Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

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!

136: Maximizing Volunteer Engagement as a Nonprofit Leader (Lauren Kaufman)SUMMARYAre you utilizing the full abilities of your best volunteers?  As the leader of an all-volunteer organization that has seen a 40% growth in the past six months, Lauren Kaufman discusses strategic actions to attract, activate, grow, and retain diverse young professional volunteer talent. Connecting the individual volunteer’s skills and experiences with specific organizational roles and committee opportunities strengthens not only the individual’s resume, but the relationship they have with the organization as a whole.  In episode #136 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll hear tips every nonprofit leader can implement to improve their volunteer experience.  Lauren also discusses the value of building alliances, one of Patton’s Five Keys to a successful nonprofit, with like-minded similar organizations, as well as organizational skills from which every nonprofit leader can learn.ABOUT LAURENBy day, Lauren works at Dimensional Fund Advisors where she provides the tools financial advisors need to strategically manage and grow their business. She also oversees Dimensional’s global philanthropic program. By night (and weekends), she is president of the Young Women’s Alliance, an Austin non-profit dedicated to empowering the next generation of women leaders. As president, Lauren oversees 500 members, 16 Board of Directors, and 80+ chair positions. As an entirely volunteer run organization, Lauren ensures that YWA is meeting and exceeding all parts of its mission by developing KPI’s, strategically planning for the future of the organization and ensuring that YWA continues to be an organization that connects and supports women in Austin. Through Lauren’s leadership, YWA remains committed to being a diverse and inclusive organization where women in Austin feel welcomed and empowered. Most recently, Lauren added an additional role to the Board of Directors: VP of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her partner Aaron and their two French bulldogs, Tater Tot and Queso (@theloadedtots). Lauren speaks Chinese, German, and Spanish and holds her Series 7 and 66.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESCy Wakeman’s book Reality based Leadership Learn more about the Young Women’s Alliance & (YWA Instagram)Austin Under 40 WebsiteHeristic website (DEI consultant)Ready for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

135: Sharpening Your Vision as a Nonprofit Leader (Pat Millen)SUMMARYMost well-intentioned ideas never become a viable nonprofit organization.  But after Pat Millen’s daughter Franny raised the issue of the digital divide after school one day, the family decided to do something about it.  Less than 10 years later, one family’s inspiration has evolved into E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide), and Pat has elevated the organization to state and national prominence.  Not only is his story fascinating, but his thoughtful reflection about the efforts to start and grow a nonprofit are full of valuable advice for any nonprofit leader. In episode 135 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Pat and I discuss the strategic focus necessary to achieve organizational expansion, the critical importance of community research, and the discipline necessary to network strategically.  ABOUT PATIn 2012, Pat Millen Co-Founded E2D with his family to address societal imbalances associated with digital exclusion affecting low-income families and students. In 2017, he founded the Re-Image CLT Labs, of which he is now the executive director. Prior to his work at E2D, he was the Founder, President, and CEO of Integrity Sport Marketing, Media, and Management, from 1993 to 2014. IS3M was a sports management agency specializing in the creation, marketing and execution of strategic initiatives for companies and organizations with an emphasis on soccer and the convergence of sports and education. From 1990 to 1993, Pat worked as the Director of Athletics Marketing at his alma mater, Davidson College. He graduated from Davidson in 1986 with a BA in History. Over the course of his career, he has received the Davidson College Omicron Delta Kappa Service Award and, most recently, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.  He has been named one of the “25 Most Influential People in American Soccer” by Soccer America Magazine in 1996 and a “Gamechanger” by Davidson College in honor of his social justice work in 2018. He is a member of the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance, NC Digital Equity and Inclusion Collaborative and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, the Charlotte Council of Agency Executives, the Ne Ultra Society/Founders Roundtable at Davidson College and the Charlotte Rotary Club. Pat lives in Davidson, NC with his wife Eileen Keeley and his children, Paddy, Franny and Sam. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESRon Rash book In the ValleyGet involved with E2DLearn more through the National Digital Inclusion AllianceReady for a Mastermind? Apply Today to join the Spring 2022 Cohort!

134: Why Corporations Should Look at Philanthropy in a New Way (Holly Welch Stubbing)SUMMARYNonprofit organizations worldwide study ways to capitalize on corporate relationships in their fundraising efforts.  Having been on both sides of this equation, Holly Welch Stubbing, the President & CEO of E4E Relief, identifies specific challenges she sees as nonprofits try to connect with corporate leaders. She shares her thoughts on how corporations can look at philanthropy differently given the competing agendas they are constantly having to manage. In episode 134 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we’ll explore how to better align the mission of both the corporation and your nonprofit, and how implementing a plan around relationship building will improve that partnership.  As a strong nonprofit leader, educating yourself on corporate practices, governances, and structure will enable a better understanding when developing community philanthropic campaigns.ABOUT HOLLYHolly Welch Stubbing serves as President & CEO of E4E Relief, an international nonprofit organization that provides disaster and hardship grants to individuals worldwide and is a leading provider of employee relief programs for multinational corporations headquartered in the U.S.  Holly previously worked for Foundation For The Carolinas for over 20 years in advancement, investment and legal affairs and is a nationally recognized leader in charitable tax matters and serves or has served on key public policy committees representing nonprofits and philanthropy on the Hill and in the state of North Carolina. She is a past Strategy leader for the Alliance for Charitable Reform and serves professionally on the Merrill Lynch Bledsoe/Cathcart Group Advisory Council and the Seymour Legacy Trust Board of Trustees. She also serves on nonprofit boards for Wake Forest University Charlotte, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation and Trinity Episcopal School.  Holly is a German Marshall Fund Marshall Memorial Fellow and is a recipient of the Charlotte Business Journal’s Women in Business Award and 40 Under 40 recognitions. She was the Charlotte AFP’s Fundraiser of the Year Award winner in 2013, and holds a Global Executive MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law and a B.A. in Speech Communications and International Studies from Wake Forest University.  Holly is a member of the North Carolina and Tennessee Bar Associations.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReed Hoffman’s book Masters of Scale Learn more about E4E ReliefReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

133:  How to Improve Your Nonprofit Leadership Experience (Patton McDowell)SUMMARYAre you thankful for your current nonprofit leadership role?  The sector should be thankful for talented individuals like you who are dedicated to a vital cause in your community, but I know you may not feel that gratitude as you do even more for an organization that needs your every contribution.  In this special Thanksgiving Day episode, I offer some ideas that may help you be an even better leader, but more importantly, help you enjoy a more rewarding experience as you move toward your goals. In this solo episode #133 of the Path Podcast, I offer five specific ways you can improve your nonprofit leadership experience, as well as a sneak peek at my new book, also titled Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership.ABOUT PATTONPatton McDowell has enjoyed a successful 30-year career in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development. His consulting practice has allowed him to work with more than 240 organizations throughout the Southeast, including nonprofits focused on healthcare, education, arts & culture, and human services. Prior to founding PMA Consulting in 2009, he served as Vice President for University Advancement at Queens University of Charlotte where he was responsible for all fundraising, communications, and alumni programs for the university.  Before Queens, Patton served as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at UNC Wilmington, where he was the youngest vice chancellor in the 16-campus UNC system. He previously served as Program Director for Special Olympics North Carolina in Raleigh, following his tenure with Special Olympics International in Washington, D.C.  Patton is a native of Elizabeth City, NC, and received a bachelor's degree in English Education from UNC Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar. He received his MBA from the McColl School of Business at Queens, and his Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the Rossier School at the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a Master Trainer for AFP International, and a member of the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations. Patton is a former board President of AFP Charlotte, served as the Chapter Representative on the AFP International Board, and is the host of the weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership.EPISODE RESOURCESEpisode #56 10 Essential Skills & Experiences for Nonprofit LeadershipEpisode #78 5 Ways to Build Your Professional Development PlanEpisode #13 Build A Personal Strategic Plan that WorksAre you ready for a Mastermind?

132: The Power of Donor Stewardship as a Nonprofit Leader (Caitlin Donley)SUMMARYFundraising is more than simply communicating your mission effectively to your donors and asking for support. The real magic happens after the gift is received, and doing more than just saying “thank you” means a nonprofit leader has an intentional strategic plan around donor stewardship. In episode #132 of The Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Caitlin Donley introduces us to three distinct categories nonprofit leaders need to consider as they maximize the potential for donor stewardship.  As President of AFP Charlotte, Caitlin discusses National Philanthropy Day and many other ways to celebrate philanthropy and increase your donor retention. Having an annual advancement plan enables natural touch points for stewardship and also cultivation for the future.ABOUT CAITLINCaitlin Donley is the Chief Advancement & Finance Officer for Safe Alliance, overseeing resource development, financial operations, and community engagement for Mecklenburg County, NC's largest domestic violence and sexual assault nonprofit. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years with fundraising positions in higher education, the arts and in the animal welfare areas. She has a Master's in Public Administration from UNC Charlotte and a BA in Music/French from Bishop's University. She has also completed the Nonprofit Executive Leadership program at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Caitlin is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and currently serves at the President for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Charlotte Chapter.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Book by Ingrid Bens - Facilitation at a Glance Learn more about Safe Alliance or donate nowCheck out Association of Fundraising ProfessionalsBe a part of AFP Charlotte and National Philanthropy DayReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!