Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

036: Fortune 500 to Nonprofit Founder & CEO (Tina Admans)SUMMARYIt’s quite possible that you (or someone you know) have contemplated leaving the for-profit world to pursue an opportunity in the nonprofit sector.  That’s exactly what Tina Admans did after moving to Los Angeles over a decade ago. She could very well have stayed on a successful corporate track that included senior positions at Panavision, GE and NBC Universal, but she knew something was missing and nonprofit leadership was calling her.  In this episode of the Path,  Tina shares her thoughtful process to understand and explore nonprofit opportunities, and the fascinating circumstance that led her to start - and ultimately lead - Minds Matter Los Angeles.  She shares with great candor the strengths she felt translated very effectively into the nonprofit world, but also the challenges of developing a board of directors, delegating to volunteers, and becoming a confident fundraiser.  What are the 3 W’s of board recruitment? How can nonprofits better explore partnerships with like-minded organizations? Great insight for any current or aspiring nonprofit leader!ABOUT TINATina Admans co-founded the Los Angeles chapter of Minds Matter in 2010 and has served as President and Chair since. Prior to becoming President of MMLA full time in March 2018, Tina was Director of Business Operations at American Public Media’s radio program Marketplace. Previously, Tina was owner and principal consultant at Pindari Associates, a business transformation consulting company. Prior to Pindari Associates, she was CIO and SVP Financial Shared Services with Panavision, the market leader and Academy Award winning provider of camera and lighting services for the film and television industry. Prior to Panavision, Tina was VP Six Sigma Quality and Digitization at NBC Universal based in Burbank, California as well as a variety of Finance positions including VP of Finance/IT and Sales Traffic at NBC Europe in London, UK. Tina is a graduate of GE’s Financial Management Program as well as a former Corporate Auditor with GE’s elite internal management training program. She holds a BS degree in Finance from Indiana University in Bloomington.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESThe national organization of Minds MatterBrene’ Brown’s book Daring GreatlyJames Kouzes and Barry Posner's book The Leadership Challenge

035: Vital Resources from BoardSource (Jim Taylor)SUMMARYHow can a nonprofit leader take advantage of the resources BoardSource has to offer, especially in a time of uncertainty and strategic challenge?  The answers come from Jim Taylor, who not only highlights the tools available from BoardSource for nonprofit leaders everywhere, but also leans on his personal and professional experience to add even greater value for listeners of this episode of the Path.  A pandemic certainly highlights vulnerabilities within the nonprofit sector, and Jim thoughtfully discusses existing issues for nonprofit boards as they consider their commitment to equity.  We also discussed the dueling challenges facing many nonprofit CEO’s, who struggle with either a dis-engaged board OR one that is micromanaging them. What can staff leaders do to help board members better engage? What can board members do to be more effective?  How does BoardSource help both sides?  We tackle these questions and much more.ABOUT JIMAs Vice President of Leadership Initiatives, 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 & RESOURCESJim’s article What Board Commitment to Equity Looks Like in This MomentBoardSource’s special Resource Guide on COVID-19Michael Watkins’ book The First 90 Days

034:  The War for Fundraising Talent (Jason Lewis)SUMMARYFundraising is on every nonprofit leader’s mind right now, and perhaps there is no one better to talk about that topic than Jason Lewis, who literally wrote a book about the topic, The War for Fundraising Talent.  As Jason and I discuss, many of the topics he raised in the book are even more relevant right now.   Why do so many organizations rely on “arms-length” fundraising tactics, and what can they do about it now?  Why are more executive directors declining to accept “overwhelming” job descriptions?  What can board members and executive directors do in an uncertain planning environment?   What can we expect from the next generation of nonprofit leaders?  We tackle these questions and much more in this episode! ABOUT JASONJason is the Founder of Responsive Fundraising, and questions many of our sector’s deeply engrained beliefs and assumptions of how fundraising really works. Whether writing, speaking or training, Jason challenges the prevailing wisdom about fundraising practices, hiring decisions, and donor behavior. Jason earned his M.S. in Nonprofit Management at Eastern University in 2010 and in 2014 graduated from the College of Executive Coaching. In addition to consulting, Jason teaches nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship at York College of Pennsylvania. Jason's first book, The War for Fundraising Talent, was an honest yet hopeful critique of professional fundraising, intended especially for small shops that find it difficult to consistently achieve their fundraising goals. Jason's forthcoming book, Fundraising in an Unpredictable World, will be available this summer.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESJason’s book The War for Fundraising TalentAlvin Roth’s book Who Gets What - and WhyJeremy Heimans & Henry Timms' book New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World

033: Adapting to Short-Term Challenges with Long-Term Benefits (Carrie Bhada)SUMMARYCarrie Bhada’s journey in nonprofit leadership has led her to outstanding higher education and healthcare institutions, but it has also given her the experience of dealing with internal and external challenges. While nothing compares to the unique complexities of the COVID-19 situation, she has utilized previous experiences to adapt and lead her team at North Carolina State University as they navigate this uncharted territory.  Carrie provided great insight into change management strategies all nonprofit leaders can employ as they shape their fundraising, event management and board relations strategies right now. What are the lessons nonprofit leaders should be learning, and how can they best manage their teams, their boards and their donors?  Could the forced changes in how we do staff and board meetings lead to positive structural changes going forward?  Could some of the events that are getting cancelled now be retired permanently??? These are just a few of the topics we discussed, and Carrie offers an optimistic and practical approach that is well worth a listen.ABOUT CARRIECarrie has spent more than 20 years working to advance the goals of national non-profits, healthcare organizations and institutes of higher education. She serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor of University Development at NC State University and collaborates with other senior university advancement leaders on the management of the University’s Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign and leadership of the central development team along with several other school and unit-based teams. Prior to this, she served as the Chief Development Officer for the Wilson College of Textiles and Executive Director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation. Before joining NC State University, Carrie served as vice president for Institutional Advancement at St. Joseph’s College (NY), as well as the vice president of development at Huntington Hospital and as the senior director of development at Stony Brook Medicine. She holds a master of healthcare administration from Hofstra University and a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESJim Collins’ books Good to Great and Built to LastSheryl Sandberg’s book Lean InMalcom Gladwell’s book David & Goliath

032: Community Leadership in the Philanthropic Sector (Michael Marsicano)SUMMARYMichael Marsicano leads one of the largest community foundations in the United States. He is passionate about bringing communities together to maximize philanthropy and improve all aspects of society.  Like nonprofit leaders around the world, he was faced with an unprecedented challenge – and opportunity – with the arrival of COVID-19.  What did he do?  He mobilized his team and collaborative partners throughout the region to quickly establish the COVID-19 Response Fund, one of the largest efforts anywhere in the country.  While the fund itself is a fascinating study in community partnerships and the power of philanthropy, Michael and I discussed much more. What are the lessons nonprofit leaders should be learning right now, and how can they best leverage their teams, their boards and their donors?  What does this mean for the nonprofit sector after we get through the initial relief efforts?  What does this mean for arts & culture organizations that are not on the front line of relief efforts but are hurting, nonetheless?  These are just a few of the topics we discussed, and Michael offered words of wisdom and actionable takeaways in every case.ABOUT MICHAELMichael Marsicano, Ph.D., 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 & RESOURCESAnthony Doerr’s book All the Light We Cannot SeeYuval Noah Harari’s book SapiensChan Kim and Renee Mauborgne’s book Blue Ocean Strategy

031: Making the Jump: Corporate America to Nonprofit Executive (Kristin Beck)SUMMARYAfter twenty years of success in the for-profit arena, Kristin Beck could have easily continued on her upward trajectory.  But her inner voice confirmed something was missing and she knew a change might be warranted.  She then began a thoughtful process to evaluate her options and make sure she was prepared for the eventual nonprofit leadership opportunity that could take advantage of the skills and experience she brought from the corporate world. What emerged - her personal strategic plan - is a wonderful example of an approach from which any current or future nonprofit executive can learn.  How did she take advantage of a personal retreat to put her plan together?  How did she assure she had the technical skills and knowledge to succeed?  How did she effectively network in her community to both learn more, and to position herself for the perfect opportunity?  Kristin and I discuss all of these questions as well as her remarkable leadership skills in action as she maneuvered through the COVID-19 crisis with her new organization.  ABOUT KRISTINKristin Winkle Beck joined Social Venture Partners Charlotte as the Executive Director in October 2019 after two decades of experience leading business units and strategic vendor relationships for Capital One, GE Consumer Finance and Bank of America. She  intentionally stepped out of corporate America when she left her position as Senior Vice President at Bank of America Merchant Services to take a sabbatical in 2018 to recharge and refocus her career. During her sabbatical, Kristin completed two coaching certifications and founded her own coaching and consulting firm, Pivot Point Professionals, LLC.  Kristin grew up in Ohio and migrated south to attend college, escape harsh winters, and practice southern hospitality.  She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and a certificate for Business Essentials in Nonprofit Leadership from Wake Forest University.  Kristin is a podcast junkie, coffee addict, and networking enthusiast. Along with her husband Aaron, she enjoys cooking and hosting friends in their Charlotte home.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESLink to Social Venture Partners International Link to SVP Charlotte’s Seed20 ProgramLink to Wake Forest University Nonprofit Essentials Program Emily Freeman’s book The Next Right Thing and podcast The Next Right ThingPatrick Lencioni’s book The Five Dysfunctions of a TeamLencioni’s podcast At the Table

030: Nonprofit Leadership in Uncertain Times (Angela Woods)SUMMARYAs the COVID-19 situation descended on her organization with stunning speed, Angela Woods knew she would have to make critical strategic decisions without the luxury of time to thoroughly evaluate options or wait for additional data.  Like so many nonprofit leaders right now, she had to rely on her instincts and experience to best “triage” an evolving situation.  How she’s managed these circumstances so far is a great study in leadership in action and offers practical ideas and advice for nonprofit leaders at all levels facing similar uncertainty.  Angela and I discuss how she rallied her staff, how she adjusted the mechanics of her board, how she adapted her short-term programming, and how she now views her strategic plan going forward.  Typical of a good leader, she’s found ways to utilize the current challenges as a means to explore new opportunities for her organization and the girls it serves.ABOUT ANGELAAngela Woods brings over 20 years of combined for-profit and not for profit leadership experience to the Crossnore School and Children's Home as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, she served the Girl Scouts movement and as the CEO of the Hornets' Nest Council in Charlotte, NC.  Leveraging her experience as a strategist, she has increased the Council's market visibility, increasing corporate support and individual giving and led the technology platform redesign. Prior to leading the Hornets’ Nest Council, Angela served as the Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts Heart of the South in Memphis, TN.  Before this appointment, she served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer and COO of the United Way of the National Capital Area (UWNCA) in Washington, D.C. and she also worked for United Way of Central Carolinas where she served as the Senior Vice President of Community Building & Administration.  Preceding that, she worked at Bank of America in the areas of institutional trusts, retirement planning and investments, and global finance recruiting. Angela serves on the Board of Directors for two nonprofit organizations: Charlotte Merchants Foundation and Apparo, and in 2015, the Mecklenburg Times named her as one of 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESSherrell Dorsey’s newsletter ThePLUGMalcom Gladwell’s book BlinkGreg McKeown’s book Essentialism

029: Agile Nonprofit Leadership During the COVID-19 Crisis (Mike Blackwelder)SUMMARYUncertainty abounds in the charitable sector, but leadership is needed now more than ever.  My colleague Mike Blackwelder and I tackle five critical areas of leadership, and lift up examples, suggestions and resources to better address each of them. Whether you’re a current nonprofit leader or aspire to be one, these are the types of circumstances you must be ready to manage.  How do you work with your staff and board in this virtual environment?  Should you ask your donors for more money?  What do you do about the in-person programming on which your organization depends?  And what are you doing to protect your mental, physical and emotional well-being?  For answers to each of these questions, listen carefully to this BONUS episode!ABOUT MIKEMike is a nonprofit and fundraising professional who has been on the leadership path for over a decade. He serves as Managing Director for PMA Consulting, and has extensive experience in fundraising, management, strategic planning, communications, and nonprofit administration. His nonprofit career includes positions at United Way of Central Carolinas, Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County, and Safe Alliance. In his most recent position as Chief Advancement Officer at Safe Alliance, Mike managed a team of development staff and led the agency's fundraising, marketing, volunteer, and advocacy efforts.  He received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Campbell University, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and an MBA from UNC-Charlotte, and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Mike is also very involved with the Charlotte Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where he currently serves as Past President for the board of directors.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESNonprofit Success Toolkit from Nonprofit.istPMA Article: 3 Things Nonprofit Leaders Can Do NowHow Board Members Can Respond to COVID-19 by BoardSourceCoronavirus/COVID-19 Resource Guide from AFP GlobalLa Piana Consulting Coronavirus SurveyPsychology Today's Guide for Self-CareNonprofit Pandemic Resources from the NC Center for NonprofitsPMA Article:  7 Nonprofit Podcasts You Should Listen To in 2020PMA Book Recommendation: 10% Happier by Dan HarrisPMA Book Recommendation: Mindset by Carol Dweck

028: 5 Questions to Answer Before Using A Nonprofit Consultant (Heather Yandow)SUMMARYAs you move into senior leadership in the nonprofit sector, the opportunity to explore external contractors and consultants will likely present itself.  How do you evaluate such an option?  What are the factors you should consider before engaging such a resource?  These are exactly the questions Heather Yandow and I explore in this episode of the Path.  Through her experience founding Nonprofit.ist, she is the perfect person to help you evaluate any type of consultant, whether it be for fundraising, human resources, organizational development, program evaluation or anything else for that matter.  Also listen to this episode for practical advice that will help assure your use of a consulting resource is worth the time, energy and budgeted resources you might be willing to commit.   ABOUT HEATHERHeather Yandow brings more than 20 years of experience as an outreach coordinator, coalition leader, project manager, and fundraiser for Third Space Studio. She helps organizations with strategic planning, board development, change management, leadership development, and going from good to great. Heather’s most recent nonprofit position was as the Director of Development and Communications with the NC Conservation Network. She has also served on the Board of Directors of Democracy NC, ncyt: NC’s Network of Young Nonprofit Professionals, and the Beehive Collective (a giving circle). Heather holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and is a trained facilitator. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES* The Pomodoro Technique* Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz' book The Power of Full Engagement* What’s the challenge you want to tackle?* Does everyone agree about the challenge?* When do you want to do the project?* How much money do you have to address the problem?* How much organizational time and energy do you have to address the challenge?* Michael Bungay Stanier's book The Coaching Habit

027: Building A Culture of Philanthropy at Your Nonprofit (Stamie Despo)SUMMARYDespite her successful fundraising experience, Stamie Despo knew as a new Executive Director she would need the entire organization to embrace philanthropy for it to achieve the kind of mission success she knew was possible. That’s exactly what Stamie and I discussed during this episode.  What exactly is a culture of philanthropy?  What did she find when she began her role as Executive Director at the Susan G. Komen affiliate in Charlotte?  What were the practical steps she took to assess and integrate new elements of philanthropic culture?  And most importantly, what happened, and did it work?   Stamie’s thoughtful approach is sure to give you ideas about creating a culture of philanthropy at your current organization, as well as help you map out a plan for your next nonprofit leadership opportunity. ABOUT STAMIEStamie consults nonprofit organizations in the areas of strategic planning, change management and succession, special events and fundraising. She recently completed her tenure as Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Charlotte following her work as the Director of Alumni Relations and External Constituents at UNC Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering. Prior to working at the College, Stamie managed a nonprofit which provided funding to children with cancer for art therapy. She was honored as a 2019 nominee for Charlotte Athena Leadership Award for Service, and received the Health and Human Services Crowning Achiever Award from the Crown Jewels (NC) Chapter of the Links, Inc., for her work at Komen Charlotte and health disparities.  Stamie has been a member of the local Charlotte Chapter of the AFP, involved in her church’s women’s philanthropic society and a member of Atrium Health’s Dreamcatcher Society.  She holds a Masters in Teaching degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Monmouth University, NJ, a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Cum Laude, from Smith College, Massachusetts, and a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Duke University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESJim Loehr and Tony Schwartz's book The Power of Full Engagement Chuck Collins’ book Robin Hood Was RightSimon Sinek’s book Start With WhyJoan Garry’s Nonprofits Are MessyHBR’s 10 Must Reads On LeadershipKorn Ferry’s Leadership & Talent resources