Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

In this solo episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri shares practical lessons on one of the most expensive mistakes organizations make: poor hiring. Many leaders struggle to attract the right candidates, evaluate applicants effectively, or avoid hiring people who ultimately aren't the right fit. The result can be costly—both financially and culturally. Sarah explains why a thoughtful hiring process is one of the most valuable investments an organization can make. While hiring well may require time, effort, and even outside help, the cost of a bad hire can be dramatically higher. Beyond the financial cost, bad hires create lost momentum, team disruption, and missed opportunities. In this episode, Sarah highlights several common mistakes that drive strong candidates away. One of the biggest issues is treating job descriptions like simple administrative documents instead of strategic recruiting tools. A job description should function more like an advertisement that attracts the right candidates and filters out poor fits. She also explains why organizations should focus less on credentials and more on team fit, guiding principles, and whether someone demonstrates the characteristics of a high-performing team member. Sarah also walks through what a humane and thoughtful hiring process looks like—from multiple interviews in different settings to strong onboarding and trial periods that set both the organization and the employee up for success. Finally, she shares a powerful shift in thinking: the hiring process actually begins long before a position opens. Great leaders are always building relationships with people they would love to work with someday. If building the right team has been difficult, this episode will give you a clearer and more strategic approach to hiring. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why vague job descriptions attract the wrong candidates How to treat job postings like recruiting advertisements Why hiring for fit matters more than hiring for credentials How strong hiring processes protect organizations from costly mistakes What a respectful and effective hiring process looks like Why onboarding and trial periods are critical to hiring success Why great hiring actually begins before a job opening exists Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially helpful for: Executive directors building or rebuilding teams Nonprofit leaders frustrated with hiring outcomes Organizations trying to attract stronger candidates Leaders who want a more thoughtful and strategic hiring process About Your Host, Sarah Olivieri Bold, strategic, and refreshingly human… Sarah Olivieri is the go-to expert for conversations on aligned leadership, outcome delegation, and sustainable growth.She brings wit, warmth, and real-world wisdom to mission-driven founders, visionary CEOs, and change-makers who want more clarity, more joy, and more results. Most leaders hit a wall when success depends on them holding it all together. Sarah helps them change that by redefining leadership around outcomes instead of activity, empowering teams to own results that scale and freeing leaders to focus on the vision that drives them. A former director of three nonprofits and founder of five businesses, she has a rare ability to spot opportunity where others see chaos, shift stuck patterns, and build organizations that support both legacy and life. Sarah leads with the same mindset that made her an award-winning sailor: iterate on what works, stay focused in the storm, and never forget the joy of the journey. Links Website: saraholivieri.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri

Reflections from host Sarah Olivieri ... Relationships Multiply Results I recently had a conversation with Sloane Keen, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Orange County and the Inland Empire, and it clarified something I've been thinking about for years. The leaders who scale impact understand one very important thing: Relationships are infrastructure. Not a "nice to have." Critical infrastructure. We Run Businesses With a Double Bottom Line Sloane said something simple but important: "We don't function very differently than a CEO of a for-profit company. We run a business — we just run a business with a double bottom line." That framing matters. Because when nonprofit leaders reject business language outright, we accidentally lose access to valuable knowledge and practices already tested and proven in the for-profit space. Marketing. Sales. Talent acquisition. Brand positioning. These aren't corporate buzzwords. They're mechanisms. If you don't breathe life into your brand, you cannot: Attract talent Inspire volunteers Activate donors Connect clients to services And in today's world, where there are more services than ever, effective communication isn't optional.  When families can't figure out who to call or where to go, that's not a demand problem. That's a clarity problem. More detail doesn't equal more clarity. Clear positioning does. For for-profit organizations, clear positioning gets paying customers. For nonprofit organizations, clear positioning gets the right clients to your door and increases you capacity to make an impact. Mentorship Is Not Just a Program. It's a Leadership Growth Practice We tend to think mentorship is about the mentee. But Sloane said something that reframed this concept: "You actually get as much as you give." Mentorship creates: Social capital Accountability Pattern recognition Confidence Expanded perspective Those aren't soft benefits. Those are performance multipliers. And here's the part nonprofit leaders need to hear: If you take on the role of mentor as a leader, your team will grow and so will you! Mentorship Is A Relationship Skill, Which Is Also A Fundraising Skill We also talked about fundraising. And here's what I keep observing in my own work: When relationships are strong enough, people give spontaneously. If you have to force the ask, the relationship likely isn't ready. That doesn't mean you avoid asking. It means you sequence properly. First: build a connection Then: create joy. Later: invite investment. This makes sense given the setup. When your brand is alive. When your board is activated. When your communication is clear. When your volunteers are inspired. Money starts to move. Not because you pressured it. Because you positioned for it. If You Only Take One Thing Away Nonprofit leadership is not about heroics. It's about relationship design. Mentor your staff. Be mentored yourself. Curate your board. Communicate clearly. Connect people with purpose. That's the multiplier. That's how impact compounds over time. And that's how you build something that lasts. If this conversation resonates, I encourage you to listen to the full episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership with Sloane Keen. And if you want practical frameworks like this delivered weekly, subscribe to the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter at: www.inspirednonprofitleadership.com/signup Let's build organizations that scale with clarity, not exhaustion. — Sarah About the Guest Sloane Keane is an advocate for social change through youth mentorship. She joined Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2013 as the director of development, charged with creating new funding strategies that tripled agency revenue and doubled the number of matches supported annually. Since becoming CEO in 2018, Keane has continued the growth trajectory for the network's second-largest agency nationwide. She is committed to strengthening the organization's impact on disconnected youth across Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.  Connect with Sloane: Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this solo episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri shares key lessons from the influential book The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack—and why its principles apply just as powerfully to nonprofits as they do to for-profit companies. At its core, the idea behind the "great game" is simple: organizations perform better when everyone is engaged in the work of improving the business. Not just leadership. Not just managers. Everyone. Too often, only a handful of people in an organization are expected to think strategically and make decisions, while the rest of the team is tasked with executing instructions. But when only a few people are using their brains to solve problems and make improvements, the organization is leaving enormous potential untapped. Sarah explores how leaders can begin unlocking the intelligence of their entire team by creating systems that encourage participation, collaboration, and shared responsibility for results. She also highlights two powerful principles from the book: First, the power of gamification. When people feel like they are playing a game they can win together—whether that means reaching fundraising goals, improving efficiency, or increasing impact—they become more engaged and invested in the outcome. Second, the importance of financial transparency and literacy. When people understand the numbers that drive an organization—cash flow, revenue, expenses, and impact—they are able to make better decisions and contribute more meaningfully to the mission. This approach ultimately leads toward what's known as open-book management, where financial information is shared widely so teams can see how their work contributes to the organization's success. The result? Stronger collaboration. Better decisions. And a team that truly feels ownership over the mission. If you want a smarter, more engaged team, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how you involve your people in the work of running the organization. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why organizations perform better when every team member uses their brain to improve the business How gamification increases engagement and teamwork Why winning as a team is more motivating than internal competition How understanding financial numbers helps teams make better decisions Why transparency often builds trust rather than risk The core idea behind open-book management Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially helpful for: Executive directors leading growing teams Nonprofit leaders who want stronger engagement from staff Organizations working to build a high-performance culture Leaders who want their teams thinking like owners About Your Host, Sarah Olivieri Bold, strategic, and refreshingly human… Sarah Olivieri is the go-to expert for conversations on aligned leadership, outcome delegation, and sustainable growth. She brings wit, warmth, and real-world wisdom to mission-driven founders, visionary CEOs, and change-makers who want more clarity, more joy, and more results.   Most leaders hit a wall when success depends on them holding it all together. Sarah helps them change that by redefining leadership around outcomes instead of activity, empowering teams to own results that scale and freeing leaders to focus on the vision that drives them. A former director of three nonprofits and founder of five businesses, she has a rare ability to spot opportunity where others see chaos, shift stuck patterns, and build organizations that support both legacy and life.   Sarah leads with the same mindset that made her an award-winning sailor: iterate on what works, stay focused in the storm, and never forget the joy of the journey. Links Website: saraholivieri.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Reflections from host Sarah Olivieri ... Leadership Is Storytelling There's a pattern I've seen over and over again when it comes to how leaders communicate… They tend to share too much information and end up communicating too little. More information typically leads to less communication. And one skill to work on is to say less, but if you need to communicate something important, you can share more through the power of story. Stories can build trust. Stories can change behavior. Stories get remembered. Our brains are wired to hold information in the form of stories. I recently had a conversation about the power of stories with leadership communication expert Robert Kennedy III, and it pushed me to think more deeply about how we, as nonprofit leaders, can use storytelling every single day to make our work easier and our results better. Stories Can Build Trust Robert said something that stuck with me: "Storytelling is important because it humanizes us. It humanizes every organization." That word—humanizes—is everything. When you humanize, you build trust. Data matters too, but data should be part of the story, not in place of the story. But our brains aren't wired for spreadsheets. They're wired for narrative. When you share a story with context, characters, conflict, and conclusion, something powerful happens. The listener's brain begins filling in gaps. It creates images. It searches memory. It feels something. And once someone feels something, trust becomes possible. Trust is the real currency of communication and leadership. The Four Pillars of Story Robert breaks strong stories into four elements: Context Characters Conflict Conclusion When we lead with conclusions—"Here's the program," "Here's the new process," "Here's the solution"—we skip the human entry point. And that's why people disengage. Instead, strong leaders often start with the conflict. What problem are we facing? Why does it matter? Who is affected? When people recognize themselves in the story, they lean in. In my experience starting with the conflict makes introducing the context and characters easy. The next thing to share is the process that was used to get to the conclusion. And once that is done, the conclusion is the last thing to share, and takes up the least amount of time. So next time you need to communication a conclusion (a.k.a. A decision you have made) try this formulat: Step 1: Share the conflict, context, and characters Step 2: Share the process you used to figure out the conclusion. Include some wrong turns if you took them. For example: "we tried this and it didn't work so we pivoted" or "we considered x,y, and z, but decided they weren't the right approach for us". Step 3: Share the conclusion  The Three Stories Every Nonprofit Needs Robert outlined three core types of leadership stories, and I believe every nonprofit should intentionally develop all three. 1. The Personal Story This is the story of you. A moment of failure. A turning point. A hard-earned lesson. When leaders share appropriate vulnerability, they normalize growth. They remind staff that mastery takes time. They lower the emotional temperature of failure. Your team doesn't need a superhero. They need a human. 2. The Origin Story This is the "why." Why did this organization start? What problem existed? What injustice needed solving? Even if your organization is 100 years old, your origin story still matters. And here's the important nuance: origin stories aren't frozen in time. Current-day testimonials are simply modern expressions of the original why. When you show that your founding purpose is still alive in today's work, you build continuity and credibility. You signal: We haven't drifted. 3. The Strategic Story This is where leadership gets interesting. Strategic stories explain: How we solve problems (process stories) Why our solution works (product stories) How collaboration amplifies impact (partnership stories) This is especially important during change. When introducing a new process, you can't just announce it. You have to tell the story of why the change is necessary, what challenge emerged, and how this solution evolved. Otherwise, people experience change as disruption instead of progress. Stories Make Ideas Stick There's research showing that information embedded in story form is significantly more memorable than random facts. We've all experienced this. You can't remember a list of 20 unrelated words. But if those same words are embedded in a narrative—suddenly, you can recall them. Story creates structure. Structure creates memory. Memory creates influence. And influence is leadership. The Daily Practice That Changes Everything One of the most practical tools Robert shared was simple: At the end of each day, write down five things that happened. Then, beside each one, write the lesson or meaning. That's it. It sounds small. But here's what it does: It trains you to notice. It turns mundane moments into meaning. It builds a personal "story vault." Most leaders think they don't have stories. They do. They just haven't trained themselves to capture them. And when you practice assigning meaning to everyday events, two things happen: Life feels more intentional. You become far more interesting. And yes—being interesting matters. Nonprofit leaders don't need to be entertainers. But they do need to avoid being forgettable. Storytelling Is an Asset Here's the final insight I want to leave you with: Your stories are organizational assets. Just like: Your brand Your programs Your donor relationships Your systems They require development. They require refinement. They require practice. The leaders who seem "naturally good" at storytelling have almost always worked at it. They've tested versions. Edited language. Rehearsed delivery. Noticed what lands. Storytelling is not magic. It's muscle. And like any muscle, it strengthens with repetition. About the Guest Storytelling isn't fluff. It's how trust is built, ideas stick, and leaders move people. In this episode, I talk with leadership communication expert Robert Kennedy III about why stories outperform data alone—and how nonprofit leaders can use storytelling to engage staff, boards, donors, and communities. We explore: Why stories humanize leadership The four core elements of every strong story How to use questions to instantly engage your audience Three essential leadership stories every nonprofit needs A simple daily practice to build your "story vault." If you want your message to be remembered—and acted on—this conversation is for you. Connect with Robert: Website: robertkennedythree.me  Resources: Subscribe to the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter: www.inspirednonprofitleadership.com/signup Learn more about Sarah's work: www.saraholivieri.com

Episode Description In this solo episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri tackles one of the biggest myths about growth: that scaling requires working harder. CEOs are often highly capable people. When growth stalls, the instinct is to push harder, take on more, and stretch personal capacity even further. But that path leads to burnout—not scale. True scale happens when ownership and decision-making get distributed. Sarah explains why scaling requires redesigning outcome ownership across your organization. That means moving beyond basic task delegation and into delegating responsibility for results and decisions. When more people own outcomes, the organization's capacity expands beyond any one individual. She walks through three key elements required for this shift: Moving from a "people-in-charge-of-people" org chart to a functional model built around outcomes Building a team of leaders who are ready (and willing) to own results Installing systems that support coordination, clarity, and interdependent work When these pieces come together, something powerful happens. The organization gains momentum. It attracts stronger team members, more donors, more clients, and greater opportunities. Growth becomes fueled by leverage—not by personal effort alone. If you're feeling like you're constantly feeding the fire of your organization just to keep it going, this episode will show you how to build a structure that creates its own momentum. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why working harder is not scaling The difference between task delegation and outcome delegation How your org chart may be limiting growth What a functional leadership blueprint looks like Why isn't everyone ready to own outcomes (and how to identify who is) How systems create coordinated, high-performance teams Where true leverage in scaling actually comes from Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially helpful for: Nonprofit and business CEOs who feel like their organization depends all on them Founders scaling beyond the early growth phase Leaders rebuilding or restructuring their teams Organizations ready to move from growth to true scale About Your Host, Sarah Olivieri Bold, strategic, and refreshingly human… Sarah Olivieri is the go-to expert for conversations on aligned leadership, outcome delegation, and sustainable growth.She brings wit, warmth, and real-world wisdom to mission-driven founders, visionary CEOs, and change-makers who want more clarity, more joy, and more results. Most leaders hit a wall when success depends on them holding it all together. Sarah helps them change that by redefining leadership around outcomes instead of activity, empowering teams to own results that scale and freeing leaders to focus on the vision that drives them. A former director of three nonprofits and founder of five businesses, she has a rare ability to spot opportunity where others see chaos, shift stuck patterns, and build organizations that support both legacy and life. Sarah leads with the same mindset that made her an award-winning sailor: iterate on what works, stay focused in the storm, and never forget the joy of the journey. Links Website: saraholivieri.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Reflections from host Sarah Olivieri ... Who Builds the Plan Matters When strategic plans fail to achieve lift-off, it's usually because the process that was used to create them was flawed. I recently had a conversation about this with board and strategy expert Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, author of Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits, and it pushed me to think more deeply about something I see over and over again. Inclusion isn't a value statement. It's a design decision. And it's not optional if you want a great strategy that actually gets executed. The Real Problem Isn't the Plan Let's ask the real question. When a strategic plan stalls out, what's actually broken? Not because people are bad. Not because staff lack commitment. Not because boards don't care. It's usually because the people who are expected to carry out the work weren't meaningfully included in building the vision. Renee said something in our conversation that I think is the heart of it: "Who is involved in building the vision and building the goals really matters." Without the right people in the room, motivation drops. When motivation drops, capacity drops. When capacity drops, implementation stalls. It's not a personality problem. It's a systems problem. And, systems create behavior. Deciders, Builders, and Sharers One of the most useful frameworks Renee shared is her concentric circle model: Deciders – the group ultimately responsible for final decisions Builders – the group that helps create the vision and goals Sharers – stakeholders who provide input and perspective This framing adds clarity. Inclusion does not mean 40 people wordsmithing a sentence. It means being intentional about who participates at each stage AND making that visible. More detail doesn't equal more clarity. Clarity comes from defining roles. And when people understand their role in the process, something powerful happens. They lean in. Process Builds Motivation One of my favorite moments in our conversation was when we talked about why inclusive planning increases energy. Renee said: "If you feel like, wow, someone consulted me on this, I got to weigh in, so I feel more motivated." That's the mechanism. Motivation is not a personality trait. It's a byproduct of meaningful participation. When someone is handed a finished plan, they feel managed. When someone helps build the plan, they feel responsible. That shift alone can change your return per dollar invested in strategic planning. Because here's the truth: You don't need to convince people. Let the process do the convincing! Tell the Story of How You Decided This is the biggest mistake I see. Leaders announce decisions. They rarely explain the process behind the decision. But boards, staff, and stakeholders are not evaluating the decision itself. They're evaluating whether the decision-making process was any good. When people understand: What information was gathered Who was consulted What trade-offs were considered How capacity was evaluated They relax. Even if they disagree with the final outcome. Confidence in process builds trust in results. Three-Year Vision: Bold, Not Delusional I loved Renee's approach to visioning. Not 10 years. Not 20 years. Three years. Enough time to be meaningful. Short enough to be real. Her guided question during retreats: It's three years from now and you're celebrating. What are you celebrating? That question does something subtle but powerful. It moves people from anxiety to ownership. Nonprofit leaders often operate at capacity. Sometimes beyond it. If you ask, "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" You'll get exhaustion. If you ask, "What are we celebrating three years from now?" You'll get direction. Skin in the Game I often think about the idea of skin in the game. The people who experience the consequences of decisions make better decisions. When staff who will execute the plan help build it, they bring constraints, creativity, and operational reality into the room. When new team members sit next to veterans in a facilitated discussion, something happens: Experience meets fresh eyes Caution meets creativity History meets possibility That's how alignment forms. And alignment unlocks capacity. Final Thought Inclusion is not consensus. Inclusion is clarity about participation. When people are clear on their role in shaping the future, motivation rises. When motivation rises, execution improves. When execution improves, opportunity expands. And that's why who builds the plan matters. About the Guest Dr. Renee Rubin Ross is a recognized leader on board and organizational development and strategy and the founder of The Ross Collective, a consulting firm that designs and leads inclusive, participatory processes for social sector boards and staff. Committed to racial equity in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Ross guides leaders and organizations in strategic plans and governance processes that deepen social change, racial justice, stakeholder engagement, and community strength. In addition to her consulting work, Dr. Ross is the Director of the Cal State University East Bay Nonprofit Management Certificate program and teaches Strategic Planning and Board Development for the program. Dr. Ross lives in Northern California. She is a past Board member of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management and a member of the Technology of Participation facilitator's network. Her Doctorate in Education and Jewish Studies from New York University explored parent participation in schools. Connect with Renee: Website- https://www.therosscollective.com/ Subscribe to our e-list- https://www.therosscollective.com/subscribe LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneerubinross/ Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Episode Description In this solo episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri addresses a feeling many nonprofit leaders know well: being completely maxed out on time.   You've optimized your calendar. You've improved systems. Maybe you've tweaked your morning routine, managed your energy, or even experimented with productivity hacks. And yet, you still feel stretched. Here's the hard truth: there is a human limit to time and energy. If you are building something bigger than yourself—whether a nonprofit or a business—you cannot scale by simply optimizing your own performance. Eventually, your capacity becomes the bottleneck. Sarah explains why scaling requires a shift away from personal productivity and toward delegated outcomes. Instead of trying to do more yourself, you must build an architecture of delegation—one where leadership, results, and responsibility are distributed beyond you. Yes, work smarter. Yes, manage your energy. But if your vision is bigger than one person, you must design a structure that is bigger than one person. If you're exhausted from trying to biohack your way to growth, this episode will give you a more sustainable path forward. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why optimizing time and energy has a ceiling The difference between building a job for yourself and building something scalable How your personal capacity becomes the bottleneck in growth Why delegation must focus on outcomes—not tasks What it means to build an "architecture of delegation." The mindset shift required to scale beyond yourself Who This Episode Is For Executive directors feeling overwhelmed by growth Founders scaling beyond the startup phase Leaders who have optimized productivity but still feel stuck Nonprofits trying to expand impact without burning out leadership About Your Host, Sarah Olivieri Bold, strategic, and refreshingly human… Sarah Olivieri is the go-to expert for conversations on aligned leadership, outcome delegation, and sustainable growth.She brings wit, warmth, and real-world wisdom to mission-driven founders, visionary CEOs, and change-makers who want more clarity, more joy, and more results.   Most leaders hit a wall when success depends on them holding it all together. Sarah helps them change that by redefining leadership around outcomes instead of activity, empowering teams to own results that scale and freeing leaders to focus on the vision that drives them. A former director of three nonprofits and founder of five businesses, she has a rare ability to spot opportunity where others see chaos, shift stuck patterns, and build organizations that support both legacy and life.   Sarah leads with the same mindset that made her an award-winning sailor: iterate on what works, stay focused in the storm, and never forget the joy of the journey.   Links Website: saraholivieri.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Reflections from host Sarah Olivieri ... Fundraising Should Feel Like the Most Enjoyable Thing We Do - But I Bet You Don't Feel That Way

In this solo episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri explores the often-overlooked connection between focus and trust inside nonprofit teams. We talk a lot about alignment. We talk about clarity. We talk about strategy. But trust? That often gets treated like something abstract—something that either exists or doesn't. In this episode, Sarah breaks down a simple but powerful chain reaction: Focus → Clarity → Perspective → Confidence → Trust When a team is truly focused on a shared objective—whether that's raising more money, serving more clients, reducing hours, or building something meaningful—noise gets cut away. With focus comes clarity about what we are doing and what we are not doing. That clarity builds perspective. Perspective builds grounded confidence. And that kind of confidence—calm, steady, non-ego confidence—creates real trust. Not just internally. Externally, too. When your team trusts itself and trusts each other, the outside world can feel it. Donors, clients, and potential hires are drawn to organizations that are clear, confident, and aligned. People want to be part of something meaningful. They want to say, "I helped make that happen." Trust fuels high performance. It lowers drama. It increases results. And it all starts with focus. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why lack of trust often stems from a lack of focus How focus reduces hesitation, second-guessing, and friction The connection between clarity and team confidence Why confidence must be grounded—not ego-driven—to build trust How internal trust translates into external credibility Why donors, clients, and staff are drawn to clear, aligned teams Who This Episode Is For Executive Directors and CEOs leading growing teams Nonprofit leaders experiencing friction or hesitation inside their teams Organizations are trying to improve culture and performance Leaders who want stronger donor and stakeholder trust About Your Host, Sarah Olivieri Bold, strategic, and refreshingly human… Sarah Olivieri is the go-to expert for conversations on aligned leadership, outcome delegation, and sustainable growth.She brings wit, warmth, and real-world wisdom to mission-driven founders, visionary CEOs, and change-makers who want more clarity, more joy, and more results. Most leaders hit a wall when success depends on them holding it all together. Sarah helps them change that by redefining leadership around outcomes instead of activity, empowering teams to own results that scale and freeing leaders to focus on the vision that drives them. A former director of three nonprofits and founder of five businesses, she has a rare ability to spot opportunity where others see chaos, shift stuck patterns, and build organizations that support both legacy and life. Sarah leads with the same mindset that made her an award-winning sailor: iterate on what works, stay focused in the storm, and never forget the joy of the journey. Links Website: saraholivieri.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Reflections from host Sarah Olivieri ... Learning Is Leadership There's a pattern I see in nonprofit organizations that stall. It's not a lack of commitment. It's not a lack of vision. It's not even usually a lack of funding. It's a lack of learning. We build strategic plans. We refine mission statements. We install tools. But if the organization itself is not functioning as a learning system, none of that holds up under pressure. Systems that don't adapt eventually calcify. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I recently had a conversation about exactly this with David Preston, who has spent decades helping organizations build what he calls high-performing learning networks. It sharpened something I've long believed: organizations are not machines. They are networks of people learning, leading, and achieving together. Schooling Is Not Learning One distinction that matters here is the difference between schooling and learning. Schooling is passive. Learning is active. Schooling is about compliance. Learning is about agency. When teams operate in "school mode," they wait to be told. They execute tasks. They follow instructions. They comply with board directives or funder requirements. These teams often look busy… But "busy" doesn't necessarily translate into results. Learning cultures, by contrast, invite people to think aloud. To test ideas. To refine. To argue constructively. To improve together. This leads to more accountability and better results. The Power of "With" One line from my conversation with David has stayed with me: "If you do something to people—or even for people—it has a low ceiling. If you do something with people, it sustains." — David Preston That's not just philosophical. It's operational. When leaders design strategy alone and then roll it out, ownership is thin. When leaders co-create—even if it's messier at first—agency increases. Agency increases performance. This is why I often say clarity beats control. Control looks efficient. Clarity scales. When people help build the strategy, they internalize it. When they internalize it, execution improves. When execution improves, results compound. Dunbar's Number and Real Relationships We also touched on Dunbar's number—the idea that humans can sustain roughly 150 meaningful relationships. That has direct implications for leadership. You cannot deeply engage everyone. High-touch relationships require energy. They require attention. They require boundaries. In an era where leaders can have thousands of online "connections," it's easy to confuse reach with relationship. They are not the same. If your fundraising strategy relies entirely on scaled communication, you will miss depth and leave a lot of money on the table. I believe we should only focus on scaled methods of communication and relationships once we have mastered building relationships 1-1, high touch, like humans have done for thousands of years. The Basics Are the Advanced Work One of my favorite stories David shared was about legendary UCLA coach John Wooden teaching players how to put on their socks correctly on the first day of practice. Why? Because blisters prevent performance. The more experts I meet, the more one message stands out… Experts aren't better at the complicated, they are better at the basics. The basics of human connection, like story-telling and authenticity. Better at defining goals. Better at being clear in their communication. What This Means for Nonprofit Leaders If you only take one thing away from this: Your organization is a learning network. If people feel safe thinking aloud, progress accelerates. If people feel silenced or over-managed, progress slows. If learning slows, adaptation slows. If adaptation slows, results suffer. You don't need a more complicated strategy. You need a culture where people can think together. That's harder. And it's worth it. About the Guest David Preston helps leaders and organizations build high-performing learning networks. Founder of Open-Source Learning, he draws on experience writing for the Los Angeles Times, teaching at UCLA and California high schools, and building a Los Angeles-based consulting practice. He is the author of the Academy of One. Learn more: https://davidpreston.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-preston-learning/ Short link: http://bit.ly/4aV47sp Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Nonprofit leaders are tired, and it's not because they're doing it wrong. In this conversation, we dig into what it really takes to sustain yourself while leading complex, high-pressure work. From managing urgency and emotional load to setting priorities, building self-trust, and regulating your nervous system, this episode is a grounded, practical reminder that burnout is not a requirement of leadership. Episode Highlights 02:14 Dacia's Journey and Mission 03:31 Challenges of Nonprofit Leadership 04:42 Strategies for Effective Leadership 09:34 Importance of Self-Care for Leaders 15:17 Managing Priorities and Delegation   My guest for this episode is Dacia L. Moore Dacia is a transformational speaker, author, and mental health advocate with over 20 years of experience helping people especially women move past barriers and step into purposeful, confident lives. A former nonprofit executive director and award-winning business professional, she blends practical psychological tools with faith-based principles to create real, lasting change. She is the founder of Second Wind Counseling & Consulting and the author of From Stuck to Unstoppable: 5 Strategies for Getting Your Second Wind. Known for her warm, energizing style, Dacia inspires audiences to take action that strengthens individuals, families, and communities. Connect with Dacia: www.secondwindcc.com dmoore@secondwindcc.com Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Most leaders don't actually want more money. They want more time. In this short session, I walk through the first (and most overlooked) step to freeing up your time without losing results: delegating outcomes rather than tasks. This small shift moves you out of micromanaging, builds real ownership on your team, and stops you from being the bottleneck. Episode Highlights 00:27 The Importance of Freeing Up Time 01:01 Delegating Outcomes: The First Step 02:06 Shifting Focus from Tasks to Results 03:24 Empowering Your Team 05:18 The Benefits of Delegating Outcomes Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"?   Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money.   Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it.   She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with.   As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®ï¸, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.   Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we welcome Rebecca Tolbert, a mental health therapist and ADHD coach specializing in ADHD in women. Rebecca shares her expertise on managing ADHD through practical, actionable strategies and philosophical approaches. She discusses the importance of sleep, nutrition, hydration, and sensory grounding techniques to help improve executive functioning and emotional regulation. The episode also dives into how ADHD presents differently in women and provides guidance for adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis. Rebecca emphasizes the value of understanding and supporting team members with ADHD to maximize their potential in a nonprofit setting. Episode Highlights 01:36 Practical strategies for managing ADHD 02:32 Why basic needs matter for ADHD regulation 06:19 How ADHD shows up in women and leaders 19:43 Nervous system, stress, and emotional regulation 24:24 Practical, real-life tools for managing ADHD Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Rebecca Tolbert. Rebecca Tolbert, LICSW, is a mental health therapist and ADHD Coach who dives into the research and find practical, actionable ways to integrate wellness and healing. She specializes in ADHD in women (because she's a woman with ADHD) and loves to share her insights with everyone from schools to companies. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, toddler, and Braque Francais Connect with Rebecca: LinkedIn Website Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

If your budget feels like a set of handcuffs instead of a helpful tool, this episode is for you. I break down why so many nonprofits get stuck prioritizing the bottom line instead of smart financial decisions—and how to reframe your budget as a living financial plan that helps you invest, adapt, and create more impact as new opportunities emerge. Episode Highlights 00:27 The Importance of Aligning Strategy and Operations 01:13 Common Budgeting Pitfalls 02:18 Reframing Your Budget as a Financial Plan 03:23 Prioritizing Spending for Maximum Impact 07:39 Adapting to New Opportunities Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What does it really take to lead a values-driven nonprofit at scale—without losing your mission, your independence, or your sanity? In this episode, I sit down with Elyse Cherry, CEO of BlueHub Capital, to talk about long-term leadership, mission discipline, community-centered finance, and how great leaders keep asking better questions as their organizations grow. Episode Highlights 02:21 – How global travel shaped Elyse's leadership worldview 07:58 – Staying true to mission and values over decades 14:15 – Navigating financial partnerships without losing independence 19:49 – What systems change really looks like in practice 31:15 – Why nonprofit leaders must "look around the corner." My guest for this episode is Elyse Cherry. Elyse Cherry is the CEO of BlueHub Capital, where she has led the organization since 1997. Under her leadership, BlueHub has invested more than $3.2 billion to support affordable housing, health centers, schools, clean energy, foreclosure prevention, and community wealth-building initiatives nationwide. She is also President of Managed Assets at Boston Community Venture Fund, Aura Mortgage Advisors, and NSP Residential. A former partner at WilmerHale, Elyse is an attorney with deep experience in real estate finance and community development. She is an active civic leader, serving on the boards of Wellesley College, Eastern Bank, and The Boston Foundation, and has been widely recognized for her leadership, including honors from the White House, the Boston Business Journal, and the Financial Times. Connect with Elyse: Website: https://bluehubcapital.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluehubcapital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluehubcapital/ X: https://twitter.com/BlueHubCapital Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Delegating tasks keeps you busy. Delegating outcomes changes everything. In this episode, I break down the real difference between assigning work and asking someone to own a result—and why outcome ownership requires agreement, trust, and the right match between people and responsibility. If scaling still feels heavy, this is why. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: The Managerial Dilemma 00:10 Task Proficiency vs. Leadership Skills 00:21 The Side Benefits 00:24 Common Challenges in Management 00:28 Aspiring Leaders in Organizations Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if your podcast became your most effective relationship-building tool? In this episode, I'm joined by Jeremy Weiss, who breaks down how nonprofits can use podcasting to connect with their Dream 200—donors, referral partners, and champions—by leading with generosity and creating real ROI. Episode Highlights 01:19 Jeremy's background and journey 05:41 The power of podcasting for relationships 11:30 Building relationships through giving 17:12 Asking better, open-ended questions 26:58 Active listening, follow-up, and human connection 35:31 Connecting and engaging meaningfully on LinkedIn Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Dr. Jeremy Weisz   Dr. Jeremy Weisz has been featuring top entrepreneurs with video interviews since 2008. The interviews include founders/CEO's of Pixar, P90X, Atari, Zappier, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Kettle Chips, RX Bars, Big League Chew, the Orlando Magic, and many more on www.InspiredInsider.com, and he shares the interviews with over 225K social media followers and email subscribers.   He runs Rise25, where they help B2B businesses connect to their 'Dream 200' clients and referral partners, and get ROI, using a podcast. They eliminate 99% of the work and make sure you get ROI. Rise25 is an easy button for you to launch and run your podcast.   Podcasting has been one of the best things I've done both personally and professionally. It's been an amazing tool for connecting with referral partners, strategic partners, clients, and more. Podcasting is like a "Swiss Army knife" because it is business development, referral marketing, strategic partnerships, lead generation, SEO, content creation, personal & professional development, all in one Connect with Dr. Jeremy: www.Rise25.coAbout - Rise 25m/about/ Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Procrastination isn't a character flaw—it's data. In this training, Sarah Olivieri shares how to turn "I can't make myself do it" into a practical clue about what needs to change: your expectations, the size of the task, or whether it even belongs on your plate. You'll learn a simple mindset shift (Wabi-Sabi procrastination), how the Four Tendencies can explain your patterns, and a few quick ways to redesign work so you actually get it done—without forcing yourself to become a different person. Episode Highlights 01:13 Today's Topic: Positive Procrastination 01:32 Personal Procrastination Story 03:21 Understanding Procrastination 06:19 The Four Tendencies Framework 08:38 Breaking Down Tasks 10:43 Delegation and Zone of Genius Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with.   As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if nonprofits weren't just backstops for broken systems—but laboratories for building better ones? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Pierre Berastain, CEO of the Safe Alliance in Austin, Texas, for a powerful conversation about systems change, abundance, and coherence in nonprofit leadership. Drawing from his lived experience, global work, and frontline leadership in domestic and sexual violence services, Pierre shares how nonprofits can move from constant crisis response to designing humane, effective systems that truly help communities thrive. Episode Highlights 01:16 Meet Dr. Pierre Berastain 05:26 Understanding Systems Change 09:19 Nonprofits as Civic Laboratories 15:06 Fundraising, ROI, and Real Financial Impact 21:39 Flipping the Script: From Scarcity to Abundance My guest for this episode is Dr. Pierre Berastaín. Dr. Pierre R. Berastaín is a leader whose life and work sit at the intersection of justice, healing, and systems transformation. Pierre is the CEO of The SAFE Alliance in Austin, Texas—one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive organizations supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, and child abuse. What makes Pierre's leadership so powerful isn't just his résumé, though it's extensive. He has led a global nonprofit, co-founded national centers on domestic violence and systems change, expanded housing systems for survivors in Washington, D.C., and directed Harvard University's efforts to respond to interpersonal harm. But beneath all of that is a personal story: Pierre immigrated from Peru in 1998 and lived undocumented for 14 years. That experience of living between systems, often unprotected by them, continues to shape his belief that safety, dignity, and belonging must be intentionally built through community, courage, and collective imagination. Connect with Dr. Pierre: @safeatx on all platforms. SAFE's website: https://www.safeaustin.org/ Pierre's personal website: https://pierreberastain.com/   Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Burnout doesn't usually announce itself—it sneaks in through exhaustion, distraction, and that constant feeling of carrying too much. In this episode, I break down how to spot burnout early, why it hurts your organization (not just you), how boards can unintentionally make it worse, and what actually helps leaders recover—without adding more to your plate. Episode Highlights 01:16 Recognizing Burnout in Nonprofit Leadership 02:44 The Impact of Burnout on Organizations 03:55 Board's Role in Preventing Burnout 05:44 Strategies to Overcome Burnout 07:13 Self-Care and Community Support Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Burnout doesn't usually come from caring too much. It comes from carrying too much for too long. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Melanie Gray to talk about trauma-informed leadership, nervous system overload, and how nonprofit leaders can respond to stress with clarity instead of reactivity. We unpack how to spot burnout early, set real boundaries, and build cultures of care that support both your people and your mission without pretending yoga fixes everything. Episode Highlights 02:28 Dr. Gray's background and personal story 05:07 What trauma-informed care really means 08:54 Stress and burnout in nonprofit leadership 10:43 Setting boundaries and managing capacity 20:49 Building a trauma-informed nonprofit culture Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Dr. Melanie Gray   Dr. Melanie Gray is a PhD-prepared nurse, educator, and trauma-informed leadership consultant with more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and higher education. She specializes in helping mission-driven leaders prevent burnout, lead with emotional integrity, and create cultures of care that sustain both people and purpose.   Grounded in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and systems thinking, Dr. Gray translates complex research on stress, the nervous system, and emotional labor into practical tools nonprofit leaders can use in real time. Her work bridges theory and practice—offering evidence-informed strategies that honor human limits while advancing organizational impact.   Drawing on her background in nursing leadership, curriculum design, and frontline experience in high-acuity environments, she equips leaders to recognize signs of nervous-system overload—in themselves and their teams—and to respond with clarity rather than reactivity. Her approach emphasizes that sustainable leadership begins with psychological safety, nervous-system regulation, and realistic boundaries at every level of the organization.   Through keynotes, workshops, and coaching, Dr. Gray teaches that caring for the caregivers is not a luxury—it is a strategic imperative for retention, innovation, and long-term mission success. During the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Gray will share actionable insights on: Leading on Fumes: Recognizing early warning signs of burnout and practical first steps to reverse the trend. Cultures of Care: How to embed trauma-informed principles into communication, supervision, and organizational norms.   Regulated Leadership: Simple, science-backed regulation tools that help leaders hold space for others without sacrificing their own well-being.   Connect with Dr. Melanie: https://www.facebook.com/melanie.gray.550422 https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniewellnesscoach/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577286124894 https://x.com/MelanietheRN https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelaniegray/ www.DrMelanieGrayTheConfidenceCoach.com Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What happens when lived experience, science, and nonprofit leadership collide? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eugene Manley, Jr. to discuss health equity, cancer care gaps, and what it truly takes to design programs that serve communities that have been overlooked for far too long. We explore how focus, intentionality, and listening to the people most impacted can turn complex equity challenges into meaningful, measurable action. Episode Highlights 02:32 Dr. Manley's Personal Journey and Inspiration 04:01 Challenges in the Hospital System 05:24 Launching the STEM and Cancer Equity Foundation 06:18 Addressing Health Disparities and Patient Advocacy 10:11 The Importance of Early Exposure to STEM 11:01 Navigating Academia and Nonprofit Work 11:57 The Lung Cancer Health Equity Summit 16:03 Fiscal Sponsorship for Nonprofits 19:46 Defining and Addressing Health Equity 22:03 Challenges in Lung Cancer Clinical Trials My guest for this episode is Dr. Eugene Manley, Jr., PhD, MS. Dr. Eugene Manley, Jr., PhD, MS, is a biomedical scientist-turned-social impact leader and the Founder & CEO of the STEMM & Cancer Health Equity (SCHEQ) Foundation. He brings 20+ years across engineering, molecular and cell biology, nonprofit strategy, and workforce development, with prior leadership at leading cancer organizations. He had worked in development at the AACR, grant system administration at LCRF, and directed national STEM and workforce initiatives and health equity initiatives at LUNGevity Foundation.   Through SCHEQ, he advances STEMM workforce diversity and patient-centered solutions across the cancer care continuum, producing health-literacy resources, convening cross-sector stakeholders, and leading the Lung Cancer Interventions Summit to drive practical, equity-focused outcomes for underserved communities. He serves on local, national, and international advisory boards advocating for Medicaid, rural, and historically marginalized patients. Dr. Manley serves on the Stony Brook Cancer Community Advisory Council, PCORI advisory panels focused on healthcare delivery and comparative clinical effectiveness, and has co-authored a perspective work with the American Cancer Society's National Lung Cancer Roundtable on compassion and stigma in lung cancer care. His lived experience, research background, outreach, and policy engagement inform a pragmatic approach to closing gaps in screening, biomarker testing, trial access, and survivorship. Connect with Dr. Eugene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenemanleyjrphd https://www.linkedin.com/company/stemmcheq https://www.facebook.com/stemmcheq https://www.instagram.com/stemmcheq https://www.instagram.com/manleyeugene Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Struggling to find great board members—and feeling stuck with the same advice that isn't working? Today's conversation is all about why board recruitment feels so hard (hint: it's not you) and what actually makes board service appealing to the right people. We'll reset what "skilled" really means, talk about the expectations that quietly scare good candidates away, and walk through practical ways to attract thoughtful, committed board members who can provide strong oversight without creating more work or drama. Episode Highlights 01:16 Struggling to Find Great Board Members? 02:03 Common Misconceptions About Board Members 03:50 Qualities of a Great Board Member 05:15 Making the Board Role More Attractive 06:49 Finding Potential Board Members 09:53 Effective Outreach Strategies 11:17 Building a Collaborative Board Culture Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Ever feel like decisions in your nonprofit take forever… or worse, no one knows who's actually supposed to make them? In this episode, I break down why unclear decision-making slows your organization to a crawl, how to fix confusion between staff and the board, and the simple tools that help teams move faster without chaos. If delays are costing you time, money, and client well-being, this one will bring some welcome clarity. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction and Funny Story 01:51 Today's Topic: Decision Making in Organizations 04:43 Clarifying Board Decision Making 07:53 Guiding Principles for Decision Making 11:23 Functions and Outcomes in Nonprofits 13:16 Heads and Hands Roles in Teams 16:30 Conclusion and Further Resources Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

If you've ever found yourself juggling way too many projects and somehow making less progress than ever, you're in the right place. In this training, I break down why overcommitment slows you down, how context switching quietly steals your entire workday, and the simple system I use to help nonprofit leaders reclaim time, reduce overwhelm, and actually finish what they start. Grab your coffee, breathe for a second, and let's untangle this mess together. Episode Highlights 02:17 The Problem with Overcommitting 03:11 Understanding Context Switching 05:01 The Impact of Anxiety on Productivity 06:48 The Impact Method: A Solution to Overcommitting 07:49 Implementing the Impact Method Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"?   Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money.   Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it.   She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with.   As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.   Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

If major donor work keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list, you're not alone. In this episode, we dig into why getting started feels so darn hard, what's really behind the procrastination, and how to take simple, doable steps that actually build momentum. My guest, Lieve Hendren, brings years of experience helping nonprofits build mission-aligned donor relationships, and together we unpack how to move from "I know I should" to "I'm actually doing this… and it feels good." Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: The Best Time to Act is Now 00:09 The Importance of Diversifying Funding 00:16 Challenges in Implementing Strategies 00:21 Executive Directors' Dilemma 00:29 The Importance of Regular Strategy Conversations Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Lieve. Lieve (lee-va) Hendren is an Executive Coach helping nonprofit leaders build mission-aligned relationships and launch or revitalize major donor programs. She's interviewed 420+ philanthropists and specializes in campaigns ranging from $8M to $400M. Author of The Joyful Flow Formula, Lieve shares a 3-step method to replace burnout with inspired productivity. She's worked with organizations like AdventHealth Foundation, Chicago Public Schools, Coca-Cola, and Save the Sound, and was part of the founding team at Predata, later acquired by FiscalNote. Lieve holds a degree from Princeton, is a certified coach, and is pursuing a master's in neuroscience of mental health at King's College London. Connect with Lieve: Website: https://lievehendren.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lievehendren/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lhendren Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lieve.hendren Book Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTD8CBD4 Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

If you've ever felt confused about OKRs—or wondered why they seem helpful in theory but clunky in practice—this episode is for you. I break down what OKRs were supposed to do, why the language trips people up, and a clearer way to plan your goals by separating what you can control from what you can't. You'll walk away with a simple, practical framework for setting outcomes, actions, and metrics that actually move your mission forward. Episode Highlights 01:16 Introduction to OKRs 01:44 Understanding OKRs 04:35 Critique of OKRs 06:04 Improving OKRs Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Ever wish your team would stop handing every decision back to you? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Levy to talk about building self-reliant teams, simplifying processes, and unlocking the hidden potential inside your organization. Lisa breaks down how to reduce chaos, boost confidence, and tap into the full brainpower of your staff—without adding more meetings or more stress. If you've ever dreamed of a team that can actually run things without you hovering, this is the episode to hit play on. Episode Highlights 02:01 Networking and leadership challenges 03:05 Lean Six Sigma and the Adaptive Transformation Framework 09:47 Building self-reliant teams 16:01 The Innovation Engine concept 19:43 Spotting and developing emerging leaders 24:11 Process improvement wins and fixes My guest for this episode is Lisa L. Levy. Lisa L. Levy is a dynamic business strategist, best-selling author, and founder of Lcubed Consulting, where for over 16 years she has helped visionary founders and leadership teams scale with confidence and agility. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Project Management Professional, Lisa's work focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology to eliminate chaos and drive sustainable impact.   Her proprietary Adaptive Transformation™ Framework has helped thousands of organizations boost productivity and foster self-reliant teams. A #1 best-selling author of Future Proofing Cubed, Lisa is also the host of the "Disrupt and Innovate" podcast and has been recognized as one of the Best Women Leaders of 2021. She brings over two decades of expertise across sectors—including nonprofits—to help mission-driven organizations thrive in an ever-changing world. Connect with Lisa: Website: https://lisallevy.com/ Consulting: https://lcubedconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisallevy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lcubedconsulting Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Budgets shouldn't feel like punishment math. In this episode, I break down how to use the Jobs to Be Done framework to make your budget actually useful. You'll learn why budgets should change as you learn, how to stop obsessing over budget-vs-actuals, and how to build a financial tool that shows what really matters: what things cost, what results you're getting, and where to invest for the biggest impact. Episode Highlights 01:46 Understanding the Jobs to Be Done Framework 02:44 Evaluating Budget Effectiveness 07:21 Re-envisioning Financial Tools 12:00 Practical Budgeting Tips Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What happens when nonprofit leaders stop chasing every idea and start focusing on simplicity, clarity, and what really matters? In this episode, we dig into how to cut through the noise, strengthen your operations, and lead with purpose—without overcomplicating your mission. You'll learn why scaling often means doing less, how to rethink old constraints, and what it really takes to build an organization that thrives for the long haul. Episode Highlights 01:15 Meet Eric Newman: A Story of Resilience and Purpose 03:05 The Power of Storytelling in Nonprofits 06:38 Building Rock Solid Foundation: From Zero to Millions 10:39 Overcoming Nonprofit Constraints and Myths 18:16 The Journey of Building a Team 18:52 Overcoming Financial Challenges 19:56 The Importance of Vision and Scalability 27:41 The Power of Simplicity in Scaling 31:21 Focusing on the Mission My guest for this episode is Eric Newman. Eric's story of turning life's toughest challenges into a passion project has touched the lives of thousands. Eric Newman is a pediatric cancer survivor and founder of Roc Solid Foundation, a nonprofit that brings joy to kids fighting cancer by building playsets and delivering hospital-ready bags to families. Since 2009, Roc Solid has partnered with 160+ hospitals and served over 4,500 families. Eric is the bestselling author of What Hope Looks Like, host of the Success and Significance podcast, and a sought-after speaker on purpose-driven leadership. His story has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and in a short film about his journey.   Connect with Eric: Instagram: @theericnewman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theericnewman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-newman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theericnewman Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Tired of scrambling to keep up with donors? You're not alone. In this episode, I break down how to build consistent, meaningful donor communication without adding more overwhelm to your plate. You'll learn why simple, frequent updates matter more than perfectly polished newsletters, how to engage supporters weekly in a way that feels natural, and when it might be time to increase staff capacity so donor relationships don't fall through the cracks. If you want stronger retention and deeper donor loyalty, this one's for you. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Donor Communication 00:28 The Importance of Consistent Donor Follow-Up 02:07 Increasing Capacity for Donor Communication 03:52 Effective Donor Communication Strategies 04:58 Simple Ways to Engage with Donors 06:55 Leveraging Staff Meetings for Content 10:06 Conclusion: Mastering Weekly Communications Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if your nonprofit could fight poverty at the systems level? Learn how Rob Hanson reimagines philanthropy, leverages 501(c)(4)s, and moves beyond charity to lasting change—backed by $65M in social investments and a powerful personal journey. Episode Highlights 01:15 Meet Rob Hansen: A Journey of Social Change 03:52 Understanding Nonprofit Structures: 501(c)(3) vs 501(c)(4) 07:26 The Impact of Systems Change 11:17 Navigating Legal and Financial Complexities 17:13 Addressing Policy Changes and Their Impact 23:07 The Importance of Flexibility and Listening Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Rob Hansen. Rob Hansen is a nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience driving social change. His personal journey out of poverty has fueled his passion for empowering others to shape their own destinies. As the Founder and President of Goodnation since 2018, Rob has orchestrated the deployment of over $65 million towards ambitious social initiatives. In 2024, Rob spearheaded Goodnation's Prosperity Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at eradicating poverty in America. His expertise extends beyond Goodnation, having previously led fundraising efforts for renowned organizations focused on health, youth development, and veteran support. A highlight of Rob's career includes his tenure at the Robin Hood Foundation, where he managed corporate and foundation fundraising. During a significant economic downturn in New York City, he played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and executing the $100 million Robin Responds campaign. Rob is a vocal advocate for transformative change in America, frequently addressing donor and nonprofit audiences. His thought leadership will be showcased in the Stanford Social Innovation Review in May 2025, with his article "Breaking Out of the c3 Box," which advocates for a more expansive utilization of available tools to effect change. Connect with Rob: Website: https://www.goodnation.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hansen-b455803/ Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Ever feel like your nonprofit decisions are all over the map? The Cynefin Framework (pronounced "ku-nev-in") can help you make sense of chaos. In this episode, I break down how to tell whether your situation is clear, complicated, complex, or downright chaotic—and how to respond effectively in each case. You'll learn when to follow best practices, when to experiment, and when to take bold action so you can lead with clarity no matter what's happening around you. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: The Value of Good Solutions 00:22 Understanding Expert Practices 00:35 When to Seek Expert Help Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Want to raise more money without adding more work? In this episode, I break down the three simple levers that can exponentially increase your donor lifetime value. You'll learn how to make small, strategic changes, like improving retention, boosting average gifts, and increasing giving frequency, that add up to huge results. A little growth in each area can multiply your fundraising impact faster than you think. Episode Highlights 01:15 Main Topic: Growing Donor Lifetime Value 02:01 Three Key Levers to Increase Donor Value Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if your nonprofit could generate more revenue without adding more chaos? In this episode, I talk with 30-year nonprofit veteran Rick Harris about how to stop relying on the same old income streams and start building new ones the smart way. We unpack practical strategies for diversifying revenue without spreading your team too thin, creative ideas for attracting sponsors, and how fair pay builds trust and retention across your organization. Episode Highlights 01:16 – Meet Rick Harris: Nonprofit Growth Expert 03:04 – The Importance of Diversification 06:17 – Avoiding the Scattergun Approach 12:05 – Innovative Sponsorship Ideas 18:56 – Navigating IRS Regulations and UBIT 29:25 – Equitable Pay in Nonprofits My guest for this episode is Rick Harris. Rick is the CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), and a 30+ year non-profit veteran. Specializing in helping other non-profits grow their business through better membership, education, networking, marketing, and building communities, Rick is a go-to-market-now expert in the field of non-profit business growth. He is well known for helping non-profits achieve their goals through better business planning, marketing, and building their communities through his 20+ years in non-profit management. Connect with Rick: Website: http://www.apmp.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apmp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APMP.org Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Ever feel stuck—like no matter what you try, you're spinning your wheels? In this episode, I introduce the Five Drivers Framework by David Bayer, a powerful tool to help you uncover the root causes behind your results. You'll learn how your beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and actions work together to create outcomes—and how shifting one belief can change everything. Whether you're leading a team, fundraising, or just trying to get unstuck, this mindset framework will help you turn frustration into forward motion. Episode Highlights 00:29 Understanding the Five Drivers 02:50 The Power of Beliefs: The Four-Minute Mile Story 04:45 Applying the Five Drivers to Achieve Desired Results 05:44 Identifying and Reversing Limiting Beliefs 06:40 Steps to Change Limiting Beliefs 09:00 The Self-Reinforcing Cycle of Beliefs and Results 10:46 Conclusion and Call to Action Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if your nonprofit could anticipate the future instead of reacting to it? In this episode, futurist and strategist Donna DuPont shares how leaders can build future literacy—the skill of reading change before it happens. We explore how to turn uncertainty into opportunity, overcome resistance to change, and design flexible strategies that thrive even in chaos. If your team feels stuck reacting to crises, this conversation will help you plan with confidence, not fear. Episode Highlights 04:25 Understanding Future Mindsets 06:57 Empowering Nonprofits Through Strategic Foresight 09:03 The Power of Great Questions 09:40 Collective Intelligence and Workshop Insights 15:09 The Rise of AI: A Case Study in Weak Signals 22:24 Opportunities in Crisis 24:43 Building a Case for Change 25:25 Understanding Dissatisfaction and Vision 27:26 Taking Action and Iteration 29:48 Navigating Uncertainty with Foresight 33:01 Evaluating Processes and Outcomes 38:42 Prototyping and Innovation Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Donna Dupont, Founder and Chief Strategist of Purple Compass, is an award-winning designer and futurist with over 25 years of experience collaborating with leaders. She helps organizations build future literacy, navigate uncertainty, and drive impactful change. Combining systems thinking with strategic foresight, she empowers leaders to mitigate risks, enhance preparedness, and seize opportunities for innovation, transformation, and resilience. Recognized with seven government awards, Donna's work spans critical areas like climate change, health security, and emergency management, with her futures research earning accolades from the Canadian Defence and Security Network and the Association of Professional Futurists. Connect with Donna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-dupont/ www.purplecompass.ca Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Does your fundraising only ramp up when the money's running low? You're not alone. In this episode, I'll show you how to stop scrambling for funds and start building a proactive fundraising strategy that keeps your nonprofit stable year-round. You'll learn how to shift from crisis-driven fundraising to relationship-driven sustainability—because the fastest path to cash (and calm) is building strong connections long before you need the money. Episode Highlights 04:36 Building a Sustainable Fundraising Plan 05:05 The Foundation: Individual Donors 06:39 Scaling Relationships with Digital Tools 08:34 Corporate Sponsorships and Grant 09:47 The Power of Relationships Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Nonprofit leaders, what does it take to lead one of the largest and oldest nonprofits in a major city—and do it as the first woman in its 165-year history? In this episode, I talk with Lauren Koontz, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, about stepping into leadership, navigating crises, and building partnerships that truly serve the community. Lauren shares her journey from development officer to CEO, lessons learned through the pandemic, and why advocating for yourself and empowering others is essential for lasting impact. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: The Y as a Third Place 00:04 Addressing Senior Loneliness and Isolation 00:09 Reaching Out to Seniors 00:17 Offering Help and Support 00:18 Delivering Essential Items   My guest for this episode is Lauren Koontz. Lauren Koontz is the President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, where she became the first woman to lead the organization in its 165+ year history. She oversees 20+ branches, 19 early learning centers, 60+ afterschool sites, five camps, and thousands of staff and volunteers serving Atlanta's communities. Lauren joined the Y in 2012 and previously held leadership roles at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Emory University, and more. A recognized leader, she's been honored as one of Atlanta's Most Admired CEOs, a YWCA Academy of Women Achievers inductee, and a “40 Under 40” alum. She serves on numerous boards, speaks widely on nonprofit leadership, and is committed to advancing education, wellness, and youth development across the region. Connect with Lauren: Website: https://ymcaatlanta.org/ LinkedIn: Lauren Koontz Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Nonprofit leaders, does your fundraising strategy feel complicated—or nonexistent? You're not alone. In this episode, I break fundraising down to three simple levers you can pull to get results: growing your qualified leads, improving donor conversions, and maximizing lifetime donor value. I'll show you how to simplify your approach, avoid overplanning, and build a strategy that actually works in the real world. Episode Highlights 01:11 Introduction to Fundraising Strategy 03:00 Three Key Fundraising Levers 03:56 Lever 1: Increasing Qualified Donor Leads 04:49 Lever 2: Improving Conversion Rates 06:21 Lever 3: Maximizing Donor Lifetime Value 07:45 Special Activity: Donor Referrals 09:00 Applying the Three Levers 12:10 Donor Categories and Strategies Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Nonprofit leaders, are you tired of hearing that funders “don't support general operating costs”? You're not alone—and that mindset is costing your organization. In this episode, I unpack why donors often resist unrestricted funding and how you can change that conversation. The truth is, most donors genuinely care about your mission, not just your programs. They want to be part of the solution, but they need you to show them how their support fuels impact across your entire organization—from staff development to research to long-term sustainability. I'll walk you through how to set the right expectations, talk confidently about unrestricted gifts, and inspire funders to invest in your cause—not just a single program. Episode Highlights 00:20 The Challenge of Funding General Operating Costs 00:46 Shifting Donor Perspectives 02:13 Communicating Your Mission Effectively 03:18 Engaging Donors with Program Details 04:31 Assuming Donors Care About Your Mission 07:07 Investment Level Conversations 09:52 Conclusion: Changing Your Fundraising Mindset Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Nonprofit leaders, when too much responsibility lands on one person's plate, the results are predictable—burnout and turnover. Relying on a single leader, often the ED or CEO, doesn't just exhaust them, it puts your entire organization at risk. In this episode, I share why spreading leadership capacity is essential, how to know when it's time to hire, and what happens when you build a team that carries the load together. Episode Highlights 00:00 The Power of Shared Decision-Making 00:06 Accelerating Progress Through Better Decisions 00:17 The Feedback Loop: Learning and Refining 00:26 Building a Stronger Team for Faster Iteration 00:38 Continuous Improvement and Iteration Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money.   Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with.   As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Nonprofit leaders, fundraising isn't just about raising dollars—it's about raising power. In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked role of Latino fundraisers, the gap between boards and development staff, and why genuine sustainability stems from investing in fundraising, rather than galas or gadgets. Episode Highlights 02:22 Armando's Personal Story and Fundraising Philosophy 04:18 Challenges in Fundraising and Nonprofit Sustainability 11:52 Board Education and Fundraising Transparency 16:42 Latino Community and Fundraising 23:55 Critique of Traditional Fundraising Events 24:53 Challenges in Securing Funding 28:22 The Importance of Prospect Research 32:38 Supporting Latino Nonprofits My guest for this episode is Armando Zumaya. Armando Zumaya has been a fundraiser for over 40 years, working on billion-dollar campaigns at Cornell and UC Berkeley, and serving in leadership roles across major gifts, annual funds, and development. He is the founder of Somos El Poder, a national Latinx fundraising institute, and a nationally recognized expert on Latino Major Giving. Armando has raised five, six, and seven-figure gifts from the Latinx community, and is a sought-after speaker and writer whose work has appeared in Stanford Social Innovation Review and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. In 2024, he was named to The Nonprofit Times “Top 50 Leaders of Power and Influence.” He lives in Northern California and is proud of his Chicano heritage. Connect with Armando: www.somoselpoder.org Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if working fewer hours actually led to better results for your nonprofit? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, I unpack why so many nonprofit leaders—and boards!—get stuck in the weeds, and how shifting into true strategic focus is the key to both impact and sanity. I share the mindset shifts, scheduling tweaks, and permission you might not know you need to stop the overwhelm and start leading with clarity. Spoiler: the path to a thriving organization might just be a 3-day workweek. Episode Highlights 01:15 The Problem of Getting Stuck in the Weeds 02:17 The Importance of Strategic Planning 04:06 Overcoming the Fear of Working Less 04:49 Personal Experience: Working Three Days a Week Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Nonprofit leaders, are short-term pressures from funders, board members, or staff keeping you from achieving your big-picture goals? In this episode, I share how to flip the script, set priorities that actually drive long-term impact, and build a culture that keeps your team aligned. Episode Highlights 01:14 Balancing Short-Term Pressures with Long-Term Goals 05:21 The Impact Method: A Strategic Planning Approach 07:35 Team Involvement and Accountability Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this powerful episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri sits down with Inaudy Gil, founder of IIJ Consulting, to talk about what real inclusive leadership looks like in practice—not just in theory. They dig into unconscious bias, neurodiversity, identity, and how creating inclusive cultures starts with simple, human conversations. Inaudy shares actionable ways leaders can create psychologically safe workplaces, make room for difference, and stay aware of their own blind spots—without waiting for a formal DEI training to show up. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or just want to do better by your team, this is a must-listen. Episode Highlights 03:51 – What Inclusive Leadership Really Means 07:37 – Addressing Bias with Openness and Compassion 14:46 – Real Stories That Highlight Inclusion Gaps 20:45 – Building a Truly Inclusive Work Culture 30:10 – How to Measure Leadership and Workplace Climate   My guest for this episode is Inaudy Gil. Inaudy I. Gil, is the Founder and Principal Strategist for IIJ CONSULTING where she works closely with businesses, community groups, and organizations on building intentional and strategic culture change. Born in the Dominican Republic, Inaudy immigrated to the United States as a child, and has lived in the Hudson Valley since 2003. Inaudy holds a Master's in Science from SUNY Hunter College and holds an Executive Certification for Diversity and Inclusion from eCornell. She has worked tirelessly for over 20 years on eliminating oppression, racism, sexism, homophobia, and gender inequality in her community. Connect with Inaudy: IJ Consulting Facebook and Instagram -https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558318222818&mibextid=LQQJ4d On Instagram:-https://www.instagram.com/thegoodhumanchronicles Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Running a nonprofit isn't just about budgets and board reports. It's about managing the emotional weight of leadership. In this episode, I'm joined by David Baker Hargrove (they/them), a leadership consultant, licensed psychotherapist, and former CEO of a $100M+ nonprofit. To talk about blind spots, board dynamics, role clarity, and how to build a culture where trust, equity, and mental health fuel high performance. I'll show you practical moves you can make this week, including when and how to use CISD in moments of crisis. Episode Highlights 01:16 Meet Our Guest: David Baker Hargrove 03:18 Hidden Emotional Challenges for Nonprofit CEOs 08:02 Navigating Board Dynamics and Power 20:18 Building a Culture of Mental Health and Wellness 28:47 Disaster Mental Health Leadership   My guest for this episode is David Baker-Hargrove. Dr. David Baker-Hargrove is a leadership consultant, licensed psychotherapist, and former CEO of a $100M+ nonprofit. With over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and crisis leadership. David specializes in helping executive teams align mission with infrastructure, navigate leadership transitions, and build cultures of trust and equity. Their work has included disaster mental health leadership following the WTC attacks and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. David is a nonbinary leader, proud spouse of 31 years, and parent to a daughter, bringing both lived experience and deep systems knowledge to every room they enter. Connect with David: Website: https://sites.google.com/view/bhcassessment/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-baker-hargrove-0713a37/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SZSNozH_yRF6sUtaFgyVg Author: When the Board Chair Thinks They're the CEO: Using DiSC to Navigate Nonprofit Power Struggles in Strategy Driven, April 2025 https://www.strategydriven.com/2025/04/01/when-the-board-chair-thinks-theyre-the-ceo-using-disc-to-navigate-nonprofit-power-struggles/ Author: Shoestring Success How We Built a Multi-Million Dollar Business from Nothing: A Practical Guide to Entrepreneurial Success Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if your CEO, ED, or key board member walked out tomorrow? Leadership transitions can shake nonprofits to the core—but they don't have to. In this episode, I reveal why traditional org charts make you fragile, the simple shift that keeps your nonprofit steady, and practical steps you can take today to turn any leadership change into an opportunity instead of a crisis. Episode Highlights 01:16 The Impact of Leadership Transitions 02:26 Understanding Organizational Structure 05:11 The Leadership Blueprint 10:01 Practical Tips for Leadership Transitions Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Sometimes the bravest move a nonprofit can make is to change course. Caroline Boudreaux and Leslie Beasley of Miracle Foundation share how they pivoted from supporting orphanages to reuniting children with families—creating a model that's transforming child welfare and proving that the best place for every child is a loving home.   Episode Highlights 05:55 The Miracle Foundation's Mission and Evolution 06:51 Challenges and Transformations in Nonprofit Leadership 08:58 The Importance of Family-Based Care 13:42 Scaling Impact Through Technology and Innovation 20:14 Measuring Impact and Leveraging Data Meet the Guest My guests today are Caroline Boudreaux and Leslie Beasley of the Miracle Foundation. Caroline is the Founder of Miracle Foundation, a globally recognized nonprofit working to ensure every child has the love and stability of a family. Since 2000, she's helped transform thousands of children's lives and earned honors including the United Nations Humanitarian Award and recognition as a Young Global Leader with the World Economic Forum. Leslie is the CEO of Miracle Foundation, leading innovative solutions like the Thrive Scale™, a framework based on the UN Rights of the Child, and ThriveWell, an app designed to strengthen the U.S. foster care system. She brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership, including founding Open Arms, a social enterprise supporting women survivors of war. Together, they're reshaping global child welfare with a bold vision: a family for every child in our lifetime. Connect with Caroline and Leslie: https://www.miraclefoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/themiraclefoundation https://www.facebook.com/TheMiracleFoundation.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/miraclefoundation/ https://give.miraclefoundation.org/campaign/679713/donate?_gl=1*11upmil*_gcl_au*MTI5NTY0ODc2Ny4xNzU1NjQwMzYy*_ga*MTIzMDU5MjY0MS4xNzU1NjQwMzYx*_ga_1REY0HZJCR*czE3NTU2NDAzNjAkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTU2NDA0NjAkajQxJGwwJGgw Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Are you tired of pouring time and money into marketing tactics that don't deliver results? In this episode, I break down why a strategy-first approach is the key to making your nonprofit marketing actually work. You'll learn how to stop wasting resources, focus on what really matters, and create a simple but powerful roadmap to grow donors, programs, and impact. Episode Highlights 00:00 - Why Strategy-First Matters 00:19 - The Three Marketing Levers 00:25 - Choosing the Right Tactics 00:28 - What to Avoid: Tactics-First Mistake 00:32 - Where to Get More Tips Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”?   Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money.   Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it.   She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with.   As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®ï¸, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.   Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Join Sarah Olivieri, nonprofit leadership expert, in this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she delves into the power of coaching and strategic thought partnership for nonprofit leaders. Discover why lacking coaching support contributes to burnout, the cultural differences between nonprofit and for-profit sectors in seeking coaching, and the immense return on investment coaching can offer. Learn about the two main types of coaching support—pure coaching and strategic consulting—and when it's the right time to seek such assistance. Episode Highlights 00:21 The Power of Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders 00:31 Challenges Faced by Nonprofit Leaders 01:29 The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship 02:02 Cultural Differences in Coaching 03:18 Types of Coaching and Their Benefits 06:24 When to Seek Coaching or Strategic Guidance Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I'm the money”?   Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I'm the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money.   Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it.   She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with.   As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.   Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.