Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

181: What Are Your Donors Thinking?  (Derric Bakker)SUMMARYAfter record-level giving during Covid, what are your donors thinking with uncertain economic conditions ahead? In episode #181 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with Derric Bakker, a 30+ year expert fundraiser and founder of the annual Donor Insight Study, about what donors are likely to do in the year ahead. After multiple years studying the economic indicators that affect philanthropic behavior, Derric shares his insight about what it all means for 2022 year-end giving as well as giving in 2023. Learn what needs are weighing on the minds of donors, how nonprofit leaders can benefit from these insights, and why now more than ever, leaders must clearly communicate the extent of need amongst those they serve.ABOUT DERRICDerric Bakker is one of those rare individuals who has been in fundraising for almost his entire career. In 1990, just a couple years out of college, Derric was offered his first fundraising position with a small local nonprofit. It soon became apparent that fundraising was a strong fit for his unique set of gifts and what started as a whim grew into a lifelong career. Over the next ten years he would hone his craft working at three different nonprofit organizations. Derric then segued into consulting in 2001. Over most of the next decade he worked as Vice President for two different firms providing capital campaign and major gift consulting services to dozens of different organizations. In 2010 Derric started his own consulting firm, which became DickersonBakker after a merger with Denver-based firm in 2012. Since then, he has served as President of DickersonBakker, which has grown to become a nationally recognized firm comprised of over 30 full-time professionals serving well over a hundred different nonprofit organizations each year.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela DuckworthLearn more about Derric and the work he does at DickersonBakker hereDownload a copy of the 2022 Donor Insight StudyTake 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

180: How Can You Use Technology to Amplify Good? (Ray Gary)SUMMARYToday’s donors have become empowered consumers conditioned by predictive technology experiences. As a nonprofit leader, do you truly embrace the donor experience? Is your technology more convenient for the organization than it is for your donors? In episode #180 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership technology expert, Ray Gary explains how nonprofit leaders who embrace current advances in digital platforms successfully engage, cultivate, and grow donors to become sustainable advocates of your organization's mission. Learn why you should “beware of shiny objects” and not chase the latest tech features and functionalities, but fully maximize the technology you already have cohesively within all your departments. Ray also explains what he sees as the “mid-level donor dilemma” and how technology can address this growing vital group of donors. Are you ready to test your technology acumen?  ABOUT RAYRay Gary has 30+ years of product development, professional service, domestic and international business development, and early-stage business building. As the CEO of iDonate, he leads a company that provides nonprofits with technology solutions to do more good in the world. His experience in launching, building and helping businesses succeed spans nearly three decades, including various leadership positions in technology companies. Previously, he’s served as President of the Venture Capital group of Koch Industries, one of the nation’s largest private companies, where he oversaw numerous technology investments. Ray currently serves as an Advisory Board member of the Highland Park chapter of KLIFE–a faith-based ministry for students and also sits on the Board of the greater Baton Rouge/LSU area Young Life ministry. Ray and his wife, Gina, live in Park Cities, Texas and have three kids and one grandchild.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESBlue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space & Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim et al.Learn more about iDonate and Ray GaryTake 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

179: Transition Across Sectors: Are You Ready to Lead a Nonprofit? (Beth Reaves)SUMMARYAre you considering a career move to a mission based nonprofit and wonder how your corporate skills will transfer to the philanthropic sector? In episode #179 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, one time fortune 50 company executive, Beth Reaves shares what to expect for a successful transition. Having developed an “Entry Plan” for new nonprofit leaders, she explains why it’s important to have one that outlines the 30/60/90-day goals new nonprofit leaders should look to accomplish. She outlines skills and experiences essential to nonprofit leadership and what she looks for in new talent. Beth discusses creating strong bonds with your constituent groups, the value of clear communication, and key elements for a strong and productive relationship with your board of directors.  ABOUT BETHDr. Beth Reaves is the President of the Washington School for Girls, a private, Catholic school, which provides 100% scholarship support for girls in grades 3-8. She has served in this role since 2017, having previously worked as a school leader and administrator in the Philadelphia area. Prior to working in education, Beth spent a decade working in Corporate Marketing for a Fortune 50 company. She believes in educational equity for young girls of color and works to provide a school environment where every girl can thrive and flourish. In her role, she focuses on external relations, fundraising and leadership to ensure the school provides a strong academic program for its students and is sustainable into the future. Beth holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in accounting from Drexel University, an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctorate in Business from the University of Phoenix. She is a Klingenstein Fellow in the Heads of Schools Program at the Teachers’ College, Columbia University, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Independent Schools Greater Washington, the Nativity Miguel Coalition and the DC Public Library Foundation. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESMindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. DweckLearn more about Beth and the work she’s doing at the Washington School for Girls hereTake our Podcast Survey and let us know what you want to hear!Ready to advance your nonprofit leadership? Check out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

178: Building a Diverse and Talented Team at Your Nonprofit (Julie Kratz)SUMMARYAs a nonprofit leader, are you creating a more inclusive and diverse culture at your organization, especially at the leadership level? In episode #178 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with an inclusivity expert, Julie Kratz, about developing the framework for building a diverse and talented leadership team. DEI can be a complex topic in the workplace, and Julie introduces the basic terms leaders should know to engage in candid conversations about diversity and inclusion. She also outlines her 3D’s model to hold team members accountable, and how using the model in conversation cultivates greater inclusion. Learn exactly what nonprofit leaders  having success with DEI are doing, and how they have built and retained diverse leadership teams.  ABOUT JULIEJulie Kratz is a highly acclaimed TEDx speaker and inclusive leadership trainer who led teams and produced results in corporate America. After experiencing many career “pivot points” of her own, she started her own speaking business with the goal of helping leaders be more inclusive. Promoting diversity, inclusion, and allyship in the workplace, Julie helps organizations foster more inclusive environments. She is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and executive coach. She holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias trainer. Her books include Pivot Point: How to Build a Winning Career Game Plan, ONE: How Male Allies Support Women for Gender Equality, and Lead Like an Ally: A Journey Through Corporate America with Strategies to Facilitate Inclusion, children’s book Little Allies, and her newest Allyship in Action: 10 Strategies for Living Inclusively.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESHow to Raise an Antiracist by Ibram X KendiAllyship In Action: 10 Practices for Living Inclusively by Julie KratzLearn more about Julie and the work she’s doing at NextPiviotPoint.comTake 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

Kevin Briscoe177: Mastering Your Financial Acumen as a Nonprofit Leader (Kevin Briscoe)SUMMARYIs your organization positioned to navigate the unique strategic and financial challenges inherent in nonprofit settings? As a nonprofit leader, do you need more financial expertise but don’t know if you can afford it? In episode #177 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, financial expert Kevin Briscoe helps today’s nonprofit leaders address their overall accounting needs and financial literacy. He defines what a fractional CFO is and how this model can benefit your nonprofit. Kevin breaks down the various accounting roles, the distinctions between them, and their place in the philanthropic sector. We discuss how to reduce expenses and increase cash flow projections to maximize funding opportunities.ABOUT KEVINKevin Briscoe is the Managing Partner of CFO Selections®, and stewards the culture and core values of the organization, including supporting the firm's philanthropic work through the CFOS Foundation. Throughout his career, Kevin has held ownership and management positions, providing effective leadership in increasing profitable growth. His professional career includes nearly 30 years in finance, accounting, and operations from Fortune 100, publicly traded corporations to small, closely held settings. Before joining CFO Selections® in 2007, Kevin was part owner of a successful lighting representative business, helping drive their growth from $30 to $70 million. He has also served as a financial member of South End Equities, where he was responsible for the purchase and management of a commercial real estate portfolio. His extensive experience in business strategy, management, and operations assists him in leading the firm. Kevin earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from Gonzaga University. He currently serves as Board Advisor for The Linehan Institute, and has served as a past Board member of the Electric League of the Pacific Northwest Charitable Foundation, as Co-Chair for the American Cancer Society ‘Race for a Cure’ benefiting Breast Cancer research, and also enjoys playing softball in Kent, where he lives with his wife and enjoys spending time with his four children and many grandchildren.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESFire Doesn’t Innovate: The Executives Practical Guide to Thriving in the Face of Evolving Cyber Risks by Kip BoyleLearn more about Kevin and the work he does 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

176: Does Your Nonprofit Board Have the Skills to Thrive? (Lisa Cook)SUMMARYIf leadership begins at the top, does your board ensure everyone is performing at their best at the work they pledged to do? In episode #176 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, board governance expert Lisa Cook shares how to identify, cultivate, train and engage your board for long-term success. She discusses why such skills as governance, strategic planning and financial acumen are necessary for success, and things new and aspiring board members must develop. Clear communication of expectations is a vital component at every level of nonprofit leadership, and none more important than between the CEO and Board Chair. Lisa shares how to engage in intentional communication of expectations, and how it provides a mutual understanding of needs, support, resources, and goals.  ABOUTLisa Cook is the Founder and Managing Director of Get on Board Australia, supporting aspiring, new and existing board members and boards to thrive. She has thirteen years of experience serving on boards from a range of organizations in the private, public, and not for profit sectors in Adelaide, Sydney, and across Australia, including Shooting Australia, Inclusive Sport SA, West Beach Community Bendigo Bank, and Australian College of Professionals. Along with writing and commenting regularly on governance, board members, and boards, Lisa hosts the Board Shorts Podcast; sharing insights, lessons, and advice from her experience in the boardroom and from subject matter experts across the world. Lisa holds a degree from Charles Sturt University in business management and marketing, has completed the Foundations of Directorship program through AICD, and is currently studying a Master of Business Law at the University of Adelaide.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESFierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan ScottHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegiePlays Well with Others by Eric BarkerLearn more about Lisa and her work with Boards hereCheck out Patton’s best-selling book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

175: How Can Nonprofit Leaders Succeed in the Attention Economy? (Eric Ressler)SUMMARYWith the distractions of instant access to information, are you effectively capturing the attention of the right people in a sustained, authentic, and meaningful way to move your mission forward? Eric Ressler explains what the attention economy means and how it has affected nonprofit organizations in episode #176 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Eric shares why organizations struggle to find, grow and maintain funding and you can cut through the noise and better communicate your message. Learn why traditional strategies and approaches are not working in this attention economy and how to leverage the full power of a global digital culture.ABOUT Eric Ressler is the Founder and Creative Director at Cosmic, a Social Impact Creative Agency. Cosmic empowers social impact organizations to catalyze real world change by helping them nail their impact story, build brand awareness, and inspire action. Eric got his start in design from a very young age, and after leaving a design program in San Diego early to pursue freelance work, cut his teeth running a freelance business in the digital design space. After organically building a strong roster of clients, he discovered a passion for the social impact and philanthropic space. Through working with numerous organizations across this sector, he found that often their missions and visions are strong, but their efforts are stymied by ineffective communications philosophies and practices. Now, Eric and Cosmic are on a mission to help social impact organizations across the globe navigate a rapidly changing world.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Red Rising by Pierce BrownLearn more about Eric and the work Cosmic is doing 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

174: Planting the Seeds of Change with your Nonprofit Board (Christal Cherry & Renee Rubin Ross)SUMMARYDoes your nonprofit’s leadership truly represent the diverse voice you serve? Why is it more important than ever to have equal representation at the board level? In episode # 174 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, two talented nonprofit professionals have come together to collaborate on this important topic. Renee Rubin Ross and Christal Cherry share aspects from their DEIB training program and how nonprofits who commit to the process can strengthen the well-being of the entire organization. Renee and Christal discuss the knowledge gaps that exist between black and indigenous people of color and their white counterparts and what actions your board members can take once they recognize the differences that exist.ABOUT CHRISTALChristal M. Cherry, is a trained fundraiser with more than 22 years of nonprofit experience serving on executive teams, as a liaison with boards, and a confidant to the CEO/Executive Director. Christal has a passion to help transform board members into impactful leaders and touts fundraising as her ministry - the place where she feels she can make the biggest difference. Christal’s mantra: Fundraising is not an F word. Christal founded and leads The Board Pro, a company that equips board members with the tools they need to effectively govern and help nonprofits to fulfill their missions, scale, and become change agents in their communities.ABOUT RENEEDr. Renee Rubin Ross is a recognized leader on board and organizational development and strategy and the founder of The Ross Collective, a consulting firm that designs and leads inclusive, participatory processes for social sector boards and staff. Committed to racial equity in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Ross guides leaders and organizations in strategic plans and governance processes that deepen social change, racial justice and community strength. In addition to her consulting work, Dr. Ross is the Director of the Cal State University East Bay Nonprofit Management Certificate program and teaches Strategic Planning and Board Development for the program.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESCaste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabella WilkersonThe Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGheeLearn more about Renee and ChristalTake our Podcast Survey and let us know what you want to hear!

173: Can You Manage the Finances as a Nonprofit Leader? (Alex Romero)SUMMARYAs a nonprofit leader, are you well versed in the management of budgets and financials for your organization? Can you forecast cash flow and establish internal controls to keep donors and board members happy? In episode #173 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the fundamental financial skills you must master to excel at nonprofit leadership. Virtual CFO Alex Romero identifies some of the biggest financial challenges she sees nonprofit leaders facing today and how retaining virtual services might help you make good decisions before you put your organization in a bad spot. Alex shares the three financial management pillars for the overall health and sustainability of your organization and why they matter. ABOUT ALEXAlexandria Romero recently joined Chris Hervochon CPA CVA LLC accounting firm as a virtual CFO. Romero is a Certified Public Accounting from Colorado with an impressive list of accolades in accounting — a few which include the 2022 AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award, a 2022 Colorado State University Department of Accounting Hall of Fame inductee, and a 2021 CPA Practice Advisor’s “40 Under 40” Accounting Professionals. In her new role as a virtual CFO for Chris Hervochon CPA CVA LLC, Romero directs financial planning, financial reports and financial strategies for nonprofits and digital marketing agencies around the country. Romero previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Pueblo City-County Library District in Pueblo, CO, overseeing a more than $14 million budget. Her extensive accounting experience also includes positions as Senior Auditor and Tax Accountant for McPherson, Goodrich, Paolucci & Mihelich, PC in Pueblo, CO, as well as Accountant positions for Colorado Springs Housing Authority in Colorado Springs, CO and the Downtown Denver Partnership in Denver, CO. Romero also is an active member of the accounting industry, currently serving on the AICPA’s Young Member Leadership Committee as chair and a board member for the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants (COCPA).EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene BrownLearn more about Alex and her virtual services 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

172: 3 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Inspire Greater Investment (Deepa Naik)SUMMARYHow do you make a successful case for funding given the increasing number of urgent needs in your community? Your donors certainly have many great causes to consider. In episode #172 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with Deepa Naik, a former fundraiser and consultant who now works with The Merancas Foundation, about what she sees as she reviews dozens of proposals. Have you ever wished you could ask funders, “How do I best prepare for an initial conversation?” Well, Deepa has some suggestions, and she’ll identify the top three strategies nonprofit leaders can use to inspire greater fund investment.   ABOUT DEEPADeepa loves building stakeholder relations, handling complex projects, creative thinking, and facing diverse challenges. Her personal and professional paths have been marked by a commitment to empower individuals and support equitable access. Deepa joined The Merancas Foundation as their Director of Philanthropy in May 2021, where she is responsible for distributing grant funds within greater Charlotte, NC, Trenton, NJ, and Atlanta, GA. Formerly, Deepa cultivated external relations for Upstream USA as a Regional Director of Partnerships, expanding contraceptive access across NC. Prior to Upstream, Deepa was a full-time nonprofit consultant, working with organizations of all sizes throughout the Carolinas to achieve strategic and development goals. Early in her career, Deepa gained knowledge and expertise from program and development work in a substance abuse treatment center and domestic violence organizations. Deepa enjoys traveling back to England to see her parents and extended family. She now lives in the suburbs of Charlotte with her husband, Jinesh, and two daughters, Anissa and Evie.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES My Big Notebook: It’s About Me with a Little Help from My Friend JC by Carla CarlisleLearn more about Deepa and the Merancas Foundation 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