Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

44: Building A Supercharged Nonprofit Board (Dolph Goldenburg)SUMMARYHow do you best engage your board members as a nonprofit leader, especially given the challenges the sector is facing right now?  This episode of the Path poses that question to someone who literally wrote a book about the topic, called Successful Nonprofits Build Supercharged Boards.  Dolph Goldenburg and I certainly discuss board development in episode #44 of the podcast, but also talk about specific fundraising tactics you can incorporate into your development plan, as well as two things in which every nonprofit should be investing right now.  He also has some great – and specific – productivity tips that he’s developed during his years as a nonprofit CEO, and also has several online and book resources that you’ll definitely want to check out!ABOUT DOLPHDolph is recognized as a leader within the nonprofit sector who has a track record of guiding organizations through leadership transitions, strategic planning and board development. He started Successful Nonprofits in 2014 to provide consulting, podcasting and publishing services that strengthen the nonprofit sector. His clients have included large nonprofits like Sheltering Arms and HOPE Atlanta and also small but mighty nonprofits like the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund and Zebra Coalition. Prior to starting his consulting practice, Goldenburg was a successful nonprofit CEO for 12 years with a demonstrated history of leading organizations to financial stability and growth.  As a CEO, Goldenburg helped organizations transform deficits into healthy surpluses, increase fund balances, dramatically expand services, and increase revenue.  In addition to extensive CEO experience, Goldenburg also has more than a decade of fundraising experience, which includes soliciting six -figure gifts and writing millions of dollars in funded grant proposals. Goldenburg holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in social work from Georgia State University. Dolph is the host of the Successful Nonprofits Podcast, and author of the book Successful Nonprofits Build Supercharged BoardsEPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESHarvey McKay’s book Dig Your Well Before You're ThirstyCEO Transition: HBR Article After the HandshakeJoe Dominguez and Vicki Robin’s book Your Money or Your Life

43:  What is Your Nonprofit Career Vision? 6 Questions You Need to Answer (Patton McDowell) SUMMARYThese are challenging times for all kinds of reasons, given the isolation of the pandemic, the obvious disparities of race and privilege we’re seeing up close, and the economic uncertainties that affect our personal and professional livelihoods.  These existential questions don’t have easy answers, but nonprofit leaders are looking for guidance as they get their heads around them and evaluate what it means for their career journey.  This episode of the Path includes a framework used in Patton’s coaching on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, including six specific questions that will help sharpen your goals and design a Vision Framework.  We’ve all had more time to reflect these days, and these questions will give you things to consider and perhaps prompt a writing or journaling exercise. As a result, you’ll better articulate your long-term goals on the Nonprofit Path.ABOUT PATTONAfter starting his consulting practice in 2009, Patton and his colleagues have worked with the leaders of more than 230 nonprofit organizations.  Before starting PMA Consulting, he spent a decade in higher education as Vice President for Advancement at Queens University after serving in the same role at UNC Wilmington, where he was the youngest vice chancellor in the UNC system. Prior to his tenure in higher education, he worked as the state Program Director for Special Olympics North Carolina and as an Assistant for Education & Training for Special Olympics International in Washington DC. Patton grew up in Elizabeth City, NC, and went to UNC Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar where he received a BA in English Education. He received his MBA from the McColl School of Business while working at Queens, and his Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change & Leadership) from the Rossier School at the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Master Trainer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International. EPISODE RESOURCESListen:  New to Nonprofit? Five Ways to Hit the Ground Running (Mike Blackwelder)Read:  New to the Nonprofit World? 5 Ways to Hit the Ground RunningListen:  Fortune 500 to Nonprofit Founder & CEO (Tina Admans)Listen:  Making the Jump: Corporate America to Nonprofit Executive (Kristin Beck)

42: Challenging the Nonprofit Status Quo (Tina Postel)SUMMARYWhat should you put in place at your nonprofit organization before you encounter challenges like those we’re facing right now?  That’s one of the many topics Tina Postel and I discuss in episode #42 of the Path podcast, and fortunately you’re not too late to implement many of her great ideas.  Families struggling with food insecurities have enough barriers to overcome, and she knew her organization, Loaves & Fishes, had to be more effective and efficient even before the current coronavirus conditions began to affect her staff, volunteers and the families she serves.  Tina put her leadership skills into play so she could not only maintain the volume of food provided but be nimble enough to expand and to explore other partnerships in her sector.  Tina has always been a student of leadership, and we discussed her early efforts to utilize a professional coach and how she honestly appraised her skills so she could develop a plan to get better.  She also has great insight on effectively hiring talent into the nonprofit sector, how she cultivates her board members, and advice she would offer those considering the nonprofit sector as a career path.  Some good books to consider as well!ABOUT TINATina Postel serves as the Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes, Inc. where she oversees a network of over 40 emergency food pantries in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2019, Loaves & Fishes provided groceries to over 80,000 neighbors in need. Tina previously served as Chief Executive Officer for the Billings Family YMCA. Tina has a BS in Psychology from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership for Nonprofit Management from Lewis University. In addition to her leadership role at Loaves & Fishes, Tina is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer and presents on topics of collaboration, strategic planning, organizational development and servant leadership. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte and teaches graduate courses in Nonprofit Management and Fundraising. Tina is an active member of several local and national volunteer organizations and advocacy groups aimed to combat poverty, alleviate food insecurity and achieve social justice for all. She is a professional leader in nonprofit services and philanthropy with over 20 years of experience working and volunteering in the community to promote positive change.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES La Piana ConsultingJon Acuff’s book Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of DoneBob Goff’s book Everybody Always

41: Dealing with Adversity as a Nonprofit Leader (Michael Ward)SUMMARYIt’s easy to celebrate successes when things are going well for you as a nonprofit leader, but what about when things don’t go so well?  Michael Ward has had some fantastic successes as a fundraiser and nonprofit leader, but what made our conversation so powerful was his willingness to tackle adversity.  His thoughtful and proactive approach to dealing with personal and professional challenges offers great insight for anyone on the Path to nonprofit leadership.  We also discussed his use of emotional intelligence to sharpen his fundraising abilities, as well as his hiring practices to build a strong team.  Of course, we definitely discussed the fascinating lessons learned from the transformational gift of $28 million he engineered for the Wilson College of Textiles!  As always, our guests have great books to recommend, and Michael is no exception here.ABOUT MICHAELMichael Ward is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles, and is a development professional with more than 20 years of experience in higher education advancement. He joined the Foundation in March of 2016 as Director of Development, overseeing all aspects of development to include major/principal gift development, annual giving, alumni engagement, communications and stewardship.  In 2018, he led the cultivation and solicitation strategy resulting in the $28 million-dollar naming gift for the Wilson College of Textiles. His unique approach was profiled in the 2020 book, Start with Heart: The Secret Power of Emotions to Catalyze Fundraising Results for Individuals, Teams, and Organizations. In July 2019, Michael was appointed Executive Director of the North Carolina Textile Foundation. A native of Raleigh, NC and a graduate of Appalachian State University, he began his career in athletics fundraising at Northern Illinois University, then worked for East Carolina University in a variety of development roles as well as Clemson University.  Michael and his wife Alison are the proud parents of Michaela and Watts Ward.    EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESTom Rath’s book StrengthsFinder 2.0Hugh Shelton’s book Without Hesitation Robin DiAngelo’s book White Fragility

40: What Do I Do With My Nonprofit’s Strategic Plan? (Andrew Hollo)SUMMARYGiven the uncertainty nonprofit leaders are facing right now, it’s no wonder many are dismissing long-range strategic plans as practically useless.  However, Andrew Hollo brings a much needed and fresh perspective to this strategic planning dilemma and demonstrates that the work he has done across Australia is very much applicable to nonprofit leaders around the world.  We discuss four existential questions every nonprofit should be asking itself, and three rules they should be following for success.  Much to learn from this episode, as well as a multitude of book recommendations to consider, including Andrew’s fantastic From Impossible to Possible.  ABOUT ANDREWAndrew Hollo is the Founder & CEO of Workwell and one of Australia’s leading experts in realizing the potential of organizations and groups to develop ‘big ideas’ and gain collective results, especially in demanding, complex sectors and where work across organizational and sector boundaries is required. He has high level of skill in getting diverse views to the highest value, and clear conceptual agreement in the shortest possible time. In 20 years, Andrew has led over 500 projects for clients who deliver substantial public value: government and nongovernment, as well as privately held.  He’s worked with numerous public value agencies on the alignment of leaders around clearly articulated strategic vision, roles and objectives — with demonstrable outcomes.  Prior to founding Workwell, he served as a Director for G & H Training, and as a Consultant for Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting).  Andrew received his BA in Psychology from the University of Melbourne.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESLink to your free copy of From Impossible to PossibleAndrew’s Workwell website and Resource Page Harvard Business Review David Maister’s The Trusted AdvisorJames Clear’s Atomic HabitsTim Ferriss’ Tools of Titans, Tribe of MentorsYuval Harari’s Sapiens, Homo Deus Shoshana Zuboff’s The Age of Surveillance Capitalism

39: Nonprofit Leadership in Healthcare Philanthropy (Adam Cook)SUMMARYWhat’s it like to lead a healthcare foundation in the midst of a pandemic?  How do you stay organized when all of your events are pushed off the calendar and everyone you speak with has a new idea?  Adam Cook has great insight and perspective on these questions and many more in episode #40 of the Path.  He has served multiple health care foundations over the course of his nonprofit career, and we talk about many of the lessons he’s learned during his leadership journey.  Adam explains his “ASK” method of fundraising - which is especially helpful right now - and how he goes about attracting the younger generation onto his boards of directors.  He also has some words of wisdom for those just starting in the nonprofit sector, including the key to finding a mentor who can help serve as your guide.  Finally, Adam has some good books to add to your bookshelf!ABOUT ADAMAs Chief Development Officer at Mercy Health Foundation, Adam oversees all fundraising initiatives for the 16 hospital foundations across the system one of the top five large health systems in the United States. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty hospitals, 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities and 45,000 co-workers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has outreach ministries in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.  Prior to his arrival in St. Louis, Adam served in leadership positions at Cardinal Innovations Healthcare in Charlotte, NC, the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation in Wilmington, NC, and the NorthEast Foundation in Concord, NC.  Known for establishing strong cultures of charitable giving across multiple organizations, he has significant experience in non-profit leadership and strategic planning, health and human services, research, and education. Adam is graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a frequent public speaker on leadership, communications, and non-profit management. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES• Jerold Panas’ book Asking: A 59 Min Guide• Michael Watkins’ book The First 90 Days 

38: The Secret Lives of Nonprofit Leaders (Kishshana Palmer)SUMMARYKishshana Palmer is not afraid tell us what we need to hear, even if we’re not sure we’re ready for it!   She’s the kind of truth-teller the sector needs, and our conversation on the Path provided all kinds of valuable insight for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers that can be applied right now.  Kishshana shared a candid view of her journey into nonprofit leadership, and the challenges she’s overcome and the lessons she’s learned that she now shares with the folks she coaches and trains.  Not only is speaking about issues of diversity and inclusion, but she’s doing something about it by founding the Rooted Collaborative for women of color in the fundraising profession.  What are some of the creative initiatives she’s seeing as a result of COVID-19?  How does she help an organization maneuver through a lack of board engagement?  What are the most important questions one should answer before considering the nonprofit profession?  Find out the answers an much more in this episode of the Path.   ABOUT KISHSHANA Kishshana leads Kishshana & Co., and is a national speaker, trainer, and coach with a 17-year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management.  She’s a supernova on any stage thanks to her charismatic and candid delivery. She’s founder of The Rooted Collaborative -- a global online community for Women of Color in Fundraising. She's the author of "Hey, I'm New Here", the host of the podcast A Shot of Vitamin K, an adjunct professor at Baruch College, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer (CGT) and an AFP Master Trainer.  When an organization wants to grow, find and retain people on their team, and raise money, she is the philanthropic fairy godmother they have on speed dial. Her work isn’t limited to organizations, she also coaches social good professionals. Kishshana is a NYC girl and mother of one wonderful teenage daughter. She describes herself as “the epitome of your classic 90's Queens homegirl and quintessential corner office executive.” EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESBassey Ikpi’s book I’m Telling the Truth But I’m Lying

037: Maintaining Strategic Focus as a Nonprofit Leader (Brian Maness)SUMMARYWhat do you do to stay organized in an ever-changing environment with children and families from across the state depending on you?  Like many nonprofit CEO’s right now, Brian Maness has had to navigate both the personal and professional demands of nonprofit leadership despite an uncertain landscape around him.  Brian is the President & CEO of Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, providing services ranging from adoption and foster care to parent education and teen pregnancy prevention to post adoption support for families.  Brian and I had a great conversation about how he’s applied lessons learned early in his career to shape his current leadership style, and how he’s advanced from an initial marketing role to serve as the CEO for a state-wide organization with over 300 employees.  We also talked about journaling practices, strategic planning, fundraising AND the critical importance of succession planning and the practical implications every nonprofit leader should consider.  As always, our guests have great books to recommend, and Brian is no exception!ABOUT BRIANAs President and CEO of the Children’s Home Society of NC since 2014, Brian is known as a champion for innovation and transformative change on behalf of children and families. He has led the growth and development of CHS from its traditional focus on adoption and foster care to its comprehensive array of child and family support programs today. Following an early career in marketing consulting and project management, Brian joined CHS in 2002 with the desire to improve the lives of vulnerable children. Brian has garnered respect within North Carolina and nationally for his leadership and contributions in organizational strategy, resource development, service innovation, advocacy, and public policy. Brian’s vision for the future is for CHS to continue to be a leader in innovative services that create, support and enhance loving permanent families. Brian, a father of four, brings his personal perspective on the importance of family and believes that nothing can replace the role of a loving supportive family in the life of a child.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESThe use of a Bullet JournalChildren’s Home Society of AmericaRyan Holiday's book The Obstacle Is The WayThe Center for Creative LeadershipStephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleGreg McKeown’s book EssentialismJim Collins’s book Good to Great and the Social Sectors

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