Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

131: Paying it Forward as a Nonprofit Leader (Michael DeVaul)SUMMARYPassion is often found in young leaders, while wisdom and experience are words associated with successful senior nonprofit leaders. Where are you on your journey of nonprofit leadership?  Do you realize the value of self-assessment? Michael DeVaul has been on both sides of that bridge for more than three decades in the nonprofit sector and reflects on leading by example through action.  In episode #131 of The Path Podcast, Michael shares his five steps to go from being a transactional leader to a transformational leader.  Patton and Michael discuss harnessing personal and professional experiences to be a more impactful nonprofit leader.  As a man of action, Michael is a role model for change, but he believes you must take action to make change.ABOUT MICHAELMichael is a seasoned veteran with 38+ years in the nonprofit sector. From Evanston, Illinois, he was a member of the Emerson Street YMCA and Ebenezer A.M.E. Church two strong black institutions which along with his extended family, helped seed his potential. In 2019, Michael was awarded the YMCA of the USA Carlos Sanvee award for his work strengthening emerging young leaders.  However, his highest honor remains the Champions of Change award given by the Obama White House for his efforts in community building and global work in Senegal and Bangladesh. Today, Michael serves as the YMCA of the USA National Director for Boys and Young Men of Color with a focus to lead reimagining policies, practices, and procedures across 100+ cities to improve the outcomes, impact, and economic mobility of all young men of color. He believes that to effect change you must first understand and develop your personal brand.  Driving culture involves reinforcing beliefs and behaviors that determine how an organization's leaders and the community they serve interact.  Only then can you address inequities for the purposes of reimagining an important concept called belonging. Michael lives in Charlotte and is most proud of being a husband, brother, father, uncle, and friend. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDavid Hawkins book Power vs. Force Learn more about building your own brand at BYOB TeamCheck out James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time“If you do not have a conscience, I cannot appeal to an absence of it” – Petra Hermans Ready for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

130: How Do You Prepare for Nonprofit Leadership? (Manuel Campbell)SUMMARYWhen funders approach you and ask, “why do we need this organization?” are you able to answer with more than just passion?  Seasoned nonprofit leader, Manuel Campbell, shares what it takes to go from a passion project to a strategic case for support to benefit your community and maintain a sustainable, upwardly mobile, and fully-funded nonprofit organization. In episode #130 of the Path Podcast, we discuss key steps to organizational success, from recognizing an unmet need to successfully managing a nonprofit to serve the needs of your community.  Manuel shares strategies to successfully establish credibility through your board, staff, community relationships, funders, and vendors to make your nonprofit not only sustainable, but impactful.ABOUT MANUELManuel is the Founder and CEO of ASPIRE Community Capital, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs from underserved communities through business training, coaching, development and access to capital. He is responsible for organizational growth through securing and activating community partnerships, fundraising strategies, board development and program development. Manuel is also a leading local voice on diversity, race and inclusion in entrepreneurship and a community advocate for low-to-moderate income business owners through participation on panels and partnerships with a diverse range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He is often asked to share his perspective regarding the issues that challenge small businesses and the effects of these challenges on economic and social development. Manuel held the positions of senior risk manager, financial analyst and investment banking analyst for Bank of America Securities and Wachovia Corporation and is the founder of Anderson, Campbell and Associates, a consulting firm focused on assisting small business owners in accessing capital through private placement, SBA financing and private equity transactions.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESRonnie Bryant’s book Driving from the BackseatRonnie Bryant’s episode #23 on the Path PodcastLearn more about ASPIRE Community CapitalReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

129: How to Retain Talent Through a Dynamic Nonprofit Organization (Keith Fishburne)SUMMARYAre you struggling as a nonprofit leader to retain your best talent?  Keith Fishburne, whose career spans over 30 years at Special Olympics North Carolina, shares his best practices to recognize, develop, and ultimately retain quality employees. Many of Keith’s senior staff have been with him for over a decade, unheard of in the nonprofit sector. The experiences we discuss in episode #129 of the Path Podcast will help you build and maintain stronger relationships between nonprofit leadership, staff, your board, and those all-important volunteers. Hear initiatives to improve equity and diversity in your organization. Cultivating the powerful connection between mission and passion will elevate your nonprofit organization.ABOUT KEITHKeith Fishburne, president and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina since May 1997, is responsible for overall management of the organization, which serves nearly 40,000 registered athletes statewide, supported by a $6.5 million budget, a staff of 28, and more than 40,000 volunteers.  He was a member of the Board of Directors and executive committee for the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games, which brought more than 7,000 athletes from over 150 countries worldwide to North Carolina for 10 days of competition and events. He’s also served as chairman of the Special Olympics United States Leadership Council (USLC), a leadership body dedicated to the strategic quality growth of Special Olympics programming throughout the country. He has been recognized for his leadership and dedication to the community beyond Special Olympics, having received the William C. Friday Excellence in Leadership and Service Award for significant contributions to the betterment of the human condition presented by the Park Scholars of NC State University, Class of 2010. In 2020, he was named to the North Carolina Sports Leadership Council of the NC Sports Association, joining sports leaders across North Carolina in serving as a collective voice on issues impacting the sports event industry. He’s currently a member of the Special Olympics USLC, and chair of the SOI Integrated Direct Marketing Program. He is also a member of the USLC Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Task Force and the Return to Activities Task Force as part of the Special Olympics response to the pandemic.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Dan Pallotta’s book Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their PotentialLearn more about a Special Olympics program near youCheck out Jim Taylor’s episode #120 Is Your Nonprofit Board Leading with Intent?Ready for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

128: Leading Your Organization Through Strategic Execution (Logan Herring)SUMMARYShould you stop calling your organization a nonprofit? That was one of many intriguing topics Logan Herring and I discussed during our conversation in episode #128 of the Path Podcast.  Logan is the dynamic leader of The WRK Group in Wilmington, Delaware, and is not only transforming his community, but also offers a unique organizational model for communities around the world to consider.  We discuss the key tenets of his leadership, from strategic planning (he doesn’t use that term either!), mergers and alliances, staff and board development, fundraising, and personal and professional development.  ABOUT LOGANLogan Herring is the CEO of The WRK Group (The Warehouse, REACH Riverside, and Kingswood Community Center). He started his work in the Riverside neighborhood of Wilmington as the Executive Director for Kingswood Community Center (KCC), which serves the young and old alike, including an early learning center, before and after care, and a senior center. REACH Riverside (Redevelopment Education and Community Health), is a non-profit community development corporation created to lead the $250 million revitalization of the Riverside neighborhood under the nationally acclaimed Purpose Built Communities model. REACH and KCC are working in partnership with The Warehouse, a co-working facility and network for teen-serving organizations designed to address violence, academic performance, and workforce readiness amongst Wilmington’s youth by providing them with access to more than 140 teen-focused program and service providers. Logan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Goucher College and a certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Boston College. In 2018, Logan was recognized in the Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40, which pays tribute to ambitious professionals who are making a name for themselves through professional excellence and community involvement. Additionally, Logan was recognized as one of Delaware Online’s Most Influential Delawareans for 2021. Logan has also been named 2021 CEO of the Year for Large Nonprofits by Delaware Business Times.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESRichard Rothstein’s book The Color of LawCharles Koch’s book Believe in PeopleLearn more about Purpose Built CommunitiesReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

127:  5 Priorities of the Best Nonprofit Leaders (Patton McDowell)SUMMARYEver wonder on what the best nonprofit leaders are focused?  After working with nearly 250 nonprofit organizations, and having interviewed over 120 talented nonprofit leaders from around the world on the podcast, Patton has narrowed his list to these five priorities which distinguish the best leaders from the rest in episode #127 of the Path Podcast.  Are you able to articulate a clear vision for your organization?  What specific methods are you utilizing to develop your talent?  How do you measure your outputs and your outcomes?  Do you attack all five phases of the relationship-building cycle?  Do you build upon existing alliances and seek new ones?  Lots of practical take-aways in this solo edition of the Path. 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?

126: Finding the Resources You Need as a Nonprofit Leader (Stephanie Minor)SUMMARYThe best nonprofit leaders embrace the concept of life-long learning because they know they must stay on top of the issues that face their organization and the sector in which it operates.  Managing issues of fundraising and philanthropy, human resources, mental health, diversity, equity & inclusion, strategic planning, finance, human resources and countless other topics can easily become overwhelming for a nonprofit leader. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you, and in episode #126 of the Path Podcast, Stephanie Minor offers a gold mine of ideas and specific advice about where to find them. Stephanie works with hundreds of nonprofit leaders through her NPO Centric organization, and has taken the time to understand the challenges you are likely facing right now, and has proactively developed resources to help.ABOUT STEPHANIEStephanie Minor is a veteran fundraising professional, nonprofit executive, and strategic development coach whose proven fundraising strategies have won big grants and gifts for important and impactful nonprofit causes. She joined NPO Centric as its Director in 2019, where she advances the work of nonprofits through capacity building and technical assistance. Stephanie started her professional career as a communicator and social media strategist after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Cal State San Bernardino. Through her own firm, Premiere Designs, LLC, she planned, developed, and executed successful integrated social media and website content strategies for a variety of clients, including organizations in the nonprofit sector. In 2015, she was offered an opportunity to serve on the staff of Martha’s Village & Kitchen, one of the largest providers of homeless services in the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. As the director of development, she launched a successful $5 million capital campaign, and became the executive vice president of the organization. She also won the “Best Pitch” award through the RAP Foundation’s 2018 Desert Fast Pitch competition for nonprofits. Through her powerful 3-minute pitch about the plight of homeless children in California, she was awarded a donation of $20,000 toward the creation of a space in the residential unit of Martha’s Village & Kitchen exclusively for homeless children. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Erik Hanberg’s book The Little Book of BoardsLearn more about NPO Centric and how it can help your nonprofit leadershipReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

125: The Surprising Gift of Doubt for Nonprofit Leaders (Marc Pitman)SUMMARYAs a nonprofit leader, you constantly face new challenges for which none of your training and previous experience can prepare you. Under such circumstances, it’s easy to lose confidence and succumb to those feelings of doubt, and wonder where leadership solutions might come from.  As a long-time leadership coach and fundraiser in the nonprofit sector, Marc Pitman understands these feelings of insecurity, and has written a fascinating book called The Surprising Gift of Doubt, which offers practical advice for any leader to better embrace their innate confidence and abilities. In episode #125 of the Path Podcast, Marc and I discuss this gift of doubt, the flaws in how we typically learn about leadership, and what we can do to better embrace all four of his leadership quadrants. A must-listen for current and aspiring nonprofit leaders!ABOUT MARCConcord Leadership Group founder Marc A. Pitman, CSP® has been leading organizations and teams for decades. His latest book is The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be. He’s also the author of Ask Without Fear!®  which has been translated into Dutch, Polish, Spanish, and Mandarin. He’s also the executive director of TheNonprofitAcademy.com and a former Advisory Panel member of Rogare, a prestigious international fundraising think tank. Marc’s expertise and enthusiasm has caught the attention of media organizations as diverse as The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Real Simple, SUCCESS Magazine, NBC, Al Jazeera, and Fox News. Marc tweets regularly at @marcapitman. Over the past 18 years, Marc’s organizational and leadership coaching and trainings have helped tens of thousands of nonprofits advance their missions, meet revenue goals, and improve the lives of their staff and supporters including clients like Maine Public Broadcasting, Georgetown University, In Defense of Animals, Habitat for Humanity, Chabad on Campus, and Islamic Relief USA. He is the husband to his best friend and the father of three amazing kids. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESMarc’s books The Surprising Gift of Doubt and Ask Without Fear®Sir John Whitmore’s book Coaching for PerformanceReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

124: How to Make Yourself an Outstanding Candidate for Nonprofit Leadership (Shana Plott)SUMMARYAs a nonprofit leader, you’ve likely encountered both sides of the talent development equation: seeking a new opportunity for yourself, or finding the perfect person to fill your nonprofit’s most important vacancy. Regardless of whether you’re looking yourself or trying to hire a rock star, Shana Plott is the perfect guest to help you on your quest.  Shana has spent most of her career helping organizations find talented leaders, and she’s also counseled dozens of potential leaders on how they can better position themselves for success in the hiring process. In episode #124 of the Path Podcast, Shana first unpacks the current state of the search market for nonprofits, and offers practical advice both for those seeking a new job and for those about to launch a search themselves, especially those nonprofit leaders determined to bring a more diverse pool of candidates to their organization. ABOUT SHANAAs CEO, Shana Plott manages all facets of Coleman Lew Canny Bowen, and leads executive-level search for her clients. Shana is heavily involved in the search industry on an international level and serves on the Council of the Americas for the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC). She is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in leadership and serves on the Advisory Board for the Director Diversity Initiative through the UNC School of Law. Prior to joining the firm, Shana worked for several years in retained search with the Carolinas office of Heidrick & Struggles, serving as associate director and successfully completing retained searches for CEOs, CFOs, and other senior executives across many industry sectors. Shana spent almost 20 years in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. She began her career as a certified recreation therapist in acute and long-term care. She then transitioned into management, ultimately serving in director-level roles in development, marketing, and communications. Most recently, she spent seven years as development director for KinderMourn, Inc. Shana graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in recreation therapy. She is a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, a founding board member for SouthPark Engineering and Robotics Clubs, and currently serves on the board of Loaves and Fishes. She and her husband have three children.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESBob Burg and John David Mann’s book The Go-GiverLearn more about Coleman Lew Canny Bowen and how they can help your nonprofitReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

123: 4 Steps to Breakthrough Marketing for Nonprofit Leaders (Cheryl Williams)SUMMARYIn an environment when the term “hybrid” represents a new layer of complexity for nonprofit programming, fundraising and communications, it’s easy to get lost in a flurry of activity without effectively marketing your nonprofit organization.  As a nonprofit leader, how do you best determine what effective marketing and communication even looks like for your organization?   Fortunately, Cheryl Hudgins Williams brings a career of for-profit and nonprofit experience to help you elevate your organization’s marketing in episode #123 of the Path Podcast. Cheryl and I discuss four steps you can take right now to better assess your marketing and communication strategies and become more effective in sharing what makes your nonprofit attractive to funders, volunteers and the communities you serve.ABOUT CHERYLWith over two decades of corporate and nonprofit leadership including Marketing, Public Relations, Strategic Planning, Financial Management and staff Leadership and Development, Cheryl Williams is the founder and CEO of Hudgins Williams Associates.  During her twenty-two-year career at Procter & Gamble, Cheryl’s responsibilities included visibility and reputation building for domestic and global brands representing $30 billion in annual retail sales, and she served ten years as Vice President of the P&G Cosmetics Foundation and as a member of the foundation’s Board of Directors. Twenty years of nonprofit service includes leadership roles in multiple organizations and humanitarian projects in dozens of countries including Uganda, Niger, Nicaragua, Peru, Indonesia, the Philippines and India. She has served on the boards of directors of Baltimore Center Stage, the Baltimore School for the Arts, the Baltimore Design School, and United Lutheran Seminary. As a Senior Consultant at Tecker International, she brings expertise in coaching and communications to a wide range of associations and other nonprofit organizations. Cheryl received the Advanced Certified Personal and Executive Coach certification from the College of Executive Coaching, and is credentialed by the International Coach Federation. She earned her B.S. in Computer Science at North Carolina State University, and both an M.S. in Business and an M.B.A. from The Johns Hopkins University. She is a native of New York City and now lives in Baltimore, Maryland.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESTom Rath’s book Strength Finders 2.0 Learn more about Hudgins Williams Associates and how they can help your nonprofitReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

122: How Nonprofit Leaders Can Jumpstart the Funder Partnership (Kelly Chopus)SUMMARYThe partnership between nonprofit leaders and their counterparts at grant-making organizations is a critical one, and Kelly Chopus understands both sides of this collaborative dynamic. In episode #122 of the Path Podcast, Kelly and I discuss what makes a nonprofit more attractive to funders, and what nonprofit leaders can do to better demonstrate their ability to maximize investments in their communities. Kelly offers specific advice as to what the Robins Foundation looks for when it evaluates prospective nonprofits, and how nonprofit leaders can learn from key conversations that are occurring right now across the national philanthropic landscape.ABOUT KELLYKelly Chopus is the president and Chief Executive Officer of the Robins Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, where she is responsible for the operations, management and grant making for the one of the region’s largest family foundations. Chopus previously served as Director of Community Relations for Goodrich Corporation in Charlotte, NC, where she supervised all global philanthropy, community relations and volunteerism. She also served as Vice President of Business Operations for the former WNBA Charlotte Sting and as an Associate Producer for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympiad. Chopus was awarded the 2012 Mover and Shaker Award by Business Leader Magazine, and in 2013 the Mecklenburg Times named her one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards, task forces and committees across the country, including stints as a national board member for the Association for Corporate Contributions Professionals (ACCP), the U S Airways Education Foundation and regionally for the Southeast Council on Foundations (SECF). In 2015 she was appointed to the Friends of the Family Committee of the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) in Washington, DC and she co-chairs the Center’s Non-Family Staff networking group. In Richmond, Chopus serves as a board member for Chamber RVA and on the organizing committee for the Capital Region Collaborative. She is the proud wife of a non-profit executive and the even prouder mother of three smart, funny and compassionate young adults. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESMohammad Anwar’s book Love as a Business StrategyLearn more about Network for GoodLearn more about Catchafire       Ready for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!