Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

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!

121: New Nonprofit CEO? 5 Keys to Success (Ken Fuquay)SUMMARYHave you wondered what it would be like to lead a nonprofit organization?  Many talented professionals, both within and outside of our sector, are considering a move into senior leadership at a charitable organization, but are not exactly sure what to expect. Ken Fuquay is a great example of a talented professional who made a move later in his career to embrace nonprofit leadership. Thankfully, he’s not only embraced the challenges and opportunities of this profession, but has also considered five critical elements that will help you on your journey to nonprofit leadership, or help you excel within the role you already have.  In episode #121 of the Path Podcast, Ken and I discuss staff development and team building, the critical function of working with your board, the importance of community engagement, the necessary steps to align your organization’s strategic plan, and most importantly, how to take care of yourself.ABOUT KENKen D. 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 co-owner of Carolina School of Broadcasting, planting pastor at M2M Charlotte and CEO of LIFESPAN Services, Incorporated, a North Carolina non-profit that serves more than 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 23 NC counties.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDaniel J. Brown’s book The Boys in the BoatBrene’ Brown’s book Dare to LeadSusan Scott’s book Fierce ConversationsJohn Miller’s book The Question Behind the QuestionMichael Watkins’ book The First 90 DaysReady for a Mastermind?  Apply Today!

120: Is Your Nonprofit Board Leading with Intent? (Jim Taylor)SUMMARYAs Jim Taylor shared on episode #35 of the Path Podcast, conversations around race and inclusion are more prevalent than ever in nonprofit meeting rooms around the world.  But are these discussions leading to significant change in the recruitment, make-up and leadership style for these same board leaders? That’s exactly what BoardSource’s latest Leading With Intent report set out to explore, and the results are fascinating. Jim returns to episode #120 of the Path, and shares all of the critical findings - and once again - offers advice for nonprofit board members and staff to apply to their leadership practices.ABOUT JIMAs Vice President of Leadership Initiatives & Education, Jim focuses on leading BoardSource’s efforts to position nonprofit boards for stronger leadership on diversity, inclusion, and equity. This includes leading the organization’s work to spark and support understanding, action, and change at the board level on these issues; serving as an external representative, speaker, and writer; developing new resources and programming; and partnering with peer organizations around the country. Prior to joining BoardSource, Jim served as the Vice President of Multicultural Leadership at AARP, the Director of Community Relations and Director of Community Development at Capital One, Director of Product Innovation at Fannie Mae, and Corporate Relations Program Officer at the Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships.  Jim has served on boards of directors and advisory boards of multiple nonprofits, including Carpenter’s Shelter, the Latino Economic Development Center, the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers, the Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County, Shelter House, and LearnServe International. Jim is from Long Island, New York and earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and a BA from the University of Virginia.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESMalcolm Gladwell’s book OutliersAnne Wallestad’s article The Four Principles of Purpose-Driven LeadershipBoardSource Four Principles Conversation Starter GuidePhil Buchanan’s episode #108 What is Giving Done Right?

119: Building A Career in Nonprofit Leadership (Elizabeth Abel)SUMMARYAs more talented professionals enter the nonprofit sector, they are looking for ways to develop their skills, find the best professional development opportunities, and better navigate the personal and professional challenges that can inhibit success. Elizabeth Abel not only works with nonprofit leaders across the country as they manage all of these issues, she’s also teaching the next generation of talent through her work at the Nonprofit Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania. In episode #119 of the Path Podcast, Elizabeth offers a wealth of knowledge about maintaining balance in your life and career, best practices for working with your board of directors, and what nonprofit leaders must do if they want to attract and retain the next generation of talent.ABOUT ELIZABETHElizabeth Abel is an expert in nonprofit fundraising and powerhouse in philanthropy, having raised nearly half a billion dollars for nonprofit organizations. She is a Corporate Vice President at CCS Fundraising, a global fundraising consulting firm for nonprofits. In this role, Elizabeth designs, advises, and leads philanthropic capital campaigns that equip nonprofits with the resources and revenue to achieve their mission and have the greatest benefit to the communities they serve, driving sustainable social change and positively impacting tens of thousands of lives. Beyond CCS, Elizabeth is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Nonprofit Leadership Program, where she educates and empowers students to drive social change through philanthropy. She regularly presents at industry conferences, leads workshops for nonprofit professionals, and publishes articles on trends in philanthropy. Elizabeth also has an active social media presence. Her Instagram (@ElizabethBerniAbel) offers nonprofit industry insights and fundraising tips. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter and is an avid traveler, hiker, and tea drinker.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESCheck out Elizabeth’s post: Reimagining Fundraising in a Covid-19 Landscape Elizabeth’s Read to Lead book recommendations Lydia Fenet’s book The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is YouErica Dhawan’s book Digital Body LanguageReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

118: Embracing the Power of Philanthropy as a Nonprofit LeaderSUMMARYPhilanthropy is the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, but the acquisition of charitable dollars can be a motivational barrier for many nonprofit leaders.  We all have hang-ups about money, and that can hurt our enthusiasm to actually ask for funds for the causes we care deeply about. Charles Thomas has been on both sides of philanthropy, as an executive director of two organizations, and now the Program Director for a national foundation making investments in critical community needs. In episode #118 of the Path Podcast, Charles breaks down these barriers to fundraising and offers practical advice to help you turn your hesitation into enthusiasm for the investments you’ll be seeking.   ABOUT CHARLESCharles Thomas joined the Knight Foundation in February of 2016, and under his leadership the Foundation has invested over $25M in the Historic West End, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and in numerous Charlotte arts and local journalism initiatives. Raised in Charlotte, Thomas is the former executive director of Queen City Forward, a hub for entrepreneurs who have business ideas that address social needs. Prior to leading Queen City Forward, he served as the education director of The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film. A professional photographer, Thomas co-published a book of photography and stories with author Valaida Fullwood titled “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists.” In addition to winning the 2012 Terry McAdam Book Award, Thomas and Fullwood partnered with Johnson C. Smith University to create and launch a traveling exhibition titled the “Soul of Philanthropy: Reframed and Exhibited.”  He serves on the board of trustees of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and is an active member of the New Generation of African American Philanthropy giving circle. Thomas earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Duke University. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, Micaila Milburn, and their three sons.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESChip & Dan Heath’s book SwitchIbram X. Kendi’s book How to be An AntiracistValaida Fullwood’s episode #52 Celebrating Black Philanthropy & Nonprofit LeadershipReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

117: 3 Keys to Effective Nonprofit Leadership (John Bennett)SUMMARYThe study of nonprofit leadership requires the review of a wide array of topics, skills and experiences, especially as you try to identify the keys to success in the philanthropic sector. Where can you turn for advice on ways to improve your leadership skills?  Well, to assure a deeper dive into these sometimes intangible leadership factors, John Bennett proved to be the perfect guest on episode #117 of the Path Podcast to offer practical advice on the three distinct elements on which you should focus as a nonprofit leader.  John brings three decades of leadership experience, including his current writing, research and teaching on the subject of leadership.  ABOUT JOHNDr. John Bennett is a professor of business and behavioral science and director of graduate programs for the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte.  As a faculty member, he teaches graduate courses in executive coaching, leadership, and interpersonal and group dynamics. He has nearly 30 years of industry experience, including work as C.E.O. of an American Red Cross biomedical services division, where he led pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution operations, and the development and delivery of essential human services. As an executive coach and consultant, Dr. Bennett helps individuals, teams, and organizations in a variety of industries prepare for and excel through change. He has written two books: Leading the Edge of Change and The Essential Network. He was named a charter Fellow in The Lewin Center and a Founding Fellow of the Institute of Coaching, which is an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESCheck out John’s blog post on 35 High Impact BooksMarshall Goldsmith’s book What Got You Here Won’t Get You ThereDavid Allen’s book Getting Things DoneCarson Tate’s episode #58 How to Make Nonprofit Leadership Your Dream JobReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

116: Is It Time for a Capital Campaign? (Cindy Clark)SUMMARYAs we move through the pandemic, numerous factors are influencing nonprofit leaders to consider whether now is the time to launch a capital campaign.  Pent up demand, relatively good economic conditions, competition from other nonprofits - and just a restlessness from staff and board - may all be pushing you to what feels like an inevitable fundraising effort.  But are you and your nonprofit really ready?  My colleague Cindy Clark is the perfect one to answer this question, and she and I discuss five keys to evaluating campaign readiness in episode #116 of the Path Podcast.  Cindy has nearly four decades of experience running campaigns and consulting nonprofit leaders on their campaign readiness, and she can help you understand the key elements necessary to assure campaign success. ABOUT CINDYCindy Clark joined the PMA team with more than 35 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, management, development, and marketing. Her background includes work in healthcare, higher education, and the independent school sectors. Most recently, Cindy served for nine years as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Vice President for Development with Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, where she managed a successful $10 million capital campaign to build Levine & Dickson Hospice House. She previously served for 14 years as Director of Advancement at Gaston Day School, an independent school in Gastonia, NC. Cindy began her career in Advancement at Belmont Abbey College, where she served first as Director of Public Relations and later became Director of Development. At PMA, she consults with a broad spectrum of nonprofit organizations, including education, social services, economic development, and arts clients. Cindy received a bachelor's degree in English Education from Appalachian State University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).  She is a former board member and President of AFP Charlotte and a former recipient of their Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive Award.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESJerold Panas’ book AskingMark Freedman’s book How to Live ForeverMichael Marsicano’s episode #99: Moving Through the Pandemic: What Do We Do Now?Ready for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

115:  Need to Recharge Your Nonprofit Career Plan? (Patton McDowell)SUMMARYWhile the new year gets most of the attention as the time for personal resolutions and career planning, the summer may be an even better time for personal and professional reflection, and a great time to re-evaluate your path to nonprofit leadership. In episode #115 of the Path Podcast, Patton offers a solo summary of two key planning instruments that can help with your nonprofit career planning.  You’ll be able to assess where you stand on the 10 essential skills and experiences for nonprofit leadership, and how to build on that self-assessment using a personal SCOT Analysis (strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats).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?