Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

Celebrate a remarkable milestone as key takeaways from 300 engaging conversations illuminate the landscape of nonprofit leadership. Discover essential insights on mission clarity, board engagement, and emotional intelligence that empower effective leadership. Learn about the importance of succession planning for continuity in organizations. Reflect on the most downloaded moments and notable guests who have shaped the journey, including leaders from diverse backgrounds and countries. A treasure trove of wisdom awaits!

299: No Ego Allowed: Leading with Humility (Lisa Steven)SUMMARYOur friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates bring this episode to you. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you letting ego impede building a stronger, more effective nonprofit team? Leadership in the nonprofit sector often demands humility, yet the pressure to appear confident and in control can lead to isolation, burnout, and missed opportunities for growth. How can nonprofit leaders shift their mindset, embrace humility, and empower their teams while staying connected to their mission? In episode #299 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Lisa Steven, Executive Director of Hope House Colorado, shares her journey from being a teenage mom to leading a transformative nonprofit organization. Lisa explores the challenges of isolation in leadership, the importance of reconnecting with your mission, and how to approach delegation as an act of empowerment for your team. She discusses building a culture of humility, learning to lead with faith and authenticity, and navigating the complexities of board relationships. Lisa also provides actionable insights into fostering mentorship, creating environments of excellence, and approaching fundraising as a deeply relational and transformational practice.ABOUT LISALisa Steven has over 28 years of experience working with teen moms. In 2003, she co-founded Hope House Colorado and has served as the founder & executive director ever since. Under Lisa’s leadership, Hope House has reached new levels and growth that, with a budget of over $3.5 million, puts the organization in the top 10 percent of nonprofits in the United States. Lisa is also a co-founder of the Colorado Teen Parent Collaborative (TPC) and serves on the Board for the Arvada Chamber. Lisa co-authored the Teen MOPS Handbook and worked with MOPS International on their strategic plan for expanding the ministry of Teen MOPS. Lisa is the author of A Place To Belong, a book that shares the miracle of Hope House while encouraging women in their leadership journey. A former teen mom, Lisa is committed to empowering teen moms in her community and across the world.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireCEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, Vikram MalhotraHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

298: Do You See Your Nonprofit as a Corporation? (Laura Bonnell)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you running your nonprofit like a passion project – or a thriving corporation? Maybe you’re struggling to balance mission-driven work with the organizational discipline needed for sustainable growth. In episode #298 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Laura Bonnell, founder of The Bonnell Foundation, shares her journey of transforming a deeply personal mission into a globally impactful nonprofit. She highlights the critical need for nonprofit leaders to adopt a corporate mindset - emphasizing strategic financial planning, program expansion, and board engagement as essential tools for growth. ABOUT LAURALaura Bonnell, a seasoned journalist with 25 years of experience in Detroit, founded The Bonnell Foundation in 2010 after her daughters, Molly and Emily, were born with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite having ten siblings between them, Laura and her husband, Joe, did not know they were carriers of the disease, as no one else in either family had been diagnosed with CF. Driven by her personal experience and professional expertise, Laura used her platform as a reporter to raise awareness about CF. Before establishing The Bonnell Foundation, she actively raised funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participating in the Great Strides Walk fundraisers and speaking at CFF events. Bonnell also organized events like the first Celebrity Softball game with the Detroit Tigers’ wives and launching the "Portraits of Cystic Fibrosis" calendars in 2003—both of which are integral to The Bonnell Foundation's fundraising efforts today. Through her foundation, Laura continues to advocate tirelessly for those affected by CF, leveraging her journalistic skills to amplify the cause and support the CF community.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Code Breaker by Walter IsaacsonHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

297: Four Ways to Future-Proof Your Nonprofit in 2025 (Bert Armstrong & Shannon Williams)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you ready to navigate the opportunities of 2025, or are you feeling the pressure of stretched resources, leadership turnover and a disengaged board of directors? In episode #297 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Bert Armstrong and Shannon Williams share findings from statewide community conversations that illuminate all of these issues. ABOUT BERT & SHANNONBert Armstrong found his career mojo as a nonprofit leader and fundraiser, and has served the nonprofit community as a fundraising professional, consultant, volunteer, and board member. As co-founder and principal of Armstrong McGuire, he has led searches for nonprofit executives, facilitated planning efforts, and helped clients raise tens of millions. Prior to co-founding the firm, Bert served as the Vice President for Advancement for the Methodist Home for Children. After graduating from the UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism, Shannon Williams stumbled into a fundraising position cloaked in a communications job and found her passion. For over 25 years, she has focused on helping organizations change the trajectories of their communities. Shannon leads the Armstrong McGuire team in helping boards find strategic direction, maximizing fundraising potential, and matching talented leaders to exceptional organizations. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Leaders Eat Last by Simon SinekDiscernment by Henri NouwenThank You. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More by Rod Wilson

296: PMA’s Holiday Gift Basket for Nonprofit Leaders (Patton McDowell)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. As the year ends, nonprofit leaders are reflecting on 2024 while gearing up for a successful 2025. In episode 296 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, host Patton McDowell delivers PMA’s “holiday gift basket” of actionable strategies to support your leadership journey. From building a personal strategic plan and aligning your professional goals with your organization’s mission to boosting year-end fundraising success with storytelling and corporate partnerships, this episode is packed with practical tips. Patton also shares ideas for celebrating your team’s achievements, thanking donors with personalized stewardship, and closing the year with a high-impact board meeting. You’ll leave equipped to prepare for tax season, craft a strategic budget, and set the stage for sustainable growth. Tune in to this holiday special and unwrap the tools you need for a thriving new year!ABOUT PATTONPatton is the Founder and President of PMA Nonprofit Leadership and brings over 30 years of expertise in philanthropic leadership, having partnered with over 300 organizations across all nonprofit sectors. A CFRE and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he's recognized for his speaking and dynamic facilitation. Starting with Special Olympics International and NC Special Olympics, his journey led to roles at Queens University of Charlotte and UNC Wilmington before founding PMA in 2009. Currently, an Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Patton's leadership insights resonate through his weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and his 2022 book of the same title. A Morehead Scholar from UNC Chapel Hill, he also earned an MBA from McColl School and a Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the University of Southern California. Originating from Elizabeth City, NC, Patton's involvement with AFP Charlotte and AFP International Board demonstrates his unwavering dedication to nurturing leaders at all stages of their nonprofit careers.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

295: Unlocking Marketing Mastery for Nonprofits (Kirsten Suto Seckler)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity, help finding an interim executive, or to find your next leader. Are you struggling to align your nonprofit’s marketing efforts with fundraising goals while staying true to your mission? Marketing can feel daunting, but mastering it is crucial to driving impact and building deeper donor connections. In episode 295 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Kirsten Suto Seckler shares her expertise on leveraging marketing to elevate nonprofit impact. With over 20 years of experience, Kirsten discusses the critical differences between nonprofit and for-profit marketing, emphasizing storytelling and mission-driven engagement. She highlights how strategic alignment between marketing and fundraising creates a stronger donor pipeline, while also providing practical tips on building brand awareness, measuring success, and fostering thought leadership. Drawing from her work at Shatterproof and Special Olympics, Kirsten offers actionable strategies to create authentic messaging and reach diverse audiences, helping nonprofit leaders take their organizations to the next level.ABOUT KIRSTENKirsten Suto Seckler is the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit working to reverse the addiction crisis in America. She uses her expertise in marketing and communications to drive social change, focusing on science-based interventions and reducing addiction stigma. At Shatterproof, Seckler leads initiatives like the Treatment Atlas, a platform to help families find quality addiction treatment, and a national campaign to end addiction stigma. She also oversees mass-market fundraising efforts and brand alignment. Previously, Seckler spent over 20 years at Special Olympics International, serving as Chief Brand and Communications Officer. She led global campaigns that elevated the organization’s brand to nearly 200 countries, reaching 6 million athletes. Her accomplishments include organizing 11 World Games and establishing a global broadcast partnership with ESPN. Seckler has taught Integrated Marketing at Georgetown University since 2013 and previously worked in marketing at Kraft and as a journalist. She was named to PRWeek’s Health Influencer 30 Class of 2022 and honored by Washington Women in Public Relations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Management from Georgetown University.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireTuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom'Have you gotten Patton’s book

294: Starting from Scratch: What it Takes to Build a Successful Nonprofit (Courtney Johnson)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. What does it really take to build a nonprofit from scratch, especially when you’re balancing limited resources, overwhelming demands, and the challenge of staying resilient as a leader? In episode 294 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Courtney Johnson shares the inspiring story of founding Culinary Care, a nonprofit dedicated to providing meals for cancer patients and their families. What began as a personal response to the challenges her own family faced during her father's cancer treatment has evolved into a mission to make nourishment a fundamental part of cancer care. Courtney discusses the importance of relationship-building, persistence, and staying true to your mission in the nonprofit space. She offers insights on navigating early challenges, scaling growth, and managing burnout as a leader. Her experience highlights how strategic partnerships and focusing on small, sustainable steps can lead to big impact over time.ABOUT COURTNEYCourtney is the Founder of Culinary Care, which brings nourishment, care, and joy to cancer patients and their families by delivering free, restaurant-prepared meals. In 2006, while a high school junior, her father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. Told he would have five months to five years to live, he passed away just seven months later. Amidst everything, there was always one thing that brought a sense of joy and normalcy to their lives, and that was the meals that friends and neighbors delivered each night. After graduating college in 2011, she returned home to Chicago wanting to bring meals to others fighting cancer that may not have the same community support. After searching for organizations to volunteer with, she found none; that is the void Culinary Care is working to fill. Every year, 1 in 5 cancer deaths are a direct consequence of malnutrition. In Illinois alone, that’s over 6,000 individuals. With every meal, Culinary Care is helping take something off the plate for cancer patients by simply putting something on it.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela DuckworthHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly

293: Unlocking Crypto Donations and Millennial Giving (Pat Duffy)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. Are you missing out on donations from the next generation of donors simply because your nonprofit isn’t equipped to accept cryptocurrency or appeal to tech-savvy millennials? In episode 293 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we unlock new opportunities in fundraising with Pat Duffy. He shares how nonprofits can integrate crypto donations seamlessly and unlock the potential of millennial and Gen Z donors. Learn why cryptocurrency is more than a buzzword—it’s a highly tax-efficient giving method that aligns with the preferences of younger, tech-savvy philanthropists. ABOUT PATPat Duffy founded The Giving Block, with co-founder Alex Wilson, creating a new fundraising category they called “Crypto Philanthropy”. Pat and his team developed the largest crypto giving platform for donors, raising over $100M for nonprofits and taking crypto and NFT donations mainstream. Today, The Giving Block is the platform helping thousands of the world’s leading charities, schools, healthcare systems and faith-based organizations fundraise cryptocurrencies, stocks and Donor Advised Fund grants more effectively from modern philanthropists, including Save the Children, United Way Worldwide, Feeding America and St. Jude. Pat was honored for being one of the 100 Most Influential people in crypto, as well as The Kennedy Center’s Next 50 class of 2022. Pat’s been featured in Time Magazine, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Associated Press, Coindesk, and CNBC.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

292: 5 Keys to Building Your 2025 Leadership Plan (Patton McDowell)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. This Thanksgiving season, take a moment to pause and invest in your future. As the year draws to a close, there’s no better time to craft your personal strategic plan for 2025. In episode 292 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, discover five actionable steps to elevate your leadership journey: revisit your career vision, reflect on 2024’s achievements and lessons, create a targeted knowledge-building roadmap, develop a strategic networking plan, and optimize your calendar and productivity systems. These keys will help you clarify your goals, build meaningful connections, and focus on growth opportunities. Ready to dive deeper? Join PMA’s new Master Class: Launch Your 2025 Strategic Plan, offered in Charlotte on December 11th or virtually on December 13th. Let’s turn your “someday” into today’s plan for success!ABOUT PATTONPatton is the Founder and President of PMA Nonprofit Leadership and brings over 35 years of expertise in philanthropic leadership, having partnered with over 300 organizations across all nonprofit sectors. A CFRE and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he's recognized for his speaking and dynamic facilitation. Starting with Special Olympics International and NC Special Olympics, his journey led to leadership roles at Queens University of Charlotte and UNC Wilmington before founding PMA in 2009. Patton serves as the Director for the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership and facilitates its signature programs: Leadership Gift School and the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy program. Patton is an Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, and his leadership insights resonate through his weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and his 2022 book of the same title. A Morehead Scholar from UNC Chapel Hill, he also earned an MBA from McColl School at Queens and a Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the University of Southern California.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireRegister today for Patton’s Master Class: Launch Your 2025 Leadership PlanPatton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

291: Nonprofit Volunteer: Ready for Leadership? (Arcelia Miller)SUMMARYThis episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.Are you ready to turn a passionate volunteer into your next nonprofit leader, or are you overlooking the hidden talent within your organization? In episode 291 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Arcelia Miller, Executive Director of Under His Wings, shares her inspiring journey and discusses the unique challenges of transitioning into nonprofit leadership, particularly the importance of measuring success and impact in a sector focused on lives, not profit. Arcelia reflects on the lessons learned from her volunteer experience, the unexpected leap to Executive Director, and the power of mentorship and community support. With a focus on servant leadership and growing others, she offers valuable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating change, building volunteer relationships, and balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day operational demands.ABOUT ARCELIAArcelia Miller's leadership journey has spanned from military service to nonprofit management, highlighting her versatility and impact. As the Executive Director of Under His Wings, a residential home for teen girls in Baldwin County, she has led the organization since 2019, offering counseling, education, and life skills to young women. Her leadership earned the nonprofit the 2022 Non-Profit of the Year award from the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. Arcelia's career began as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, followed by roles as a business consultant, leadership coach, and homeschool director. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from George Washington University and a Master’s in Quality Systems Management. A certified Biblical Counselor and Maxwell Leadership coach, Arcelia remains deeply involved in her community, serving on various boards while focusing on preparing the next generation of leaders.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John MaxwellYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest news