Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

SUMMARYChris Delisio’s career in higher education has led him to a leadership role in one of the largest comprehensive campaigns in the country, as the Time and Change Campaign at Ohio State targets one million donors and a fundraising goal of $4.5 billion.  While justifiably proud of his current leadership position, Chris is quick to point to the resources and advice that helped him move along the path to nonprofit success. Chris and I had a great conversation about the skills and experiences you need to develop when you’re first getting started in the nonprofit profession, how you build on those skills when you’re aspiring to senior leadership, and how to ultimately shift into managing a team. ABOUT CHRISChris is the AVP for Development and Executive Director for Principal Gifts at The Ohio State University. In this role he oversees the day-to-day operation and strategic management of the Principal Gift office focused on $5M+ gifts across the entire university.  Prior to this role, he was the AVP for Development and Chief Advancement Officer for OSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, he provided comprehensive leadership and oversight for the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Wexner Center for the Arts, WOSU Public Media and the University Libraries. He also worked as the Chief Advancement Officer for the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and as a development officer at the Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at OSU. Prior to his work in Columbus, he also worked at Ohio Wesleyan University, Ohio University and the University of Dayton. Chris received his undergraduate degree from Hiram College and his MBA from Kent State University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDavid Allen’s book Getting Things Done Carol Dweck’s book MindsetWill Sparks’ book Actualized Leadership, and Episode #14 on the PathAngela Duckworth’s book GritJohn Wooden’s book On LeadershipDon Jonas’ Episode #8 on the Path

023: Driving from the Backseat: Nonprofit Leadership Lessons (Ronnie Bryant)SUMMARYThe title of Ronnie Bryant’s nonprofit leadership book says it all: Driving from the Backseat.  It’s a wonderful illustration of the skill and finesse required by Executive Directors as they steer their organization along but allow a whole group of board members to sit in the front seat and “drive.”  My conversation with Ronnie was just as enjoyable as reading his book, full of insight, experience and practical advice for those trying to move ahead on the nonprofit leadership path.  We discussed what he learned as a “lateral entry” coming from the for-profit sector into nonprofit leadership, what key attributes he looks for in hiring and promoting staff, and especially how he navigated the nuances of board relations as a nonprofit CEO.  ABOUT RONNIERonnie is Founder and Lead Consultant at Ronnie L. Bryant, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in executive coaching, organizational management, and board development and training for top-level corporate and nonprofit managers.  Prior to forming Ronnie L. Bryant, LLC, Bryant served as President & CEO of Charlotte Regional Partnership in North Carolina,  following executive positions at Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce (Louisiana), St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association (Missouri), and Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (Pennsylvania). Bryant quickly became one of the nation’s most sought-after economic developers, piquing the interests of Charlotte business leaders, who hired him to lead Charlotte Regional Partnership in 2005.  Bryant currently serves on the boards of several nonprofits, including the American Leadership Forum, Aspire Community Capital, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, and Jazz Arts Charlotte.  He is a faculty member for the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, an adjunct professor for UNC Charlotte, and serves as a Visiting Lecturer at Cornell University’s Institute for Public Affairs. He earned a B.S. in business management from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and was a fellow at The Center for Intentional Leadership® at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESRonnie’s book: Driving from the BackseatRonnie’s live event: Accelerate 2020: Maximize Your Performance

022: Essential Skills for Nonprofit Fundraising Success (Joanne Beam)SUMMARYLike many of us, Joanne O’Brien Beam did not aspire to nonprofit leadership following her undergraduate days, but the lure of her alma mater and the skills she developed in the for-profit sector combined to make her a very successful fundraiser and a highly sought-after consultant and coach. Joanne and I had a great conversation about the wonderfully practical advice she received during her journey along the leadership path, and the wisdom she now shares with her coaching clients.  We also discussed some of the important trends she sees within the sector, and how these trends affect the opportunities for new fundraising professionals as well as those aspiring to leadership positions.   ABOUT JOANNEJoanne is an experienced fundraiser and consultant, serving clients across the nonprofit sector. She is the President of Beam Outcomes, and specializes in effective fundraising strategies, coaching, board development, strategic planning, and leadership development. As a facilitator, Joanne uses the Technology of Participation Method to provide structured facilitation which helps groups think, talk, and work together.  She is on the board of the Institute of Philanthropic Leadership where she serves on the faculty for the Leadership Gift School and the New Development Professionals Program. She was also the founder and president of Capstone Advancement Partners (2003-2014), a consulting firm that served dozens of nonprofit organizations.  After Capstone, Joanne returned to work with her beloved alma mater Wake Forest University on initiatives ranging from launching the Nonprofit Essentials Certificate program and Summer Immersion Programs. A cum laude graduate of Wake, Joanne served as President of the Student Government. In 2013, the Charlotte Business Journal named her one of the Top 25 Women in Business, and in 2014, she was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte by the Mecklenburg Times. Joanne is an active athlete and avid golfer.  She’s married to Steve Beam and has one son. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESSimone Joyaux’s blogTom Ahern’s blogPenelope Burk’s book Donor Centered FundraisingJerry Panas’ book Power QuestionsAdrian Sargeant and Jen Shang’s book Fundraising Principles and Practice

021: 3 Keys to Maximizing Your Nonprofit Leadership Opportunities (Justin Dionne)SUMMARYJustin Dionne knew he had a great opportunity on his hands when he arrived at the Cain Center for the Arts.   As a relatively new executive director, he also knew he needed to maximize all of his productivity and professional development resources to get this new organization off the ground as well as navigate its very aspirational campaign of $25 million to build a new performing arts center.  Justin and I had a great conversation on Episode #21 of The Path and explored many of his tools and tactics to maximize his talented board of directors, engage the regional community and key donors, and how he built a staffing structure that is poised for even greater growth and success.  We also had the added bonus of filming our episode at the studio of Wheelhouse Media, whose talents are on display for Justin and many nonprofit organizations across the country.  “Big impacts don't come without big risks; you have to be willing to try."ABOUT JUSTINJustin is in his third year as Executive Director of Cain Center for the Arts. Originally from Salisbury, NC, Justin attended Catawba College for Undergraduate studies and Florida State University for Graduate School. He has spent over 10 years in the arts industry and Non-Profit Sector. While in Salisbury he helped to build the Norvell Theater and then went on to spearhead efforts to renovate a 1920’s warehouse into a performing arts center which became Lee Street Theater. Along with serving communities, Justin is passionate about his family, fitness, bourbon, travel, the Carolina Panthers, and the Florida State Seminoles. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESProductivity hacks: utilizing Gantt Charts, List makingSimon Sinek’s book The Infinite GameConducting a Values RetreatPenny Hawkins’s podcast episode #3 on Women in the Nonprofit SectorTools for learning: podcasts (here’s PMA’s 7 recommendations), YouTube videos Attracting successful board membersCreating a successful staff hiring process 

020: BONUS: A Dozen Resources for the Nonprofit Professional (Leighton Fogan)SUMMARYLeighton Fogan has not only enjoyed a successful career in the nonprofit sector, but she’s also a dedicated student of professional development resources!  Her career path includes hands-on experience at several nonprofits, many successful consulting engagements, and coursework through Columbia University and Duke’s Nonprofit Management program.  Episode #20 of The Path features our conversation on three categories of career-enhancing resources, and is a gold mine for current and aspiring nonprofit leaders.  We cover a range of options, from online tools you can access right now to graduate programs that might be part of your long-term journey.ABOUT LEIGHTONLeighton Fogan is a fundraising and development professional who joined PMA after returning to her hometown of Charlotte, NC. She has extensive experience with corporate and foundation partnerships, successfully structuring relationships with national and international firms in the private and public sector. Leighton spent nine years in New York City where she launched her career in nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy management. Prior to joining PMA, she led the institutional investor portfolio as a Senior Development Associate for Echoing Green, a global social venture fund. Her career has also included working with New York City nonprofits Common Cents and Synergos, and Charlotte nonprofits Care Ring and Physicians Reach Out, where she completed a year of full-time service with AmeriCorps.  Leighton graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University with a bachelor's degree in English and holds certificates in Business Management from Columbia Business School and Nonprofit Management from Duke University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESFoundation Center and GuideStar are now Candid.orgNonprofitReady.org Young Nonprofit Professionals NetworkNational Association of Nonprofit ProfessionalsBoardSource Leadership Forum May 7-8, 2020NC Center for NonprofitsAssociation of Fundraising Professionals; Association for Healthcare PhilanthropyGrant Professionals Association; National Association of Charitable Gift PlannersThe Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Chronicle of Philanthropy; Philanthropy News DigestCertified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)The Institute for Philanthropic Leadership

019: Hiring Talent and Sharpening Your Nonprofit Leadership Skills (Tiffany Capers)SUMMARYTiffany Capers did not plan to go into nonprofit leadership, and in fact, she thought her graduate degree would take her into a corporate environment. But after opportunities in government and in a community foundation, she found a calling that led to leadership in our sector.  She now serves as the Executive Director of the CrossRoads Corporation, which creatively partners with the residents of the Grier Heights neighborhood in Charlotte and numerous other stakeholders to revitalize the community about which she is so passionate.  Tiffany and I discuss many topics related to her leadership journey, including how she turned career changes into opportunity, and some of the tangible and intangible attributes she’s looking for when hiring talent.  Tiffany also describes how she uses role plays to evaluate a candidate’s preparation, data management and performance in an interview setting.  She’s also got great resources for productivity and for curating high-quality content.  ABOUT TIFFANYBorn in New Jersey and raised in South Carolina, Tiffany experienced a little bit of city life and a lot of rural life throughout her childhood which helped her develop an appreciation for contrast and difference and juxtaposition. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia with a degree in psychology and completed her graduate work at UNC-Charlotte with a degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She’s spent the better part of her professional life working in the public sector, for the Foundation For The Carolinas and Teach for America, managing programs, leading teams, working in spaces that addressed equity, access, inclusion and opportunity.  She is also the mom of and constant negotiator (!) with a 2-year-old daughter. She is also interested in art (creating it and appreciating it), books, social and economic justice, and “being more curious than certain and being brave enough to have conversations that matters.”EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESProductivity hacks: Microsoft outlook, careful delegation of work to empower teamPublic sector work included youth employment program and budget evaluation officeUse of role-plays in interviews: prompts, scenarios, and data for presentation Content Curation: Medium, Harvard Business Review, The AtlanticJim Collins’ book: Good to Great and the Social SectorsDeveloping a personal board of directors

018: How Do You Blend For-Profit and Nonprofit Leadership Lessons? (Will Jones)SUMMARYLike many in the nonprofit sector, Will Jones gained leadership experience from other arenas, including the social service and for-profit sectors. He now serves as the President and CEO of Thompson, a leading provider of clinical and prevention services for children and families across the Carolinas. Will and I dive into many topics related to the blend of best practices he’s gained from his experience, and what he’s learned that will help current and aspiring nonprofit leaders along the Path.  How do you push for “profitability” in a nonprofit world?  How do you find and hire the right people, and how do you keep your team engaged and motivated?   This episode will give you much to consider, and many resources to boot!ABOUT WILLWill started his career with the Orange County Youth & Family Services Division and moved from there to the Children’s Home Society of Florida in Orlando. He then served as senior vice president of One Hope United in Orlando, and after that become the chief operating officer at Eckerd Youth Alternatives. In 2015, Will joined SAS, the largest privately-owned software company in the world, as a human services industry consultant. Since joining Thompson as President/CEO in 2017, he has steadily moved the organization forward including 200% growth in its foster care program and the facilitation of community mental health services that served 145% more children and families.  Will earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida, and he and his wife Yereely have five children.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESWill’s 3 C’s for hiring:  competency, capacity, culture fit “Potential can get you fired"“Leaders are learners”“No margin, no mission” Patrick Lencioni’s book The Ideal Team PlayerKeith Ferrazzi’s book Never Eat AlonePatty Azzarello’s book MoveKim Scott’s book A Radical CandorJohn Maxwell’s book 21 Laws of Leadership

017: How Do You Move from Manager to Senior Leader at Your Nonprofit? (Katherine Lambert)SUMMARYKatherine Lambert is passionate about professional development in the nonprofit sector and is a champion for internal candidates who can serve as senior leaders. Her advice provides great insight for other senior leaders who want to better develop their talent, but also provides many clues for those pursuing a new job in the charitable sector.  Katherine talks about how she allocates professional development funds in her organization, and exactly what she asks in interviews to determine whether someone has the requisite skills but also the intangible “fit” dynamic that will better predict success. How can we better orient and onboard our talent - in the first 30 days - to assure long-term success?  How do we better clarify job descriptions and job plans to align with the organization’s strategic plan, as well as assure a professional development path is clear going forward?  Find out these answers and many more resources in this episode.ABOUT KATHERINEKatherine joined the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter, in 2014 as its Chief Executive Officer.  She works with a volunteer and staff team across the 49 counties in Central and Western North Carolina, and in 2017, her role expanded to serving as the Regional Leader for all chapters in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.  Prior to leading the Alzheimer’s Association, Katherine served as Executive Vice President for Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council for five years and as Chief Development Officer for an additional three years.  She also founded and led The Lambert Group for four years providing strategic planning, fund development and training resources for non-profit organizations.  Preceding her non-profit career, she spent six years in the financial services and headhunting industries. Katherine earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a Certificate in Marketing and Management from Duke University and has achieved her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation.  Currently, she is an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and Women Executives.  She’s chaired two nonprofit organizations, Sharon Towers and the Charlotte Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESPreparing for nonprofit job interviews to show skill and potentialIdentifying comparison and aspirational peersOnboarding strategies to assure rapid successBrian Tracy’s book Eat That FrogAnn Rhoades’ book Built on ValuesTom Rath’s book Strengths Based Leadership

016: 4 Writing Practices for Nonprofit Success (Clay Hodges)SUMMARYThe concept of writing might not be an activity that brings back pleasant memories (late-night term papers anyone?), but as attorney Clay Hodges illustrates, it is a powerful tool to activate in your productivity toolbox.  In this episode of the Path, Clay and I explore four different writing rituals and routines that can help you build skills for professional development and more effective communication.  How can you utilize journaling to monitor personal and professional progress? How can you improve your technical and persuasive writing abilities? How can you use writing to distill knowledge in an age of information overload?  Find out more in this episode, and how Clay has developed the discipline and focus required to be a consistently effective writer and communicator.ABOUT CLAYClay Hodges is a partner at the law firm Harris Sarratt & Hodges, LLP, and represents clients in personal injury cases with a focus on medical device and failed drug litigation. He graduated with honors from UNC Chapel Hill in 1990, where he wrote his undergraduate honors thesis on the Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Supreme Court case. He earned a master’s degree in literature and received his JD from the UNC School of Law, where he won the Gressman-Pollitt Award for Excellence in Oral Advocacy. He’s been recognized as a North Carolina Super Lawyer, is a member of the 2003-2005 class of the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations, and has served as Chair of his Rotary Club’s scholarship committee.  He has also taught law in the graduate studies program at Meredith College.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESWriting for Self-Care: journaling/therapy, affirmations, charting habitsWriting to Distill/Acquire Knowledge: book reports, memo summariesWriting to Goal-Set/Plan: weekly ritual, quarterly review, annual goalsWriting to Communicate & Produce Content: blog posts, articles, books Dan Harris’ book 10% HappierCal Newport’s book Deep WorkClay’s website and blog

015: Personal Branding for the Nonprofit Professional (Yvonne Levine)SUMMARYWhat is Personal Branding, and why is it important for you as a nonprofit professional?  That’s exactly what Yvonne Levine and I discussed in this episode of the Path.  Yvonne’s great coaching and consulting experience with different organizations - and their senior leaders - provides many useful take-aways for current and aspiring nonprofit leaders who want to engage in genuine activities to build their positive brand.   Among other things, we talk about when to begin crafting your personal brand, and the many things to consider beyond just your resume.  In addition to the digital elements of your brand, her advice certainly addresses the chances you’ll have to make presentations and speeches, and how to best maximize those opportunities. ABOUT YVONNEYvonne is the president and chief marketing consultant of YGL Enterprises, Inc. and is a results-driven marketer with over 25 years of experience in assisting professional services organizations, small and mid-sized businesses, and other community-related organizations in the development and execution of successful marketing strategies.  Her strengths include strategic planning, branding, content development, community partnerships, creative agency and vendor management, client surveys and focus groups, marketing communications, social media, project management, and corporate sponsorships.  Additionally, Yvonne believes in giving back to her community, where she has served on numerous boards and committees, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the Carolina Raptor Center, GenerationNation, the Mecklenburg Livable Communities Initiative, and the Mecklenburg County Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service Committee. She is a graduate of Leadership Charlotte, Class 31, and a committed volunteer for the Charlotte Humane Society.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESGreat resources and writing at Yvonne’s Blog"A personal brand is a person’s perception of another person, primarily in a business context.""Whether you're a nonprofit or corporate leader, understanding your brand and what you have to offer greatly impacts your influence over others."Molly Barker, Girls on the Run"With the vastness of reach of social media today, you can't ignore that you have to take control of your brand early on.”“There’s a fundamental difference between bragging and clearly articulating one’s unique strength.”Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People