Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

146: 5 Key Productivity Moves for Nonprofit Leaders (Mike St. Pierre)SUMMARYHas navigating the shifts in remote work only exacerbated gaps in your productivity?  Or, maybe it didn’t take a global pandemic to realize staying organized in the nonprofit sector can exhaust even the most dedicated leaders. This fatigue and sense of exhaustion is real.  However, in episode #146 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we have the founder of Nonprofit Productive, Mike St. Pierre, to equip you with smart and simple strategies to maximize your productivity and avoid burnout.  Take back your schedule with Mike’s five key productivity moves. Patton and Mike clearly articulate the best tips and practices from technology to self-care that will provide even the busiest highly motivated leaders the clarity to focus on the right things that need attention. Cited specifically in this episode are: TickTick an organizational app, Carey Nieuwhof’s podcast on time management, the project management tool ActiveCollab, Mike’s own Ideal Week Template and much more!ABOUT MIKEMike St. Pierre and his wife Cary have been married 24 years and are the proud parents of four children. Mike holds a B.A. in Philosophy (Catholic University of America), an M.A. in Theology (Seton Hall University), an M.A. in Educational Leadership (Seton Hall University) and an Ed.D. in Education (College of St. Elizabeth). His articles have appeared in Our Sunday Visitor, Busted Halo, Momentum, Give us This Day, Catechist, America, Faith CATHOLIC and Productive Magazine. His first book was published by Ave Maria Press, The 5 Habits of Prayerful People: A No-Excuses Guide to Strengthening Your Relationship with God. He has been an adjunct professor at Saint Joseph College of Maine, Seton Hall University and The College of St. Elizabeth. In 2017 he received the Seton Hall University Many Are One Alumni Award. He serves on the Board of Directors for Mission Madera, a nonprofit serving students in Uganda. And he’s the host of the Nonprofit Productivity Summit, an annual gathering of some of the brightest (and most heartfelt) people in the world.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES A Moment to Think by Julie Funt​​​​​​​Find out more about Nonprofit ProductivePre-order Patton’s new book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership releasing March 8th! 

145: Tackling Toxic Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector (Andrew Olsen)SUMMARYDoes your nonprofit organization exhibit symptoms of toxic leadership?  Feelings of isolation among staff could be misinterpreted as stresses related to recent life changing events such as Covid, so nonprofit leaders must be more cognizant of underlying conditions which may be fostering a toxic environment within an organization.  In episode #145 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership Patton and Andrew Olsen discuss recent events and how they have changed the way people, especially young professionals, think about what is and isn’t acceptable behavior within a nonprofit organization. As a fundraising expert who has worked with hundreds of organizations, Andrew explains how a toxic workplace may be contributing to a nonprofit’s inability to achieve the revenue they need to deliver on their mission.  You’ll hear specific methods of addressing negative toxicity with members of your board, staff and donors that will create a better, more successful environment. Leaders of all levels will learn valuable techniques they can implement immediately from Andrew and Patton, that will accelerate their career and create the kind of positive environment in which everyone can excel.ABOUT ANDREWAndrew Olsen, CFRE is President at Altus Marketing, a Moore Company, where he and his team provide fully integrated fundraising strategy and execution to local and national nonprofit organizations and ministries. He’s served nonprofit organizations for nearly 25 years, and has helped nearly 1,000 organizations raise over half a billion dollars in his career. He’s the author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller, 101 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofits Make and How You Can Avoid Them, and the Amazon Best Selling, Rainmaking: The Fundraiser’s Guide to Landing Big Gifts. He’s also host of the top-ranked show, The Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast. Andrew lives on a small farm in East Tennessee with his wife Deborah, their three daughters, and a menagerie of farm animals.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, et al. Learn more about Andrew Olsen hereRainmaking: The Fundraiser’s Guide to Landing Big Gifts by Andrew Olsen & Roy Jones 101 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofits Make and How to Avoid Them by Andrew OlsenCheck out Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector (Coming March 8th!)

144: Creating a Dynamic Culture at Your Nonprofit Organization (Curt Langford)SUMMARYNonprofit leaders are always looking for better engagement with their key constituents and long-term donors.  In episode #144 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we look to Texas Tech Alumni Association’s President and CEO Curt Langford for valuable advice on building a dynamic culture, the power behind communicating your story effectively, and developing a strong connective network of long-term donors. A positive organizational culture is first established internally with a shift from the usual attributes such as purpose, mission, vision, value proposition, all of which are usually well documented, to understanding the specific, deeper and more powerful why.  Curt explains how the organizational why and the personal why establish an emotional pride that is truly authentic, and when properly aligned, makes you more compelling to those you’re trying to reach. When people feel compelled to be a part of something, that’s when they are truly believing in your why. Curt clearly articulates the methods behind implementing this overall shift and the impact it has on leadership, staff, board and your long-term donor engagement, and it’s clear why the Association is celebrating 95 years of success!ABOUT CURTCurt Langford is the President and CEO of the Texas Tech Alumni Association, and a leader of a longstanding, independent organization that exists to connect, inspire and amplify the Texas Tech family. His charge is to "Strive for Honor," representing the Red Raider SPIRIT of Scholarship, Pride, Inclusivity, Respect, Integrity and Tradition. Curt holds a Master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with emphasis in higher education.  Over his more than two-decade long career he’s excelled in true leadership skills such as team leadership, customer relations, public speaking, fundraising, social media strategies, regional & national sales territory management, strategic & operational planning, competitive presentations & proposal writing, investor & board relations, marketing & public relations, competitive research & analysis, feature & technical writing and media design & publishing.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. CoveyFind out more about the Texas Tech Alumni Association The C.S. Lewis Signature Classics

143:  Elevating Your Grants Program as a Nonprofit Leader (Autumn Keck)SUMMARYIs your overall fundraising plan built on a solid foundation of a comprehensive grant writing program?  If not, can you identify the vital readiness steps necessary to best prepare your organization for success?  In episode #143 of the Path Podcast, Autumn Keck, a fundraising expert with over two decades of experience in grant writing and major gifts solicitation, addresses these questions and more. She explains how best to present the strength of an organization and resist the urge to adjust your focus to “fit the mold” of a possible funder, just one of the key factors needed to bolster an organization’s chance for grant funding.  As Patton discusses in his upcoming book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership releasing March 8th, professional development is a vital skill for the growth and success of every nonprofit leader.  Autumn expounds on this by discussing specific resources and training to enhance your fundraising and grant writing skills. Learn how to set realistic expectations among your organization’s leaders and board around grant funding cycles and its impact on long term sustainable support. ABOUT AUTUMNAutumn Keck is a fundraising expert with over 20 years of experience specializing in grant writing, major gift solicitation, and individual giving.  She began her fundraising career as Director of Development at Neighborhood House and then went on to work at the American University Washington College of Law, The JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, and Girl Scouts of North Carolina Coastal Pines.  In 2010, she branched out as an independent grant writing consultant, which led to the formation of Scribe, LLC. As Founder and Principal Consultant of Scribe, LLC, a fundraising consulting firm specializing in grant management services, Autumn works to connect nonprofits to the philanthropic community by effectively sharing the organization's impact on the people they serve. Autumn and her team work closely with nonprofits to help them become grant ready, and grow their grant writing programs.  Scribe has helped raise millions of dollars by telling each organization's compelling story with a focus on their mission and community impact.  Autumn is a graduate of NC State University with a BA in Communications and a minor in Journalism. She serves on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Charlotte Chapter as the Higher Education Chair and is also member of the Grants Professionals Association, and the Queen City chapter of Jack and Jill of America. She and her husband have four children.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESNorman Kiritz's book Grantsmanship: Program Planning & Proposal WritingThe Craftmanship Center and The Grant Professional AssociationLearn more about Scribe, LLC

142: Understanding the Impact of Identity for Nonprofit Leaders (Nneka Allen)SUMMARYWe are all responsible for the environments we create.  And they should all be equitable. Nonprofit leaders clearly understand the impact of identity on an organizational culture and equity outcomes.  In episode #142 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Nneka Allen, a descendant of the Underground Railroad, shares her remarkable story which began years ago with her freedom-seeking ancestors and ultimately set her on the path of community movements, social change and a desire to pursue justice. Now, after more than two decades as a fundraising professional in the nonprofit sector - a predominantly white field - Nneka embraced the powerful and tragic nature of her ancestors and founded The Empathy Agency.  As someone who understands better than most the power of storytelling, she demonstrates how intentional communication of mission and vison will deepen the connection with donors.  She also identifies three fundamental traits true leaders with a passion for change embody.  As a nonprofit leader you’ll learn how to deliver more fairly on your mission through a better understanding of a dominant cultures’ impact on the organizational culture. Patton and Nneka discuss how leadership teams can take purposeful steps to implement racial equity throughout the entire organization.  Finally, they discuss Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love, an anthology by 15 black nonprofit professionals and their experiences enduring racism in the philanthropic sector edited by Nneka, a powerful and enlightening must read for every leader regardless of where you are on your path.ABOUT NNEKANneka Allen is a Black woman, a descendant of the Underground Railroad, an Ojibwa of Anderson Nation and a sixth generation Canadian. Born in the 70’s, Nneka was raised during a time of Black power and acute political awareness. As a lover of justice, Nneka has inspired philanthropy as a fundraising executive for over 20 years. She is the principal and founder of The Empathy Agency, where she helps organizations deliver more fairly on their missions and visions by coaching teams to explore the impact identity has on culture and equity outcomes. Nneka is the founder of the Black Canadian Fundraisers' Collective. She is also an author and joint editor of a book featuring the first-person narratives of 15 Black contributors, mainly fundraisers from the US and Canada called Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love. Nneka’s ultimate joy is her daughter Destiny who along with her husband Skylar, are continuing their family legacy of philanthropic activism in Canada.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Disorientation: Being Black in the World by Ian WilliamsThe Empathy AgencyBraiding Sweetgrass,  My Grandmother's Hands

141: Nonprofit Success in an Age of Disruption (Dave Lenox)SUMMARYMany nonprofits experience periods of volitivity as a result of leadership turnover. Covid has accelerated some nonprofit leaders to leave an organization after many years of service. In episode #141 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dave Lenox, a former nonprofit executive director and current managing partner at The Valtas Group, explains the numerous resources available to organizations during these transitions.  He and Patton discuss how a firm like Valtas provides guidance and stability during a turbulent time.  Retaining an interim leadership position allows a board to be forward thinking, not reactive, when assessing their current needs and the overall direction of the organization and how it executes its mission. Dave dispels the misnomer of consultants who “come in with all the answers” by explaining the analysis he performs, the results of many of those findings, and how a unique team of listeners work in collaboration with existing personnel and board members to help find their own solutions.  You’ll also learn how regular personal self-evaluation and reflection help guide nonprofit leaders through difficult transitions.  And finally, Dave introduces us to the Distributed Leadership Model.  He shares why more organizations are embracing this new management philosophy and how it may already be morphing into a new system of delegation.ABOUT DAVEDave is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit, change management, and organization design and management fields. He’s skilled in international relations, inclusive governance models, organizational development, social media, and training with a Master of Business Leadership focused in Organization and Change Management from Capella University. Before joining The Valtas Group, Dave served as President and CEO of Special Olympics Washington. Dave began with Special Olympics (SO) in 1985 as Area Director for the Kansas City, Missouri area, later becoming Executive Director for SO West Virginia, and in 1989 he became CEO for SO North Carolina. In 1997 Dave was recruited to join the Headquarters office of SO as Director of Athlete Leadership Programming. He was the key strategist in the effort to develop leadership and education initiatives that support and advance the work of the Special Olympics Movement. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES In Search of Excellence & Excellence Now by Tom PetersFind out more about The Valtas GroupCan you sharpen your vision by planning a personal retreat? Learn how in Patton’s new book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership coming March 8, 2022.

140: A Nonprofit Leader’s Guide to Boosting Board Engagement (Lea Williams)  SUMMARYThe best nonprofit leaders create and maintain strategic partnerships between themselves, their staff, and their board. If you are looking to take your board to the next level, check out episode #140 of the Path Podcast where Dr. Lea Williams and I discuss five tactics for creating and sustaining a dynamic board of directors. Building off our work together with multiple boards, our conversations with our Mastermind participants, and Lea’s background as a meetings scientist, we reflect on characteristics of successful boards and how nonprofit leaders can cultivate a higher level of engagement with these important stakeholders. We discuss the importance of creating confident ambassadors, clarifying board member responsibilities through onboarding, building comfort around the organization’s financial model, building a pipeline of board leaders through year-round recruiting, and hitting “reset” on your board meetings. Listen for these strategies and other tactical recommendations to help with your nonprofit board development efforts. ABOUT LEALea is an Organizational Scientist who joined the PMA team in June of 2020. Prior to joining the firm, she dedicated her time to two main areas: earning her Ph.D. in Organizational Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and serving 15+ nonprofits through pro-bono consulting engagements through the Volunteer Program Assessment. In addition to her nonprofit work, while obtaining her Doctorate, Lea also worked in several Talent Management/Organizational Development roles at large organizations in Charlotte, such as Ingersoll Rand, Duke Energy, TIAA, and Jacobsen. Given her strong research background, she is skilled at gathering input and synthesizing it to help nonprofit leaders develop innovative solutions. Her specialties include meeting effectiveness (the subject of her dissertation), leadership, board, and staff training and development, data analysis, strategic planning, survey design, stakeholder research, and volunteer retention/engagement. She also received her Master's in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Davidson College. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESLea’s previous episode (#59: 5 Keys to Leading Dynamic Virtual Meetings) Priya Parker’s book The Art of GatheringCal Newport’s book A World Without Email Lea’s work at PMA through consulting and meeting facilitation

139:  What Are the Best Practices of a Nonprofit Leader? (Katie O’Malley)SUMMARYHave you found true passion along your career journey?  Many in the nonprofit sector struggle to maintain their connection to the mission as they accomplish their daily work.  With more than 15 years in the sector, Katie O’Malley experienced this dilemma first-hand before translating this struggle into action and sharing her wisdom through Encourage Coaching. In episode #139 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Katie discusses the value of self-reflection to recognize career opportunities and leadership development skills so that you can reclaim balance in your personal and professional life, avoid burnout, and find self-awareness and how the clarification of these skills will positively affect your ability to work alongside others, motivate your team, and enhance the overall performance and engagement of your organization. Katie also shares advice at every stage of the career journey, from young professionals finding their place in the corporate structure, to mid-career employees considering the great resignation (or what she likes to call the “great reshuffle”). Finally, she speaks openly to the experiences many senior leaders face and how various stresses affect their responses and interactions with staff, board and the clients they serve, and the steps to recognize and make proactive changes that will make you a stronger more well-balanced leader.ABOUT KATIEKatie O'Malley is a Leadership Coach + Educator with fifteen years of professional experience serving the nonprofit, corporate and education sectors. Across these workplaces, she noticed that her strengths and values consistently steered her toward the support and development of others. In 2012, Katie earned her Master's Degree in Counseling and Board Certification in Coaching.  Coaching recent grads, experienced professionals, and small business owners aspiring to lead their teams and organizations is the most fulfilling, life-giving work on her resume. Currently, Katie works full-time as the Senior Associate Director of Leadership Development at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and she’s building her practice Encourage Coaching + Consulting. At home, she loves spending time with her partner and pups in their backyard, jumping on the Peloton for an energy boosting ride, and visiting my favorite spot in Chicago—Wrigley Field.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDr. Brene Brown’s book Atlas of the HeartLearn more about Encourage CoachingReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

138: Global Expansion for Nonprofit Leaders (George Smith)SUMMARYRegardless of where you are on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, insight gained from today’s episode with George Smith will no doubt up your game.  Within the first few minutes, George will inspire you as he and Patton reminisce on shared experiences with Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the single most important leadership skill the entire Kennedy clan learned early on.  George expands on his early leadership experiences as he transitioned to the global sector. He shares how not relying on assumptions of standard practices but adapting and capitalizing on the different norms and values of other cultures will develop a higher quality and better performing team.  George also lays out specific examples of leading through varying cultural norms in a collaborative way will build strong leaders throughout an organization who are confident and articulate in communicating with their superiors and peers. By implementing some of the adaptations discussed to your own leadership style, you’re sure to enjoy an environment of collaborative learning and development that will elevate your own skills as a nonprofit leader.ABOUT GEORGEGeorge has worked for over 30 years in senior management for International Non-Government Organizations and is recognized as a leader in NGO management and international development. From 1985 until 2002, George worked for Special Olympics International (SOI).  During his tenure he opened the first SOI office in China and served as the Managing Director, East Asia, based in Beijing, China.  He led the development and global roll-out of Unified Sports, an inclusive program bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities.  Finally, he is recognized for his pioneering work developing SOI programs in other regions including Eastern Europe/Russia and the Middle East. Since 2010 he serves as the Managing Director, North Asia with Orbis. He has helped position Orbis North Asia as a leading International NGO in China and has strengthened relationships with the government and corporate communities.  During his long NGO career, George has been responsible for high level strategic planning, staff management, project development and evaluation, fund raising, donor stewardship, government relations and advocacy. He has received several awards including the R. Tait McKenzie award for his contributions in Health and Physical Education around the world.  He has been awarded the Presidential Citation by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance for outstanding contribution to international development projects.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Lee Iacocca’s Where have All the Leaders Gone?Find out more about Special Olympics International and Orbis 

137:  Building A Strong Nonprofit Through Intentional Leadership (Teddy McDaniel)SUMMARYMany for-profit leaders have followed their passion and transitioned to the nonprofit sector.  Luckily for the Urban League of the Carolinas, Teddy McDaniel is one such leader who likes to say he doesn’t have a job, he’s on a mission. In episode #137 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Teddy discusses how being an intentional leader strengthens an organization. He and Patton discuss embracing the nonprofit competition with strategic networking which leads to a better exchange of ideas, resources, and talent.  A good nonprofit leader will recognize when an organization is spread too thin – you can’t be all things to all people – and values coalition partners because a community isn’t well served by mediocre.  Teddy also shares insight on building a strong mission-focused strategic plan as a living document.  You’ll learn how a successful nonprofit leader, who began himself as a volunteer, takes intentional steps to attract and retain talented staff, volunteers, and board members. ABOUT TEDDYTeddy McDaniel currently serves as president and CEO of the Urban League of Central Carolinas in Charlotte, NC. Founded in in 1978, ULCC is an affiliate of the National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved communities. Previously, Teddy was president and CEO of the Austin, TX, Urban League from 2012 – 2017 and served as COO of the Greater Phoenix Urban League starting in 2009. Before entering the non-profit sector, Teddy spent 15 years in the financial service industry. From 2004-08, he was an assistant vice president at GE Capital in Scottsdale, Arizona, and started his career with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York and spent three years with Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, NA.  Born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Columbus, Ohio, McDaniel is a 3rd Generation graduate of Morehouse College. He holds a B.A. in Finance and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESLeslie R. Crutchfield and Heather Mcleod Grant’s book Forces for GoodRichard Rothstein’s book Color of LawAndre Perry’s book Know Your PriceLearn more about The Urban League of the Carolinas Ready for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!