Podcasts about nonprofit leadership

Most volunteer leaders learn on the job, through trial and error, and sometimes burnout. But what if you could start with the skills that really matter?In this episode, Tobi Johnson draws on 25+ years of experience to share the essential skills she wishes she had from day one. You'll learn why self‑regulation and emotional resilience are critical for preventing burnout and leading with clarity. She also breaks down strategic planning that connects program design, metrics, and budgets, including how to advocate for volunteer‑related expenses.Tobi also tackles change management and influence, especially when you don't have formal authority. Her participatory leadership approach helps you engage stakeholders, manage resistance, and build trusted teams. Plus, she offers a free worksheet to help you develop your personal leadership philosophy.If you're ready to lead with confidence and create lasting impact, this episode is your toolkit.Skills I Wish I Had – Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction to Volunteer Management Skills[04:08] Top Nonprofit Volunteer Management Skills[08:46] Emotional Self-Regulation in Leadership[12:54] Strategic Planning for Nonprofits[17:08] Budgeting for Volunteer Programs[24:10] Change Management and Influence[31:12] Participatory Leadership and CollaborationHelpful Links Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live! Volunteer Nation Episode #185: To Burnout & Back – My Secret Struggle with Long COVIDVolunteer Nation Episode #022: My Fave 6 Nonprofit Leadership and Management Wins Volunteer Nation Episode #205: My Top Time Management Tips for Overwhelmed Volunteer ManagersVolunteer Nation Episode #186: Strategy vs Tactics – How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning Independent Sector Value of Volunteer TimeVolunteer Strategy Scorecard™ Volunteer Management Fundamentals Live!Summer Cohort: June 18 – July 24, 2026Learn the Essential Frameworks for Attracting and Engaging, Enthusiastic, Committed Volunteers with Less Stress and Greater Confidence. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.  For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode, Michael sits down with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Sarasota County, for a conversation about nonprofit leadership, board engagement, and the role arts and culture play in building a stronger community. Brian shares how his background as a drummer shapes the way he leads, listens, and helps others succeed. He also discusses the Alliance's work as a connector and advocate for Sarasota's arts ecosystem, the evolution of its board, the importance of building trust through consistency, and why arts issues are deeply connected to community issues like affordable housing, economic impact, tourism, and quality of life.   Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Brian Hersh, Chief Executive Officer, Arts & Culture Alliance of Sarasota County (04:30) What does the job entail? (06:50) Interacting with the board in a member driven organization (08:45) Helping the board keep the interest of the Arts Alliance first (11:15) How did the board evolve? (14:00) Bell work for the board (15:20) Lead, follow, or get out of the way (16:00) Building trust with the board and members (21:30) How often do you meet with the board, board chair, and committees? (28:10) What is coming up next for the Arts & Culture Alliance of Sarasota County? (31:15) Recapping with Read Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Send us Fan MailNonprofit CEO succession planning is no longer a future issue—it's a current business challenge. As leadership turnover accelerates across the sector, boards and executives must rethink how they identify, recruit, and support the next generation of nonprofit CEOs.Dana Scurlock, Managing Director at Staffing Boutique, joins Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor to discuss what organizations should be looking for when hiring a CEO and how leadership expectations are changing.With research indicating that approximately 75% of nonprofit leaders are expected to retire by 2036, organizations face a major transition that will impact fundraising, operations, culture, and long-term sustainability. Dana explores why successful CEOs must be more than administrators—they must be communicators, relationship builders, and visionary leaders who can represent the mission externally while helping position the organization for future growth.As Dana explains, "A CEO is a visionary, an orator, somebody that's out representing the organization elsewhere and helping the organization grow."The conversation also examines the growing need to separate operational leadership from external leadership responsibilities. Many organizations are exploring structures that pair a forward-facing CEO with strong operational leadership to improve effectiveness, fundraising capacity, and organizational resilience.Dana also offers guidance on one of the biggest board-level decisions nonprofits face: whether to promote from within or recruit externally. The answer depends on the organization's goals, culture, and future vision—but boards must first define where they want the organization to go."If you haven't defined it yet, where do we want to be? And if you don't have the answer to that, therein lies where the first leg of the work needs to come."Whether you're a board member, executive director, CEO, or nonprofit leadership candidate, this discussion offers valuable insight into preparing your organization for the next decade of change.Key Takeaways:Approximately 75% of nonprofit leaders are expected to retire by 2036, creating significant succession planning challenges.Effective nonprofit CEOs increasingly serve as visionaries, communicators, and public ambassadors for the mission.Boards should consider separating operational leadership and external leadership responsibilities as organizations grow.Professional fundraising expertise allows CEOs to focus on growth, partnerships, and strategic positioning.Internal and external CEO candidates both offer advantages; organizational goals should drive the decision.Leadership transitions should be accompanied by a clear narrative that explains the organization's future direction. 00:00:00 Introduction: The Future of Nonprofit Leadership 00:04:02 75% of Nonprofit Leaders Expected to Retire 00:05:18 What Makes a Great Nonprofit CEO Today? 00:08:57 Visionary Leadership vs Operational Leadership 00:11:25 Should Nonprofits Redefine the CEO Role? 00:13:45 Why More CEOs Need Strong Operations Partners 00:19:39 The CEO's Role in Fundraising and Growth 00:22:19 Why Professional Fundraisers Matter 00:24:24 Hiring a CEO: Internal Promotion or External Search? 00:26:53 Controlling the Narrative During Leadership Transitions 00:29:01 Defining the Organization's Future Before Hiring Find us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! (Encore!) We are an Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women On The Move!Retired U.S. Army Major April Harris is "Transforming Lives Through Theater Education at "The Theatre Lab of Washington, DC. - April Harris teaches a unique version of The Theatre Lab's "Life Stories Program" specially designed for today's Military Women called "Finding Your Voice."The Theatre Lab offers this pioneering, tuition-free program that supports Women Veterans in creating original dramatic works using their own life experiences.  The "Life Stories Program" has been proven to increase self-esteem, reduce feelings of isolation, improve communication & critical-thinking skills.Classes @ The Theatre Lab Are Open To: Women Veterans; Active Duty; Reservists; National Guard; ROTC; Military Spouses; and Military Moms Too. Contact The Theatre Lab to learn more about Tuition-Free Classes.Subscribe Today and Stay Connected To The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse!ABOUT THE HOSTDeborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful leadership development programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years.ABOUT OUR SPONSOR - (Rebroadcast)Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠⁠VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAYOur Website Is: ⁠⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Send us Fan MailNEW! I'm delighted to welcome back a familiar guest and friend of the podcast, Dalaina May. This is Dalaina's third appearance with us, and every conversation leaves me challenged, inspired, and more aware of realities that most of us rarely see.Dalaina is the founder and executive director of Dark Bali, an organization serving people on the front lines of the fight against human trafficking throughout Indonesia and beyond. Her journey has taken her across continents, through academia, deep personal questioning, and into some of the most difficult places imaginable. Along the way, she discovered not only her calling but also the courage to pursue it despite obstacles, setbacks, and institutions that often underestimated her.Today, we'll discuss the changing realities of human trafficking in 2025, the global impact of geopolitical shifts and the loss of USAID funding, the power of collaboration, and how Dark Bali continues to equip and strengthen anti-trafficking leaders across Asia. SHOW NOTESRESOURCES: WEBSITE: darkbali.orgANNUAL REPORTTHE GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITYSCAM COMPOUNDSSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you!Ken's Substack PageThe Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

Dana Toppel is CEO of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, one of the region's most established human services organizations. Founded more than 100 years ago, JFS continues to be rooted in Jewish values while serving people across San Diego County, including older adults, immigrants, families, Holocaust survivors, and neighbors facing housing, food, and other basic needs. Dana has held multiple leadership roles at JFS since 2009 and brings more than two decades of direct service, clinical, and nonprofit leadership experience.This Episode: What does it take to meet urgent needs today while building a stronger safety net for tomorrow? In this episode, Dana and Grant explore how Jewish Family Service is responding to this moment in San Diego. Dana shares how JFS serves more than 60,000 people each year, with a focus on helping people access safe and stable housing, culturally competent food, and the wraparound support they need to move toward greater stability and dignity. The conversation also explores what it means to lead with both compassion and discipline. She and Grant discuss why nonprofits need to focus on what they do best, partner more deeply, reduce duplication, and look further upstream so the region can address challenges before they become emergencies. Dana reminds us that hope is active. It comes from staying close to people's stories, building relationships across differences, and continuing to show up for the work, even when outside forces push back. Key Moments: [2:52] How Jewish Family Service serves the broader San Diego community [8:32] What courage looks like for a humanitarian service organization [17:21] Dana's path from social worker to COO to CEO [26:29] How the nonprofit sector can reduce duplication and work further upstream [44:18] Why hope matters when working toward a different future  Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Providing housing, food, immigration support, older adult services, and other human services across San Diego County Safe Parking Program – JFS's program supporting people and families living in their vehicles as they work toward stable housing Nonprofits Create Bold, Replicable Solution to Housing Crisis – An op-ed from Dana Toppel, Prebys CFIO Gil Gil Alvarado, and partners on a new collaborative model for affordable housing in San Diego Take Action: Learn About JFS – Explore how Jewish Family Service supports people across San Diego County through housing, food, immigration services, older adult support, and more. Support Basic Needs – Look for ways to help neighbors access stable housing, nutritious food, and trusted services. Think Upstream – Support approaches that prevent crises before they deepen, including stronger partnerships, reduced duplication, and early intervention. Stay Connected to People's Stories – Volunteer, listen, and spend time with organizations serving the community directly. Seeing the work up close can change how we understand what is possible.  Credits:This is a production of the Prebys FoundationHosted by Grant OliphantCo-Hosted by Crystal PageProduced by Adam Greenfield, Tess Karesky, Edgar Ontiveros Medina, and Crystal PageEngineered by Adam GreenfieldProduction Coordination by Tess KareskyVideo Production by Edgar Ontiveros MedinaThe Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego's own Mr. Lyrical Groove.Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPod​cast​.comSpecial thanks to the Prebys Foundation TeamIf you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe

371: Stop Scaling, Start Listening: Building Nonprofits That Actually Work (jacob adams) Episode SummaryToo many nonprofits have become experts at performing impact - hitting metrics, writing polished reports, scaling programs - without ever stopping to ask whether they're actually changing the lives of the people they serve. In this episode, Patton sits down with jacob adams, Founder and Executive Director of Inner Spark Learning Lab in Los Angeles, to explore what it looks like when a nonprofit is genuinely built around the community it exists to serve. jacob traces his journey from Teach For America to founding STEM to the Future in 2017 to rebranding as Inner Spark Learning Lab, a shift that happened when he realized STEM was never really the point. He introduces the Human Learning Systems framework and walks through Inner Spark's Listen→Try→Reflect→Adapt→Share cycle: a living approach to program design that treats service work as ongoing experiment rather than fixed delivery. He talks candidly about what real community listening looks like in practice, what it costs to stop a program that isn't working, and why he shares the messy middle publicly - even when funders want a more polished story. Leaders who feel the tension between accountability and authenticity will find both challenge and permission in this conversation.About jacobjacob adams is the Founder and Executive Director of Inner Spark Learning Lab, a community-centered education nonprofit based in Los Angeles, California. jacob launched the organization in 2017 as STEM to the Future before rebranding to reflect a deeper commitment to what actually drives young people's growth: curiosity, relationships, and genuine responsiveness to what communities say they need. His work is grounded in the Human Learning Systems framework, and he is known in the sector for practicing — and publicly modeling — the kind of reflective, adaptive leadership he believes the nonprofit sector urgently needs more of. Before founding Inner Spark, jacob served with Teach For America, an experience that shaped his conviction that proximity to community is not a program feature but a leadership discipline.ResourcesConnect with jacob on LinkedInLearn more about Inner Spark Learning LabHuman Learning Systems (created by Toby Lowe) humanlearning.systems How We See Us: Young People Imagining a Path to Their Futures by Michaela Leslie-RuleEnvisioning Real Utopias by Erik Olin WrightFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

In the social impact sector, scaling an organization nationally while maintaining deep community trust is one of the hardest balancing acts to pull off. It requires an unshakeable operational foundation, a clear mission, and creative revenue models that move beyond traditional grant dependency.In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sits down with Jen Rifkin, Executive Director of the Volo Kids Foundation, an organization dedicated to removing economic, gender, and racial barriers to youth sports. Jen shares her inspiring journey from volunteer coach to national executive leader, breaking down the operational "special sauce" behind their 12-state expansion. She also reveals how their unique, symbiotic partnership with a for-profit adult sports league offers a brilliant blueprint for sustainable nonprofit funding.Show Notes: Key TakeawaysBuild a Replicable Operational Formula: Rapidly scaling a national footprint requires a standardized core program structure—what Jen calls a "cookie-cutter" framework—that can be easily deployed anywhere while leaving room for local market adaptation.Leverage Hybrid Corporate Partnerships: Volo Kids sustains its growth through a powerful relationship with Volo Sports, a for-profit adult leagues provider. Guided by the slogan "We play so the kids play free," a portion of adult registration revenue offsets the foundation's core operational costs, allowing donor and grant funds to go directly to youth programming.Move at the Speed of Community Trust: Entering a new city shouldn't involve a prescriptive "we know what's best" mentality. Lasting impact is built by attending local neighborhood meetings, listening to schools, and collaborating with local municipalities to fill genuine gaps.Prioritize Relational Fundraising over Transactional Grants: In a hyper-competitive funding climate where grant dollars are stretched thin, organic word-of-mouth advocacy from volunteers, coaches, and corporate partners remains the most effective tool for unlocking new donor relationships.

What if the pain you've experienced in life became the very thing that helped save others?In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and co-host Robyn Burke sit down with Linda Aluoch, founder of HopeWorks Global, to discuss her extraordinary journey from growing up in poverty in Kenya to becoming a leading advocate against human trafficking.Linda shares deeply personal stories about family loss, addiction, resilience, faith, and the heartbreaking discovery that her late sister was likely a victim of human trafficking. That realization became the catalyst for a mission that now helps vulnerable individuals both in Kenya and the United States.In this episode, you'll learn:• How poverty and vulnerability create pathways for human trafficking • Why trafficking is much more than what most people imagine • The hidden dangers of labor trafficking and organ trafficking • How education and awareness can prevent exploitation • The inspiring work HopeWorks Global is doing to empower families and communitiesResources & Links:Hope Works Global https://hopeworksglobal.orgSponsor: Daniel McGhee & The Victory Team https://victoryteamsells.comIf this episode inspires you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this important conversation. Together, awareness can save lives.Send us Fan MailCelebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!https://bookfairatbelair.org/The Victory TeamLOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Go with the Agent that was voted Harford's Best & won the Harford CouDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! (Encore!) We are an Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women On The Move!Today's special guest is Dr. Gybrilla Ballard-Blakes. She is the Author of the book "Give Your Parents A Standing Ovation - For Caregiver of Elderly Parents" - and - she is the Writer and Producer of the Stage Production of the same name, which is based on her book.  For More Info: Visit www.GYPASO.orgDr. Ballard-Blakes is a Speaker for Alzheimer Awareness Rallies Forums; a Member of AARP's Brain Health Speakers Bureau; Alzheimer's Association National Capital Chapter Committee Member and Dementia Friendly America as well. She teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Webster University where they proudly serve Military Students.In this episode of Women Veterans ROCK! On The Hill - you will discover resources, tools and tips for those caring for aging loved ones.  Learn the 10 Warning Signs of Memory Loss Disorders.Subscribe To Our Podcast Today!  You will join other Members of The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse and get our early alerts to meet today's amazing Women Leaders.ABOUT THE HOSTDeborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful leadership development programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years.ABOUT OUR SPONSOR - (Rebroadcast)Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAYOur Website Is: ⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

In this special episode of The Portia Project podcast, we shine a light on the journeys of our nonprofit leader guests and how they transitioned from law school to leadership roles. Tune in and be empowered to forge your own path and succeed.

Mastering the relationship between a nonprofit board and its executive director is the secret to a thriving ministry. Join us as Peggy Hartshorn shares decades of wisdom on how to build a unified leadership team that honors your mission and saves lives.

370: How to Stop Losing Half of Your Recurring Donors (Dave Raley)Episode SummaryIf your organization celebrates a 42% recurring donor retention rate (the national average), you may be focusing on the wrong number - because the real story is the 58% you're losing every year. In this follow-up to Episode #301, Patton welcomes back Dave Raley, Founder and CEO of The Center for Sustainable Giving in Poulsbo, Washington, for a deeper dive into sustainable giving. Dave unpacks the two distinct faces of donor churn - involuntary (failed credit cards) and voluntary (donors who choose to leave) - and explains why treating them the same way is one of the most expensive mistakes a nonprofit can make. He introduces a practical three-part retention model - Affirm, Engage, Appeal - and makes the case that the middle step is where most organizations quietly lose the relationship. He also shares the data behind upgrade campaigns, including what a 25% average gift lift looks like in practice and when in the donor lifecycle to run one. Whether your organization is flying blind on churn or ready to move from knowing to doing, this episode delivers clear, immediate steps you can take this quarter.About DaveDave Raley is the Founder and CEO of The Center for Sustainable Giving, based in Poulsbo, Washington, where he helps nonprofit leaders build recurring giving programs that retain donors and grow long-term revenue. With a background spanning nonprofit fundraising strategy, technology, and the subscription economy, Dave has become one of the sector's leading voices on donor retention, passive churn, and the structural shifts required to move organizations from transactional to relational fundraising. He is also the author of The Wave Report, a research publication tracking trends in sustainable giving, and was previously the founder of Imago Consulting. Dave joined Patton first on Episode #301 and returns here with deeper frameworks and sharper tools for leaders ready to act.ResourcesConnect with Dave on LinkedInLearn more about The Center for Sustainable GivingSubscribe to The Wave Report - Dave's research publication on trends in sustainable givingListen to Dave's first appearance: Episode #301: The Why Behind Sustainable GivingThe Rise of Sustainable Giving by Dave RaleyFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership - and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire: ArmstrongMcGuire.com

Send us Fan MailNonprofit boards are doing more with less. And when governance isn't working, it's the executive director who absorbs it quietly, consistently, at real cost to the organization.Britt Stockert sits down with David Rhode, nonprofit executive coach and author of Passion Isn't Enough, to talk about the board self-assessment - what it is, why so many boards skip it, and what a well-run board evaluation process actually looks like in practice.A practical, grounded conversation for nonprofit leaders who want their board working with them, not around them.What You'll LearnWhat a board self-assessment covers and how to structure oneWhy skipping board evaluations costs more than most leaders realizeHow to introduce the process without it feeling like a crisisHow to act on what you learn without overwhelming your teamMore About Our GuestDavid Rhode coaches nonprofit executives, consults on board development and fundraising strategy, and teaches at the University of Pennsylvania. His book, Passion Isn't Enough, is a practical guide for nonprofit leaders who want to build organizations that last.Learn more at dotdotorg.com or connect on LinkedIn.Resources and LinksPassion Isn't Enough David Rhode & Dot Dot Org donorbox.orgAbout DonorboxDonorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Enjoying the show? Subscribe, like, and follow for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is for nonprofits searching for alternatives to traditional aid models and dependency-driven philanthropy. The conversation blends international development, nonprofit operations, sustainability, and social enterprise into a highly searchable leadership discussion.Sustainable nonprofit development in Africa requires more than donations—it requires long-term economic thinking, local leadership, and community ownership. In this Global Edition of The Nonprofit Show, Paul Smith, UK Director of MUSANA, shares how the organization is transforming rural communities in Uganda through healthcare, education, hospitality businesses, and locally driven enterprise systems designed to become financially sustainable.Rather than creating dependency on Western aid, MUSANA uses philanthropy as catalytic investment. Their model builds hospitals, schools, hotels, restaurants, and jobs that eventually generate enough local revenue to sustain operations and fund scholarships and outreach programs internally.Paul explains how MUSANA's district-based strategy has already created nearly 900 full-time jobs while building systems that communities themselves support, value, and grow. The conversation also takes an honest look at the ethical challenges facing international nonprofits, including poverty marketing, child sponsorship culture, and “white savior” dynamics that can unintentionally reinforce harmful power structures.One of the most compelling moments comes when Paul says:“No global economy has ever been built off charity. It's always enterprise, it's always industry that builds an economy.”The episode also introduces a powerful nonprofit leadership concept:“Every single charity should have an out vision.”If your nonprofit works internationally—or simply wants to build stronger, more sustainable systems locally—this conversation offers fresh thinking on what long-term impact can truly look like.  00:00:00 Introduction To MUSANA's Mission 00:02:32 Breaking Cycles Of Aid Dependency 00:05:17 Building Schools, Hospitals & Enterprises 00:07:19 How Local Revenue Funds Community Growth 00:10:30 Why Free Aid Can Create Dependency 00:11:49 Local Leadership Versus Western Control 00:14:20 The Ethics Of Poverty Tourism 00:17:48 Why MUSANA Rejects Child Sponsorship 00:19:49 When Western-Led Models Fail 00:22:20 Ego, Power & Nonprofit Leadership 00:25:23 Access, Opportunity & Economic Growth 00:27:03 Why Every Charity Needs An “Out Vision” #TheNonprofitShow #InternationalDevelopment #UgandaFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! | Celebrates Military Appreciation Month (Encore!) - We are an Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women On The Move!Today it is "Medical Moments w/ Dr. Dana Robinson-Street!  We are having a fun, informal and audience friendly conversation about your health - Yes, it's about Women's Health.  This is a wonderful and real conversation about how the conditions of our health impact the lives of our family members too!Today's special guest is Dr. Dana Robinson Street.  She is a proud Retired United States Naval Officer; a Doctorate Family Nurse Practitioner; Professional Health Educator; Entrepreneur; and Consultant.Dr. Dana Robinson-Street is also a member of The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation, Leadership Advisory Council.  She provides wise council and insights on policy matters related to Health and Wellness, Family Caregiving, and America's Aging Veterans. Subscribe Today!  -- Join The Women Veterans ROCK! Podcast Posse - and - Meet Today's Amazing Military Women In Legendary Leadership.ABOUT THE HOSTDeborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful leadership development programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years.ABOUT OUR SPONSOR - (Rebroadcast)Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAYOur Website Is: ⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Reflections from host Sarah Olivieri ... The Hidden Cost of "Efficient" Leadership Most nonprofit leaders I work with want to move faster, decide cleaner, and hold the standard. From the outside, that looks responsible. From the inside, something else is usually happening. When a leader skips the relational work because it feels slow, the cost doesn't disappear. It moves. It shows up later as rework, attrition, board friction, and team members who go quiet in meetings because they have stopped expecting to be heard. The bill comes due downstream, where it is harder to trace. The truth is, the time you spend being human with your team is not extra. It is the infrastructure that makes everything else faster. Source of Insight I've been thinking a lot about this lately. I recently had a conversation about exactly this with Yerachmiel Stern, the executive director of Pesach Tikvah, and it was an important reminder to me that there are still many leaders out there who think compassion is "soft" and a "waste of time". Those leaders are missing out on the important role compassion plays in a well run, highly effective organization. The Tone You Set Is the System You Get The single most underrated piece of organizational design is the emotional state of the leader walking into the room. Not the agenda. Not the org chart. The leader's tone. When a leader walks in, regulated, warm, and present, the team's nervous system gets a signal: it's safe to think out loud here. Hard things can be named here. Mistakes can surface here without triggering self-protection. That signal is doing real operational work. It is shortening the time between a problem appearing and a problem getting solved. When a leader walks in tight, transactional, or performatively calm, the team picks that up too. People stop volunteering information. Decisions move underground. The same problems take three meetings to surface that should have taken one. In short: The leader's nervous system sets the team's nervous system. That isn't a vibe. It's a throughput metric. Information moves faster in a regulated room than a guarded one. This is why "read the room" is not a soft skill. It is a leadership requirement. Before you open your mouth in a meeting, you are already leading. The Goalposts Question One of the cleaner ways to diagnose whether a leader is operating from infrastructure or from extraction is to watch what happens when a team member brings a request that doesn't fit the existing rule. The old reflex is to point at the rule. Policy says no. Budget says no. We don't do that here. The infrastructure-minded leader asks a different question:  "Is this rule still serving the outcome we actually want, or is it serving the convenience of saying no?" Sometimes the answer is genuinely no, and the leader holds the line. Often the rule was set in a different context, the request is reasonable, and the cost of saying yes is much smaller than the goodwill you lose by reflexively saying no. In short: Rules are tools, not identities. When the rule no longer serves the outcome, the rule is the problem. Saying yes when you can is a form of system maintenance. This isn't about being a pushover. It is about staying connected to why the rule existed in the first place. Hiring for the Heart, Not the Resume Conventional hiring asks: Have you done this exact job before? It optimizes for risk reduction. It also reliably under-selects for the people who would have been excellent in the role with a slightly different background. Relational hiring asks a different question: what does this person actually want to do, and is that aligned with what we need done? The shift sounds soft. It is not. It is one of the highest-leverage operational moves a CEO or executive director can make. People who are doing work that matches what they actually want to do produce more, stay longer, and require less management. People who are doing work they took because it was available produce less, leave sooner, and require constant supervision. In short: Match the heart to the role. Heart-aligned hires need less management. Heart-misaligned hires cost twice: once in their tenure, once in the rehire. You will not get this right every time. Nobody does. But shifting the question from "have you done this" to "do you want to do this" changes your hiring math permanently. (For more on the underlying skill of leading with this kind of attunement, see) The Power of Soft Skills for Nonprofit Leaders. Compassionate Release The harder version of this same principle shows up in firing. Most leaders avoid letting someone go for too long. They tell themselves they are being compassionate. The person needs the job. The team is already stretched. The performance gap isn't catastrophic. We'll give it another quarter. What is actually happening, in most of these situations, is that the person being kept in the wrong role already knows. Their nervous system knows. Their family knows. The team knows. Everyone is in a quiet, low-grade limbo that costs energy from every direction at once. When the leader finally has the conversation, the most common response isn't anger. It's relief. Sometimes spoken, sometimes not. The person was waiting to be released from a fit that was never going to work, and they were too loyal, too scared, or too tired to release themselves. I call this a compassionate release. The compassion is in the clarity, not in the delay. In short: Limbo is more painful than a clean ending. Delay is a form of harm dressed up as kindness. Compassionate release ends the cost on both sides. Holding someone in a misfit role isn't generosity. It's a tax everyone is paying, and the longest-paying account is the person you think you're protecting. The Ford and the Cadillac There is a version of nonprofit leadership that aims for "good enough." The reasoning sounds responsible. We don't have unlimited resources. We can't deliver gold-standard service to every client. We have to triage. We have to be realistic. This framing adds risk. The math isn't wrong. The framing is. It confuses two different things: what you can deliver structurally, and how you deliver what you have. Two organizations can offer the exact same baseline service, and one will feel like an extraordinary experience and the other will feel like a transaction. The difference isn't the budget. The difference is the personal touch wrapped around the delivery. One line from my conversation with Yerachmiel stayed with me: "If you give the clients that personal touch, the Ford could be better than the Cadillac." What I appreciate about this framing is that it explains the mechanism. The personal touch is what converts a service into a relationship. The relationship is what produces retention, referrals, advocacy, and the willingness to come back when things get hard. None of that requires more money. All of it requires presence. I had this experience recently in an emergency room. The equipment was advanced. The diagnostics were thorough. The most meaningful 30 seconds of the entire visit was a staff member taking a breath, asking how I was doing, and telling me my chair could recline. He delivered the most excellent service of the visit, and it cost him nothing. That is the Ford becoming the Cadillac. The structure didn't change. The presence did. When Going Slow Is Going Fast The hardest piece of this for high-performing leaders to internalize is that the relational work, which feels slow, is what creates the speed. I learned this with my own son, who is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and anxiety. The clinicians who took an extra five minutes to let him regulate consistently finished on time. The clinicians who tried to muscle through and just hold him still consistently turned a 30-minute appointment into a two-hour event. Sometimes the visit had to be rescheduled at a different office entirely. The "fast" approach was the slowest approach. The "slow" approach was actually the fastest one. The math is unambiguous once you start counting all the hours, not just the visible ones. In short: The relational time isn't extra. It's structural. Skipping it doesn't save time. It moves the cost. Going slow at the start is what produces speed at the finish. This same pattern shows up everywhere a nonprofit leader operates. With board members. With staff. With donors. With clients. The minutes you invest in being a person before you are a transaction are the minutes that compound. Humility Is a Confidence Move There is an older model of leadership that equates confidence with never apologizing, never being wrong, and never being visibly uncertain. It's still around, and it's slowly being retired for a good reason. Confidence in a leadership role isn't the absence of mistakes. It is the willingness to absorb the final responsibility for the outcome, mistakes included. When the team trusts that the leader will carry the weight at the macro level, the leader is then free to be humble and openly learn at the everyday level. That doesn't subtract from authority. It deepens it. People follow humans, not personas. (For more on this, see The Power of Vulnerability with Becca Pearce.) What This Makes Possible When compassion is treated as infrastructure rather than personality, a few things shift. What shifts: Meetings get shorter because information surfaces faster. Hiring gets cleaner because you're matching hearts to roles, not resumes to slots. Firing gets kinder because delay stops getting confused with mercy. Service quality goes up without the budget going up. The leader stops carrying the team's nervous system as a second job. None of this is about being softer. It is about understanding what creates throughput in a human system, and building for it on purpose. It's Work That Compounds… and we like that This isn't about doing less work. It's about doing work that compounds. Nonprofits can run on compassion and run on time. They can hold high standards and hold their people. They can deliver excellent service without spending more. Not by pushing harder, but by building systems that treat human connection as the structural asset it actually is. About the Guest Yerachmiel Stern is the Executive Director of Pesach Tikvah, where he has dedicated his career to expanding access to quality mental health care. Before stepping into this role, he spent a decade as Borough Park Clinics Director, bringing affordable, sophisticated services to underserved neighborhoods. A Touro University graduate, he began at Pesach Tikvah as an intern and counselor, later becoming known for his work with children and his expertise across multiple therapeutic modalities. Today, Mr. Stern is leading the organization into its 40th year, advancing excellence in mental health and developmental disability services.  Connect with Yerachmiel: Www.pesachtikvah.org 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.

369: No Money, No Mission: Rethinking How Nonprofits Are Built to Survive (Ryan Dewey Smith) Episode SummaryMost nonprofits don't fail because their mission stops mattering - they fail because the structure holding that mission together was never built to last. In this episode, Patton sits down with Ryan Dewey Smith, Founding Executive Chairman & CEO of Inperium, Inc., based in Reading, Pennsylvania, to explore the structural fault lines quietly threatening even well-intentioned organizations. Ryan draws on more than a decade of building Inperium's constellation model - a networked alternative to traditional mergers that preserves local autonomy while delivering shared back-office infrastructure, access to capital, and best-in-class talent - to explain why so many nonprofits wait too long to raise their hand, and what it costs the people they serve when they do. From navigating board resistance and staff fear during affiliation to the discipline of leading from strength rather than desperation, Ryan brings a practitioner's candor to the structural questions most leaders quietly avoid. Listeners will walk away with a sharper understanding of the early warning signs of organizational vulnerability, and a concrete alternative to going it alone.About RyanRyan Dewey Smith is the Founding Executive Chairman & CEO of Inperium, Inc., a national nonprofit parent company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, that provides shared back-office infrastructure, access to capital, and operational support to a constellation of 34 behavioral health and human services organizations operating across 20 states. Ryan founded Inperium after spending more than two decades as CEO of his own nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual disabilities - an experience that exposed firsthand the structural fragility most mission-driven organizations quietly carry. His forthcoming book, Sustaining the Mission, to be published by Forbes in September 2026, chronicles Inperium's journey and offers a roadmap for nonprofits seeking lasting resilience without sacrificing the autonomy that makes their work meaningful.ResourcesConnect with Ryan on LinkedInLearn more about Inperium, Inc.: inperium.orgVisit Ryan's website: ryandeweysmith.comSustaining the Mission by Ryan Dewey Smith — forthcoming from Forbes, September 22, 2026Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. RosenbergFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

Send us Fan MailFundraising is getting harder. But generosity hasn't disappeared.So what's actually changing?Jena Lynch sits down with nonprofit coach, consultant, and host of The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter, to interrogate the real pressures nonprofit leaders are facing right now, donor retention, staffing burnout, supporter engagement, and fundraising performance.They dig into why relationship-based fundraising matters more than ever, why donor trust drives long-term giving, and why simply doing more outreach may no longer be enough.In this episode:Why donor participation is declining even as giving dollars growHow staffing turnover quietly erodes donor trustWhy retention beats urgency every timeHow small teams can strengthen relationships with limited capacityPractical ways AI can help reclaim time and reduce burnoutWhy some traditional fundraising events may need a rethinkHow trust directly influences long-term generosityChapters:00:00 – Why Nonprofit Fundraising Feels Harder01:31 – Nonprofit Leadership & Donor Trust05:09 – Why Donor Relationships Matter More09:51 – Donor Retention vs Constant Outreach14:16 – AI Tools for Nonprofit Fundraising23:13 – Rethinking Nonprofit Fundraising EventsAbout Rob HarterRob Harter is a nonprofit coach, consultant, and leadership strategist with more than 30 years of experience in the social impact sector. He works with nonprofit leaders on fundraising, organizational growth, leadership, and navigating change, and is the host of The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast.Learn more at RobHarter.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.Resources mentioned:Rob Harter Coaching & ConsultingThe Nonprofit Leadership PodcastAbout DonorboxDonorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process over 3 billion dollars in donations worldwide.Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more practical fundraising strategies, leadership insights, and tools to help your nonprofit grow sustainably.The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Support the show

Leaning into your humanity as a leader—rather than trying to be a superhero—creates healthier organizations, stronger teams, and more sustainable impact. In this reflective episode of the podcast, Carol Hamilton gathers together a series of "permission slips" shared by past guests: invitations for nonprofit leaders to embrace self-awareness, admit when they don't know the answer, step away for reflection, build leadership in others, and remember that no one person carries the responsibility for solving every challenge alone. The episode offers a thoughtful counterbalance to burnout culture and encourages leaders to cultivate organizations where people can thrive rather than sacrifice themselves for the mission. Carol & Guests share: The importance of knowing yourself and aligning your values with your organization Recognizing leadership limitations and making space for transitions Why saying "I don't know" can strengthen leadership Creating time for personal retreats and strategic reflection Building leadership capacity across teams instead of carrying everything alone Focusing on collective impact rather than trying to solve every problem individually Imagining a future rooted in connection, well-being, and abundance rather than scarcity Reflecting on long-term vision and sustainability in nonprofit leadership Episode Highlights [00:03:20] There Is No One Right Way to Lead [00:05:00] Leaders Are Human, Not Superheroes [00:06:55] The Power of Saying "I Don't Know" [00:08:00] Why Leaders Need Personal Retreats [00:09:50] Reflection, Vision, and Intentional Planning [00:010:35] Build Leaders Around You [00:12:05] You Do Not Have to Solve Everything [00:13:15] Imagining Abundance Instead of Scarcity [00:16:00] Looking Ahead with Intention About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.   Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

What happens when more than half of nonprofit CEOs leave their roles within the next five years… but most organizations still aren't prepared for succession? The nonprofit sector may be heading toward one of the greatest leadership gaps we've ever seen. The question is not whether the transition is coming. The question is whether your organization will survive it wisely.Today, we talk about it. Because the organizations that survive the next decade well will not necessarily be the organizations with the largest budgets.They will be the organizations that prepare wisely for leadership continuity.

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! | Celebrates Military Appreciation Month (Encore!) - We are an Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women On The Move!In today's episode of "Creating The Life You Love" - You will meet - Dr. Jo Anne White, International #1 Best-Selling Author, Speaker Corporate Coach and Corporate Consultant.  Dr. White is the CEO of Dr. Jo Anne White Consulting Services, LLC - she teaches people how to overcome adversity and turn challenges into opportunities.Dr. White has been featured online, in national and international publications such as CNN.com, Good Housekeeping and WebMD to name a few. She had made many guest appearances on radio and television networks such as NBC, CN8, Worlds Talk Radio and Voice of America.⁠⁠⁠https://www.drjoannewhite.com/     joanne@drjoannewhite.com ⁠⁠⁠Contact Us at www.WomenVetsRock.org to learn more about our important work.Subscribe Today and Become A Member of "The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse!"ABOUT THE HOSTDeborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful Leadership Development Programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College and the Undergraduate School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a proud retired Military Spouse of 27 years.ABOUT OUR SPONSOR - (Rebroadcast)Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠⁠VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAYOur Website Is: ⁠⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA⁠⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

368: Before You Merge: Five Factors Every Nonprofit Leader Must Weigh (Staci Barfield)Episode SummaryFor too many nonprofit leaders, the word “merger” lands like a verdict, a sign something has gone wrong. Staci Barfield, Senior Director of Consulting Excellence at Armstrong McGuire in Cary, NC, argues the opposite: a merger belongs early on a leader's strategic menu, not at the end. Drawing on her work facilitating the Arise Collective and MATCH (Mothers and Their Children) merger, Staci walks Patton through the full continuum of collaboration and unpacks the five factors every leader should weigh: mission alignment and strategic rationale, organizational and cultural fit, governance and leadership readiness, financial health and due diligence, and capacity to manage change while continuing to serve. She makes the case that funders are increasingly convening these conversations and that the strategic exercise itself has value even when it doesn't end in a merger. Listeners walk away with a practical framework for assessing any form of collaboration, and a sharper read on when a merger isn't a retreat but a way to magnify mission.About StaciStaci Barfield is Senior Director of Consulting Excellence at Armstrong McGuire, where she leads the methodologies, tools, and resources that equip the firm's advisor team to deliver consistent, high-impact client work. She came to the philanthropic sector after a long corporate career in information technology and business process improvement at Gap, Inc., Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), Sprint, AT&T, and Springs Industries. The pivot was catalyzed when a Hurricane Katrina deployment with the American Red Cross showed her that her business skill set translated directly to mission-driven work. From there she went on to serve as Vice President of Development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Eastern NC Chapter, Executive Director of National Students of AMF, and CEO of Children's Flight of Hope, before joining Armstrong McGuire. Across all of it, Staci has been driven by the same instinct: maximizing an organization's opportunities for success through both strategic and operational initiatives.ResourcesConnect with Staci on LinkedInCase study referenced in the episode: Arise Collective + MATCH (Mothers and Their Children)Shared services model referenced in the episode: Ascend Nonprofit Solutions (Charlotte, NC)Companion episode: #350 with Andre Anthony: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know About MergersStaci's book recommendation: I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica GuzmánFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and please leave a review!Learn more about Staci's work and leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire (ArmstrongMcGuire.com)

Most nonprofits invest in programs, fundraising, and staff development. Far fewer invest in their leadership team's ability to work well together. That gap costs more than people think. Drawing on 25 years of evidence-based team coaching, this session explores what actually drives leadership team effectiveness in nonprofits, what teams consistently get wrong when trying to improve, and where nonprofit teams may be different from their business sector counterparts. Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken is a nonprofit team and leadership coach and change management consultant working with US and international nonprofits. She is Principal Consultant at Five Oaks Consulting and co-author of "Between Power and Irrelevance: The Future of Transnational NGOs.”

367: Activate Good - Leading with Fearlessness and Purpose (Marjorie Maas)Episode SummaryNonprofit leaders carry the weight of the next grant, the next major gift, the next board meeting - and that constant worry doesn't make the work more productive, it just makes it heavier. In Episode #367, Patton talks with Marjorie Maas, CEO of Share Good, based in Omaha, NE, about what it actually looks like to lead with fearlessness when stakes are high and resources are tight. Marjorie leads a national technology and community-building nonprofit that helps cities position generosity in one place - now active in nine markets from Charlotte to Detroit to Omaha and beyond - and she shares the mindset shifts that have shaped both her organization's growth and her own “patchwork quilt” career path. She unpacks the difference between scarcity thinking and an abundance mindset rooted in logical thinking rather than blind faith, why emerging leaders shouldn't talk themselves out of their passion, and why governance fluency is something professionals should be building early — not waiting for an executive seat to learn. Listeners will walk away with a practical framework for leading through uncertainty, language for coaching the next generation of nonprofit professionals, and a clearer sense of how to keep moving forward when fear shows up.About MarjorieMarjorie Maas is the CEO of Share Good, a national technology and community-building nonprofit that connects passion to action in hyperlocal communities by giving nonprofits a shared megaphone to tell donors and volunteers what they need. She leads the growth and expansion of Share Good's national footprint and supports the SHARE Family of community partners across the country. Before joining Share Good in December 2022, Marjorie launched and directed SHARE Omaha, building a platform that promotes more than 700 nonprofits across the Greater Omaha and Council Bluffs metro, and earlier created and implemented the corporate social responsibility strategy for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, redesigning their corporate giving and volunteerism programs. Her 20-plus-year career spans arts marketing, statewide grantmaking, and CSR — a winding path she calls a “patchwork quilt” and credits as the very thing that prepared her for the work she does now.ResourcesConnect with Marjorie on LinkedInLearn more about Share Good at ShareGoodUSA.org — visit the About Us page for community case studies and video testimonialsConcept referenced: Ikigai — the Japanese framework for the overlap of mission, vocation, profession, and passionBook recommendation: The Dip by Seth Godin — a quick, essential read on knowing when to push through a setback and when to walk awayAlso mentioned: Mindset by Carol Dweck (Patton's reference on growth vs. fixed mindset)Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

Send us Fan MailThe plan is just paper. The value is in using it.When your nonprofit is growing but still feels directionless, that's not a passion problem…it's a planning problem. Strategic planning isn't about doing more, it's about finally knowing what matters. When you're clear on who you serve, honest about what it costs, and aware of how it's funded, everything else - including your fundraising - gets easier from there. Cara Augspurger, CFRE, spent six months working through exactly that, and in this episode, she shares five practical steps to move your stratgic plan from constant reaction to clear, sustainable direction.What you'll learn:Why growth and busyness can mask a real lack of direction, and how to tell the differenceThe single clarity question every nonprofit needs to answer before anything elseWhy "what are we not going to do this year?" might be the most strategic question you askHow to do an honest funding reality check, and what to do when the numbers don't line upWhat a "good year" actually looks like in concrete, actionable numbers, not just a gut feelWhy stability - not scale - is often the most important milestone for early-stage nonprofitsAbout Cara AugspurgerCara Augspurger, CFRE, is the Executive Director of Grace Care Center Foundation and co-host of The Nonprofit Podcast. With deep experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, Cara brings a practical, grounded perspective to the challenges facing small and growing organizations, from strategic planning and resource development to building sustainable, community-centered missions.Chapters:00:00 - Why Nonprofits Need Strategic Planning02:14 - Step 1 - Get Clear on Your Mission04:33 - Step 2 - Define Vision and Messaging05:44 - Step 3 - Do Less With Purpose07:39 - Step 4 - Funding Reality Check09:18 - Step 5 - Set Clear Goals and Targets11:37 - Build Stability and Long-Term GrowthIf this episode helped you think more clearly about where your organization is headed, share it with a colleague who's feeling the pull in too many directions.About Donorbox:Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process more than $ 3 billion in donations worldwide.Find out what Donorbox can do for you!Disclaimer:The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.Subscribe to The Nonprofit Podcast for weekly conversations on fundraising, leadership, and strategy for people doing meaningful workSupport the show

OUR KINGS was born from grief, fear, and love — and grew into a movement. In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, Anya Owensbrown shares the powerful story behind OUR KINGS, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the brilliance of Black boys and supporting the families raising them. From Mommy & King to Kings to Kings, this conversation explores community, belonging, identity, and what it truly means to raise Kings in today's world. Anya bio:  I'm Anya Owensbrown — an early childhood educator, a mom of five, and the founder of OUR KINGS. This work started from something real: looking at my own sons and realizing the world didn't always see them the way I do. I noticed there was a gap — no one was pouring into our boys early, during those critical years from birth to 13. So I created OUR KINGS. We celebrate, support, and uplift Black boys from the beginning. We build a village around them — one that shows them they're worthy of joy, protection, and a strong foundation. We do this by partnering with schools and community organizations, running in-school programs, and offering yearly membership options that keep our boys connected, engaged, and growing, building a strong brotherhood and an united village. And when we say KINGS, we mean it: Kind, Intelligent, Noble, Gifted Sons of Queens and Kings. THAT'S WHO THEY ARE— and that's how we treat them. Because I'm a mother, I understand how important it is to have a village, so we have created a just that by supporting families by giving them the tools and knowledge to advocate for their sons — especially when navigating health care, the education system, or the justice system. Because strong boys need strong support, and no parent should have to figure it out alone. This isn't just a nonprofit — it's a movement grounded in love and built for real impact. We start young, stay consistent, and never let them forget how powerful they are. That Black boy joy is real and they deserve every bit of it Media:  Website: Ourkings.org  Instagram: ourkingsanonprofit  TikTok: ourkingsanonprofit  Facebook: OUR KINGS  email: anya@ourkings.org (inquiries sponsorships ) Info@ourkings.org ( volunteer, collaborations, partnership opportunities)  BBJOY to 53555 to donate    Resources & Links:

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! | Celebrates Military Appreciation Month (Encore!)This is the Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women Veterans, Military Women, and Military Families.Its About New People, New Policies & Prose for Today's Women On The Move! We are the Premier Civic, Business, and Nonprofit Leadership Community for Today's Women Veterans, Military Women, and Military Families.In this episode of Women Veterans ROCK! On The Hill - you will enjoy an amazing conversation with Ms. Zanetta Adams, Esquire. She is a U.S. Army Veteran; Military Spouse; Military Mom; and a Passionate Advocate Supporting Women Veterans & Military Families.Ms. Adams is a "Trailblazers Award Recipient" presented by the  Veterans Administration, Center For Women Veterans. And, she was also "Innovator of The Year" at Grand Valley State University. (2021)Subscribe Today! And, You Can Join The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse and get our early alerts to meet amazing Women Leaders. ABOUT THE HOSTDeborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful leadership development programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years.ABOUT OUR SPONSOR - (Rebroadcast)Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAYOur Website Is: ⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Send us Fan MailNonprofit board engagement strategy isn't about sending more emails or chasing attendance—it's about building clarity, structure, and purpose into how your board operates.Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting, breaks down why so many nonprofit boards struggle with disengagement—and what leaders can do to fix it. From unclear roles to outdated board structures, the issues are rarely about commitment—they're about alignment.As Katie shares, “If it feels like that meeting could have happened without me, then I am not likely to show up to the next one.” That single insight highlights a major challenge: board members disengage when they don't see how they add value.This fast-moving convo explores how nonprofit leaders can:Align board roles with organizational strategy and growth phasesRecruit board members based on specific skills and needsReplace passive meetings with active, outcome-driven engagementBuild systems that support accountability and long-term continuityOne of the most critical takeaways? The danger of “rubber stamp” boards. As Katie explains, “Every organization with a rubber stamp board will run up against a leadership continuity problem.” Without an engaged and informed board, transitions become risky and disruptive.Instead, Katie introduces a practical framework built on four pillars: role clarity, defined work plans, strong systems, and a culture of ownership. These elements transform boards from passive participants into strategic assets.If you're leading a nonprofit, serving on a board, or preparing for organizational growth, this episode delivers actionable insights to strengthen governance and drive impact.  00:00:00 Introduction to Board Development Challenges 00:04:14 Why Board Apathy Happens 00:05:14 The Real Cost of Disengaged Boards 00:07:11 Creating Safe Space for Board Contribution 00:09:10 Matching Board Structure to Organizational Phase 00:12:09 Who Owns Board Strategy? 00:14:28 The Risk of Rubber Stamp Boards 00:18:48 Recruiting the Right Board Members 00:22:07 The Four Pillars of Board Effectiveness 00:27:00 Building Accountability and Ownership #NonprofitLeadership #BoardDevelopment #TheNonprofitShowFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

366: Stop Writing for Your Organization. Write for Your Donor. (Tom Ahern)Episode SummaryMost nonprofit communications are, in Tom Ahern's blunt assessment, built to fail. Not because the work isn't worthy, but because organizations keep writing about themselves when they should be writing for the donor. In episode #366, Patton sits down with Tom Ahern, founder of Ahern Communications, Inc. and one of the most influential voices in fundraising copywriting, to unpack why so many appeals, newsletters, and annual reports fall flat. Drawing on decades of commercial copywriting experience before he “wandered into” the nonprofit sector, Tom walks listeners through the three questions every case for support must answer (Why us? Why now? Why you, the donor?) and explains why urgency without desperation, emotion over information, and a relentless focus on the reader are the difference between a gift and a pass. He shares a remarkable story of a Boys & Girls Club that owned a million-dollar crisis and came back stronger, makes the case that donors are already 99% of the way there, and offers a clear-eyed take on what AI can and cannot do for fundraising writers. Listeners will leave with a practical framework they can apply to their next appeal this week, a sharper understanding of donor psychology, and permission to stop trying to inform their way to a gift.About TomTom Ahern is the founder of Ahern Communications, Inc. and one of the leading voices in donor communications and fundraising copywriting. His clients have ranged from Save the Children US and Catholic Relief Services to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, Boston Children's Hospital, the Anchorage Museum, and universities including Princeton, Carleton, and the University of Saskatchewan. He came to the nonprofit sector after fifteen years as a commercial copywriter, led, as he puts it, by an angel: his wife Simone, a longtime development professional and consultant. Since then he has coached fundraisers on best practices in appeals, newsletters, and cases for support, led communications audits (he prefers to call them “autopsies”), and trained nonprofit teams on four continents. Tom is the author of eight how-to books on donor communications, each rated 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon, and a sought-after faculty member for masterclasses and webinars. These days he volunteers most of his coaching hours for small and mid-sized charities, and still keeps Jerry Weissman's book on his desk, the spine sun-bleached from daily use.ResourcesConnect with Tom on LinkedInLearn more at Ahern CommunicationsTom's case-for-support framework: Why us? Why now? Why you, the donor?Book recommendation: Presenting to Win: The Art of Telling Your Story by Jerry WeissmanTom's books on donor communications, including Keep Your Donors (co-authored with Simone Joyaux), available on AmazonFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire: ArmstrongMcGuire.com

Leadership transitions are inevitable, but they are also risky. When a long‑tenured CEO or key executive leaves, nonprofits can face a decline in donor confidence, disruption to organizational culture, and real financial instability—especially when the response is to “launch a search” without first assessing risk and readiness. In some cases, organizations see a significant drop in donor revenue during poorly planned transitions, not because the mission changed, but because the process lacked clarity and strategy.In this episode of Life and Leadership with Kim Williams, The Transition Strategist explains why traditional executive search is no longer enough for nonprofits and why search must begin with clarity, not urgency. Kim walks through three core risks of leadership transitions—donor confidence, culture, and financial stability—and outlines how boards and CEOs can approach search as a risk‑management and future‑positioning process, not just a hiring task.If you are a board member or senior leader anticipating a transition, or simply want to be better prepared for the day it comes, this episode will help you think differently about how your organization approaches executive search. Kim also previews a new service from Kim Williams Consulting, launching May 1, designed specifically to help nonprofits reduce or eliminate these transition risks.

What if creativity could change someone's entire future?In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Diane Strand, an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of JDS Creative Academy, to explore how the arts are opening doors for foster youth, at-risk teens, and neurodiverse adults.Diane shares her journey from working on major productions like General Hospital and Friends to building a mission-driven organization that blends creativity with career development. Through hands-on training in visual, performing, and digital arts, she's helping individuals gain confidence, skills, and real-world opportunities.You'll learn: How the arts can create real career pathways  Why inclusion is a powerful business strategy  The truth about dyslexia and creativity  How small opportunities can transform lives  Ways to support and get involved Links Mentioned:https://jdscreativeacademy.orghttps://jdsstudio.livehttps://digifesttemecula.orgIf this episode inspires you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Let's keep the conversation going.Send us Fan MailSupport the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

365: The Long Game: Building a Fundraising Career That Lasts (Jim Broschart)Episode SummaryWhat does it take to build a fundraising career that spans decades, and still choose a challenge over comfort when the next opportunity calls? In Episode 365, Jim Broschart, Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at the University of Louisville, shares the leadership philosophy behind a career that has taken him from community health centers in Syracuse to leading NC State's $2.1 billion campaign, to his latest challenge of building a top-tier philanthropy program at UofL. Jim breaks down what makes a fundraising shop truly effective (hint: it starts with talent, not strategy), how he assesses emotional intelligence in candidates, why organizational health outperforms any strategic plan, and what leaders at every level can do to stay focused on the core work amid constant noise. Practical, candid, and grounded in hard-won experience, this conversation is essential listening for anyone navigating the long game in fundraising leadership.About JimJim Broschart is Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at the University of Louisville, where he oversees the university's advancement, fundraising, and alumni relations efforts. He comes to UofL from North Carolina State University, where he served as Associate Vice Chancellor for University Development and Vice President of the NC State Foundation, Inc., leading the Think and Do The Extraordinary Campaign, which surpassed its $1.6 billion goal to raise $2.1 billion. Prior to NC State, Jim served as Vice President for Advancement at Binghamton University and held a range of leadership roles at Hartwick College, Syracuse University, and the State University of New York. He holds a bachelor's degree in health services administration from Ithaca College and an MBA in marketing from Binghamton University.ResourcesConnect with Jim on LinkedInUniversity of Louisville — louisville.eduThe Advantage by Patrick LencioniMastermind Leadership Development Program — Learn moreFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

Creating a healthier, more sustainable nonprofit sector requires shifting away from perfectionism, overwork, and martyrdom toward cultures that prioritize progress, humanity, and realistic expectations. As things fall apart around us, we have the opportunity to reimagine a better sector. In this episode 148, a re-release of episode 104, Carol Hamilton and her guests revisit insights that feel even more relevant in the current context. Center equity, inclusion, and cultural humility as foundational—not optional—elements of organizational culture Name and move away from toxic norms like overwork, perfectionism, and martyrdom Focus on relationships and shared leadership rather than isolated effort Embrace progress over perfection through small, meaningful steps Build organizational alignment to reduce friction and increase impact Normalize humanity at work—grace, compassion, and imperfection are part of effectiveness Create environments where rest, reflection, and creativity are possible Advocate for realistic expectations and sufficient resources to match goals Recognize that change happens at multiple levels—from individual choices to organizational practices to sector-wide norms Episode Highlights 00:01 – Framing the Need for a More Humane Nonprofit Sector 03:00 – 10 Core Lessons on Healthy Organizational Culture 07:57 – Progress Over Perfection Through Continuous Improvement 10:44 – The Risk of Over-Collaboration Without Action 15:20 – Balancing Action and Reflection for Learning 16:18 – Building Guardrails That Support Being Human at Work 22:11 – Modeling Empathy, Values, and Continuous Learning 23:11 – Planning for 85% Capacity to Avoid Burnout and Risk 27:10 – Using Visual Tools to Align Work and Capacity 28:27 – Creating Space for Joy, Creativity, and Connection 34:49 – Strengthening Relationships Across Teams and Boards 35:47 – Advocating for Resources and Realistic Expectations 37:04 – Moving Toward a More Sustainable and Human-Centered Sector Important Links and Resources: Erin Allgood - https://www.allgoodstrategies.com/ Dr. Orletta Caldwell - https://beyondexisting.com/ Susan Kahan - https://sapphirefundraisingspecialists.com/ Sarah Olivieri - https://www.pivotground.com/ Reva Patwardhan - https://www.greatergoodcoaching.org/ Pooya Pourak - https://www.matchnice.org/ Liberating Structures - https://www.liberatingstructures.com/ About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.   Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

Episode 364: What Will Your Donor Remember? (Norman Gildin)Episode SummaryFundraiser burnout is real — and with average tenure in the profession hovering between two and four years, the sector is losing talent it can't afford to lose. In Episode 364, Norman Gildin, a fundraising consultant and author with more than four decades in the field and over $100 million raised, cuts through the noise with the kind of plain-talk wisdom that only comes from doing this work at every level. Drawing on his framework of common sense, moral compass, and his RDC doctrine — respect, dignity, and consideration — Norman walks listeners through what's really driving burnout, why fundraisers overwhelm donors instead of connecting with them, and how the fundamentals of annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowments still come down to patience, persistence, and knowing what your donor actually wants. This is a master class from someone who has lived it, written about it, and is still in the room.About NormanNorman Gildin is a fundraising consultant, author, and sector veteran with more than four decades of experience in nonprofit development. Over the course of his career - which began with a master's in healthcare administration from George Washington University and an administrative residency at Fairfax Hospital Association - Norm has served in senior leadership roles including executive vice president, directing fundraising strategy across annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowments. He has raised more than $100 million under his direction and spearheaded multiple successful campaigns, case statements, and strategic plans for nonprofit organizations. Norman is the author of two books - Learn From My Experiences: A Collection of Essays in Fundraising for Professionals, Lay Leaders, Volunteers and the Public, and Fundraising Insights for Nonprofits (2025) - with a third book currently in development.ResourcesConnect with Norman on LinkedInNorman's website, essays, and blog — normangildin.comFundraising Insights for Nonprofits by Norman Gildin (2025)Learn From My Experiences: A Collection of Essays in Fundraising for Professionals, Lay Leaders, Volunteers and the Public by Norman GildinDaily Rituals: How Great Minds Make Time, Find Inspiration, and Get to Work by Mason CurryPatton's Mastermind Leadership Development Program — Learn moreFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

In this episode, Levi Hazen interviews Tim Polaskey about leadership philosophy and whether the Bible's principles carry over to the corporate workplace.

Vongai first came to South Carolina for a six-month internship in hospitality—but when COVID-19 hit in 2020, she unexpectedly found herself staying in the U.S. far longer than planned. Since then, she's earned her master's in Nonprofit Leadership and is now working with Mile High 360 in Denver.In this episode, we explore how she navigated building a life in the U.S., while reflecting on the cultural differences (respect, discipline, etc.) and challenges she experienced growing up in Zimbabwe. I also asked her what cultural aspects that she would keep and discard being a multicultural person now. If you enjoy this episode, I recommend...➡️ Ep83 A Ghanaian and Her Hair ft. Hayil➡️ Ep107 South African DJ Meets a Taiwanese Tour Guide (2)➡️ Ep99 After Graduation, Now What? ft. Celine➡️ Ep77 From International Student to Podcast Producer ft. Emily Wu

Episode 363: Your Mission Is Clear. Is Your Story? (Brandy Walker)Episode SummaryMost nonprofit leaders are skilled at communicating their mission, but far fewer know how to tell their own story, and that gap is costing them donors, alignment, and influence. In Episode 363, Brandy Walker, M.A., CPC, founder of Brand Worthy Solutions and a former nonprofit fundraiser and educator, breaks down why personal storytelling isn't self-promotion, it's strategy. Drawing on her frameworks for trust, team alignment, and clarity, Brandy explains the three story types every leader needs in their toolkit (origin, impact, and transformation), why audience misalignment is the most common fundraising mistake she sees, and how even the most introverted leader can build visibility through a ladder of communication that starts with a simple weekly message. Practical, direct, and immediately actionable, this conversation will change how nonprofit leaders think about showing up, and who they're showing up for.About BrandyBrandy Walker, M.A., CPC, is the founder of Brand Worthy Solutions and a strategist, storyteller, and trusted thought partner with more than 20 years of experience across education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational strategy. A former K–12 educator, seven-figure grant writer, and nonprofit C-suite leader, Brandy stands at the intersection of strategy and storytelling — helping leaders and organizations tell better stories to, about, and for themselves so their work is understood, valued, and positioned for growth. Through Brand Worthy Solutions, she works with leaders navigating personal brand evolution, organizational reinvention, and new chapters of leadership, offering support across brand strategy and positioning, storytelling and messaging, and consulting and advisory services. She is based in Chicago, Illinois.ResourcesConnect with Brandy on LinkedInBrand Worthy Solutions — youarebrandworthy.comUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraPatton's Mastermind Leadership Development Program — Learn moreFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.comYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership | ArmstrongMcGuire.com/podcasts

Episode 73: Betsy Biemann, CEO of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) Investing in Communities: Betsy Biemann on the Mission of CEI In this episode of The Boulos Beat, recorded in December 2025, guest host Drew Sigfridson sits down with Betsy Biemann, CEO of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), to talk about her path from a Rotary Fellowship in Kenya to leadership roles at the Rockefeller Foundation—and ultimately to leading one of the country's top Community Development Financial Institutions. Drew and Betsy dive into CEI's mission to support low-income communities through financing, business advising, and targeted investments in sectors like farming and food manufacturing, aquaculture, childcare and renewable energy. They also discuss CEI's impact nationwide, including advancing affordable and workforce housing and rural manufacturing through key tax credit programs. The conversation touches on how CEI has helped small business owners navigate the evolving federal policy and economic landscape and why their work supporting entrepreneurs and local economies is more important than ever.

362: It's Never Just the Money: What Donor Psychology Means for Nonprofit Leaders (Marcia Dawood)Episode SummaryMost nonprofit leaders approach fundraising as a logical transaction — make the case, present the data, close the gift. But according to Marcia Dawood, angel investor, author, and TEDx speaker, that approach misses the deeper psychology driving every giving decision. In Episode 362, Marcia draws on her experience investing in 50+ startups and chairing the Angel Capital Association to reveal what truly motivates donors — and it has far more to do with money stories, values alignment, and identity than logic ever will. From unpacking the scarcity mindset that keeps even wealthy donors from giving, to reframing legacy conversations as something donors can experience while they're still alive, Marcia offers nonprofit leaders a practical shift in how they engage prospects. Listeners will walk away with new language for donor conversations, a powerful group exercise for unlocking money stories at events, and a fresh understanding of why the most effective fundraising ask isn't an ask at all — it's an invitation.About MarciaMarcia Dawood is an early-stage investor, author, and advocate for expanding access to capital across both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Having invested in over 50 startups and funds, she serves as a Venture Partner at Mindshift Capital, a member of Golden Seeds, and as Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), the global professional society for angel investors, where she chaired the board for a decade. Marcia also serves as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and is the founder and chair of the ACA's Growing Women's Capital Group, which builds syndication and collaboration among U.S. investment groups focused on women-led companies. A TEDx Charlotte speaker and host of The Angel Next Door Podcast — now more than 170 episodes — she is the author of Do Good While Doing Well (2024) and Unapologetic Wealth (2026), and served as an Associate Producer on the documentary Show Her the Money, which debuted at the Women's Film Festival in Philadelphia in 2023. She splits her time between New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina.ResourcesUnapologetic Wealth: Rewrite Your Money Story From Any Beginning by Marcia Dawood — releasing this week! Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.orgConnect with Marcia on LinkedInMarcia's website and free resources — marciadawood.comThe Angel Next Door PodcastDo Good While Doing Well: Invest For Change, Reap Financial Rewards and Increase Your Happiness by Marcia DawoodBuoyant: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Becoming Wildly Successful, Creative, and Free by Susie DeVilleFollow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire — ArmstrongMcGuire.com

Send us Fan MailSlow Fundraising: How to Do Less and Raise More with Chad BargerFundraising feels busy. Packed calendars, constant campaigns, endless asks. But results are not keeping pace. Many teams are working harder than ever and still missing growth targets.Jena Lynch sits down with Chad Barger, founder of Productive Fundraising, to unpack his approach to slow fundraising. His work with nonprofits focuses on cutting through noise, using data to guide decisions, and building systems that actually deliver results.Slow fundraising is not about doing less for its own sake. It is about doing the right work, consistently. This conversation breaks down how to focus your time, strengthen donor relationships, and build a fundraising approach that supports long-term growth without burnout.What You'll LearnWhy many nonprofit teams are stuck doing too much and how slow fundraising helps identify the few activities that actually drive resultsHow to use simple data tracking to understand what is working, what is not, and where time is being lostWhat it takes to build a sustainable fundraising rhythm that avoids burnout and supports long-term growthWhy donor retention and stewardship matter more than constant acquisition, and how small improvements can increase revenueA practical approach to donor engagement that strengthens relationships without adding more to your workloadMore About Our Guest:Chad Barger is the founder of Productive Fundraising, where he helps nonprofits simplify their fundraising strategies and focus on what drives real results. He is a trainer, speaker, and coach known for his practical, data-informed approach to building sustainable fundraising programs, including his work around slow fundraising.Head over to Productive Fundraising's well-stocked library of fundraising resources here.Chapters00:00 – The Fundraising Hamster Wheel01:26 – What is Slow Fundraising?03:00 – The 3 Principles That Change Everything05:32 – Do Fewer Things (80/20 Rule for Fundraising)07:38 – Fix Your Data First09:06 – The Relief of Doing Less With a Plan10:34 – Stop Burnout: Find a Sustainable Rhythm11:54 – Time Blocking and Deep Work for Fundraisers14:47 – Donor Retention and Stewardship18:20 – Simple, High-Impact Donor Engagement IdeasWhat makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox's nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode.Support the show

Dino Verrelli, founder and CEO of Project Purple, shares how his father's battle with pancreatic cancer became the catalyst for building an organization dedicated to funding research, supporting patients, and helping families facing one of the most devastating diseases in the world. He talks about turning personal loss into purpose, what it took to grow Project Purple from the ground up, why trust and transparency matter so much in fundraising, and how a disciplined, business-minded approach can help nonprofits build lasting impact.

361: 5 Reasons Your Professional Development Isn't Working (Megan Joseph)Episode SummaryMost nonprofit leaders are spending on professional development - and still not seeing results. The workshops get attended, the boxes get checked, and the notebook sits on the shelf. In this episode, Megan Joseph, Founder of Impact Launch, makes the case that the problem isn't effort or intention, it's strategy. Drawing on eight years of working hands-on with organizations across the country, she identifies the five reasons PD consistently fails to deliver: disconnected from strategy, scattered and episodic, reactive instead of preventative, aimed at the wrong problems, and lacking the leadership support to translate learning into lasting change. Megan offers a practical framework for measuring real ROI through behavioral change and organizational outcomes - not attendance or satisfaction surveys - along with clear action steps leaders can take in the next 60–90 days. Listeners will walk away with better questions, a sharper PD lens, and one guiding principle: define what success looks like before you spend a dollar.About MeganMegan Joseph is the Founding Director of Impact Launch, a collective of social impact practitioners who partner with nonprofits, philanthropy, and local government to design and implement effective organizational, systems, and community change. Impact Launch supports leaders across leadership capacity building, equity-centered initiatives, strategic planning, and expert facilitation - and to date has worked with over 40 organizations, impacted more than 50,000 teams and communities, and developed over 1,700 leaders through its Radical Transformational Leadership program. Before launching Impact Launch, Megan spent 20 years as a nonprofit leader and practitioner, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every role a mission-driven organization requires - from executive leadership, coaching, and fundraising to the behind-the-scenes work she describes as “mastering the art of hummus procurement.” She has worked across philanthropy, social services, criminal justice, homelessness, economic opportunity, education, and public health, and brings that full range of lived experience to every engagement - grounded in the belief that everyone, regardless of title, has the capacity to lead.ResourcesMegan Joseph on LinkedInImpact Launch — impactlaunch.orgBook: Radical Transformational Leadership: Strategic Action for Change Agents by Dr. Monica SharmaBook: Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers with Bold Ideas by Salvatore Manzi — past guest on Episode 322Follow Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership — and please leave a review!Learn more about the leadership resources at Armstrong McGuire

Most people who want to change the world start with a cause, not with Chris Lambert, ‘coz he started with a crisis…Chris Lambert, Founder & CEO of Next Level Nonprofit, grew up in a small town in northern Indiana, gave his faith the finger at 16, then spent six years chasing whatever he thought would make him happy, but no, it didn't, then there became a chance encounter at a church service in Australia, and when he came home, he wasn't the same person who'd left.We covered:→ How Chris's faith journey, from a small-town kid to a mud hut in Liberia, shaped everything he built after→ What Life Remodeled actually did in Detroit and why the Gallup results shocked even him→ The $300,000 check that completely rewired how he thinks about fundraising and donor relationships→ How Indiana University's 16-0 season explains the one principle that separates great organizations from struggling onesThere's a line Chris said that I keep thinking about, that is "Sometimes you just have to take the step forward even if you don't really know where it's going." He's done that more times than most people would be comfortable with, and it's produced something remarkable every single time!Chris, thank you for being so open about the whole journey, not just the wins. The stories you brought into this room were the kind that stay with you.Chapters0:00 - Introduction & How Chris and Dillon Connected2:16 - Who Is Chris Lambert? Defining Himself3:01 - Faith Journey: Growing Up in Small-Town Indiana4:06 - Walking Away from Faith at 164:34 - The Encounter in Australia That Changed Everything9:21 - Returning to Indiana, Seminary, and the Call to Detroit11:39 - Living in a Mud Hut in Liberia13:25 - Moving to Detroit and Starting a Church14:02 - The Birth of Life Remodeled (2010)18:43 - What Life Remodeled Actually Does21:35 - $56 Million, 87,000 Volunteers, and the Gallup Study26:59 - Writing Next Level Nonprofit and Leaving Life Remodeled33:07 - Why He Finally Wrote the Book (And Did It in 45 Days)36:43 - Right People, Right Seats: The IU Football Story44:00 - The $300,000 Check That Changed His Fundraising Mindset47:50 - How to Actually Raise Money: Donations vs. Investment55:06 - Building Capital for a For-Profit Studio: Dillon's Story57:34 - Final Thoughts and Where to Find ChrisConnect with ChrisWeb: https://www.nextlevelnonprofit.org/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nextlevellambertBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dillon-england-show--6370921/support.*Connect with Dillon*https://www.instagram.com/thedillonenglandshow/https://twitter.com/imdillonenglandhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dillonmengland/https://www.facebook.com/dillon.england.5*Sponsor — Broadcast Brew (Low-Acid Coffee)*Order our LOW ACID COFFEE “THE BROADCAST BREW”Thank you to Cool Beans Coffee Brewery for your partnership.https://www.coolbeanscoffeemi.com/product-page/broadcast-brew-low-acid-blend*ABOUT THE DILLON ENGLAND SHOW*Authentic conversations with interesting people across personal growth, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle — direct, faith-forward, Detroit grit.Subscribe for full conversations and weekly clips.Share this with someone on your leadership team.Comment your biggest takeaway.

What does it really take to lead well in both the for profit and nonprofit worlds? In this episode of I501(c)You, Lisa Krouse, CEO of First Tee Sarasota/Manatee, shares lessons from her career as an attorney, board member, nonprofit leader, and executive. She talks about mission focus, succession planning, board governance, funding challenges, and why strong partnerships can multiply community impact. If you care about nonprofit leadership, board effectiveness, community partnerships, or building organizations that last, this conversation offers practical insight and real world perspective for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders.   Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Lisa Krouse, CEO, First Tee Sarasota/Manatee (03:30) Compare/Contrast leadership in For-profit and nonprofit (05:40) Governance of for profit and nonprofit organizations (06:45) How do you work with board members? (09:20) Biggest challenges leading a nonprofit organization (13:30) Partnerships in nonprofit vs for-profit (15:40) Funding partnerships (17:20) Approach when joining a new organization (19:30) Leading a nonprofit vs for-profit (21:50) Recapping with Read Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Dr. Sharon Elefant, Founder & CEO of The Nonprofit Plug, shares her journey from healthcare administration to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of management skills for nonprofit success. She discusses the complexities of addressing homelessness and mental health issues. Dr. Elefant also highlights her favorite nonprofit causes and offers valuable resources for those looking to make a difference in their communities.Nonprofit Strategist • Educator • Community AdvocateDr. Sharon R. Elefant is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, educator, and community advocate dedicated to helping mission-driven leaders turn bold ideas into sustainable, fundable organizations.As the Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug, Dr. Elefant has supported more than 1,000 nonprofit leaders, helped launch and scale over 500 nonprofit organizations, maintained a 100%IRS approval rate, stewarded over $5 million in nonprofit assets, and supported organizations that have collectively secured more than $15 million in funding. At the core of her work is a simple belief: good intentions deserve strong infrastructure.What The Nonprofit Plug DoesUnder Dr. Elefant's leadership, The Nonprofit Plug provides end-to-end nonprofit support, including:● Nonprofit formation & IRS compliance (501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), and beyond)● Grant strategy, grant writing, and funding pipelines● Donor cultivation, contribution tracking, and fundraising systems● Financial management, bookkeeping, and compliance readiness● Strategic planning, program design, and impact measurement● Board development, governance training, and leadership coaching● Fiscal sponsorship education and alternative impact modelsA Global Perspective on Social ImpactDr. Elefant serves as an international advisor to nonprofits across sectors including housing and homelessness prevention, youth development, mental health access, animal welfare, veteran services, workforce development, financial literacy, and community wellness. Her work spans local grassroots startups to established organizations preparing for multi-year funding and national growth. She is widely respected for her ability to build bridges between nonprofits, funders, and community partners, aligning mission with measurable outcomes and long-term financial health.Educator, Speaker, and MentorIn addition to her consulting work, Dr. Elefant is an adjunct faculty member teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in nonprofit management, health administration, financial management, and program planning. She has facilitated workshops, bootcamps, and training events for hundreds of nonprofit founders and leaders, breaking down complex topics like grants, compliance, and finances into practical, empowering guidance.She is a frequent podcast guest, keynote speaker, and panelist, known for her candid, accessible style and her ability to demystify the nonprofit world while challenging outdated narratives about funding, sustainability, and leadership.Veteran Advocacy & LeadershipPreviously serving as Director of Veteran Outreach & Community Development with Team AMVETS, Dr. Elefant led major partnership and fundraising initiatives, helping double annual donations to nearly $1 million and expand veteran support programming nationwide.Academic & Global ExperienceDr. Elefant holds a Doctorate from Central Michigan University, with academic training in health management and public policy. Her global experience includes setting up rural health clinics in Belize, participating in international public health conferences, and engaging in United Nations seminars abroad. Her doctoral research focused on innovation theory and global systems change, further shaping her strategic lens.Get In Touch With Dr. Sharon Elefant:WEBSITE / SOCIAL :http://www.thenonprofitplug.com/ @thenonprofitplug on most Social platforms.‍ ‍

AmBika 'B' Sanjana, a premier Los Angeles–based South Asian American stylist and creative director, joins Abhay to talk about what it means to “author” your own style. From styling Hollywood's elite and NBA All-Stars to serving as the CEO and founder of the impactful nonprofit SEVASPHERE, Ambika shares how fashion is a narrative tool that bridges cultural heritage with modern identity while centering community service.In this deep dive, Ambika chats about her style‑based “social experiment” involving labels vs fit, the power of comfort as a baseline for confidence, and how she's combating food and housing insecurity in Los Angeles with dignity and community. Whether creating an ongoing blueprint for style and fashion or living a more meaningful life, this conversation explores how to leave a “sparkle” in every space you enter through inspiration.Chapters/Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to AmBika03:09 – Style as Authorship: Telling Your Story 05:47 – The Philosophy of Comfort and Confidence 07:42 – The Label Experiment: Brands vs. Personal Taste 12:17 – Evolving Through Eras: Styling for Life's Seasons 16:09  – Sponsor Break: Travelopod16:42 – Effort and Effortless Style 20:34 – Redefining Success Beyond Fame and Money 25:18 – Sevasphere: Bringing Dignity to Community Service 35:07 – Sponsor Break: Timberdog35:45 – Rapid Fire: AI in Fashion & Celebrating Heritage37:47 – Red Carpet Thoughts and InspirationLearn more at:https://www.styledbyambika.com/https://www.sevasphere.org/Big shout outs this week to 2026 Oscar nominee and previous guest Geeta Gandhbir for her film The Perfect Neighbor which is on Netflix now, to T20 cricket and spring training, and to everyone who hopefully enjoyed a safe and happy holi.TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.comThis episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

What do you do when your world stops but everyone else keeps moving?Christina O'Mara joins Conversations with Rich Bennett to share the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Ariella  and how that grief led to the creation of the Sea of Hope Foundation. This is not just a story about loss. It is about lifting the veil, saying their names, and turning waves of grief into ripples of hope.In this episode, you will hear:• What it was like delivering Ariella at 20 weeks • The hidden financial and emotional costs families face • How siblings process grief differently • Why partners must communicate through loss • How Sea of Hope supports families with funeral costs and scholarshipsSea of Hope Foundation: https://seaofhopefoundation.org Harford's Heart Magazine: https://harfordsheart.comIf this conversation moves you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need to hear it. And remember, say their names.Send a textMarch 6–13 Become a part of your local college radio station! WHFC exists because of you, our growing community of listeners. Your support allows us to keep training and entertaining, and we thank you. Donate at whfc911.orgHarford's Heart MagazineKEEP IT LOCAL WITH HARFORD'S HEART maryland's lifestyle magazine for harford county!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCast Subscribe by Email

What if the biggest missing piece in fighting poverty isn't food or housing—but furniture?In this powerful episode, Alicia Hamilton of Fresh Start Furnishings joins Rich alongside Natalie Johnson, COO of Inner County Outreach, to announce a major partnership that will expand services across Harford and Cecil Counties.After furnishing 321 households and serving over 900 individuals in one year, Alicia realized the next level required bigger infrastructure and shared resources. Now, Fresh Start Furnishings is joining forces with ICO, a 40-year-old nonprofit serving families across multiple counties.You'll hear:• What “furniture poverty” really means • The emotional story behind one life-changing mattress delivery • Why nonprofit sustainability requires strategy, not just passion • How this partnership expands mental health and family services • Advice for anyone thinking about starting a nonprofitLearn more: Fresh Start Furnishings – https://freshstartmd.org Inner County Outreach – https://innercountyoutreach.orgIf this episode moved you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in strengthening our community.Send a textVote for us here 10% off All MembershipsRuntime: 2/10/2026 until 2/28/2026Code: CRBPodcast This discount is valid only for memberships purchased February 10, 2026 until February 28, 2026. It cannot be applied retroactively to previous purchases and may not be combined with any other discount or promotion. All memberships purchased are nonrefundable.PodMatchPodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For InterviewsSupport the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCast Subscribe by Email

About This EpisodeRecorded live at the Encanto Experience, this bonus episode captures a powerful conversation on equity, economic empowerment, and community-driven transformation. Host Taryell Simmons and co-host Zeke Corley of Same Business Different Day Podcast sit down with Shawn McClondon, founder of the Sister Cities Project, the nonprofit organization supporting the Encanto Experience.Shawn shares how he pioneered formal partnerships between affluent and underserved communities, fostering cultural understanding and sustainable economic development. Through the Sister Cities Project ecosystem, he harmonizes workforce development, community connection, and business growth initiatives designed to uplift underserved communities of color.He also discusses:The strategic vision behind (Eco)Hub, (Eco)Exchange, and (Eco)AgencyLeading over 40 social justice, DEI, and racial equity discussionsBuilding cross-sector partnerships throughout San Diego County and nationallyWhy equity must move from dialogue to structural transformationThis episode also celebrates the Encanto Experience as a culturally rooted professional development space where community, creativity, and commerce intersect.Special thanks to Brooke Collins, the powerhouse organizer behind the Encanto Experience, and to Marathon Barbershop on Imperial Avenue for hosting this live recording in a space filled with art, culture, and legacy.If you're watching this episode on YouTube, take a moment to appreciate the artwork behind us. If you're listening, we've included links below so you can experience Encanto next year. Learn MoreSister Cities Project: HEREEncanto Experience: HEREMarathon Barbershop – Imperial Avenue Episode ContributorsHost: Taryell SimmonsCo-Host: Zeke Corley (Same Business Different Day Podcast)Guest: Shawn McClondonMusic: Will MakerProduction: RISE Urban Nation Media Special Acknowledgment:Brooke Collins – Encanto Experience OrganizerMarathon Barbershop – Venue Host Unite. Empower. Ignite.Thank you for tuning into the RISE Urban Nation Podcast, where we go beyond conversation to fuel a movement of unity, empowerment, and transformation across the Black and Pan-African community. Each episode dives deep into the stories of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers shaping culture, business, and legacy.Hosted by Taryell Simmons, a leader in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, the show blends storytelling with strategy to help you amplify your voice, grow your brand, and lead with purpose.Why Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation?✨ Inspiring Stories: Learn from influential Black and Pan-African leaders making an impact.