Rogue Tulips Nonprofit Consulting Presents Chatting with Agnes & Cecilia | Nonprofit Conversations

Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting and USAE News!Episode 317: An Unexpected Job Loss - A Story of Resilience Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal, Rogue Tulips Consulting Guest: Vanita Murray, CAEIf you have ever lost your job, or you wonder how to handle if you do, this conversation is for you. Vanita talks about an unexpected job loss after serving on staff for many years. She talks about: 1. "the moment after" and how to manage your reaction. 2. Redefining Resilience: Stop and reflect. Why you need to Push to Pause. 3. Intentional Actions as you navigate the uncertainty. 4. The Unexpected Help you receive! We name names of who helped us over the years. This is an honest and valuable discussion about dealing with the unexpected and the unknown -- and how to come out the other side. What worries you about your career arc? Share a comment! #podcast #roguetulips #usaenews #career #resilience #careerarc #uncertainty #nonprofit #association ​#job #jobsearch

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak.This week's topic: A.I. and Impending Doom!

Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting and USAE News!Episode 316: Eradicate Hate - Prevention & ResilienceHost: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPECGuest: Brette Steele, President, Eradicate HateIf you have ever looked around the world and felt despair at the violence -- or worse -- powerless to change things, this episode offers hope through practical tactics. My guest, Brette Steele​, shares how the organization she leads, Eradicate Hate, builds safer​, more resilient communities for all. This nonprofit works to prevent hate fueled violence through its Global Summit, its Prevention Practitioners Network, and its Reach Out Resource Hub. We discuss the roots of hate, how one to one conversation is an impactful way to help someone in crisis, and how you can learn more about preventing hate fueled violence. Our society is created by our actions and our thoughts. This episode explains how we can all contribute to a better tomorrow. What questions do you have about eradicating hate? Share a comment.

Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting and USAE News!Episode 315: Leading Through Crisis - Nonprofit Accountability & ResilienceHost: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal, Rogue Tulips Consulting Guest: Yuriy Boyechko, CEO & Founder, Hope for Ukraine Nonprofits play a unique and important role in our society. It's how we help each other in times of need. Yuriy is originally from Ukraine and decided ten years ago that he wanted to help the people in his home country. Then the war with Russia began. He left his previous life to focus on his organization, Hope for Ukraine. Yuriy shares his learning, his commitment, and how he applies his experience in the entertainment industry to his work with this vital nonprofit. Don't miss this one! How do you promote your organization? Share a comment! Find it on our podcast page: www.roguetulips.com/podcast #podcast #roguetulips #usaenews #nonprofit #association #hopeforukraine #communication

Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting and USAE News!Episode 314: FOCUS Your Strategic Thinking Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal, Rogue Tulips Consulting Guest: Michael Butera, Founder & CEO, Association ActivisionThere's a reason Michael holds the record for most appearances on the podcast -- he has deep wisdom and insight to share. In this conversation, Michael discusses his FOCUS approach to strategic thinking (if you guessed it's an acronym you are correct!) It stands for Focus, Observation, Collaboration, Understanding, and Synthesis. We dive into each one of these areas and how using this approach can support your organization's success. How do you practice strategic thinking? Share a comment! #podcast #roguetulips #usaenews #nonprofit #association #strategicplanning #strategicthinking #thinking

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak.This week's topic: The Imposition of Will

Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting and USAE News!Episode 313: Branding in a Noisy WorldHost: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal, Rogue Tulips Consulting Guest: Lidia Varesco Racoma, Brand Strategist, Lidia Varesco Design Another wonderful conversation with Lidia -- this time we discuss branding in a noisy and distracting world! We dive deep into branding, strategy, and brand evolution, including the Three Pillars to Standing Out in a Noisy World. Lidia shares her formula about protecting and promoting your brand, which is Perception and Interaction, and reminds us of the importance of having a Brand Guide. What is your biggest concern about standing out in today's world? Share a comment! ​#usaenews #brand #brandtstrategy #reputation

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Mission or Vision? Maybe ACTION Instead

Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting and USAE News!Episode 312: Why A.I. Can't Replace People Skills Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal, Rogue Tulips ConsultingGuest: Cynthia Lockrey, Changemaker and Communications Expert, Lockrey CommunicationsWe kick off Season 8 with a wide-ranging conversation on the use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) tools in communication today. We discuss the Loss of the "Human Element" in A.I. Communication; Organizational A.I. Guidelines and Risks; and Prioritizing Foundations and "People Skills" Training. Cynthia shares her tips, her concerns, and why we need to keep the human touch whenever we communicate. What is your biggest concern with A.I. as a communication tool? Share a comment!#podcast #communication #A.I. #artificialintelligence #roguetulips #A.I.tools #human

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: What I Really Want for Christmas

Episode 311: This episode supported by USAE News! We wrap up Season 7 of Radio Free 501c with a conversation on Crisis Communications and how to prepare for the unexpected. My guest Cyndee Woolley, MBA, APR, Owner, C2 Communications, shares her advice and insights into why crisis communications starts before the crisis, reaching out beyond your own community in a crisis, and how a crisis can start from a good thing like going viral. From natural disasters to a wolf dog named Eva (Game of Thrones will like this example!) Cyndee and I talk about creating and implementing the crisis communications plan and how it's crucial in protecting your organization's reputation. What worries you about crisis communications? Share a comment! And don't forget to subscribe or follow us on your favorite podcast service -- Season 8 kicks off January 12, 2026.

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Rubio and the Font

Episode 310: We all talk about making a Content Calendar, but how many of use do it? And if we do, how many of us maintain it consistently? In this episode my guest Lidia Varesco Racoma, Brand Strategist & Marketing Designer at Lidia Varesco Design, shares her insights and advice about the value of content calendars and how they support any organization -- even us solopreneurs! We use real-world examples from our own experience to demonstrate the value of a well-managed Content Calendar, and Lidia tells us what can go wrong if we don't have one. This is a must see/listen episode as you prepare for the new year! How do you use your content calendar? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter "Rogue Speak." Visit the blog: www.roguetulips.com/blog

Episode 309: Do you remember what it was like when you first joined the nonprofit management profession? My guest Craig Polk, MSEE, MBA, Senior Program Manager-Future Networks Tech Community, IEEE, became a nonprofit management professional 3 years ago after many years in for-profit companies. He shares his insights and observations on moving into a career path inspired by wanting to do something that makes a difference. From asking the question "why" to conducting a personal skills audit, Craig brings a fresh take on choosing a new path. His big realization: nonprofits are marathons, not sprints. You'll enjoy this fun and broad conversation that reminds us why we do what we do. What would you tell someone interested in a nonprofit management career? Share a comment!

Episode 308: It's Thankful for the Arts Month and we wrap up our celebration of the Arts with Trudy Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Trudy gives us the history of the school, how it contributes to the community, and how they support artists. She also tells us about two beautiful pieces of art that are in their gallery and ready to become part of your permanent collection. Trudy discusses the Arrowmont campus, programs for artists in residence, and how you can visit and be part of the Arrowmont experience. Trudy's love for what she does shines through -- there's so much in this conversation that will inspire you! What would you do to support artists? Share a comment! Find it on our podcast page: www.roguetulips.com/podcast

Episode 307: It's Thankful for the Arts Month on Radio Free 501c! We continue our celebration of the Arts with Jay Dick, Sr. Director, Advocacy and Partnerships, Government Affairs Department, Americans for the Arts. In this fun and wide-ranging conversation, Jay explains what he means by SOBs (it's not what you think), how he relates to decision makers when talking about support for the arts, why we need to work to keep arts education in our schools, and why he believes art is for everyone. Jay shares the Americans for the Arts pinwheel tool that you can access on their website -- it will inspire you. Don't miss this conversation with a passionate and experienced advocate. Would you like to learn more about supporting the arts and arts education? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: The Step - How Mindset Traps Us and Frees Us

It's time for Episode 306 of Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting. It's Thankful for the Arts Month on Radio Free 501c! We continue our celebration of the Arts with Cynthia Young, CAE, Executive Director, American Art Therapy Association. Our conversation covers the many reasons we should all do art, like mental health, emotional wellbeing, community, connection, and learning about our own creativity. From throwing clay to getting lost in a museum, Cynthia shares her own experiences with art and talks about why her members love what they do. She also shares how you can bring their Art for Wellness Clinic to your conference to provide support and relationship building to your own members. You will be inspired by this wide ranging exploration of how art is good for us. What is your favorite creative outlet? Share a comment! 

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: Why You Should Admit Your Mistakes

Episode 305: It's Thankful for the Arts Month on Radio Free 501c! We kick it off with Shana Corrada, Executive Director of Dance Tampa Bay. Times are always challenging for arts funding but we discuss how building a strong and supportive community keeps the arts alive. Shana shares insights into what builds community, how Dance Tampa Bay supports dancers with benefits programs, their work partnering with other cities to present programs like "Dance Rising," and talks about how all movement is expressive! You don't want to miss this uplifting and positive conversation about how nonprofit organizations bring us joy through the arts. How do you support the arts? Share a comment!

It's time for Episode 304 of Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting. Jeff De Cagna AIMP DAIG FRSA FASAE, Executive Advisor, Foresight First, joins me for an in-depth conversation about association Boards. The discussion focuses on the paper that came out 90 days ago, "The Future of Association Boards" or FAB for short. Jeff created a community to identify all the angles of board activity and this paper provides insights, advice, and suggestions for any association (or any nonprofit) to help their Board do their best work and have a valuable experience. You don't want to miss this episode because Jeff answers my question, "If you could eliminate any orthodoxy with the snap of your finger, which would it be?" He also makes an announcement about what's next for the FAB report. What orthodoxy would you eliminate? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak."This week's topic: Can I Live Up to my Headshot?

Episode 303: This episode supported by USAE News! Gatlinburg, TN is a city with a lot to offer to groups and tourists. Who better to share their love for the city and its great stories than my guest Dave Esslinger, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. We talk about how Gatlinburg partners with the nearby cities, how the city got its name, negotiating tips for contracts, and some surprise costs you may not be aware of at convention centers! In addition to his excellent expert advice, he also shares a hidden benefit of Gatlinburg: its wonderful arts district. Most of us don't think of Gatlinburg when we think of art centers but it is home to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, the only accredited arts and crafts school in the United States. Dave shares how this enhances the visitor experience whether you are at a conference or on vacation because you can create something to take home. Dave wears several hats which is a bit unusual -- he'll explain how his role is slightly different than other CVB leaders. Listen or watch to find out what is so different about how Dave represents this lovely city. What questions do you have about negotiating with CVBs or Convention Centers? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Giving Dues Their Due

Episode 302: As we near the end of the calendar year, budget tends to be on the mind of associations -- especially in this era of uncertainty and unease. The good thing is that we can always adjust our plans to maintain financial sustainability and there is no better guest to have on that topic than Mike Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Co-Founder, Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits. Mike walks us through what sustainability actually means, what actions can we take that relate to it, what role reserves actually play in the organization's life, and managing funding sources. The goal is to have long-term financial health! We dive deep into finances so don't miss this important episode where we also talk about IOM and our personal commitment to volunteering. What questions do you have about financial sustainability? Share a comment!

The author reads here weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This weeks' topic: Annoyingly Intrusive - Lessons from Clippy the Paper Clip

Episode 301: We focus on the new white paper, "Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch." Lean Start Up Methodology was really on our minds about a decade ago. While there are many professionals who use it and swear by their results, associations and other nonprofits are still slow to adopt this approach. But it could be just what we need to stay adaptive and responsive in the fast-moving 21st century. My guests include the co-authors of "Lean at 10," Elizabeth Engel, M.A., CAE, Chief Strategist, Spark Consulting, LLC, and Jamie Notter, Culture Scientist, Jamie Notter.com, and a practitioner of Lean Management, Chrissy Bagby, CAE, PMP, Chief Strategy Officer, AAVSB. Elizabeth and Jamie outline the major concepts in the paper, and why they revisited this topic 10 years later. Chrissy shares examples of how she and her colleagues use Lean Methodology t principles to move things ahead. She says, "Challenge your idea of failure." That alone is worth the listen! You will also hear fun stories about our early days in association work and how blogs were something we weren't sure would catch on . . . We give a shout out to Guillermo Ortiz de Zarate, the co-author of the original paper. Some may call him just G, but he'll always be Guillermo to me :) What would motivate you to try Lean Methodology? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak.

Radio Free 501c celebrated Episode 300 with a LIVESTREAM to YouTube. We were joined by some of our past guests and had a great time talking about the podcast and the future of associations.

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Memories of Bunny Sparkles

Episode 299: This episode supported by USAE News! Many of us "fall into" nonprofit management as a career, but what if we would have known it was a great career track when we were in college? My guest Shelby Truxon, Vice President, Internship Experience at The Nonprofit Alliance, gets to work with students and employers all year long facilitating their great student internship program Leading Edge. Shelby connects students with employers at nonprofit organizations and at vendor partner companies supporting nonprofits -- I think she has one of the best jobs in the world because she gets to advocate on the benefits of the nonprofit community! She shares how the program works, the support resources for employers offering internships, and data on how the program has grown since it started 3 years ago. Are you looking for an intern next summer? Listen to this insightful conversation and learn more about how you can participate -- did I mention the MICRO internship opportunities? What do you think is important in an internship program? Share a comment! Check out our podcast web page to see the show notes and how you can sign up for TNPA's internship program information sessions!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: 2 out of 3 certifications

Episode 298: Member Adjacent Industries can expand your membership base and add new depth and vitality to your member community. Exploring adjacent industries can move the needle on flat membership growth too -- but you need to do a lot of research and planning before you move forward. My guest, Cathy Lada, Chief Membership and Marketing Officer at AAOE, is here to explain what a member adjacent industry is, how you evaluate opportunities in these segments, the necessary research to create a plan, and working with the Board of Directors to expand into these adjacent industries. Cathy shares 5 Steps any association can take to launch an investigation into growing your membership by serving new segments. Does your organization serve member adjacent industries? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Everybody out of the Pool!

Episode 297: Association Mergers are even more complicated than you think they are! Thank goodness my guest Andy Duncan, Association Management Expert, is here to guide us through all the layers of investigation and decision making. From why two associations merge, to choosing a new name, to selecting infrastructure for technology and finances -- and let's not forget that culture thing -- he walks us through the process. Andy shares his experiences and points out the questions we should ask, the data we need to collect and analyze, and how mergers are like jigsaw puzzles. What questions do you have about Association Mergers? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: We Live in a Marvelous Age

Episode 296: He's back! It's Mike Bober, Government Affairs & Policy Expert, and he talks with me about "Advocacy Writ Large!" Known for breaking down complex topics into easy to remember (and use) acronyms, in this episode Mike and I get to the *C.O.R.E.* of the matter and why all nonprofits SHOULD make advocacy a part of their strategic actions. We discuss the ins and outs of advocacy for c3 organizations as well as c6 groups. He even drops a bonus acronym on us so you don't want to miss this one! I'll give you a hint: it's the "3 Ms." What questions do you have about advocacy? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: The Future of Nonprofit Boards is the Nonprofit Future

Episode 295: This episode supported by USAE News! DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) are the current evolution of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. These groups are contributing strongly to the concept of Placemaking and creating vibrant destinations where people can connect. If you are not quite sure what these terms mean -- I didn't either until I spoke with my guests Rob Hunden, President & CEO, and Jay Burress, Executive Vice President-Tourism of Hunden Partners. They explain it all in a way that is relatable to what we do in associations inside and outside of our conferences and events. Whether you are new to the concept of DMOs and Placemaking or you are a seasoned event planner, you will get a lot out of this conversation. What questions do you have about the future of connection? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting E-newsletter, Rogue Speak. This week's topic: Don't Chase People Away with Thoughtless Service

Episode 294: Component Relations is one of the most fulfilling and challenging areas of association management. I loved being a Component Relations Professional (CRP) and that's why I thoroughly enjoyed this week's conversation with my guest Samyuktha Neeraja, MPH, CAE. A CRP that brings enthusiasm, positivity, and a love for the work, Samyuktha guides her members with a genuine concern for their long-term success. We swap stories, share advice, and have a great time discussing something we truly love! Whether you are new to component relations, are experienced, or just want to learn more you will get a lot out of this episode. What do you think is the most important thing about component relations? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak."

Episode 293: This episode supported by USAE News! He's back! It's Carl Weaver, Publisher, Broken Column Press with another question about associations in our movie series. This time we are discussing "How are Associations like the movie 'Cool Hand Luke'?" From failures to communicate, ideas that seemed good at the time, and shiny distractions this movie seems like an association handbook. Or does it? Join us and find out! How do you think associations are like the movie "Cool Hand Luke"? Share a comment!

The author reads here weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak.

Episode 292: Have you ever wondered how to get the most out of a conversation with a consultant? Then this is the episode for you! My guest Vinnu Deshetty of Event ROI Coach is here to share her tips on creating valuable projects that deliver the outcomes your organization wants. We discuss how to design the dialogue, identifying outcomes -- they may not be what you think they are! -- and how to be open and flexible in project development. Yes, we do discuss the delicate topic of fees. We also have fun talking about our shared identity of being "data nerds." What questions would you like to ask a consultant? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak.

Episode 291: Those of us in the profession of association management often joke that when we were kids, we didn't say "when I grow up, I want to be an association executive." But what if both your parents were in "the biz"? And what if they were not just in the biz, they were forward thinking trend setting Chief Staff Executives? And what if you grew up in a state society and now you are a member? We have lots of questions and my guests bring the answers! It's Owen Kavanagh of the Atlanta Apartment Association, Wendy Kavanagh, CAE, of the National Protein & Food Distributors Association, and Damian Kavanagh, CAE, of MISBO! That's right folks: we've hit the Kavanagh Trifecta! This conversation covers family dynamics, respectfully disagreeing, and the joy that comes from the work we do. Don't miss this delightful conversation with these association leaders. What did you want to be when you grew up? Share a comment!

Episode 290: Non-dues revenue is an important part of every association's financial plan, but it can be challenging to grow income while providing support to your members. Creating corporate partnerships is an excellent way to do this and we have just the guest this week to help you build your own corporate sponsorships program: Bruce Rosenthal of Bruce Rosenthal Associates. He literally wrote the book on Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships and he's here to discuss his book, his philosophy, and some great advice for providing value to both your members and your corporate partners. This is not the gold/silver/bronze approach -- it's an approach that actually delivers connection to the people your corporate partners want to meet. The best part? Your members get more of what they need when they need it! Listen to the conversation then buy Bruce's book on Amazon. What is your biggest challenge with corporate sponsorships? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newletter, "Rogue Speak." This week's topic: Time to Sunset Big Association Boards?

Episode 289: This episode supported by USAE News! This week I spoke with Walt Leger, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company. Walt is a native of New Orleans and shares his love for this beautiful city, its long history and its bright future. New Orleans has something for everyone including: world-class cuisine, a vibrant artists' community, a convention center that is retooling for the future, a renowned World War II Museum, City Park for family fun, and major events that include sports, music, and even Pokemon! (I didn't even know Pokemon was still a thing.) We also discuss the city's people and how they always have time to be friendly and welcoming to visitors. As Walt shares in our talk, "New Orleans exists in the imagination of so many people in so many ways. I call it magical because I do think it's a magical place that's not like everywhere else." Listen to this fascinating episode about one of the world's most popular cities and get an insider's view on why this should be on your list to visit. There's more to this exciting city than Mardi Gras. What do you think of when you think of New Orleans? Share a comment!