Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

265: Prioritizing Mental Wellness as a Nonprofit Leader (Yolanda Robano-Gross)SUMMARYHow do you support your team when they (and you) are feeling the effects of a high-stress environment? In episode 265 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Yolanda Robano-Gross shares invaluable insights and experiences on building a supportive workplace culture. She discusses the importance of prioritizing staff well-being and creating a space where individuals feel valued and heard. From implementing strategic planning initiatives to engaging in innovative fundraising approaches, Yolanda emphasizes the significance of adaptability and empathy in navigating the challenges of nonprofit leadership. She offers practical advice on building and retaining an effective board of directors, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion. Through her candid reflections and commitment to kindness, Yolanda inspires fellow nonprofit leaders to embrace empathy, cultivate meaningful connections, and drive positive change within their organizations and communities.ABOUT YOLANDAYolanda Robano-Gross joined Options for Community Living as Chief Executive Officer in 2014 with over twenty years of prior executive-level experience in the health care industry. She handles oversight of all agency affairs and reports to the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include fiscal management of an annual budget of over $24 million, personnel management, program development, and fundraising. She earned her Master’s in Health Care Administration from Hofstra University, Masters in Social Work from Yeshiva University, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Marist College. She holds a certificate in Executive Education, Non-Profit Leadership from The Fordham Center for Non-Profit Leaders.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESOf Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Learn more about Yolanda hereReady for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available in AudibleCheck out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com

264: Navigating Nonprofit Change: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid (Michael Randel)SUMMARYHow can nonprofit leaders effectively navigate resistance and foster genuine support for change initiatives? In episode 264 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Michael Randel delves into the complexities of leading change in a nonprofit organization. He outlines five common mistakes leaders make, emphasizing the importance of fostering two-way communication and understanding the true nature of resistance. Michael introduces a practical framework for addressing resistance, categorizing into three levels: lack of understanding, dislike of the change, and personal mistrust. He also stresses the necessity of involving key stakeholders early in the process and building a culture of psychological safety. By focusing on listening, dialogue, and relationship-building, leaders can better navigate resistance and drive effective, inclusive change. ABOUT MICHAELMichael Randel’s interest in group dynamics dates to his time as a university student in South Africa when he was thrust into a living social experiment at the University of Natal, one of the few places at the time where Black and white people interacted as peers. He realized he wanted to support people so that they could have positive experiences as they worked together in groups, rather than being in conflict. With the backdrop of the political protests against apartheid and the birth pangs of a new democracy, he spent almost a decade inside a national youth development organization. He took part in the slow, painful transformation of a rigid, bureaucratic organization to one on meeting the needs of most of the youth across the country. Everything he learned from this experience served him well as he then worked as an organizational change consultant–with nonprofits and government agencies across Southern Africa, and subsequently in a global capacity at the World Bank. Interacting with a wide range of organizations and working in a huge variety of sectors and settings, has sharpened his ability to observe, to see systems at work, to make connections, and to find different ways of doing things. This led to the establishment of Randel Consulting Associates in 2010 with a vision is to support clients who are genuinely engaged in leading change, designing holistic and tailored interventions that suit each organization.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES The Psychological Safety Playbook by Minette Norman and Karolin HelbigThe 3 Levels of Resistance framework by Rick Maurer: learn more at this link Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you read Patton’s book

263: Tech-Forward Strategies for Nonprofit Success (David Blyer)SUMMARYHow can your nonprofit leverage the latest technological advancements to elevate its fundraising, donor engagement, and mission impact? In episode 263 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, technology expert David Blyer explores cutting-edge tools and strategies shaping the future of the nonprofit sector. From the imperative of leveraging technology to drive social change to the practical applications of AI and machine learning, David sheds light on how nonprofits can harness these tools to enhance donor retention, acquisition, and engagement. With a focus on integrated solutions and innovative approaches, David underscores the importance of technology in streamlining operations and maximizing impact. From virtual reality to blockchain, the horizon of possibilities is vast, offering nonprofit leaders the opportunity to revolutionize their organizations.ABOUT DAVIDDavid Blyer is Co-Founder, CEO, and President of Arreva, a trusted advisor and market leader to the non-profit industry for over three decades, providing software and services including virtual fundraising, donor relationship management, and virtual auction software. He founded DonorCommunity in 1999, the first All-in-One Fundraising Software for the nonprofit industry, and co-founded Arreva with Susan Packard Orr, through a merger with her company, Telosa in 2017. In 1994, he co-founded, and was the CEO and President of Vento Software, a provider of packaged vertical business intelligence applications that was gained by Chicago-based SPSS in 1999. After the acquisition, David served as President of the company's Enabling Technologies Division which was gained by IBM. Prior to Vento, Blyer held executive management and sales positions with Tandem, NCR and other leading technology/consulting firms. David holds an MBA in Finance from Nova Southeastern University and a BA in Business Management from the University of South Florida. He also is a member of NonProfit PRO's board of directors, serving as an Editorial Advisory Board Member.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESThe Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges by Nathan Chappell, Brian Crimmins & Michael Ashley Want to hear more from authors, Nathan Chappell & Brian Crimmins? Listen to Patton’s interview of them in episode 211 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership today!Check out the Audible version of Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

262: Donors and Dollars Are Down – Now What? (Morgan Falor)SUMMARYHow can nonprofits effectively communicate financial challenges while maintaining donor support? Morgan Falor, a seasoned nonprofit strategist, dives into this question and more in episode 261 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. From leveraging transparency to harnessing the power of donor advised funds, Morgan offers insights into fostering authentic connections with prospective donors. She challenges traditional approaches to special event fundraising, urging nonprofit leaders to adapt to changing donor demographics. Morgan emphasizes the importance of legislative awareness and optimizing digital communications for donor engagement. Hear Morgan’s holistic approach to nonprofit leadership, blending transparency, strategic planning, and adaptability to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the nonprofit sector.ABOUT MORGANMorgan Falor focuses on helping nonprofits create strategic approaches to both finance and development. Since joining Armanino, she has aimed to enable nonprofits to further their mission and create greater impact using data-driven approaches. She has experience in both public accounting and industry, most recently serving as executive director and VP of finance for a high-profile nonprofit organization. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting from the University of Iowa and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESExtreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink, Et al.Connect with Morgan here and read some of her published articles here.Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Audiobook edition is live - start listening nowReady for a Mastermind? Learn more here!Find more resources at PMAnonprofit.com

261: How to Overcome Barriers & Build Capacity as a Nonprofit Leader (Matt Sharp)SUMMARYAs a nonprofit leader, have you ever considered how investing time in refining your nonprofit’s operational processes could significantly amplify your organization’s impact on the communities you serve? In episode 261 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll learn invaluable strategies for maximizing organization efficiency and effectiveness from expert consultant, Matt Sharp. Delving into key areas such as HR management, strategic planning, technology integration, and personal strategic development, you’ll gain profound insights into transforming your nonprofit into a high-performing entity. With practical advice and actionable tips drawn from real-world experiences, this episode offers nonprofit leaders the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of organizational management and achieve their mission-driven goals.ABOUT MATTMatt Sharp is a highly relational nonprofit and higher education professional, with an inherent drive to stimulate personal and group excellence. With 17+ years of experience, he brings a specialized blend of knowledge, technical skills, and expertise to his work—and focuses on empowering small- to mid-size nonprofit organizations to achieve greater impact on their communities. Before entering the entrepreneurial world, Matt spent six years as the Chief Operating Officer at RunningWorks. Prior to that, he spent 11 years at Johnson & Wales University, where he served as the Director of Student Involvement & Leadership. Through the university, he gained valuable experience in event management, program management, systems, and process creation, developing and implementing strategic goals, professional development, financial management, and managing a team of professionals. Matt received his MBA at Southern New Hampshire University, as well as his Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Resort Management. He is also a proud Leadership Charlotte alumni, which is program focused on building Charlotte community leaders through inclusive leadership development. He currently sits on the Board of JoPri, a nonprofit serving the children of Uganda. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Atomic Habits by James Clear Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector Watch for the companion audio version coming soon!Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

260: The Blueprint for Building Exceptional Nonprofit Teams (Will Sparks)SUMMARYHow can you harness the power of organizational culture to drive optimal performance in your nonprofit? In episode 260 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dr. Will Sparks, an expert in leadership and organizational culture, delves deep into the dynamics of culture, leadership, and team performance. Drawing from his extensive research and experience, Will unpacks the nuances of leadership influence and the role of executive tenure in shaping organizational culture. He explores the challenges and opportunities for new leaders in transforming established cultures, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and candid communication. From navigating board dynamics to founding the Center for Human and Organizational Potential (CHOP), Will offers actionable strategies and valuable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence. ABOUT WILLWill Sparks is the Dennis Thompson Chair & Professor of Leadership at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte, where he also serves as the Director of the Office of Leadership Initiatives. In 2008, he founded the McColl School’s M.S. in Organization Development (MSOD) Program and served as Director until 2013. Will serves as the Managing Director for William L. Sparks & Associates, LLC, and as a Partner with Peter Browning Partners, LLC, a consulting firm providing board governance and executive coaching. His TedX Talk “The Power of Self Awareness” released in 2018. He is the author of “Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow & Maximizing Your Potential” and co-authored (with Peter Browning) “The Director’s Manual: A Framework for Board Governance” (2016, Wiley). He completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development under the direction of Dr. Jerry B. Harvey from The George Washington University’s School of Business and Public Management, where his research focused on group dynamics, organizational culture, and leadership.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESActualized Teamwork: Unlocking the Culture Code for Optimal Performance by William L. SparksHear more from Will on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership in episode 14.Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

259: How Do You Know if Nonprofit Leadership is for You? (Alyssia Palacios-Woods)SUMMARYAre you a nonprofit leader looking to enhance your strategic networking and professional development skills? In episode 259 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alyssia Palacios-Wood, CEO of Capital Idea in Austin, TX, shares invaluable insights ranging from strategic networking and fundraising tactics to the significance of professional development and personal growth. Alyssia discusses the transformative power of board service in shaping leadership perspectives and the strategic advantages of pursuing certifications like CFRE. From navigating the complexities of fundraising to mastering calendar management, she offers practical strategies for success. Discover how she leverages strategic networking to forge meaningful connections and drive organizational growth. Through candid discussions on strategic networking, fundraising strategies, professional and personal growth, this podcast offers a wealth of actionable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating the complexities of their roles.ABOUT ALYSSIAAlyssia Palacios-Woods is a community builder and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience supporting workforce development initiatives in Central Texas. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) dedicated to best practices in non-profit operations and fundraising. Prior to joining Capital IDEA, Alyssia served as the President & CEO of the Austin Young Chamber, where she championed regional collaboration, entrepreneurship, talent development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has been a member of the Opening Central Texas for Business Task Force for COVID-19 rebuilding, the Austin Homelessness Task Force, and the National YP Week Advisory Council. Alyssia was recognized as an Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power Nominee in 2019 and an Austin Under 40 Finalist in 2023. She received her bachelor's degree from St. Edward's University and her master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESEvicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew DesmondLearn more about Alyssia here.Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic SectorCheck out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

258: Creating an Emotional Connection with Your Nonprofit Donors (Haley Cooper)SUMMARYAre you tired of traditional fundraising approaches failing to inspire your donors? In episode 258 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we delve into a revolutionary approach to nonprofit leadership with Haley Cooper, a seasoned CFRE and expert in emotional connection strategies. From unraveling the tangled web of internal conflicts to rebuilding a culture of communication, Haley's insights, grounded in neuroscience, are transforming nonprofit dynamics. Discover how her EMC leadership framework is reshaping the way nonprofits approach fundraising by first nurturing internal bonds before venturing into external engagement. Through Haley's guidance, board members become empowered ambassadors, leveraging their unique strengths to drive fundraising success. Learn how understanding the neuroscience behind donor relationships can transform your fundraising efforts, as Haley shares actionable insights to help nonprofit leaders forge deeper, more meaningful connections with donors.ABOUT HALEYCaring for others was instilled in Haley Cooper from a young age. She studied Kinesiology because she wanted to teach people how to value their physical health. She dove headfirst into the nonprofit sector after college. From founding a nonprofit organization in Malawi when she was 24 years old (and learning how to build a peanut butter factory!) to being a part of a dozen-person strong development team here in Orange County, CA., Haley’s seen a wide range of nonprofit set ups. While grateful for all the incredible experiences, she’s also experienced an array of factors that lead to burnout. We stay stuck in these problems because we don’t know where to start.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESLeading Well from Within: A Neuroscience and Mindfulness-Based Framework for Conscious Leadership by Daniel Friedland, MDLearn more about Haley hereWatch for Patton’s appearance on Haley’s Lead with Heart Podcast.Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic SectorCheck out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

257: The Secret to Effective Board/CEO Partnerships (Jonathan Schick)SUMMARYAre you a nonprofit leader grappling with the intricacies of the board/CEO relationship? In episode 257 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Jonathan Schick, author of The Nonprofit Secret: Six Principles of Successful Board/CEO Partnerships, shares keys to fostering strong partnerships between boards and CEOs, essential for organizational success. Delving into real-world scenarios, Jonathan highlights governance challenges, emphasizing the pivotal role of clear delineation of responsibilities within boards. He dissects six fundamental principles for effective governance, from committee management to CEO evaluation, offering actionable strategies for nonprofit leaders. Jonathan explores the transformative power of CEO evaluations and board self-appraisals in driving accountability and organizational improvement. From establishing clear goals to implementing effective evaluation processes, this conversation provides invaluable guidance for nonprofit leaders striving to achieve their missions effectively.ABOUT JONATHANJonathan Schick believes in the power of effective leaders to unify movements and create community impact. He is a dynamic leadership consultant and nationally known speaker who has founded two successful nonprofits and consulted for hundreds of organizations. As president of GOAL Consulting Group with offices in Washington and Dallas, Jonathan’s clients include the Boys and Girls Clubs, University of North Texas, Cancer Support Community, major Independent Schools, and national associations. The author of The Nonprofit Secret: Six Principles of Successful Board/CEO Partnerships, Jonathan earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Boston College, along with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESMan’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Learn more about Jonathan here.Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector?

256: Managing Conflict as a Nonprofit Leader (Carol Bowser)SUMMARYAre unresolved conflicts within your nonprofit causing chronic pain in your organization? In episode 256 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the intricate world of conflict resolution with Carol Bowser, the Founder of Conflict Management Strategies, and an expert in managing workplace dynamics. From navigating power structures to fostering healthy interactions, Carol shares invaluable insights to help nonprofit leaders cultivate environments of open communication and collaboration. She emphasizes the significance of addressing conflicts promptly and offers practical strategies toward creating harmonious and productive workplaces. Learn the art of conflict resolution and discover how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and cohesion within your nonprofit organization.ABOUT CAROLCarol Bowser, J.D. is a workplace conflict expert. After practicing Employment Law for several years, Carol founded Conflict Management Strategies when she realized a lawsuit can’t deliver the level of resolution and satisfaction that is gained when people are actively involved in creating solutions to their workplace conflict. Carol’s clients come with a wide range of employers because conflict is universal across all industries and types of organizations. Where there are people, there is conflict. The key is to help people recognize and address conflict before it damages working relationships and creates organizational drag. In her over 20 years of experience, she has discovered some universal themes about workplace conflict and loves to share how people at all levels can strengthen their conflict resolution muscles.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESDifficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, et al.Learn more about Carol here.Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic SectorCheck out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com