Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

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

026: 3 Essential Skills for Nonprofit Leadership (Hal Lewis)SUMMARYDr. Hal Lewis was the perfect person to illustrate three critical skills that nonprofit leaders must develop.  As a nonprofit executive himself, a scholar published on a variety of leadership topics, and a consultant working with leaders across the country, he was well-positioned to provide the practical advice and resources you need on your nonprofit path.  Hal and I discussed the ability to attract and retain top-notch talent, the ability to successfully partner with your board of directors, and the expertise necessary to build a collaborative organization within your community context.  As a prolific writer and speaker, you won’t be surprised to hear Hal offer numerous resources throughout our conversation (many of which are linked within these show notes)!ABOUT HALOver a career that has spanned more than three decades, Hal has been both an extremely successful nonprofit executive, and a highly regarded professor of leadership. Hal taught or lectured at the University of Cincinnati, University of Illinois Chicago, Brandeis University, Spertus College (Chicago), and Hebrew University (Jerusalem). He has served in positions ranging from the Development Vice President of the American Cancer Society (Ft. Lauderdale) to the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation (Columbus, OH). Most recently he completed more than a decade as the President and CEO of Chicago’s Spertus College/Spertus Institute. Because he combines the perspective of both a scholar and a practitioner, Dr. Lewis’ work through his consulting practice, Leadership for Impact, is informed by research and best practice, along with a pragmatic understanding of the challenges facing contemporary nonprofit leaders.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDaniel Pink’s book DriveDr. John Carver’s Policy Governance Model Peter Drucker and the Drucker InstituteJim Collins’ books Good to Great and Good to Great and the Social SectorsPatrick Lencioni’s book 5 Dysfunctions of a TeamHal’s Consulting Practice Leadership for Impact

025: Utilizing A Coach to Strengthen Your Nonprofit Leadership (Nancy Beard)SUMMARYNancy Beard offers great perspectives on the value of finding good mentors as well as the potential a coach can have on your personal and professional journey.  Her path to nonprofit leadership was shaped by early volunteer roles, both as a board member and a volunteer, and she continued to hear a calling for social justice causes that began during her childhood.  We had a great conversation about what she is seeing at all stages of the nonprofit professional’s career, and in particular the challenges many are facing as they deal with their boss or their board.  Nancy is also a great champion of planned giving, and helps put those she coaches and teaches at ease with ideas that don’t overwhelm.  Multiple books and resources to consider as you curate knowledge for nonprofit leadership! ABOUT NANCYNancy has twenty-five years of fundraising stories and experience.  She is a thought leader in non-profit work who delights in sharing the “how to” in fund development work in an entertaining presentation. She is currently President of United Church Homes and Services Foundation where she is a generalist handling all aspects of fund development with a special emphasis on a legacy giving program that has grown exponentially. Nancy delights in teaching fund development professionals how to find joy in the legacy conversation.  Nancy currently serves as President of North Carolina Council of Charitable Gift Planners.  She is a graduated of Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina and has her Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University.  She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and is a Master Trainer through the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  Nancy is a Certified Life Coach through The Life Coach School with a private practice, Nancy Beard Coaching & Motivational Speaking, through which she coaches executive and fund development women in the non-profit sector.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESParker Palmer's book Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of VocationTom Rath's book StrengthsFinder 2.0Henri Nouwen's book A Spirituality of FundraisingDavid Solie’s book How to Say It to Seniors: Closing the Communication Gap with Our EldersBrene’ Brown’s book Gifts of Imperfection

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