The Make An Impact Podcast

I couldn't resist asking Ainslie a whole host of questions regarding our souls, romantic soulmates, our spirit guides, and so much more. Plus, we get into the discussion of what it means to truly be an empath and why he believes there is an epidemic between the empaths and the narcissists.    Let's just say that this content is just for the soul ✨   --    Figure Out Your Soul Type! Take the Soul Type Quiz: https://ainsliemacleod.com/soul-type-quiz/   Ainslie's Instagram: @ainslie_macleod Websites: https://ainsliemacleod.com/ and https://soulworld.com/ Books: https://ainsliemacleod.com/about/books/

What is your soul's purpose? What are you meant to be doing with your life? Why are you being called into certain career paths? Why do you feel drawn to helping other people?    Ainslie MacLeod is a past-life psychic who has uncovered these exact burning questions. He explains that in order to know where we're going in life, we have to understand where we've been. Everything about where we've been can explain why those of us feel 'called' into our helping profession. Whether you're in the non-profit world, a doctor, a therapist, a social worker, or some other form of helper - it's not a coincidence. Your soul is on the path it is supposed to be and you're working towards fulfilling your soul's purpose.    If you have ever identified as an "old soul", have ever believed that there is more to this world than meets the eye, and have felt your intuition pulling you into a new direction, than this conversation will highly resonate with you!   This is one of the most impactful episodes yet, because it should connect with you on a soul level - so queue it up and enjoy!   --    Figure Out Your Soul Type! Take the Soul Type Quiz: https://ainsliemacleod.com/soul-type-quiz/   Ainslie's Instagram: @ainslie_macleod Websites: https://ainsliemacleod.com/ and https://soulworld.com/ Books: https://ainsliemacleod.com/about/books/

So you want to start a non-profit, but have no idea where to start, right? Do you actually need a 501(c)3 status in order to be legit? How much paperwork is actually involved? Does it cost any money to make a charity - after all the term is “non” profit.  Well, this episode is about to be your new best friend in making your NPO road map! I also include a few other ‘start-up' tips that you need to know if you are embarking on your non-profit journey for the first time! This episode is sponsored by: Door County Delivered! Go to doorcountydelivered.com and use the code ONA2020 for 5% off your box today -- and get a piece of Door County delivered right to your door wherever you are. Social Enterprise Feature: Headbands of Hope with the epitome of a one-for-one mission: "for every item sold, a headband is donated to a child with an illness." Use code IMPACT for $5 off your next order at: headbandsofhope.com  -- *Rebroadcast   

There's achieving goals, and then there's striving to achieve your whole next level of life. How you want your days to look, where your income streams are flowing from, how you're making an impact on the world, and everything in between. When you're getting ready to reach for the next level in life that aligns with your authentic code, you might need to audit your inner circle.    Changing those people in your inner circle who don't actually have your best interest at heart, might be the biggest key to heading where you want to go and Jamar walks through some of those hard conversations beautifully. Plus, learn more about his speaking style, media company, and what's a part of his authentic code in this motivating episode!   Connect with him at: https://www.iamjamarjones.com/ and pre-order his book, "Change Your Circle, Change Your Life" by clicking here.   Check out Foureva Media at: https://www.fourevamedia.com/

What is the difference between a charitable organization and a charitable foundation? What is the difference between a 501(c)3 and a 501(c)4? Which one should you start that better matches your goals, vision, and long-term funding options? How does fundraising work for each type? What is the best option for taxes?  I'll answer all of those questions and more if you've been debating which charitable type is best for you! -- This episode has partnered with Headbands of Hope! Use code IMPACT for $5 off your next order at: headbandsofhope.com  This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

As a non-profit founder, do you think that you'll have this job forever? Did you start it with the same mindset track as an entrepreneur? Well then this episode is for you! This advice from a college past college professor absolutely blew my mind and changed the way I look at the ultimate role of being a non-profit founder -- and it will change yours too!   --   Social Enterprise Feature of the Week: Headbands of Hope which donates 1 headband and $1 to the St. Baldrick's Foundation for Cancer Research with every purchase!    Follow: Headbands of Hope and Jess Ekstrom on Instagram   Use code IMPACT for $5 off your next order at: headbandsofhope.com 

Have you been wondering to yourself, "am I in the right city for my next big move?" Whether that's for your career, starting a business, looking for a new romantic partnership, or just looking for a fresh start it can be overwhelming with where to start.  I was so fortunate to sit down with Jessica Palm and Tim Cowden from The Kansas City Area Development Council to talk about the unique idea that some cities are better than others for your entrepreneurial goals. From cost of living, to tax implications, to start up resources, and more, it can be an interesting debate. Large companies move cities and open new branches for a variety of reasons, but what would be the benefit of starting your new business somewhere new?  It's an interesting conversation, and one that will leave you wondering if a move (particularly among our Midwestern friends) is right for you! For more info on The Kansas City Area Development Council: visit https://thinkkc.com/

Train Like a Warrior Campaign: This 15-minute session with Lindsay Stecher, who is a behavioral health professional and the CEO of Cultivate Humanity, is all about self-care. But not the traditional self-care you've heard of before! She breaks down the 6 areas of self-care that we have and need to focus on and how to make them harmonious for our best selves.  --    To learn more about Lindsay and connect with her, check her out here: Instagram: @cultivatehumanity    This audio was made for the Train Like a Warrior Campaign with Operation Not Alone. 

Hitting you with a controversial topic today! 100% model non-profits are loved by donors, sometimes cringed at by long-time professionals, and a confusing catch for aspiring founders. Can this noble dream actually work in practice? Tune in to hear 2 potential options to run your organization with a 100% giving model.  --  Non-Profit Feature of the Week: Ten Eighteen Uganda! They serve extremely impoverished youth with programs on - food, clean water, vocational training, and a halfway house for teen moms. Their mission is to work with Ugandan community organizations to change the culture of extreme poverty to effect lasting change and empowerment in their communities. Website: www.10eighteen.org Instagram: @teneighteenuganda   --  This episode is sponsored by The ONA Boutique. This week only, the entire site is 47% off at theonaboutique.com for Mother's Day 2021! 

I’ve been thinking a LOT about comparison lately and how I’ve let it consume me negatively in previous stages of life (whether it was in a literal competition setting) or not. Social media and having a front row seat to most people’s super polished lives is incredibly difficult to combat on a daily basis.    BUT - the next time you’re feeling too far gone with comparison fatigue, check out this episode and a new way to think about it. When you get down to the root of it, you might change your tune.

Okay, so you’ve tackled the fundraising and the grant writing. You’ve secured the money! But now where does it sit and who is managing it? Who is responsible when your organization gets audited? Does the word ‘audit’ make your palms sweat a little? Don’t worry - that’s a totally normal reaction, but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be!  The Visionary Accountant, Germeen Greene, joins this episode to share her wisdom on all things non-profit accounting, cloud-based accounting systems, staying audit ready so that it doesn’t invoke stress, and more! I couldn’t stop myself from asking “just one more question” because her wisdom was just too great! It’s an amazing conversation about how to set your organization up for success from the financial department in a way that doesn’t seem confusing or overwhelming. It’s absolutely an episode that you’ll want to save and come back to time and time again! Check Germeen out and learn more accounting wisdom here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevisionaryaccountant Instagram: @thevisionaryaccountant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/germeen-guillaume-b764b458/  Non-Profit Feature of the Week: How About HOPE, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that raises awareness about suicide and mental health conditions, because your voice and story matter. A great resource hub for mental health resources!  Website: https://howabouthope.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howabouthope  Instagram: @howabouthope    This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!

Ah, success. A word we all tend to have a love-hate relationship with.  And when you’re on the entrepreneurial journey, it can be even more difficult to define and work towards. We’ve known for years that success and money aren’t a perfect correlation, because money isn’t the only thing we should be striving for in life. (It’s super important) but it doesn’t grasp the full range of human emotions that we need, crave, and desire.  I’ve heard a thousand definitions for success over the years, and today, I hope to offer you a different perspective by sharing mine. 

Train Like a Warrior Campaign: This guided meditation is meant to take you through a full-body scan to relax, appreciate, and fuel your body. It’s easy to get caught up in the societal pressures of how our bodies look and what expectations are set for them, but we forget what our bodies are actually made for. They are here to walk us through this crazy, beautiful, winding road of a life -- and we need to do a better job at thanking them for it. So take 20 minutes today, listen to this complete warrior, Madison Auge (creator of The Blossom Revolution!) take you through this guided meditation.  To learn more about Madison, this initiative, and about blossoming through your way in eating disorder recovery, check out her work with The Blossom Revolution on: Instagram at: @theblossomrevo1 or @misscorridor2020Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblossomrevolution   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblossomrevolution This video was made for the Train Like a Warrior Campaign with Operation Not Alone. Thank you for your time, expertise, and giving heart, Madison! *Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to this music.

A question about the non-profit sector that gets me really fired up? “How much of my donation goes to the mission vs. overhead?” This is an antiquated and outdated question about non-profits and we. need. to. stop. asking. It. It is suffocating the sector, keeping our talent pool down, and isn’t an adequate number to measure the entire organization. Tune in to figure out my take on the subject and what questions I think we should be asking non-profits instead!    Non-Profit Feature of the Week: The Wisconsin Leadership Seminars -- a unique organization to lift up high school sophomores who are preparing to be the next generation great leaders! Check them out at: Website: https://wils.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WILeadS/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wileaders/    This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Did someone say, “the youngest Muslim elected official in the United States?”  Bushra Amiwala is a Pakistani-American who was elected to her first public service position at just 19-years-old in Skokie, Illinois. While this interview talks about the fun stuff, like the fact that she’s been on the cover of Time Magazine, is a part of a Hulu Documentary, got to hang out with Kamala Harris, and more (as if that wasn’t enough!) We also talk about the realities behind this kind of global exposure, what she’s had to overcome to become the woman she is today, and how to channel your inner self-confidence when the world comes at you with critics of all kinds.  Fun Fact: the first time I met her in person was thanks to the Miss America Organization and I walked up to her after the show to gush over the fact that I Googled her in the audience and basically wanted to be her best friend. And today, she’s still making an impact every single day, on stages of all sizes, all over the world, and for people of all backgrounds.  To learn more about her, or how to support her, check out her website at: https://bushraamiwala.com/ or on Instagram at: @bushraamiwala!    This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Have you ever thought to evaluate how well your organization was doing in terms of...health? If a non-profit was a body, how is each area really doing? And how does that translate to the outside world? It’s an interesting, but incredibly useful perspective, that Jess Cooper developed after her years in non-profit management. She knew there had to be a different way to evaluate the ‘health-beat’ of an organization in order to maximize how they’re giving back and how the people within the organization are feeling day-in and day-out.  Tune into this intriguing conversation about how to do your next high-level evaluation, insight on how to deal with toxic co-workers, leadership changes, and more! And make sure to follow Jess on Instagram at: @jesscooperconsulting! This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!

It’s no secret that the marketing and advertising space becomes more crowded by the second. Everything in our lives can feel like an ad is attached to it, or like our phones are listening to us (targeting the next brand of vacuum cleaner we just discussed in the creepiest way, right?) For non-profits trying to share their mission and grow their supporters, it can feel even harder to break through the noise.  There are a thousand ways to try and combat this and push through the noise, but non-profits often need to take a hard look at their tone and messaging. Racheli drops some controversial (and necessary!) truth bombs about non-profit marketing and how you can correct it to cultivate your most engaged audience yet! Make sure to follow her on Instagram at: @thepedal.co or follow her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheli-edelkopf-0484a81a3/   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today! 

The secret to finding your most powerful story that is waiting inside of you to come out is not always easy, nor a natural feeling process.  Carlos Maestas is a standup comedian, turned bestselling author, and is a fantastic storyteller. He uses these skills to help nonprofits, universities and foundations tap into the equity of their stories in order to inspire and motivate audiences. He even wrote the book on it! It’s called Mommy Lied to God and today he shares the best way to really tap into your secret sauce of a story and hone it for powerful human connections. It’s not only an invaluable tool to have when cultivating interpersonal relationships, but also in pitching your non-profit or business to someone. Powerful storytelling will always be the way that we can get people to rally with us in the quest to fulfill our mission. Learn how to strengthen this skill during this interview with Carlos!  This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!

Have you ever thought of your speaking career? Have you been doing some free gigs here and there? Are you afraid of telling people that you’re transitioning from free to paid? Does the idea of charging for your expertise sound terrifying to you? Well, enter Jasmine Williams! This adversity and resilience speaker, turned speaking coach for female entrepreneurs, is here to drop a lot of truth bombs and rockstar tips on how to evaluate certain speaking opportunities. Mainly, how do you know when you should say ‘yes’ to a free gig ‘just for the exposure’?  To connect with Jasmine and get some of her amazing tips, follow her on Instagram at: @jwillayyjob or find her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminecwilliams/.    This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

One of the least exciting, fun, or sexy aspects to non-profits? Paperwork and tax filings.  BUT! They don’t have to be the beast that we build it up to be in our heads. Welcome to my 20-minute guide to non-profit taxes and end-of-year paperwork to keep your organization in good standing.  **Disclaimer: I am not a tax expert and this is not legal advice. This is from my studies and past experience.    This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Train Like a Warrior Campaign with Operation Not Alone This guided meditation is meant to help you find, and release, the burdens holding you back in life as you fly into the life that you’ve always dreamt of.  This meditation has been adapted from Dr. Tara Swart, MD, PhD’s book, The Source. *Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to this music.

As non-profit people and social entrepreneurs, we are so fast to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes our way to make money, gain exposure, help more people, etc. But how often do we say ‘yes’ to the opportunities to help ourselves? How often do we take time to love ourselves and engage in self care that doesn’t look like a bath bomb and a glass of wine?  Kyla Morris has had a dynamic career that led her to the point of burnout like none other. This self proclaimed ‘recovering people pleaser’ knew that she had to do something radically different to change her life for the better and start to thrive in her business and her life again. And honestly? The answer was rooted in self-reflection, self-love, and self-care. She even created a whole new business around the concept of teaching people how to do the same and take care of themselves to achieve whatever true success looks like to you!  For more info & inspo on all things self care, you can follow Kyla on Instagram at: @kylasmorris Check her free 52 weekly journaling prompts to use in 2021: https://journal.yesandsuccess.com/  To take her course, ‘Yes, And Success’ and have 10% donated back to Operation Not Alone, follow this link: https://www.yesandsuccess.com/courses/yes-and-yourself?ref=73b0b0 Let us know how you are going to take care of, and love on you, in 2021 and beyond! 

Train Like A Warrior: Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw from How About HOPE   Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw is the Founder of How About HOPE, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that raises awareness about suicide and mental health conditions, because your voice and story matter. This video provides a lesson on, and tips for, self-care and how to define that for yourself.   Watch the full video on the Operation Not Alone YouTube page at: https://youtu.be/vr46auxn540.    Head to: https://howabouthope.com/ for more information!   This video was made for the Train Like a Warrior Campaign with Operation Not Alone.   Thank you for your time and expertise, Mikhayla!

This fundraising tactic is one of my biggest pet peeves in the non-profit industry. Tune in to hear what it is, and what my proposed solution is and the psychological reason behind it!   For one-on-one non-profit consulting, email me at: susan@operationnotalone.net  This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Operation Not Alone was founded 8 years ago - this week! It’s crazy to think how time has flown, but so has the impact! What started as a small idea to focus on active-duty service members out of my freshman college dorm room, evolved into something beyond the dreams of 18-year-old Susan.  Tune in to hear my top 8 lessons that I’ve learned over the last 8 years of being a non-profit CEO! Plus: hear the results of our first month of the Train Like a Warrior Campaign with Operation Not  Alone -- and the stellar giveaway we are doing this week to give some love to yourself and your mental health for the next year!    This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

One great way to make an impact and make an *income*?! Speaking. Becoming a public speaker - even when slow and steady is your method for getting gigs - can be a game changer to those who hear the message that you have, and also for your bank account. This is a great way to add a mutually beneficial income stream that still supports your non-profit or business, and the mission you’re looking to put into the world.  A fellow UW-Oshkosh alumni who started his own non-profit centered on the idea that college students can have fun and be social without drugs and alcohol, has done exactly that. Jake White turned his mission of PARTY.0 from a non-profit in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to a social enterprise, and now to his full-time speaking career. He focuses on the education system to share his programs and is able to make his living while still creating a massive difference in the lives of youth and adolescents everyday.  In this episode, Jake will walk you through the basics to forming your speaking career, how to identify your first keynote theme, and how to market yourself as a speaker. He offers so many invaluable tips and advice to pivoting your career (even if it’s just one portion of it!) into becoming a paid speaker.    This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Does talking about money make your palms sweat? Do you know how, when, or where to invest? Does it all seem too overwhelming and like you just want to hide from the topic of money/retirement/investing?  Well, let’s conquer that fear! This interview with Katie Perry from Public will be the single most useful thing you’ve heard today. We talk about the reasons behind why women, people of different races, and millennials have all historically been at a disadvantage when it comes to understanding finances, the stock market, and the idea of investing. And most importantly, how we can change that.  Katie offers an incredible overview of how to invest as easy as possible with the Public app, which offers fractional investing, and how to take steps in understanding what’s going on in the stock market. This conversation touches on everything from diversifying your portfolio, to capital gains tax, and everything in between. It’s 40-minutes of easy-to-understand information about this traditionally intimidating subject and I promise that you will finish this episode ready to take your first step towards a new financial future.  For more great wisdom and to check out more of the Public App, head to:  Instagram: @publichello Twitter: @katieeperry @public BONUS: if Make An Impact listeners sign up today, you will get $10 in free stock! Just follow this link to download the app: https://public.com/?yay=2oacimh  When you sign up in the app and have your account approved, you will start with $10 in free stock. Once you join from the link, you are also welcome to join the ‘Make An Impact’ chat group to discuss trends, ask questions, and get insight into the world of investing and financial literacy. Happy Investing! **Disclosure: Valid for U.S. residents 18+ and subject to account approval. See Public.com/disclosures/

EPISODE 31: BONUS - Meditation for Healing Trauma and PTSD with Casey Dohse, LMFT (Train Like a Warrior Campaign)    In week 2 of the Train Like A Warrior Campaign with Operation Not Alone, we thought in light of this weeks’ events in the United States, there couldn’t be a better time to release this meditation. Taking just 10 minutes to breathe deeply, become aware of your body and surroundings, and do a mental health check on yourself is beyond important.    This is a meditation created by a veteran, for veterans. However, the messaging for healing trauma and PSTD can be utilized and benefited by anyone experiencing this.    Remember to take care of you ♥️   **Disclaimer that this meditation is not designed to treat or diagnose PTSD. If you are struggling with PTSD and/or trauma, please seek out a professional for help. For immediate assistance, please call the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

2021 is the year for side hustles, am I right? Well, it’s getting easier and easier to earn extra money on the side while you fight for your big, impactful goals. One easy way, you ask? Affiliate marketing.  Annie Jorgensen started out being Miss Georgia 2018 on a broadcast journalism path, hoping to land her anchor spot on Good Morning America. But, by the end of that year, she would make a huge pivot, and head to New York City for a new career in marketing and public relations. She also runs a couple of side hustles with her affiliate marketing deals and consulting for her #IGotThis program.  She is a rockstar in the influencer marketing and affiliate marketing world and is here to share all of the behind the scenes secrets on how YOU can do it too - even if you have no idea where to start. She speaks both as someone who has leveraged great affiliate deals, and as someone who works on the back-end of these campaigns from the agency perspective. So no matter where you’re coming from, this episode has something for you!    This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Operation Not Alone is kicking off 2021 with the Train Like A Warrior Campaign!  But what the heck is it? Check out this episode for an in-depth explanation, how it came to be, some love for our partners, and what you can expect to see all year long!    Plus -- if you know of anyone who would like to be a part of this campaign, whether it's an in-person gym, or a professional in any area of health that would like to be a video partner for us, DM us! Or send me an email at: susan@operationnotalone.net!    We can't wait to train like the warrior within you all - mind, body, and soul. 

If you felt like 2020 was a struggle year to get good, or any, media/press coverage - you are not alone! With everything feeling heavy between politics and pandemics, it felt nearly impossible to cut through the noise as a business owner, or non-profit professional. Well, not anymore!  As you finish up your strategic plan for 2021, you *need* to make sure that a killer media/press/PR plan is on the list. And it doesn’t need to be any of the fancy paid stuff - you can get high quality and needle moving press coverage for FREE!  Lilian Sue is the owner of In Retrospect Writing Services, providing strategic copywriting, publicity and social media services to a large variety of services, with a special place in her heart for the non-profit sector. She is also a co-founder of The Ignite Universe, an innovative audience engagement and growth platform, designed to help filmmakers to take control of their marketing and build engaged audiences by creating their own ‘Worlds’, giving audiences, investors and distributors a chance to learn about a film’s development & production journey.  Make sure to take notes as she goes through the steps to create a great media kit, write a great headline, talk to the press, and more. Plus, you can follow her amazing (and free!) advice on Instagram: @liliansuecopywriterpr   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today! 

A life-long fundraiser, a big gift securer, an endowment fund guru, and author? Yup, Jack and I pretty much cover it all in this fundraising episode! Jack shares so many incredible and tangible pieces of advice on how to properly communicate with donors, the 5 responses you’re always going to get in fundraising, how to step up your in-person events, and more. Plus, we had a fascinating conversation all about endowment funds, how donors can set them up, and how to have those tough conversations when discussing charity in the will building process.  If you love this episode and all the wisdom that Jack has to share, there’s a lot more! Check out his new book that just came out this month, Tales from the Trenches: What I Learned in 25 Years of Fundraising. Check it out on Amazon Smile here: https://www.smile.amazon.com/Tales-Trenches-learned-Years-Fundraising/dp/B08LNLC6JP   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today! 

As we come into the holiday season and end of the year, it’s easy to be at our burnout points and want to take some extra PTO. It’s normal and understandable to be extra burnt by the end of this year - how could we not be? But, when we take that time for ourselves, are we truly *resting*?  If you’re mindlessly binging Netflix in the background, or playing the new Taylor Swift album on repeat, or thinking of your to-do list running in the back of your head, or constantly checking to see if the last of your holiday shopping arrived...are you really resting? Or are you still running at full speed and numbing yourself, just away from your work computer?  I know, ouch. Most people don’t like being left alone with their own thoughts for that long and that causes a crazy non-stop loop running in our heads and makes us feel just as exhausted when we wake up the next day. It’s no wonder why the dark circles under our eyes won’t quit.  Today, I’m challenging you to do some real rest. Rest for your soul. Rest for you. Because if you feel guilty for taking some time away from work or your to-do list, you aren’t going to feel any better when you catch up on emails the next day, just because you spent the evening on the couch.  I end today’s episode with a simple guided meditation to help you relax and recharge. I hope you take a moment for you and enjoy!   This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw is the Founder of the non-profit organization How About Hope, which is creating and sustaining the conversation of mental health and suicide. She started this movement as a teenager and worked for years to form it into a 501(c)3 while growing her board and resources for her community in the Quad Cities. Today we sit down for some tough conversations on the non-profit field, mental health, how helpers can take care of their mental health during this time, and black lives matter. You can connect with Mikhayla on Instagram or Facebook at: @mikhaylahughesshawtv or @howabouthope.  Check out more about the organization, stories, and their mental health resources at: howabouthope.com!   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today! 

The perpetual student in me is engrained to think of this time between Thanksgiving and the holidays as ‘final exam season’. *dun dun dun* Which prompts the academic (read: nerd) mind in me.   I get asked about the idea of going to grad school all the time. “Should I go?”, “Is it worth the investment?”, “Do I need a master’s degree to be successful in my career?” Well, today, you don’t have to take just my word for it! I got to sit down with one of my former lecturers at Northwestern University’s MPPA Program, Bradley Grams, to discuss this exact topic.    He shares so much knowledge, a completely new perspective, and a fantastic set of questions to ask yourself if you’re thinking of going to grad school. Getting to hear from someone with the robust academic and government resume is going to be mind-blowing and your definitive guide to making this important decision for your life.  This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Have you heard of the 5 Love Languages before? More importantly, have you heard of the 5 workplace appreciation languages? Do you know what languages your team members speak? Well, if you are in any level of a leadership position, I urge you to learn this important and emotionally intelligent aspect to managing your team. Learning how each individual person you’re working with needs to be heard, appreciated, and given feedback/criticism will be crucial to creating a thriving workplace environment.   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today! 

Trying to describe what Patrick Kirby does? Well, he helps non-profits suck less at fundraising -- how’s that for an elevator pitch for you?  Patrick has had an amazing non-profit career that helped grow and scale organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation before realizing that his true knack was in fundraising. So he started ‘Do Good Better’ Consulting to work with a wide variety of non-profits learn how to fundraise better and more effectively. So much so, that he literally wrote the book on it!  In this episode, you’ll find that Patrick and I have blunt conversations about what works and what doesn’t work in fundraising, his 5-day strategy to communicating with donors, why people need to stop focusing on NPO infrastructure so much, and his tips for delivering a great keynote speech!  You can connect with him on Facebook or Instagram @fundraisingdad or check out his fundraising coaching & consulting firm @dogoodbetterconsulting or at www.dogoodbetterconsulting.com!    This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!

A Heather French Henry interview *needed* to be released in honor of Veterans Day week.  This was a dream come true interview for me to do, as Heather French Henry has been my favorite Miss America since beginning my MAO journey back in 2012. I have always marveled at how she took her year as Miss America 2000 and launched it into a career (and lifestyle) of helping veterans, combating veteran homelessness, giving a voice to female veterans, helping to close gaps in veteran healthcare, and more. She is a fierce woman who took the opportunities in front of her and made pure gold -- furthermore, she made it her mission to share that gold with others.  Heather is the only woman to have served as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs, launched her own charitable foundation, runs several businesses, wrote a handful of children’s books, is a fashion designer, a philanthropist, an advocate, a mother, and so much more.  When Bert Parks famously sings, “she’s your ideal,” Heather certainly nails that description. Tune in to this episode to find out why!    This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!  

We are less than a month away from Giving Tuesday - is your organization ready? No matter the size of your non-profit or annual budget, this day is HUGE! This is basically non-profit Christmas/New Years/whatever calls for sparklers and confetti. Do you have a top notch strategy in place? Studies* show that in 2019 only 26% of people gave on Giving Tuesday. However, charitable giving has gone up 62% in response to the pandemic. So, what does that mean for fundraisers as we head into this time of year, which is traditionally earmarked as ‘the giving season’?  Rockstar Fundraising Coach, Mallory Erickson and I, sit down to discuss what this trend means for your organization as we hone in on Giving Tuesday, the best mindset to have as a fundraiser, how to find corporate businesses that do charitable matching, and more on today’s episode! If you are in the non-profit world in any capacity, this is an episode you *do not* want to miss!   This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!   *Study came from the 2020 Global Trends in Giving Report from Funraise*

Have you ever seen the morning routines for CEOs where they all jump out of bed at 5am, drink their green smoothies, and run a 5K before they go into the office? Is that a coincidence, copycat syndrome, or is there a real science behind the correlation of exercise and success? Today I got to sit down with Personal Trainer, Physical Therapist Assistant, and all around health and fitness fanatic, Mike Onsrud. He talks about studies behind these phenomenons, how moving your body can change your mood and increase productivity, and how your physical health is linked to your mental and emotional health. To learn what he has to say, make sure to tune into this episode!  For more fitness tips, you can reach out to Mike directly at www.mikeonsrud.com or check him out on Instagram @mikeonsrud.  *Trigger warning: when we talk about health, exercise, green smoothies, etc. we are not talking about weighing a certain number, wearing a certain size, or looking a certain way. Frankly, this conversation doesn’t touch diet culture at all. This is simply about the links between moving your body in the way that is right for you, how it affects your mood, can increase productivity and more.    This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!

A board of directors is one of the first things that you need when starting a non-profit -- and they will continue to be an integral part of the organization until the day it’s dissolved. But, how in the world do you actually create one? How do you find the right people to fill it? Who are you supposed to fill it with? Tune into this episode to hear the skinny on creating your founding board of directors, as well as some advice from a few of my favorite non-profit professionals!   This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

It’s easy to get lost in the ‘doom and gloom’ that we are faced with every time we pick up our phones or turn on the news. Many Americans are feeling a sense of outrage when faced with the global pandemic, the #BLM movement, #LGBTQIA rights, income inequality and gender inequality, and so much more. But it is possible to turn this outrage and frustration into activism that can lead to systemic change. Steve Davis and I sit down to discuss exactly this and his newly released book, "Undercurrents: Channeling Outrage to Spark Practical Action".  The interview (and his book) is filled with real-life examples and activists from his 40+ years in the field of activism, showing how global citizens have harnessed their outrage to effect change. He discusses that anyone can find a way to be a practical activist – to find undercurrents that matter to them.  Steve Davis is currently a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He serves as co-chair of the World Health Organization’s Digital Health Technical Advisory Group and is a member of numerous boards and advisory committees. He is the former president & CEO of PATH, a leading global health innovation organization; former Director of Social Innovation at McKinsey & Company, a global consultancy; and former CEO of Corbis. This episode is incredibly inspiring and will leave you ready to take positive action! And while you're listening, you can also pick up a copy of this book which was just released this week at: https://www.undercurrentsbook.com/.   This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

Welcome back to part 2 of this mini-series with Liv Mercer on all things mental health -- but this time, with an emphasis on the science of gut health! We talk about stress, resetting your body and your nervous system, and how to set yourself up for better mental health in the long run. This is an in-depth conversation about how serotonin is created in the body, ways that you can boost it naturally, and how you can set yourself up for success in the mental health department.  And the most important aspect to all of it? She breaks down the scientific reasons behind it all. You can put the skeptics aside with some things you’ve heard in the past and understand how our bodies are working underneath our anxieties and how we can all take steps to cultivate happier mental health.  You can connect with Liv on Instagram for all of her amazing tips and insight to cultivating better mental health @liv_mercer! And again, if you’re interested in finding someone to talk for yourself or explore what we’ve discussed further, here are some of my favorite resources: Telehealth: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us App for Therapy: https://lp.talkspace.com/ App for Meditation: https://www.headspace.com/   This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

The world is on fire -- literally and metaphorically. 2020 has been stressful enough, but when you’re also in a helping profession, it feels ten times heavier. Reaching a moment of burnout can come much faster than before and it’s more important than ever to be kind to yourself about it. You need to have as much empathy for yourself as you do for others. (I’m looking at you therapists and non-profit peeps). Today, I got to sit down with rockstar therapist, Liv Mercer, LPC, MS to talk about mental health, self care, burnout, and so much more. If you have been putting off seeing a therapist, taking time for yourself, or you just need a reminder to be kinder to yourself, you *need* to tune into this episode.  You can connect with Liv on Instagram for all of her amazing tips and insight to cultivating better mental health @liv_mercer! If you’re interested in finding someone to talk for yourself, here are some of my favorite resources: Telehealth: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us App for Therapy: https://lp.talkspace.com/ App for Meditation: https://www.headspace.com/   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!

Does your to-do list feel like a constant source of pandemonium? Like every time you cross one thing off, three more things grow in its place? Well throw it out the window, friends and meet your new favorite productivity hack! I adapted this calendar method near the end of my college days and eventually gave my paper planner with endless post-it notes the boot. This method helped me: Stay organized & on track with my tasks   Be more realistic about timelines Be more effective & efficient Have more intentional time in the moment without my head spinning in 12 directions  Figure out what I can say ‘no’ to I swear by this method today and hope you find the same value in it that I do!   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today! 

One of the first things you need to do when starting a non-profit, business, social impact initiative, or anything new is determine how you’re going to put it into the world. Which means, how are you going to brand it? What tone are you using? What color scheme matches the vibe? What’s the best communication style to use for which social media platform? Tianna Vanderhei served as Miss Wisconsin 2018, is a former TV news reporter, podcast host, coffee addict, and overall boss babe. Throughout all of the hats she has worn in her life, she has developed an expertise in social media, marketing, and communications. I was so grateful to sit down with her to discuss the dos and don’ts of social media marketing, her method of where to start when developing a new branding strategy, how she was able to market herself when getting new sponsors for the Miss Wisconsin Scholarship Organization, and so much more.  I am beyond thrilled to have her as our resident branding and social media expert - and I know you will be too after hearing today’s episode! To find and connect with Tia, find her on Instagram at @tiannavanderhei and follow along with her podcast, The Grit Behind the Glitz (@gritbehindtheglitz)!    Friendly Reminder: to RSVP a ticket to my and Sam Provenzano’s Virtual Networking Event on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 12pm CST, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ultimate-nonprofit-professional-networking-lunch-learn-tickets-119383759037 This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!

One of the first things on your to-do list when starting a non-profit or business, is figuring out  and defining this mission and vision for the future of the organization. More importantly, you have to write them out in a coherent statement for the world to get on board with. It also will get published *everywhere*. From your founding documents, to your website, to your social media channels, to any donation request/grant proposal you’ll ever write - you need these statements!  This episode quotes a lot of Simon Sinek and Viktoria Harrison wisdom, with some classic Susan humor sprinkled in the explanations. Stop stalling on these tasks - they might seem overwhelming, but they are so necessary in your starting stages! You’ll thank yourself later for hammering out these tasks now. So grab a piece of paper, a pen, and your headphones and get writing!    To RSVP a ticket to Susan and Sam’s Virtual Networking Event on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 12pm CST, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ultimate-nonprofit-professional-networking-lunch-learn-tickets-119383759037   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today! 

Kendra Scott is one of my favorite fashion & jewelry brands out there; not just because it’s gorgeous jewelry, but it’s a brand with a huge heart. Their 3 pillars are: fashion, family & philanthropy and they stick to their values! Sitting down with Megan Noble was such a treat! She talks about how she operates as the Philanthropic Manager for the Midwest, the keys to a great in-person fundraiser, how to keep up your relationship with a donor (when you’re not asking for a freebie), and how Kendra Scott has pivoted in our new, virtual world. To learn how they are handling this new avenue, tune in today! To check out this amazing and heartfelt jewelry, head to www.kendrascott.com! And if you’re interested in hosting a Midwest giveback event, you can email Megan at: megan.noble@kendrascott.com.    This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!

Donors. We need ‘em, we love ‘em, we work for ‘em, and we stress when we don’t have ‘em. Sometimes finding dream donors (and getting them on board) can feel like a huge tug-of-war battle.  This episode breaks down my 10 best tips for reaching out to get your dream donor on board - whether it’s a $25 ask, or a $5,000 ask. The styles will vary from in-person vs. written communication, but the sentiments generally remain the same. If you are running a young organization, or are new to the non-profit sector and fundraising life, you definitely need this episode in your life.  Tune in for these 10 tips to get your next big donor on board with your organization!   This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today! 

Thanks to COVID-19, millions of Americans are out of work and LinkedIn is the booming platform to use while searching for your next job. They’ve even created a special hashtag to help job hunters and recruiters find each other after losing their job thanks to the economic downturn of the pandemic, called #OpenToWork.  In this bonus episode, Sam Provenzano discusses the new techniques he’s been using on LinkedIn to get tens of thousands of views on his content and get recruited by some incredible non-profits! He also shares his tips for choosing the right job opportunity for you to stay with an organization for the long haul.  You can learn more from him on LinkedIn tips and tricks for getting seen, or his advice on donor relations on Instagram @sammyphilanthropy or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samprovenzano/.   This episode is sponsored by: The ONA Boutique! Head to theonaboutique.com and use code IMPACT for free shipping on your order today!

From St. Jude’s to the American Cancer Society to the Alzheimer’s Association to a major university, Sam Provenzano has acquired quite the non-profit resume in the last 10 years! He has amazing experience in securing big donations, wooing top-notch donors, and utilizing the power of storytelling for a mission.  In this episode, he walks us through his experiences with securing such large donations for a variety of organizations, the feelings we all struggle with (and flourish with) in working for non-profits, and what great managers can do for us - especially when we’re not getting paid as much as our for-profit counterparts. Tune in to hear about his experiences and how to win at cultivating an amazing company culture!  You can learn more from him on LinkedIn tips and tricks for getting seen, or his advice on donor relations on Instagram @sammyphilanthropy or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samprovenzano/. This episode is sponsored by: Door County Coffee! Head to www.doorcountycoffee.com and get 15% off your order by using code: IMPACT and get caffeinated today!