Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

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

111: The Importance of Strategic Visioning as a Nonprofit Leader (Chris Jackson)SUMMARYThere are many essential elements to successful nonprofit leadership, but perhaps none more important than an ability to conceive and implement a strategic vision. Chris Jackson has demonstrated that exact skill, and shares it with our listeners on episode #111 of the Path Podcast. Chris leads Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, one of the largest nonprofits in the Southeastern United States. He talks about how he’s incorporated different experiences throughout his leadership journey, and how they now apply to his staff and board development, his focus on organizational culture, and how he continues to manage a large organization with agility and focus.ABOUT CHRISChris Jackson is President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont; he has held this position since June 2017. Chris joined Goodwill in November 2010 as VP of Strategic Planning & Organizational Development. Later, as Executive VP of Workforce Services & Organizational Development, Chris implemented a bold strategic plan resulting in a redesign of client services, increased partnerships with other agencies, improved team member engagement, and new, dynamic partnerships at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. At Goodwill, Chris leads with purpose and a commitment to creating a culture of support for all individuals to see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper. A commitment to partner with people in a way that promotes dignity and builds on the inherent strengths everyone possesses. A commitment to serve others with excellence regardless of their background, circumstance, or color of their skin. Chris is actively involved in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for Charlotte Works Charlotte Rotary, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership. He is chair of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Workforce Development Providers Council, a member of the Greenlight Fund Selection Advisory Council, Mecklenburg Executive Collaborative Steering Committee, and the City of Charlotte’s Public-Private Partnership on Racial Equity. Chris enjoys riding motorcycles, working on home projects and attending jazz concerts. He and his wife Renee live in Charlotte, and have three adult children and four grandchildren.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESMichael Abrashoff’s book It’s Your ShipJim Collins’ book Good to GreatW. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne’s book Blue Ocean StrategyReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

110: 3 Challenges All Nonprofit Leaders Will Face (Sheryl Aikman)SUMMARYWhile moving out of the pandemic provides a sigh of relief for nonprofit leaders everywhere - as well as a host of strategic opportunities - there are also some key challenges that must be addressed. Fortunately, the national perspective Sheryl Aikman brings to episode #110 of the Path Podcast will help you identify these potential challenges that could inhibit your nonprofit’s success. In particular, Sheryl and I discuss the potential blind spots about which nonprofit leaders must be aware, including issues of alignment, assets and access.  Sheryl also has invaluable advice about the risks nonprofit leaders will face in addressing these challenges – caution, complexity and co-creation - and more importantly, what to do about them.ABOUT SHERYLSheryl Aikman is the Principal for Alenda Consulting LLC, and an accomplished nonprofit professional with expertise in philanthropic advising and structures, asset development, gift planning and operations. During a five-year period ending on June 30, 2020, she led community foundation fund development, planned gift and nonprofit relationships resulting in $136 million in contributions and the creation of over 400 charitable funds, gift annuity, trust and expectancy agreements for the Community Foundation for Western North Carolina. She has significant experience cultivating, facilitating and closing major and deferred gifts from $10,000 to $5+ million, using variety of gift structures, assets and gift vehicles. Sheryl received her Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), and her B.A. in English from Davidson College (Davidson, NC). EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESLisa Napoli’s book The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPRNneka Allen’s book Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, LoveCheck out the FEG Investment Advisor Survey The Trust-Based Philanthropy ProjectNational Philanthropic Trust article Looking Ahead: 2021 Philanthropy TrendsReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

109: Next Generation Talent: Does Your Nonprofit Have a Plan? (Righteous Keitt)SUMMARYSuccess as a nonprofit leader does not necessarily require years of experience. Inspiration can occur at any age, and the question simply becomes doing something about it. In episode #109 of the Path Podcast, I was fortunate to speak with exactly the kind of young nonprofit leader that has much to offer our sector, and someone who did not “wait for his turn” to make a difference.  Righteous Keitt was drawn to philanthropy at an early age, and started his first 501c3 at age 15 to help the homeless population in Charlotte, NC. After honing his skills through volunteer and internship opportunities with Generation Nation and Profound Gentlemen, he’s continued his organizational leadership and community activism as a full-time student at UNC Chapel Hill.  Righteous and I discuss many of the lessons he’s learned as a young nonprofit leader, and the great opportunities he sees for nonprofits to better attract and retain talented future leaders just like him.  ABOUT RIGHTEOUSRighteous Keitt is a community activist and a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was awarded a full Pogue Scholarship. Keitt realized his passion for community service at a young age, and in high school started a non-profit to help the homeless in Charlotte gain access to daily toiletries. He has mentored over three hundred students, and in 2019, was the youngest recipient of a North Carolina Heritage Award alongside trailblazers like former Charlotte Mayor Harvey B. Gantt. Last year Righteous was featured as part of Men’s Health Magazine’s The 2020 Project, which recognized the “Top 20 Twenty-Year Olds of 2020.”  Keitt now serves as a Board member for the nonprofit Generation Nation, and in the future, wants to continue his non-profiteering and activism while also giving back to the Carolinas, the place that has given him many opportunities and a chance to explore his potential.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESAdmiral William McRaven’s book Make Your BedAmy Farrell from Generation NationJason Terrell and Mario Jovan Shaw from Profound GentlemenCharlotte's Mayor’s Youth Employment ProgramLearn more about the We Are More FoundationReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

108: What is Giving Done Right? (Phil Buchanan)SUMMARYWhat are the critical issues facing nonprofit leaders right now, and how do they impact the funders that support their efforts? That’s exactly the question I posed in this bonus episode #108 of the Path to Phil Buchanan, who has led the Center for Effective Philanthropy for nearly 20 years. CEP has studied many of the key issues facing our sector, and Phil is uniquely qualified to identify the key trends that will affect nonprofit leadership as we move through the pandemic and try to determine what, if anything, will be different going forward.  He is optimistic that some of the creative leadership tactics demonstrated over the last year will be further rewarded by funders, and helps illustrate how nonprofit leaders can best position themselves for future success. ABOUT PHILPhil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, is a passionate advocate for the importance of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector and deeply committed to the cause of helping foundations and individual donors to maximize their impact. Hired in 2001 as the organization’s first chief executive, Phil has led the growth of CEP into the leading provider of data and insight on philanthropic effectiveness. Phil is author of Giving Done Right: Effective Philanthropy and Making Every Dollar Count, published in 2019 by Public Affairs and named the “Best Philanthropy Book of the Year” by Inside Philanthropy. He is co-host of a podcast, also called Giving Done Right, with CEP’s Grace Nicolette. Phil is a frequent blogger for the CEP Blog, author of op-eds that have appeared in publications such as The Financial Times and The Boston Globe, and a frequent commentator on philanthropy in the media. Phil is co-founder of YouthTruth, an initiative of CEP’s designed to harness student perceptions to help educators and funders accelerate improvements in K–12 schools and classrooms. In 2016, he was named the Nonprofit Times “influencer of the year” and he has been named nine times to that publication’s “Power and Influence Top 50” list. Phil serves on the boards of directors of Philanthropy Massachusetts and the National Council on Aging. Phil lives in Concord, Massachusetts with his wife and their two daughters.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESLearn more about the Fund for Shared InsightJennifer Eberhardt’s book BiasedIbram X. Kendi’s book How to be An AntiracistJohn Kotter’s book Leading ChangeReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

107: How To Engage The 3 Distinct Types of Funders (Sybil Ackerman-Munson)SUMMARYEvery nonprofit leader rehearses their perfect case for support in anticipation of a donor meeting.  And while the ability to deliver a clear and compelling vision for your organization is critical, an often-overlooked part of your preparation is considering exactly what type of major donor you are about to encounter. Sybil Ackerman-Munson offers a fascinating assessment of the three types of donors you’re likely to face in episode #107 the Path, and as she makes clear, their motivations are very different. Having worked with many major donors and foundations to give away millions, she knows if you approach them with a one-size-fits-all appeal, your chance of success diminishes dramatically. What are the differences between a Sustainer, Campaigner and Launcher donor?  You’ll not only understand the differences after listening to our conversation, but also come away with practical strategies to approach any of the three.ABOUT SYBILSybil Ackerman-Munson is the President of Do Your Good ™ LLC, and has over twenty years of experience as a nonprofit professional and foundation advisor. She taps into the vast experience and knowledge she has acquired from helping donors give away over $45 million in donations large and small. Sybil offers step-by-step guides through on-line courses, a podcast series with inspiring interviews called Do your Good, and resources so that her students can jump to the front of the line and waste no time in making a true and lasting positive contribution to the world. Her website describes all Sybil is about at www.doyourgood.com. Her course, Crack the Code: Sybil’s Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Philanthropy, is now available for a limited time to a small number of students, link https://www.doyourgood.com/crack-the-code.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESCheck out the resources at Trust Based Philanthropy Malcom Gladwell’s book OutliersSybil’s Crack the Code course offering opens 6/7/21 (and there is an early bird special) Check out Sybil’s podcast on Apple or Spotify Find Sybil on Facebook @doyourgood and Instagram @doyourgoodReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

106: Failure is What It’s All About (Steven Lavine)SUMMARYWhen Steven Lavine took the role of President at CalArts in 1988, the school - an experimental arts institution located just north of Los Angeles - was in danger of going bankrupt. In 1994, the Northridge earthquake rendered the campus uninhabitable. But Lavine piloted the school through those stormy waters, and today CalArts is thriving, with an endowment of $152 million and a ranking that places it among the top 10 fine arts schools in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.  The school is the cradle of many Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winners, of Mellon and Guggenheim Fellows, and a hotspot of American creativity. For all of the successes Steven could rightfully celebrate, our conversation was even better because he is quick to point out the failures he’s experienced, and more importantly, what he’s learned from them. We discuss these critical learnings in episode #106 the Path, and even better, you can learn these valuable nonprofit leadership lessons too.  ABOUT STEVENDr. Steven D. Lavine is the former president of the California Institute of the Arts. He was appointed its president in 1988 after serving as associate director for arts and humanities at the Rockefeller Foundation, and stepped down from that position and assumed the role President Emeritus in June 2017 after 29 years in the post.  As the third president of CalArts, Lavine oversaw the naming of The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance, The Herb Alpert School of Music, and REDCAT, the Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater that opened in the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. He is graduate of Stanford University (BA) and received a master's and doctorate in English and American literature from Harvard University. Lavine is married to writer and artist Janet Sternburg. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESJorn Jacob Rohwer’s book Steven Lavine – Failure is What It’s All AboutLearn more about the California Institute of the ArtsReady for a Mastermind?  Check it out here

105: The Nonprofit Leader’s Guide to Demystifying Donor Advised Funds (Catherine Warfield)SUMMARYWhile the knowledge required for successful nonprofit leadership is extensive, one area that can be challenging - and even intimidating - is legacy or planned giving.  Complicating this subject are the various philanthropic vehicles many donors are using, especially the increasingly popular Donor Advised Fund.  What are they? How do they work? How can your nonprofit better engage the donors who use them? These are exactly the questions Catherine Warfield and I discuss in episode #105 the Path, as she brings her expertise and practical insight to explain these important concepts. Catherine also provides great reminders about the partnership potential that is available at your local community foundation, and how you can better identify and utilize the resources you may not know exist.ABOUT CATHERINECatherine serves as Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Advancement at Foundation For The Carolinas, leading a team dedicated to business development and relationship management for the Foundation's three centers for giving: Center for Personal Philanthropy, Center for Nonprofit Sustainability and Center for Corporate Philanthropy. During her tenure at FFTC, most of her client work has been with individuals and families on current gifting strategies, legacy planning, and multi-generational family engagement and grantmaking. In addition to her management responsibilities, she maintains a portfolio of significant family and foundation relationships. Catherine has been with FFTC since late 2007 after previously working for RBC Bank in Charlotte in the Treasury Management and Mortgage departments. She is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and obtained her CFP certification in 2013. Catherine previously served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Board of Managers for the Childress Klein YMCA and the Board of Crisis Assistance Ministry.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESSteven Goldberg’s book Billions of Drops in Millions of BucketsSteven Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleCheck out Catherine’s FFTC colleague Michael Marsicano in Episode #99Ready for a Mastermind?  Check it out here