Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

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

104: The 3 Dimensions of All Nonprofit Board Challenges (Mary Hiland)SUMMARYMaximizing the talent of your board of directors is an ongoing objective for a nonprofit executive, but creating a healthy engagement with the board is difficult if you are facing any number of issues, from micromanagement to apathy.  What are the underlying issues that create challenges for you and your board, and how do you address them?  That’s exactly what Dr. Mary Hiland and I discuss in episode #104 the Path, and she brings 40 years of nonprofit experience to help diagnose our board problems, and more importantly, determine how to fix them. Sharing a preview of her soon-to-be-released book Love Your Board! The Executive Directors’ Guide to Discovering the Sources of Board Troubles and What to do About Them., Mary differentiates all board problems as the result of an issue of Capacity, Connection or Culture.  Listen and learn about how to identify these issues and work with your board to re-engage them, and get back to focusing on your mission.ABOUT MARYMary Hiland, Ph.D., guides nonprofit leaders to ignite and unleash the full potential of their boards. Mary has over 40 years of hands-on experience in the non-profit sector, as an executive director and consultant, bringing credibility and confidence to nonprofit leaders who know she understands because she’s “been there.”  Mary is a speaker, published author, and researcher. She has presented at numerous conferences, workshops, and taught at San Jose State University. Her podcast, Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, gives nonprofit leaders insights and inspiration to be even more effective. Learn more about Mary by visiting her website: www.HilandConsulting.orgEPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESGet your copy of Mary’s upcoming book: Love Your Board! The Executive Directors’ Guide to Discovering the Sources of Board Troubles and What to do About Them.Listen to Mary’s podcast Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Debra Pruitt’s book Group Alchemy

103: Effective Nonprofit Leadership in a Virtual World (Heather Burright)SUMMARYWhile nonprofit leaders are welcoming a gradual return to in-person meetings and events, the virtual access required during the pandemic will remain an operational reality going forward.  For many leaders, the prospect of more online meetings and trainings is frustrating, but how can you make the best of this reality and in fact leverage the technology to improve the effectiveness of your virtual platforms to increase the engagement of staff, board and volunteers?  That’s exactly what I discuss with Heather Burright in episode #103 the Path, as she brings her expertise in instructional design to help nonprofit leaders contemplate improvements to their staff and board meetings, reconsider how they do trainings for staff and volunteers, and how they can more effectively onboard new employees in a remote setting.  ABOUT HEATHERHeather Burright is the founder and CEO of Skill Masters Market, and specializes in creating dynamic, people-centric solutions that drive business goals and accelerate career development. With her comes expertise in strategies for diversity, equity, and inclusion; instructional design; and change management. She’s dedicated to identifying core competencies that are needed to see real results and to creating the strategies and solutions needed to develop those competencies. She helps nonprofits stand out, achieve their mission and goals, and build trust and credibility through learning - even in a virtual world.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESGet your free copy of Heather’s Virtual Facilitation FormulaLearn more about Heather and Skill Masters MarketJames Clear’s book Atomic Habits 

102: Leading A Nonprofit Through Dramatic Growth (Rob Harter)SUMMARYIt seems obvious that most nonprofit leaders hope to grow their impact and increase the numbers they serve, but are they really ready for dramatic growth?  Growth without planning can create all kinds of problems, which makes the thoughtful leadership of Rob Harter even more helpful as a guide to program growth and strategic expansion. Rob serves as the Executive Director of the Christian Center of Park City in Utah, and is active in multiple nonprofit associations. In episode #102 the Path, we discuss how he’s managed the dramatic growth at CCPC, including the focus on hiring talent, the evolution of his board of directors, his approach to fundraising and strategic planning, and how he’s positioning the organization as it approaches its 20th anniversary.ABOUT ROBRob Harter is an executive professional with over 24 years of experience in leading and building non-profit organizations, leveraging resources and managing organizational growth. In 2010, he became the Executive Director of CCPC (Christian Center of Park City), a humanitarian and community-focused non-profit organization with a bold vision to serve as a leading networker of community services to those in need. Rob is currently the Host of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, and he serves as the Chair of Utah's MLK Jr. Commission for Human Rights.  He also serves on the Board for the Utah Nonprofits Association, serves as a Ski Chaplain for the Park City Mountain Resort, coaches local youth basketball and soccer. Rob has also served as a board member for both locally and globally-focused non-profit organizations including serving on the board for Mountainlands Housing, and is a Park City Leadership Class Alumnus. In addition to playing College varsity basketball, he loves deep powder skiing, hiking 14-thousand-foot mountains, devouring great books, traveling to new places and coaching his children’s sports teams. Most of all, he loves spending quality time with his amazing wife and children.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESCheck out Rob’s show The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast Leslie Crutchfield & Heather Grant’s book Forces for GoodDavid O’Brien and Matthew Craig’s book Building Smart Nonprofits 

101: How to Energize Your Nonprofit’s Social Media (Dana Snyder)SUMMARYDo you find your nonprofit’s digital marketing strategy is simply reacting to the latest social media craze?  As a nonprofit leader, you’re not alone, and you simply don’t have the time or resources to flounder around in a space that is increasingly important to the engagement of critical friends and donors to your organization.  Fortunately, Dana Snyder is the perfect person to talk about this dilemma, and brings a much-needed focus to digital strategy in episode #101 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership.  We discuss how to best create a digital strategy for your nonprofit, and how to best invest limited budget to assure effective communication to your key constituents.  Dana also sheds light on the varied motivations behind different generations of donors, and how you can better encourage their loyalty and financial support.  Finally, she shares some of her checklist to hire the right social media staff for your nonprofit.ABOUT DANADana Snyder is an entrepreneur, digital strategist, and passionate conscious consumer. She founded Positive Equation in 2017 with a focus on helping nonprofits cultivate passionate online audiences of donors, partners, and advocates using social media. She offers a unique Missions to Movements program, a 6-month mastermind for innovative nonprofit leaders ready to build a sustainable digital fundraising process, cultivate a passionate online audience and find impact-driven corporate partners to grow brand awareness. Currently based in Atlanta, Dana has worked with Movember, Dress for Success, USTA, Honest Company, Sports Illustrated, American Idol, The Global Foodbanking Network, The Gary Sinise Foundation, LA84 Foundation, and many more on their digital strategies.  Dana is a member of the Purpose Collaborative, an invitation-only, global group of 40+ boutique firms, consultancies, and subject matter experts, all passionate about social purpose. Dana graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Central Florida.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESCheck out Dana’s Missions to Movements Mastermind programFollow her 5-Step Checklist to Hire the Right Social Media Staff for your NonprofitAfdhel Aziz’ book Good is the New CoolEmily Heyward’s book ObsessedWin a Free Spot in one of the next PMA Masterminds!

100: Leadership Lessons from the First 100 Episodes (Patton McDowell)SUMMARYReaching the 100-episode milestone on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership was a wonderful journey thanks to incredible nonprofit leaders who were willing to share their wisdom and experiences with our listeners. Chris Delisio, our guest on episode #24 on the Path, offered to rejoin the show and interview me about the experience since the inaugural episode on November 21, 2019.  Our discussion lifted up many fantastic episodes and the leadership lessons each one produced. Three categories emerged: productivity and management tips, leadership and career development advice, and of course, the best book recommendations and resources our guests could offer.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESGet your Leadership Self-Assessment and apply for a free registration in one of the next two Mastermind Cohorts!  Click here for the application.Productivity Hacks: self-care routines including diet, sleep, exercise, meditation, reading and journaling; time-blocking and meeting management; Eating the Frog and methods of prioritization; and weekly review ritualsLeadership Lessons: the value of mentors, the importance of lifelong learning plans, the distinction of nonprofit career stages; the importance of organizational culture; and the heightened awareness of race and equity.Ten Book RecommendationsMichael Watkins’ First 90 DaysJohn Gardner’s On LeadershipIbram Kendi’s How To Be An AntiracistLiz Wiseman’s MultipliersDoris Goodwin’s Leadership in Turbulent TimesCarol Dweck’s MindsetAndrew Hollo’s From Impossible to PossibleAdam Grant’s Think AgainKeith Ferrazzi’s Leading Without AuthorityRon Schiller’s The Chief Development Officer

099: Moving Through the Pandemic: What Do We Do Now? (Michael Marsicano)SUMMARYAs one of the most popular guests on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, it seems only fitting to bring back Michael Marsicano as the podcast completes its first 100 episodes. On his first visit to the Path (episode #32), Michael raised important questions - and offered key insight - on the role of philanthropy as nonprofit leaders grappled with a global pandemic in April of 2020.  A year later on episode #99, he continues to address many of the important questions that remain, and shares more about the specific programs the Foundation For The Carolinas and its funders are bringing to the communities it serves.  In addition to the organizational leadership the FFTC provides, Michael sheds light on his personal leadership style and how the last year has affected his approach to strategy, team building and lifelong learning.ABOUT MICHAELMichael Marsicano is President and CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas, the community foundation serving Charlotte and the surrounding 13-county region. The Foundation leads a variety of civic leadership initiatives in areas such as affordable housing, economic opportunity, public school reform, the arts and the environment.  Since Dr. Marsicano joined the Foundation in 1999 its assets have grown from $245 million to now more than $2.6 billion. During that time, FFTC rose from the 35th largest community foundation in the U.S. to currently the 6th largest, and now manages nearly 3,000 charitable funds. During his tenure, contributions to FFTC-held funds have exceeded $4 billion and grant awards to nonprofits total more than $2.8 billion. Dr. Marsicano joined FFTC after serving as President and CEO of the Arts & Science Council in Charlotte for 10 years. During his tenure, the United Arts Fund moved to the nation’s highest in per capita in annual giving and became one of the largest endowed arts councils in the U.S.  A native of New York, Dr. Marsicano received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy from Duke University. He is married to the Rev. Leslie Montfort Marsicano, also a graduate of Duke University and the Duke Divinity School. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESThe Foundation’s Report to the Community 2019-2020Learn more about the dramatic growth of the E4E Relief programYuval Noah Harari’s book SapiensIsabel Wilkerson’s book CasteCal Newport’s book Deep WorkMichael Sandel’s book The Tyranny of Merit

98: Embracing Kinship as a Nonprofit Leader (Charlie Elberson, Diane Gavarkavich, Whitney Feld) SUMMARYWhen a prospective funder asks you how to define success for your nonprofit, how do you answer? It seems like a straightforward question, but it usually leads to the more important question: how do you know if you’ve achieved it?  These questions lead to a fascinating conversation with Charlie Elberson and Diane Gavarkavich about the funder perspective, the importance of measurement and outcomes, and the fundamentals of kinship that will help you make your case.  Thanks to Whitney Feld at the Foundation For The Carolinas for putting this episode together!ABOUT CHARLIE, DIANE & WHITNEYCharlie Elberson is a 35+-year ad agency veteran, he helps Wray Ward, Charlotte’s largest agency, create brilliant marketing and branding strategies for their clients. On top of that, he’s been the Trustee of Reemprise Fund, making game-changing grants for visionary non-profits using a venture philanthropy model. Since 2008, the Fund has distributed over $7 million in grants. Diane Gavarkavich is the founder and principal consultant of DTG Community Services. A community researcher and program evaluator, she primarily works with non-profit organizations to evaluate their processes, outcomes, and impact.  Diane holds a B.S. and Ed.D. from Vanderbilt University as well as an MPH and nonprofit leadership certificate from UNC Chapel Hill. Whitney Feld serves as Vice President of Philanthropic Advancement at Foundation For The Carolinas. 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 grant making. She holds a B.F.A from Miami University, an M.S.T from Pace University, and a J.D. from the Charleston School of Law. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES·       Gregory Boyle’s book Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship·       Gregory Boyle’s book Tattoos on the Heart·       Check out the resources available at the Community Tool Box·       Apply to join one of PMA’s Mastermind Programs!

97: Nonprofit Leaders: When is it Time to Leave? (Kathy Ridge)  SUMMARYOn your path to nonprofit leadership, you will face difficult decisions about whether it is the right time to leave your organization. This decision can be even more difficult if you are the leader of your nonprofit and have dedicated countless hours to the cause and feel genuine concern for its well-being after your departure. Kathy Ridge, our guest on episode #97 of the Path Podcast has helped dozens of nonprofit leaders and their organizations manage transition. She has great advice about how to determine the best time to leave, how you can assure a smooth transition, and what boards of directors can do to effectively evaluate interim solutions.ABOUT KATHYKathy Ridge is the founder of LevRidge Resources, LLC based in Charlotte, NC. Formerly a corporate Executive VP at Wachovia Corporation and the Executive Director of two nonprofits, Kathy has deep experience in leadership, problem assessment and organizational 'turnarounds'. Her finance background, coupled with her years in the nonprofit sector, has given Kathy the knowledge and practical application in being an innovative visionary who can get her hands dirty in tactical implementation. She has served on the boards of the Charlotte Symphony, Child Care Resources, The Women's Impact Fund, The Arts Education Committee of the Arts and Science Council, The Advocacy Committee at First Presbyterian Church and leadership roles on the boards of the Davidson College Friends of the Arts Board, and the Humane Society of Charlotte. In addition to leading LevRidge Resources, Kathy has written and presented on Board and Nonprofit Governance; Succession Planning; Business Essentials for Nonprofits; among other subjects. She taught “Evaluating Nonprofits: Measuring what Matters” in Wake Forest University’s Nonprofit Essentials course for four years.  She has been invited to moderate community panels on a variety of social justice and equity issues. Kathy also helped lead the development of a national set of standards, “Guiding Principles for Executive Transition and Leadership Continuity” for consultants to nonprofits across the U.S.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESWilliam Bridges’ book TransitionsParker Palmer’s book Let Your Life SpeakCheck out Devlin McNeil’s episode #48 Agile Arts Leadership in the Nonprofit SectorApply to join one of PMA’s Mastermind Programs!