Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

71: Bringing A Global Perspective to Nonprofit Leadership (Jennifer Garner)   SUMMARYHow do you incorporate all of your previous nonprofit leadership experiences in a way that strengthens your current work?  Jennifer Garner has built an impressive resume on the way to her current position at the University of Denver, including international advancement work at two institutions in the United Kingdom. While the experiences are impressive in and of themselves, she also does a fantastic job of lifting up key bits of advice and resources she’s utilized throughout her career, and shares how she continues to incorporate these experiences into the work she’s doing right now. Check out our conversation in episode #71 of the Path Podcast for take-aways that you can apply to any stage of your career, as well as to those you’re leading at your nonprofit organization.ABOUT JENNIFER     Jennifer has worked at the University of Denver since June 2016 as the Executive Director of Development for the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences where she is responsible for the fundraising from 29,000 alumni and in the last year four years has been part of a team that generated $20M in philanthropic support from alumni, parents, foundations and individuals. She has 25 years’ experience in international external relations including fundraising, marketing, alumni relations, communications, annual giving and operations. Prior to DU, she worked at Trinity College Cambridge where she launched the first major gifts program and integrated alumni relations and annual giving program. She was the Deputy Director of Development at King’s College London, where she helped to design, brand and launch the university’s £500m fundraising campaign. Jennifer has also worked in Advancement at Queens University of Charlotte and Chatham University and in Admissions at the University of Evansville and Queens College. She has a Master’s Degree in nonfiction writing and a BA in English.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESJerry Panas’ book AskingJim Langley’s book The Future of FundraisingRussell James’ book Visual Planned Giving Tara Mohr’s book 

70: 7 Strategies to Drive Sustainable Change (Dyisha Reliford)  SUMMARYThe ability to manage change must be part of your toolkit as a nonprofit leader.  After starting her career with Teach for America in Chicago, Dyisha Reliford continued to learn from her successful corporate, community and nonprofit experiences to formulate the essential steps to managing change. Her study led to a wonderfully practical new book called The Transformation Playbook: 7 Winning Strategies to Drive Sustainable Change.  On episode #70 of the Path Podcast, Dyisha and I discussed several of her winning strategies, including how to effectively write a vision statement for change, how to communicate change to different constituencies, and how to deal with detractors in your efforts to initiate a change.  Lots of real-world application from this conversation that will help your efforts to organize and activate change.ABOUT DYISHA     Dyisha is a results-driven and visionary leader in the world of business transformation. Currently, she serves as a corporate healthcare executive and strategic thought partner in the role as Senior Director, Transformation, at AmerisourceBergen - a Fortune 10 company with more than $185 billion in annual revenue. In this role, she is responsible for partnering with executive leaders to capture transformation results by analyzing business operations, assessing processes, evaluating financial impacts, and supporting the enterprise transformation strategy. Prior to her current role at AmerisourceBergen, Dyisha held director-level roles in Investor Relations and Marketing. Prior to AmerisourceBergen, she worked for several leading companies, including General Electric (GE), Pfizer, and McKinsey & Company, where she led and supported change programs of all shapes and sizes. At GE, she was awarded the prestigious GE Healthcare Management Gold Above and Beyond Award and back-to-back GE Healthcare Marketer of the Year awards for her work in global marketing transformation and customer engagement automation. Dyisha graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and received her Master of Business Administration with Honors from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.  A native Ohioan, Dyisha currently resides in the Charlotte, NC area.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDyisha’s book The Transformation PlaybookGallup and Tom Rath’s book StrengthsFinder 2.0 

069: National Philanthropy Day: 3 Lessons for Every Nonprofit Leader (Penny Hawkins)SUMMARYWhile National Philanthropy day provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate charitable giving, volunteer engagement and community spirit, but it also offers an opportunity for nonprofit leaders to strategically evaluate what each category means and how they might implement it within their organization. That’s exactly what my colleague Penny Hawkins and I discussed during Episode #69 of the Path Podcast.  She lifts up ideas that can help you diversify your donor base, find new ways to partner with individuals and organizations, and better understand the mindset of your major donors and significant prospects.  Lots to consider within this episode and some great resources from Penny as well.ABOUT PENNYPenny has enjoyed 15 years of professional experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She began her career in Private Equity with BlackHawk Capital Management where she focused on communications, investor relations, marketing and operations. After completing the Foundation for the Carolinas Impact Fund for Emerging Philanthropists in 2008, she combined her skill for investor relations with a desire to support growth in Charlotte’s vital philanthropic community and entered the path to nonprofit leadership. Prior to joining PMA Consulting as a Senior Consultant, Penny held leadership development positions at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation, KinderMourn, and the Council for Children’s Rights. In her most recent role with Novant Health, she served as the Development Program Manager of the Children’s and Women’s Service Lines. Penny has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication with a focus on Public Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She’s obtained her CFRE (Certified FundRaising Executive) designation, obtained certification from the Wake Forest University’s Essentials of Business for Nonprofit Organizations, and is the current Board President for the Charlotte Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESPenny previously on the Path: Maximizing the Talent of Women in the Nonprofit SectorAFP Global’s resources on National Philanthropy DayNY Times article: In Philanthropy, Race Is Still a Factor in Who Gets What Stanford Social Innovation Review: Overcoming Racial Bias in Philanthropic Fundraising

68: The 3 “C’s” of Nonprofit Leadership (Mike Smith) SUMMARYNonprofit organizations add value to communities around the world, and Mike Smith has had the opportunity to see outstanding leadership in the charitable sector in dozens of different countries as well as across the United States. His insight into the key attributes of successful nonprofit leaders led to a fascinating conversation on Episode #68 of the Path Podcast.  From his vantage point as the Managing Director of Special Olympics International in Europe and Eurasia, Mike saw the very best in management, strategy and volunteer development in over 50 countries, and brings his observations into a framework he calls the “3 C’s”: Culture, Communication and Creativity.  While he shares a “world tour” in illustrating these concepts, he breaks each one into highly practical take-aways that you can apply to your leadership, no matter where you are around the globe! ABOUT MIKE     Mike is an entrepreneurial team leader with significant international experience who has passions for sport, youth development, and global networks. In 2017, he founded BIG iDEA SPORTS, which is a start-up focused on developing technology and content to improve the positive impact of youth sports, thus accelerating a new youth sports model that results in young players enjoying more, playing better and staying in sports longer. One of their current projects is the development of a global platform/app to support coaches in giving better one-on-one feedback to young players. In addition to serving as the founder for BIG iDEA SPORTS, Mike is also the COO/Development Consultant for Coerver Coaching EMEA. In this role, he helps guide the expansion and development of a leading sport education company in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Prior to his current roles, Mike worked for Special Olympics international for 20 years where he served as the Director of Sports Management for Special Olympics in the Washington, D.C. area, Vice President of Operations for the 1997 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Toronto Canada, and finally the Managing Director for Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, based in Brussels, Belgium. Mike has his BA in Psychology from Harvard University, where he was also Captain of the Harvard Soccer team, and also his MBA from the Babson School of Management. He currently resides in Barcelona, Spain with his wife and three children and can be reached at mike.smith@bigideasports.comEPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESLink to Mike’s Summary of the 3 C’sGeert Hostede and Gert Jan Hofstede’s book Cultures and OrganizationsJack Valenti’s book Speak Up With ConfidenceResonate WorkshopsAtlas of the Future

067: Leveraging Technology as a Nonprofit Leader (Kim Lanphear) SUMMARYWhile technology may or may not be your area of expertise as a nonprofit leader, current conditions certainly force you to be more proficient. Whether you’re navigating virtual board and staff meetings, trying to deliver your programs in a socially-distant manner, or contemplating your biggest fundraising event now being virtual, you’re having to maximize the technologies available to you. Someone who really understands the challenges and opportunities inherent in your nonprofit’s technology is Kim Lanphear, the CEO of Apparo, who is helping nonprofits navigate their technology and business processes so they can do the important work their mission requires.  On episode #67 of the Path, Kim provides a wealth of information and ideas to help you navigate your organization’s technology, put the right processes in place, and how you can do your virtual fundraising event more effectively.  (Hint: Apparo’s virtual event did better than the previous year’s live one!).  ABOUT KIM    Kim is the CEO of Apparo, a nonprofit connecting local nonprofits to technology expertise & resources that amplify their impact. Under her leadership, Apparo has partnered with 500+ area nonprofits and 100+ companies to drive skilled volunteering that delivers $1.60 of value for every dollar donated. Lanphear has a diverse career with more than 20 years of expertise in strategy development, international business, marketing, fundraising, and P&L management as well as Board governance and leadership. Prior to Apparo, she was at the helm of business lines within Citibank domestically and internationally, and the MD of Chicago's third largest professional theater company. She has consulted in the areas of strategy and marketing, and is recognized for her ability to build consensus and collaborative partnerships. Kim received the Charlotte Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO award in 2018 and Best Places to Work Award in 2019, the Mecklenburg Times Most Influential Women Award in 2016 and Icon Award in 2019, and has received recognition in Scoop Charlotte, and South Park Magazines. She received a BA in Public Policy from Duke University, and her MBA and Masters of Arts Administration from Southern Methodist University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESHarvard Business Review article: If You Feel Like You’re Regressing, You’re Not AloneApparo’s Resources for Nonprofits link and webinar series Kathryn Heath and Jill Flynn’s book 

66: Maximizing Partnerships for Nonprofit Success (Sabrina Dawson)  SUMMARYHow can you create lasting partnerships that not only establish your nonprofit but help it accelerate its growth? That’s exactly what Sabrina Dawson and I discussed in episode #66 of the Path Podcast.  An educator throughout her professional career, Sabrina is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Programs for The Collective, a Memphis-based organization working with schools, employers and community stakeholders to establish career pathways and ensure equitable access to support, resources, and opportunities for young adults between the ages of 18 and 30.  Sabrina and her Co-Founder, Sarah Lockridge-Steckel, have built unique alliances with employers, sponsors, funders, as well as general volunteers, which offer great insight for nonprofit leaders everywhere. ABOUT SABRINA   Sabrina joined The Collective to develop and implement their careers program, which connects opportunity youth to high demand careers, while providing intensive support services.  Sabrina began her career serving 6-12th grade students through the esteemed Teach for America program. During that time, she served in many roles within the educational environment, including Teacher, Vice Principal of Instruction, Associate Director of College Counseling, and a member of an Academic Leadership Team. She has served as an educator and instructional leader in inner-city public and charter schools and her work in college counseling led to 100% college matriculation. Sabrina has also designed and executed the Career Pathways model to support older youth in the DC foster care system with college and career supports which significantly increased the percentage of youth exiting foster care with sustainable employment. She has presented her model for educational and career success at many conferences including the National Pathways to Adulthood conference and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s Post-Secondary and Career Education Conference. Sabrina has a BA in Philosophy from The Florida State University and her Master of Arts in Teaching from The Johns Hopkins University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESKerry Patterson & Joseph Grenny’s book Crucial ConversationsBrene’ Brown’s book Dare to Lead

65: Why You Shouldn’t Start a Charity (Matthew Zachary) SUMMARYAs a cancer survivor and marketing expert, Matthew Zachary approaches most things in life with a very different perspective, including nonprofit leadership.  This approach is provocative and thought-provoking, and is sure to make you think differently about many of the “standards” of nonprofit leadership.  On episode #65 of the Path Podcast, Matthew shares his rationale for NOT starting a nonprofit, why charitable organizations often get the short end of the stick in corporate partnerships, and what every nonprofit leader needs to be reading.  He also shares – from personal experience – when it’s time to step down as a nonprofit leader, particularly when you're the Founder.  All this and much more in this entertaining and free-wheeling episode of the Path!ABOUT MATTHEW  Ten years after surviving brain cancer at age 21, Matthew founded Stupid Cancer, the world's largest young adult cancer community, and launched The Stupid Cancer Show, the first health podcast, which amassed a global listenership in the millions. He stepped down as Stupid Cancer's CEO in 2019 and launched his latest venture, OffScrip Media, the first audio broadcast network focused on consumer health and patient advocacy. Matthew is now back behind the mic with his new show, "Out of Patients," hailed as "the people's voice in healthcare."  As he continues to be outspoken about the perils of the healthcare system, the through-line of Matthew's entire career is patient advocacy. Matthew is also an acclaimed keynote speaker, accomplished film composer, and award-winning concert pianist.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDan Pallotta’s books Uncharitable and Charity CaseDan Pallotta’s 2013 Ted Talk "The way we think of charity is dead wrong"Vu Le’s Blog Nonprofit AFMatthew’s website MatthewZachary.com

64: How Can We Address Compensation Gaps in the Nonprofit Sector? (Sally Loftis)SUMMARYIt’s a cliché to say no one gets into nonprofit work to get rich.  However, if leaders in our sector do not take steps to address the compensation gaps that exist, all of the important work being done will be further diminished by turnover and burnout. In episode #64 of the Path Podcast, Sally Loftis brings a researcher’s eye and HR expertise to this strategic challenge for nonprofit leaders, and provides a wealth of resources and ideas to help you address what is often an elephant in the room. How do you develop a compensation philosophy?  How can you do a pay equity assessment?  How do you better understand the compensation factors affecting your community?  And finally, how can you engage your funders in your efforts to provide a better compensation platform for talent recruitment and retention? Find these answers - and much more - in this episode!ABOUT SALLY Sally Loftis is the Managing Director of Loftis Partners, and is tugging at the webs of relationship that hold our systems of injustice in place through consulting. Her professional experience lies mostly in human resources roles while her lifelong volunteer experience spreads across social justice causes. Sally has worked in strategic roles for a Fortune 50 corporation, a boutique consulting firm, and the largest non-academic craft school in the US. She sees a need to bring equity and inclusion work into all levels of organizations through brave practices, community safe spaces, shared power, active vulnerability, and consent culture. Sally received her Master of Science in Organization Development from Pepperdine University, where she did her thesis on Talent Investment Strategies & Nonprofit Employee Pay.  She received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Concentration: Human Resources) from Freed-Hardeman University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDan Pallota’s 2013 Ted Talk "The way we think of charity is dead wrong"Cost of living research by US Bureau of Labor StatisticsSociety of Human Resource Management article America’s Pay Gap is WideningSociety for Human Resources Management’s Study on Effective Workplaces Fund the People’s Toolkits for Talent Investment and Talent JusticeRusty Stahl’s article on Talent Philanthropy  Peter Block’s book Community: The Structure of Belonging Ijeoma Oluo’s book So You Want to Talk About RaceSally’s great blog post about this topic

63: Confronting Wicked Problems as a Nonprofit Leader (Lynn Fick-Cooper)SUMMARYAs a nonprofit leader, you are likely trying to address “Wicked Problems” every day, social challenges that are systemic in nature and incredibly complex. To help us better address these types of problems, Lynn Fick-Cooper offers a fantastic analysis of these issues, and provides five crucial strategies to address them in episode #63 of the Path Podcast.  Lynn’s 30-year journey in nonprofit leadership is also instructive around the types of professional development she’s invested, including advocacy, fundraising and communications.ABOUT LYNN Lynn Fick-Cooper is currently the Managing Director for Societal Advancement Group at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC.  Lynn has more than 30 years of experience in leadership positions from a variety of organizations including directing government and community affairs for the Greensboro Area Chamber of Commerce; serving as Chief Marketing Officer for Huthwaite, and serving as Director of Public Relations for IHFRA (International Home Furnishings Representatives Association). Lynn’s previous experience at CCL includes serving as Chief Development Officer and Group Director of Institutional Advancement and Manager. Since 2007, Lynn has also been in a full-time faculty role at CCL, designing and delivering leadership development programs across a variety of sectors, with a specific focus on developing nonprofit, community, and executive nurse leaders in health and health care. In her current role, Lynn is the Program Director and Lead Faculty for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Public Health Nurse Leaders Program, Community Coalition Leadership Program, and the Program Designer and Lead Faculty for the RWJF Executive Nurse Fellows program at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®). She also manages CCL’s relationships with other foundations such as the Kate B. Reynolds Trust, Kresge Foundation, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina, and the Community Memorial Foundation in Chicago. Lynn received her B.A. in Communication with a concentration in public relations and M.B.A. from the Bryan School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESThe full white paper: Confronting Wicked ProblemsCCL’s work in Nonprofit Leadership Training Martin Linsky & Ron Heifetz’ book Leadership on the Line

62: What Should We Learn from the Giving USA Report? (Melissa Brown)  SUMMARYYou’ve likely seen the numbers each year that represent philanthropic support in the United States through the Giving USA report.  The question is, do you really understand what the numbers mean, and how they apply to you and your nonprofit?  There is no one better suited to help us understand those questions than Melissa Brown, who has spent some of her stellar 30-year career literally editing the Giving USA report.  In this bonus episode of the Path podcast, #62, Melissa shares practical applications of the data, as well as multiple ways you can better position your nonprofit to take advantage of donor trends and preferences.  ABOUT MELISSA Melissa helps charities turn knowledge into action. Drawing on nearly 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Melissa knows what drives charities to deliver on their mission. She uses research about giving trends and donor motivations to help clients plan effective fundraising; consulting services include presentations, training, surveys, and program evaluation. She was rated as one of the country’s top philanthropy speakers in 2016. Melissa began work as a fundraiser in 1989. Since 2011, her firm Melissa S. Brown & Associates has served clients throughout North America. Major projects include The Fund Raising School, evaluation for Indiana Youth Institute, data analysis for National Philanthropic Counsel, and project management for Carter, a global consulting firm based in Florida. She also volunteers with AFP Research Council and currently chairs the Association of Philanthropic Counsel. Before founding Melissa S. Brown & Associates in 2011, Melissa worked at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where she edited Giving USA. She studied at Reed College and the University of Pennsylvania. Melissa & her historian husband live in southern Washington state, where they are reveling in the mild climate of Zone 8b after 30+ years in gardening Zone 5a. She enjoys kayaking, bird watching, and spending time with family and friends. Her own giving focuses on climate change mitigation, the arts, and social justice.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESBill Meehan and Kim Jonker’s book Engine of Impact Lisa Knowlton and Cynthia Phillips’ book The Logic Model GuidebookFree Donor Advised Fund widgetMelissa’s work through Melissa S. Brown & Associates LLCMelissa’s work through Carter Global