFHI US Council where she holds the office of Vice Chair. She spent the first 20 years of her career in corporate roles with Arthur Andersen, Wachovia Securities and Transamerica. Laura was a CPA, graduated from the College of William and Mary, and spent 9 years in nonprofit work as CFO/COO of the Arts & Science Council prior to joining Habitat. She attributes her passion for Habitat to her church where she started volunteering and building houses over 20 years ago.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Demon Copperhead: A Pulitzer Prize Winner by Barbara KingsolverLearn more about Laura hereListen to Laura discuss if a merger is right for your nonprofit in episode 51 of Your Path

213: Keys to Advancing your Nonprofit Career (Brian Collier)SUMMARYAre you on the path to advancing your nonprofit career? Do you have the skills and experiences needed for leadership? Brian Collier, an experienced, successful nonprofit leader, shares his advice for aspiring leaders eager to ascend to a senior leadership role in episode #213 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Brian shares his concerns about nonprofit proliferation and imparts his keys to a successful grant application. Nonprofit leaders know the importance of community collaboration, but how do you evaluate its effectiveness? Brian talks about the dynamic between nonprofit leaders and their board of directors and how to foster strong, proficient relationships. ABOUT BRIANBrian Collier is the new President of The Gambrell Foundation after serving as Executive Vice President for Foundation for The Carolinas for sixteen years. While at FFTC, he handled the Foundation’s competitive grants programs across thirteen counties in North and South Carolina. Brian also led the Foundation’s Robinson Center for Civic Leadership and the development of community initiatives including Veterans Bridge Home, Read Charlotte, Carolina Thread Trail, Project LIFT, and Leading on Opportunity, a nationally recognized, multi-year initiative to identify and implement community strategies addressing upward mobility and economic opportunity. During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Brian worked in partnership with organizations like United Way of Central Carolinas to raise and award over $25 million in private & public funds to help individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Besides his work at FFTC, Brian served on the executive leadership team at KABOOM! in Washington, D.C. and as the Founding President and Executive Director of Victory Junction, a state-of-the-art medical camp in Randleman, North Carolina for children suffering from chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses. The camp resulted from a unique partnership between the NASCAR motorsports industry, NASCAR drivers Richard and Kyle Petty, and actor Paul Newman. Brian began his career as a trial attorney with Rumberger Kirk—one of the country’s premier commercial litigation firms--in Orlando, Florida. He is a graduate of the University of Florida's Levin College of Law and the University of Central Florida. He resides in Charlotte with his wife and daughter.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESSapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah HarariThe Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu PartanenFactfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World and Why Things are Better than you Think by Hans Rosling et al.Learn more about the Gambrell Foundation and Brian hereCheck out Patton’s new book <

212: Are You Ready to Lead a Capital Campaign? (Whitney Anderson)SUMMARYIs your nonprofit organization really ready to launch a capital campaign? What is a realistic and attainable goal? How do you know when you’re prepared for success? In episode #212 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Whitney Anderson shares her expertise in conducting campaign visioning and feasibility studies, developing donor strategies and managing the entire capital campaign process. Learn how to build a strong case for support and have the alignment between staff, board and key stakeholders. Whitney offers advice to avoid fatigue during the high demands of a large capital campaign. And, she ensures how nonprofit leaders can best prepare their staff and board for a successful campaign that is properly resourced. ABOUT WHITNEYWhitney Anderson is the Principal for Campaign Services at Fox Advancement, a leading fundraising firm that provides capital campaign consulting, grant research and writing, and fractional development officer support. She is passionate about helping nonprofits clarify their vision, tell their story, and link their mission with generous donors. She is a skilled strategist and project manager who helps nonprofits manage major fundraising campaigns from conception to completion. Her areas of expertise include working with volunteers on peer-to-peer fundraising strategies, interviewing philanthropists, and facilitating major gifts solicitation training. Whitney holds a Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication from North Dakota State University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESMindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. DweckLearn more about the work Whitney is doing hereCheck out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector