Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

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?

114: Leadership, Track Record & Sustainability: How Does Your Nonprofit Stack Up? (Tom Lawrence)SUMMARYIt’s common for a nonprofit leader to wonder what a prospective funder is thinking as he or she evaluates your organization for a potential investment.  Fortunately, Tom Lawrence is happy to share the framework The Leon Levine Foundation uses to evaluate hundreds of grant applications it receives every year.  Tom serves as the President of the Foundation, and he and his team use a framework for evaluation that you’ll find valuable to prep for ANY donor or prospect meeting or grant application.  Tom and I discuss what amounts to the “big three” for the Foundation: evidence of Leadership, evidence of a Track Record, and evidence of Sustainability.  Tom defines each, and provides practical insight that will help you assess where you stand in each category.  ABOUT TOMTom Lawrence is the President and a member of the Board of Directors with The Leon Levine Foundation as well as Chief Financial Officer of the Levine family office. Tom joined the family office in 2002 to oversee the personal finances, tax compliance and investment portfolio management for the family and its Foundation. As President, Tom is responsible for directing the overall staff, program, and administrative activities of the Foundation. He works closely with the board to develop the Foundation’s vision and strategies. He previously worked in the Family Wealth Planning division of Arthur Andersen in Charlotte and with the general services group of McGladrey & Pullen in Richmond, Virginia. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Tom is a graduate of the University of Richmond. He and his wife, Gina, have two children.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESJocko Willink’s book Extreme LeadershipJoel Fleishman’s book The FoundationTLLF resources on Leadership, Sustainability and Track RecordReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

113: How to Balance the Mission and the Business as a Nonprofit Leader (Jim Warren)SUMMARYMany nonprofit leaders struggle to maintain their passion for the organization’s mission as they grapple with the management realities required to run a complex nonprofit business.  If you’re wrestling with that “mission versus business” tug-of-war, Jim Warren is the perfect person to know.  Jim is the Executive Director of the Carolina Raptor Center, and brings his energy and wisdom from 40 years in the nonprofit sector to episode #113 of the Path Podcast.  Jim and I discuss what’s helped him maintain his passion over the years as well as the practical approach he’s taken to leadership development, life-long learning and building a team of talented staff and board members.ABOUT JIMJim Warren has been at the Carolina Raptor Center since January of 2006, and has served as its Executive Director since May of 2011.  Jim’s journey in nonprofit leadership began as an intern with the Charlotte-area YMCA, and led to a job offer from that organization before graduating from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He continued to develop his leadership skills as the Superintendent of Aquatics for Mecklenburg County, NC, and then as Associate Executive Director for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Chief Operating Officer for the Upper Marlboro YMCA in Rock Hill, SC. He returned to the Raptor Center as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and then assumed the senior role.  Jim notes the best part of his job is working with others who are passionate about CRC, both staff and volunteers. (Who wouldn't love driving into a nature preserve each day?). IN case you were wondering, if he were reincarnated as a raptor, he would be a Great Horned or Barred Owl, “because they seem laid back, but they know how to get down to "business, and are extremely protective of their families.”  Jim enjoys mountain biking, snow skiing, hiking, spending time with my family, reading, and listening to music.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESTom Peters’ book In Search of ExcellenceSteven Levitt’s book FreakonomicsCheck out Quest at the Carolina Raptor CenterReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

112: How to Shift the Nonprofit Narrative on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Samara Hakim)SUMMARYMost nonprofit leaders are saying the right things about their approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, but making genuine progress on difficult issues of difference is easier said than done.  Samara Hakim proved to be the perfect guest to discuss these challenges - and opportunities - as she equips leaders to better work with those different than themselves.  Samara leads an international consulting practice called CulturGrit, and has worked across countries, languages and countless differences.  She will not only help you identify the problems that limit many nonprofit leaders and their boards, but also help you identify practical ways to move forward.  She also shares great insight about how nonprofits can better engage their for-profit partners for financial support and much more.  ABOUT SAMARASamara Hakim, JD, is the Founder of CulturGrit, LLC, and an international culture and inclusion thought leader, data strategist, speaker, writer, and facilitator. She equips leaders with the cultural intelligence to work with those who are different by mitigating bias and integrating culture into business practices and metrics. Samara has over 10 years of experience in communication and conflict management, diversity, equity and inclusion, implicit bias impact and culture transformation. She has worked on projects for Fortune 500 and 100 companies, and facilitated workshops in multiple languages for-profit and non-profit organizations, start-ups, and educational institutions. She was honored with the 2018 Women of Excellence Entrepreneur Award by Diversity Professional Magazine and the American Honda Premier Partner Award. Prior to founding CulturGrit, Samara was Director of Operations and Senior Advisor at a firm later acquired by Ernst and Young. Samara’s work has been copyrighted, and she has been featured in a book on global leadership and in several media outlets and podcasts. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Intercultural Management from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law. She received her BA in History and BA in Political Science from the University of Portland. Samara grew up in Lebanon and is fluent in French, Arabic, and English, and conversational in Spanish. You can email her at samara@culturgrit.com.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESMichael Arena’s book Adaptive SpaceIbram X. Kendi’s book How to Be An AntiracistAnna Dewar Gully’s Episode #94 Bringing an Equity Lends to Strategic PlanningValerie Williams’ Episode #73 What Nonprofit Leaders Must Do to Support Their TeamsValaida Fullwood’s Episode #52 Celebrating Black Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership