Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

305: 5 Steps for Balancing Leadership with Personal Wellness (Latoya Robinson)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.Are you constantly giving everything to your mission but feeling like there’s nothing left for yourself? In episode 305 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Latoya Robinson shares why prioritizing wellness is essential for sustaining long-term impact and preventing burnout. Drawing on her leadership journey, she introduces five practical steps to help nonprofit executives balance their professional responsibilities while maintaining personal well-being. She discusses leading with empathy and self-compassion, building supportive relationships, setting boundaries, aligning leadership with purpose, and staying organized without overwhelming. Latoya also shares her personal strategies for maintaining balance, including morning routines, intentional goal-setting, and prioritizing time for reflection.ABOUT LATOYALatoya Robinson is a Nonprofit Growth Architect dedicated to transforming service-based and community-focused organizations. She helps nonprofits, foundations, and corporations align their missions with sustainable strategies that drive measurable impact and long-term financial stability. As the founder of LUR Growth, Latoya provides innovative donor engagement and strategic growth services, leveraging her LUR 3D Strategy™—Data-Driven Direction, Donor Devotion Dynamics, and Dynamic Impact Orchestration—to foster capacity building, donor loyalty, and organizational growth. Since 2016, Latoya has served as Executive Director of Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN), where her leadership has expanded the budget from $310K to $1.2M. She previously co-founded SAVED Health and launched the SAVED4HOPE Therapeutic Summer Camp, growing both into multi-county initiatives. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Gifts of Imperfection by Brene BrownDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens

304: Balancing the Head and the Heart as a Nonprofit Leader (Eric Newman)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. How do you sustain the passion that fuels your nonprofit mission while ensuring long-term financial and operational success? In episode 304 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll hear from Eric Newman, a nonprofit leader who turned personal adversity into a powerful movement, scaling an organization from a grassroots fundraiser to a national force for pediatric cancer support. Learn how he navigated the critical balance between mission-driven passion and business-minded strategy, built a sustainable fundraising model, and leveraged corporate partnerships for impact. He shares hard-earned lessons on overcoming early financial struggles, the importance of adaptability, and why "marrying the mission, not the model" is key to longevity. ABOUT ERICEric Newman is a passionate entrepreneur, speaker and visionary leader. A childhood cancer survivor, he founded Roc Solid Foundation in 2009, a nonprofit that builds hope for kids fighting the same battle throughout the U.S. Roc Solid partners with over 100 children’s hospitals to gift Ready Bags to families just after diagnosis, and they’ve provided thousands of play sets for children throughout the country who need a safe place to play and a reason to smile. As a best-selling author and guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Eric’s story continues to inspire people who are looking for ways to turn their pain from past experiences into their life’s passion.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Carpenter: A Story About the Greatest Success Strategies of All by John Gordon10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin HardyHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector –

303: Advocacy That Matters: Taking Your Nonprofit to the Next Level (Sam Daley-Harris)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.Are you leveraging advocacy to amplify your nonprofit’s impact? In episode 303 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Sam Daley-Harris, author of Reclaiming Our Democracy, shares transformative insights on moving beyond transactional actions to engage in transformational advocacy. Sam emphasizes the power of asking big questions, building meaningful relationships with elected officials, and training teams to embrace grassroots victories. Discover practical strategies to engage your board, staff, and volunteers in impactful advocacy, even if your organization is just starting out. This conversation challenges nonprofit leaders to think bigger, connect deeper, and embrace their potential to create systemic change.ABOUT SAMSam Daley-Harris founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS in 1980, co-founded the Microcredit Summit Campaign in 1995, and founded Civic Courage in 2012. The 2024 edition of his book Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy was named an editor’s pick by Publisher’s Weekly BookLife.  Kirkus Reviews wrote: "Overall, [the author's] analysis of effective action is as persuasive as it is accessible, and his call to democratic participation is inspiring. A handbook for aspiring activists that readers will find to be both inspiring and practical."  Daley-Harris has been interviewed on NPR’s Here and Now and 1A and on PBS’s Laura Flanders and Friends.  Ashoka founder Bill Drayton said, “Sam Daley-Harris is one of the certified great social entrepreneurs of the last decades.”EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESAmerican Shield by Aquilino Gonell and Susan ShapiroHow Nonprofits Lose Out When Volunteer Advocates Are Asked to Do Little Real AdvocacyLearn more and connect with Sam here

302: Nonprofit Success Through Donor Relationships (Melissa Le Roy)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you ready to take your nonprofit’s fundraising to the next level? This episode dives deep into the art of relationship-driven fundraising and the strategies that sustain long-term nonprofit success. In episode #302 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Melissa Le Roy shares actionable advice for building meaningful donor connections. Learn her "five steps to building a fire" for sustainable fundraising strategies, discover how gratitude and consistent communication can transform donor retention, and explore how AI can streamline segmentation and personalized outreach. Melissa also highlights leadership lessons, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and prioritizing relationship-building to inspire greater engagement. ABOUT MELISSAMelissa Metcalf Le Roy, a graduate in Entrepreneurship, with a minor in business law of Western Carolina University and a graduate in Nonprofit Management of Duke University teaches non-profit management classes throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia for Duke University and Western Carolina University. She is a past board member of the North Carolina Center for Non-Profits. For four years she contributed a regular “Non-Profit Leadership” column for the Tryon Daily Bulletin and currently offers her services as a consultant through her own firm, OnFire Nonprofit Consulting. You can also view her TEDx talk “A Love Affair, the Art of Not Asking” on Nonprofit Fundraising.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireDonor Centered Fundraising by Penelope BurkeHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

301: Unlocking the Power of Sustainable Giving (Dave Raley)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates, your go-to resource for career opportunities OR for help finding an interim executive or your nonprofit’s next leader. Are you struggling to build a reliable, sustainable revenue stream while keeping donors engaged in your mission? The grind is real. In episode #301 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dave Raley dives into the essential shifts nonprofit leaders need to embrace, inspired by lessons from the subscription economy. He shares practical strategies for creating engaging donor experiences, building ongoing value propositions, and maximizing the long-term impact of recurring donors. Drawing on two decades of experience and insights from his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving, Dave outlines the key elements of a thriving recurring giving program, from understanding your tech stack to cultivating donor relationships that go beyond “set it and forget it.” If your organization wants to deepen donor loyalty and create sustainable revenue streams, this episode is a must-listen.ABOUT DAVEDave Raley is the founder of Imago Consulting, an advisory firm that helps organizations create growth through innovation. As a speaker and advisor, he has inspired thousands of nonprofit leaders to grow both personally and organizationally. He’s the author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving, and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit. Dave also writes a weekly innovation and leadership column called The Wave Report, and he’s the co-founder of the Purpose & Profit Podcast – a show about the ideas at the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit brands. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Rise of Sustainable Giving by Dave RaleyHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

Celebrate a remarkable milestone as key takeaways from 300 engaging conversations illuminate the landscape of nonprofit leadership. Discover essential insights on mission clarity, board engagement, and emotional intelligence that empower effective leadership. Learn about the importance of succession planning for continuity in organizations. Reflect on the most downloaded moments and notable guests who have shaped the journey, including leaders from diverse backgrounds and countries. A treasure trove of wisdom awaits!

299: No Ego Allowed: Leading with Humility (Lisa Steven)SUMMARYOur friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates bring this episode to you. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you letting ego impede building a stronger, more effective nonprofit team? Leadership in the nonprofit sector often demands humility, yet the pressure to appear confident and in control can lead to isolation, burnout, and missed opportunities for growth. How can nonprofit leaders shift their mindset, embrace humility, and empower their teams while staying connected to their mission? In episode #299 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Lisa Steven, Executive Director of Hope House Colorado, shares her journey from being a teenage mom to leading a transformative nonprofit organization. Lisa explores the challenges of isolation in leadership, the importance of reconnecting with your mission, and how to approach delegation as an act of empowerment for your team. She discusses building a culture of humility, learning to lead with faith and authenticity, and navigating the complexities of board relationships. Lisa also provides actionable insights into fostering mentorship, creating environments of excellence, and approaching fundraising as a deeply relational and transformational practice.ABOUT LISALisa Steven has over 28 years of experience working with teen moms. In 2003, she co-founded Hope House Colorado and has served as the founder & executive director ever since. Under Lisa’s leadership, Hope House has reached new levels and growth that, with a budget of over $3.5 million, puts the organization in the top 10 percent of nonprofits in the United States. Lisa is also a co-founder of the Colorado Teen Parent Collaborative (TPC) and serves on the Board for the Arvada Chamber. Lisa co-authored the Teen MOPS Handbook and worked with MOPS International on their strategic plan for expanding the ministry of Teen MOPS. Lisa is the author of A Place To Belong, a book that shares the miracle of Hope House while encouraging women in their leadership journey. A former teen mom, Lisa is committed to empowering teen moms in her community and across the world.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireCEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, Vikram MalhotraHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

298: Do You See Your Nonprofit as a Corporation? (Laura Bonnell)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you running your nonprofit like a passion project – or a thriving corporation? Maybe you’re struggling to balance mission-driven work with the organizational discipline needed for sustainable growth. In episode #298 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Laura Bonnell, founder of The Bonnell Foundation, shares her journey of transforming a deeply personal mission into a globally impactful nonprofit. She highlights the critical need for nonprofit leaders to adopt a corporate mindset - emphasizing strategic financial planning, program expansion, and board engagement as essential tools for growth. ABOUT LAURALaura Bonnell, a seasoned journalist with 25 years of experience in Detroit, founded The Bonnell Foundation in 2010 after her daughters, Molly and Emily, were born with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite having ten siblings between them, Laura and her husband, Joe, did not know they were carriers of the disease, as no one else in either family had been diagnosed with CF. Driven by her personal experience and professional expertise, Laura used her platform as a reporter to raise awareness about CF. Before establishing The Bonnell Foundation, she actively raised funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participating in the Great Strides Walk fundraisers and speaking at CFF events. Bonnell also organized events like the first Celebrity Softball game with the Detroit Tigers’ wives and launching the "Portraits of Cystic Fibrosis" calendars in 2003—both of which are integral to The Bonnell Foundation's fundraising efforts today. Through her foundation, Laura continues to advocate tirelessly for those affected by CF, leveraging her journalistic skills to amplify the cause and support the CF community.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Code Breaker by Walter IsaacsonHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

297: Four Ways to Future-Proof Your Nonprofit in 2025 (Bert Armstrong & Shannon Williams)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you ready to navigate the opportunities of 2025, or are you feeling the pressure of stretched resources, leadership turnover and a disengaged board of directors? In episode #297 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Bert Armstrong and Shannon Williams share findings from statewide community conversations that illuminate all of these issues. ABOUT BERT & SHANNONBert Armstrong found his career mojo as a nonprofit leader and fundraiser, and has served the nonprofit community as a fundraising professional, consultant, volunteer, and board member. As co-founder and principal of Armstrong McGuire, he has led searches for nonprofit executives, facilitated planning efforts, and helped clients raise tens of millions. Prior to co-founding the firm, Bert served as the Vice President for Advancement for the Methodist Home for Children. After graduating from the UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism, Shannon Williams stumbled into a fundraising position cloaked in a communications job and found her passion. For over 25 years, she has focused on helping organizations change the trajectories of their communities. Shannon leads the Armstrong McGuire team in helping boards find strategic direction, maximizing fundraising potential, and matching talented leaders to exceptional organizations. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Leaders Eat Last by Simon SinekDiscernment by Henri NouwenThank You. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More by Rod Wilson

296: PMA’s Holiday Gift Basket for Nonprofit Leaders (Patton McDowell)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. As the year ends, nonprofit leaders are reflecting on 2024 while gearing up for a successful 2025. In episode 296 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, host Patton McDowell delivers PMA’s “holiday gift basket” of actionable strategies to support your leadership journey. From building a personal strategic plan and aligning your professional goals with your organization’s mission to boosting year-end fundraising success with storytelling and corporate partnerships, this episode is packed with practical tips. Patton also shares ideas for celebrating your team’s achievements, thanking donors with personalized stewardship, and closing the year with a high-impact board meeting. You’ll leave equipped to prepare for tax season, craft a strategic budget, and set the stage for sustainable growth. Tune in to this holiday special and unwrap the tools you need for a thriving new year!ABOUT PATTONPatton is the Founder and President of PMA Nonprofit Leadership and brings over 30 years of expertise in philanthropic leadership, having partnered with over 300 organizations across all nonprofit sectors. A CFRE and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he's recognized for his speaking and dynamic facilitation. Starting with Special Olympics International and NC Special Olympics, his journey led to roles at Queens University of Charlotte and UNC Wilmington before founding PMA in 2009. Currently, an Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Patton's leadership insights resonate through his weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and his 2022 book of the same title. A Morehead Scholar from UNC Chapel Hill, he also earned an MBA from McColl School and a Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the University of Southern California. Originating from Elizabeth City, NC, Patton's involvement with AFP Charlotte and AFP International Board demonstrates his unwavering dedication to nurturing leaders at all stages of their nonprofit careers.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership