Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

151:  Engaging Volunteers to Make Your Nonprofit Vision A Reality (Diana Zhang)SUMMARYDo you consider your nonprofit leadership a calling? Perhaps you saw individuals on the precipice during the pandemic, and simply had to do something. Like other talented professionals who have joined our ranks as a “lateral entry”, Diana Zhang recognized this crisis as a call to action and left her successful 15-year hedge fund career to co-found the nonprofit organization called NeighborShare. In episode #151 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we discuss what it takes to pivot mid-career and launch a successful nonprofit startup.  Diana shares the challenges she faced, the lessons learned and the humility required to seek and accept strategic partners for assistance. She has valuable lessons for every nonprofit leader regardless of where your nonprofit is in its life-cycle, and other potential lateral entries will get great advice about understanding the skills they’ll need to transfer from for-profit to the nonprofit sector.  As the head of an almost exclusively volunteer organization that now operates in 26 states nationally, Diana discusses the three key elements of their value proposition and how this structure engages and retains excellent volunteers.ABOUT DIANADiana Zhang is the CEO and Co-Founder of NeighborShare, a rapidly-growing direct giving approach that empowers our communities’ frontline heroes to help families through critical moments of need of $400 or less. Prior to that, she spent 15 years in strategy and operations as an executive at Bridgewater Associates, a premier asset management firm with $150 billion AUM. Outside of work, Diana is passionate about food and advocating on behalf of those who lack access to it. She serves on the Board of the Connecticut Food Bank / Foodshare.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Business by Eric Ries Learn more about NeighborShare Get your copy today of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector 

150: Developing the Right Mindset to be an Effective Fundraiser (Rhea Wong)SUMMARYDo you struggle with fundraising? Have you truly reflected on why?  In honor of our 150th episode of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we discuss what it takes to maximize your fundraising with a leading expert, Rhea Wong.  If your fundraising isn’t a strategy as much as it’s a mix of tactics and tools cobbled together, then listen as Rhea introduces her unique and innovative program called The Fundraising Accelerator. Learn how to motivate your board to engage in fundraising so you never again have to ask, beg or demand their participation.  Before you can execute on even the best strategic plan, nonprofit leaders must first have the right money mindset.  You’ll hear clearly articulated examples of deepening your relationships with donors and beneficial insight into the many variations of the fundraising cycle. As someone who recently released his debut book, Patton enthusiastically explores Rhea’s new book, Get That Money Honey: The No BS Guide to Raising Money for Your Nonprofit.ABOUT RHEARhea helps nonprofits raise more money. Though she has deep experience with institutional, corporate and event fund-raising, she is passionate about major individual donors and helping organizations to establish individual giving programs.  She has raised millions of dollars in private philanthropy and is passionate about building the next generation of fundraising leaders. She has become a leader in the New York nonprofit community and is a frequent educational commentator in the media.  She has been recognized with the SmartCEO Brava Award in 2015 and NY Nonprofit Media’s 40 under 40 in 2017.  For more information about Rhea, please see her LinkedIn Profile here. Rhea lives in Brooklyn with her husband and the World's Most Spoiled Dog Stevie Wonderdog.  When she is not raising money for causes she loves, she can be found hosting her podcast Nonprofit Lowdown, promoting her newest book Get that Money, Honey! or onstage as a newbie stand-up comedian in downtown Brooklyn.  For more information, check out rheawong.comEPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James ClearLearn more about Rhea and the Fundraising Accelerator hereRhea’s book Get That Money Honey

149: Navigating Data for Nonprofit Leaders (Stu Manewith)SUMMARYIs your organization overwhelmed by data?  Do you have fresh, error free, current and comprehensive data in one easy to access system or has confidence in your communications faltered because you recently noticed something simple like a donor’s name misspelled? Today’s guest, Stu Manewith discusses why nonprofit leaders should be paying more attention to their data. In episode #149 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Stu defines his 5 Keys to Data Quality and Management because when your data is not cared for, the processes based on that data become ineffective and lead to breakdowns in communication at all levels.  Is your current CRM about to sunset and lose its functionality?  A digital transformation may be required, and regardless of your nonprofit’s size, scope or budget, you will learn ways to more effectively manage and thus capitalize on your organization’s data.ABOUT STUStu Manewith is considered one of the top thought-leaders in the non-profit sector. He is the Director of Thought Leadership and Advocacy for Omatic Software, a data-integration software for non-profits that allows them a complete view of their donors, promoting data-driven decision making.  With over 30 years’ experience in the non-profit sector, Stu has implemented data and integration solutions at hundreds of non-profits across all subsectors - and been published by Blackbaud and Salesforce.  He is a seasoned nonprofit authority, advocate, and consulting services leader, with deep experience serving the nonprofit sector, both as a nonprofit executive and as a technology consulting professional. He’s a Certified Fundraising Professional (CFRE) with a special passion for best practices surrounding the healthy ‘marriage’ of fundraising and other nonprofit revenue streams with the general ledger.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Data Driven Nonprofits by Steve McLaughlinLearn more about Stu hereLearn more about Omatic SoftwareReady for a Mastermind?  Apply now for the Summer & Fall 2022 CohortsHave you picked up Patton’s new book? Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

148: How to Navigate Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership SUMMARYHow can Patton’s new book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector, help you on your journey to senior leadership?  In episode #148 of the Path Podcast, guest host Ken Fuquay explores that exact question by turning the tables on Patton and asking why everyone in - or pondering - nonprofit leadership will benefit from reading it.  One thing becomes clear: Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership will help you become the kind of leader every nonprofit organization needs to make an even greater impact on the communities they serve.ABOUT PATTONPatton McDowell is a nonprofit expert, author, speaker and coach. He’s the President of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, a consulting practice he founded after a successful twenty-year career in the nonprofit sector. His leadership experience includes work at Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North Carolina, and he led fundraising teams for UNC Wilmington and Queens University of Charlotte. He’s a sought-after consultant on nonprofit issues of strategic planning, organizational development and staff & board leadership. Patton received a BA from UNC Chapel Hill, an MBA from Queens University, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California. ABOUT KENKen Fuquay is a son, a brother, a husband and friend who also happens to be an educator, business owner, ordained pastor, nonprofit CEO and someone learning to live in the unforced rhythm of grace.  Ken earned a music degree at Emmanuel College, a Digital Media Certificate from Carolina School of Broadcasting and Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary.  He is the planting pastor at M2M Charlotte and CEO of LIFESPAN Services, Inc., a NC nonprofit that serves more than 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 23 NC counties.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Get your copy of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership available now at all retailers!Learn more about PMA Consulting and Patton’s new bookListen to Episode #121 New Nonprofit CEO? 5 Keys to Success with Ken FuquayReady for a Mastermind in 2022? Apply today!

147: Creating A People First Environment at Your Nonprofit (Stamie Despo & Tom Lafalce)SUMMARYWhat are you doing to create a people first environment at your nonprofit? More than ever, nonprofit leaders must create a culture that attracts, orients, develops and retains talent.  Two leaders in the higher education sector who have traveled varying career paths now find themselves leading together. In episode #147 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Stamie Despo and Tom Lafalce delineate four aspects of creating a people first environment. They discuss how communicating your “why” properly will attract passionate talent. Successfully onboarding new hires lays the foundation for future success, as well as presenting a series of professional development opportunities allows for their growth. They explore conversations that focus on racial equity, diversity and inclusion, which they acknowledge can be difficult, but “you get better with practice,” Together they demonstrate methods everyone can implement to encourage an open dialogue and better understanding of these vital topics. ABOUT STAMIEStamie brings over 20 years of experience in philanthropy with her to Cornell University. Her most recent venture before Cornell was as the Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for the greater Charlotte, NC, area. Stamie was a 2019 honoree for the Charlotte Athena Leadership Award for Service. Her focus in philanthropy is engaging donors in a meaningful and authentic way, creating a culture of philanthropy, building relationships and providing strategic leadership. Stamie holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics, Cum Laude, from Smith College, a Masters in Teaching degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Monmouth University, a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Duke University, and an Event Planning Certificate from UNC Charlotte. ABOUT TOMTom is a 1994 graduate of Cornell’s College of Human Ecology, he joined the Annual Giving Program’s team in 2004. In 2016, he began to focus more broadly on Annual Fund Leadership Giving. In this role, he partners with Alumni Affairs and Development staff to ensure the successful annual solicitation of donors of $1,000 or more, works with College and Unit staff to set Annual Fund Goals, serves on Cornell’s Giving Day Steering Committee and supports the development committees of the Cornell University Council and the President’s Council of Cornell Women (PCCW).  In addition, Tom has served as the Acting Director of Annual Giving Programs on two occasions, in 2015 and from 2018 to 2020.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES The New One Minute to Manager by Ken Blanchard & Mindset by Carol S. DweckCheck out Stamie’s previous episode: Building a Culture of Philanthropy at Your Nonprofit

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