Inspired Nonprofit Leadership
254 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 77 ratingsThis podcast is a place for nonprofit leaders to gain insights, tips, inspiration, and encouragement to unleash their potential.
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Episodes
054: How to use a loan strategically for your nonprofit
March 12, 2020 07:06 - 36 minutes - 34.3 MBMy guest for this episode is Vivienne Hsu. Vivienne is founder and CEO of LENDonate, a unique marketplace lending and donation platform where nonprofits and supporters leverage their collective power for the greater good. With over 20 years of financial services experience she is considered an expert in her field. She has appeared in numerous interviews on CNBC and Bloomberg TV and is frequently quoted in national publications, including The Wall Street Journal and Kiplinger. Prior to be...
053: Former foundation CEO shares wisdom and experience
March 05, 2020 08:05 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MBMy guest for this episode is Rick Williams. Rick is the former CEO of the Sobrato Family Foundation,(SFF) one of Silicon Valley’s largest philanthropic organizations, with annual charitable investments in excess of $40 million. Prior to joining SFF, Rick founded and was President of Realize Consulting Group, a management consulting firm focused on creating effective and sustainable solutions for philanthropic and nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. He also served at the...
052: How and why to have a bold impact metric
February 27, 2020 08:05 - 38 minutes - 35.9 MBMy guest for this episode is Aila Malik. Aila is an experienced leader who collaborates with venture-ready organizations to re-imagine their places within the education, correction, and community-based organization sectors. She specializes in launches, expansions, process design and implementation, and development coaching for high-performing executives. Aila has dedicated over 20 years to supporting and educating youth in many contexts including: homeless shelters, mentally disabled homes...
051: Have a board executive committee or not?
February 20, 2020 08:05 - 9 minutes - 5.14 MBThis is one of our bonus episodes – a moment with me. At one of my workshops recently, a board member asked how to increase the engagement of her fellow board members. I asked her to say more about what their disengagement looked like. She described poor attendance and lack of participation of those who do attend. There can be a lot of reasons for this, but I asked: Do you have an active board executive committee? Aha! It didn’t take long to discover the role the executive committee was ...
050: Communications Planning for Nonprofit Leaders
February 13, 2020 08:05 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MBMy guest for this episode is Caitlin Kerk. Caitlin is a writer and communications strategist who has been writing about health and social issues for more than 25 years. In that time, she has developed communications plans and messaging platforms, conducted media campaigns, and created content for a wide range of communication vehicles, including promotional materials, websites, blogs, public health reports and white papers. Caitlin launched Kerk Communications in 1997 to provide nonprofit ag...
049: Using “improv” as a tool to improve working relationships
February 06, 2020 08:06 - 34 minutes - 32.5 MBMy guest for this episode is Andrea Hummel. Andrea is trained in multicultural diversity, mediation and trauma recovery. She holds a Masters in applied anthropology American University (Washington, DC) with additional studies in refugee affairs and linguistics. Andrea holds a Theory certification in TSM psychodrama for post-traumatic growth and presents at conferences both in the US and abroad. In 1991 she founded a consulting firm specializing in cultural diversity and human relations con...
048: 20+ year veteran Executive Director shares lessons learned
January 30, 2020 08:05 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBMy guest for this episode is Christa Gannon, the founder and CEO of FLY program – Fresh Lifelines for Youth—which was formed as a nonprofit in 2000. FLY began with one staff member and a handful of volunteers serving youth in a few neighborhoods in San Jose. Today, with 55 staff and more than 200 volunteers, FLY serves approximately 2,500 youth annually in 25 cities throughout the Bay Area. The agency and Christa have received numerous local, state, and national awards. Christa is an ho...
047: What's a board executive session? Good or bad?
January 23, 2020 08:05 - 11 minutes - 5.86 MBThis is one of our bonus episodes – a moment with . Mary “When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.” Wayne Dyer The board-executive director relationship is a dance. The whole team is dancing together! One thing that can throw everyone off balance or mess up the cadence is how the board manages (or doesn’t) executive sessions. Mary shares her experience that most executive directors don’t want their boards to m...
046: "It starts at the top." A CEO's insights about the board/CEO relationship
January 16, 2020 08:05 - 35 minutes - 33.2 MBMy guest for this episode is Dr. Mary VanHaneghan. Dr. Mary started her career in the human services field two decades ago as a direct service professional. During her tenure she has worked across the country in various capacities: day habilitation; post-secondary education; transitional services; case management; supported employment; behavioral health; and more. Dr. Mary received her doctorate in education from Walden University in 2012, with emphasis in higher education and adult learn...
045: How you can use and benefit from design thinking in your nonprofit
January 09, 2020 08:06 - 36 minutes - 34.2 MBMy guest for this episode is Carol Hamilton. Carol grew up overseas and learned at an early age that cultures vary and there are few absolutes. Living in the world between her home American culture and European culture, she became a student of history, culture and language. Carol is fascinated with ways to better understand human organizing systems and the cultures that emerge within these systems. Also Carol grew up the younger sister of a brother with special needs. Observing how th...
044: Nonprofit exposures from an insurance expert
January 02, 2020 08:05 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBMy guest for this episode is Jan Berthold. Janice is a Senior Vice President with Heffernan Insurance and one of the few brokers who works with clients on a "Referral Only" basis. Prior to merging her firm with Heffernan, Janice was President and CEO of J. Berthold Insurance Service Inc. and a Principal of All West Insurance Brokers, one of the top five closely held insurance brokerage firms in Silicon Valley. She has over 25 years of commercial insurance experience and holds the insur...
043: To build relationship act first!
December 19, 2019 08:05 - 9 minutes - 4.72 MBThis is a bonus episode with Mary. Relationships are the most important currency nonprofit leaders attract. You influence the quantity and the quality of the relationships your nonprofit has with the people who care about - or could care about - your mission. Mary has a story to tell and a tip for you. 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 w...
042: Lessons learned from an experienced executive director
December 12, 2019 08:05 - 36 minutes - 34.4 MBMy guest for this episode is Mindy Berkowitz. Mindy has been Executive Director of Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley since July 2003. In her tenure as Executive Director, Mindy partnered with the Board of Directors take the agency from a position of near crisis to one of success and growth. Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley is well-respected in Santa Clara County, and serves thousands more people than ever before with a volunteer base of 700 people of all ages. Mindy has ...
041: Creating your nonprofit's culture: the executive's role
December 05, 2019 08:03 - 35 minutes - 33.3 MBMy guest for this episode is Josh Selo. Josh is the Executive Director of West Valley Community Services, a Silicon Valley-based human services nonprofit. He is a CFRE certified fundraiser with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit development, programs, and management. Josh has worked in senior positions for the YMCA of Silicon Valley and the Jewish Community Centers in both Rockland County and Manhattan. Josh has an MBA in Finance from Washington State University, and a Masters Deg...
040: Giving vs generosity - thoughts and tips for nonprofit leaders
November 28, 2019 08:05 - 6 minutes - 3.56 MBThis is a bonus episode with Mary. She discusses some insights gained from an article she read while considering the common belief: It is better to give than to receive. Learn some interesting distinctions between giving and generosity and some tips for yourself. 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 ...
039: Thoughts on the need for a reserve and risk management
November 21, 2019 08:05 - 39 minutes - 36.9 MBMy guest for this episode is Maya Tussing. Maya is a Partner at Fairlight Advisors, providing investment management and risk consulting services for philanthropic institutions and individuals. Fairlight Advisors was founded to help philanthropic leaders fulfill their missions with investment and risk solutions. Fairlight provides investment management services offering nonprofits and philanthropic individuals a widely diversified and cost-effective investment strategy aligned with their fi...
038: 7 steps to "Fundraising Freedom"
November 14, 2019 08:04 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBThe guest for this episode is Mary Valloni. Mary has over 17 years working with hundreds nonprofits. Former Development Director for the American Cancer Society, the ALS Association and Special Olympics, Mary has raised millions of dollars and spent countless hours in the field of development. In 2014, she started Mary Valloni Consulting to spread a message of hope and encouragement to nonprofit leaders and missionaries across the country as a fundraising consultant, author, and speaker. ...
037: Board Committees: board capacity and principles to consider
November 07, 2019 08:03 - 9 minutes - 4.79 MBThis is one of Mary's bonus episodes. In this episode she shares some insights about how form follows function applies to how board committees are formed and how board member capacity comes into play. Establishing strategic goals for the board and, following that, a structure – i.e., committees – to lead achievement of those goals can glaringly reveal whether or not the board really has the capacity to use that structure – in other words who is going to serve on what committee/task force. ...
036: Tips you can use from adult learning theory
October 31, 2019 07:03 - 39 minutes - 36.7 MBMy guest for this episode is Dr. Renee Rubin Ross. Renee has over 20 years’ experience in education – including teaching, serving as director of a religious school and conducting research in schools. From 2011 to 2014, Ross served as a Program Officer at the Jim Joseph Foundation, which distributes ~$20 million yearly in Jewish education. She left the Foundation to move to the “other side of the table”, serving nonprofits in a consulting role as well as focusing on education and training in...
035: Trends in Fundraising
October 24, 2019 07:03 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBMy guest today for this episode is Beth Williams. Beth has worked in the non-profit sector since 1994. Her experience includes fundraising, special event planning and program development. Beth earned her professional designation as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) in 2010 and has worked as a fundraiser for a variety of nonprofits including hospice, foster care and the county hospital. She has been the Director of Development at Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence since 201...
034: Know your 3 legal duties?
October 17, 2019 07:03 - 14 minutes - 7.29 MBThis is a bonus episode with Mary. Mary has found that many board members have not been oriented to their 3 legal duties. These duties apply personally to anyone serving as a director of a corporation (nonprofit or for-profit) board. She discusses not only the duties themselves but the implications for board members. Executive directors need to understand these duties too and be sure board members do. Knowing these duties and their implications can empower board members and give them c...
033: Experiencing change
October 10, 2019 07:04 - 37 minutes - 35 MBMy guest for this episode is Emily Sterling. Emily Sterling has served as a strategic thought partner to thousands of innovative and influential philanthropists, community leaders, social entrepreneurs, nonprofits, boards, corporations, and governments for over 25 years. She has enhanced the impact of organizations of every size, sector, stage of development, and mission focus. And, she has helped individuals enhance their leadership and influence to achieve their visions. Emily is the ...
032: Giving, your funding model & your board
September 26, 2019 07:02 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBMy guest for this episode is Gayle Gifford. Gayle has spent years in the trenches, organizing for peace, environmental, human and civil rights. She served as Director of Development and Communications at PLAN USA, as Deputy Director/Director of Development and Marketing at Save The Bay, and as Director of Development at CityYear RI before launching her own business in 1996 with master communicator Jon Howard (who also just happens to be her spouse). Gayle earned the advanced fundraising c...
031: 3 Board Orientation Mistakes
September 19, 2019 07:03 - 9 minutes - 4.81 MBThis is a bonus episode with Mary. Nonprofit organizations provide critical and life-enhancing services to our communities. If you are a nonprofit executive or board member, you know first-hand what a valuable role you play. We all have a stake in nonprofits’ success. And, we know that to be successful a nonprofit must be led by an effective board of directors. One of the biggest opportunities to ensure a nonprofit board realizes its full potential is in orienting new board members. ...
030: Lonely at the top? Tips for coping
September 12, 2019 07:03 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBMy guest for this episode is Dr. Terrie Temkin. Dr. Temkin is a founding principal of CoreStrategies for Nonprofits, Inc., an international consulting firm that builds organizational infrastructure. She is an award-winning speaker and an engaging group facilitator, who brings more than 40 years of nonprofit management and adult education experience to her work. Considered by her colleagues as a thought leader in the area of governance, Terrie was one of the first to talk about strategic t...
029: What's up with nonprofit mergers and alliances?
August 29, 2019 07:03 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBI have two guests for this episode: Luis Vergara and Bob Harrington. Luis brings over 20 years in program and nonprofit management. He was a Strategic Director at the national research and strategy firm Cheskin. He also served as executive director of Youth Radio, a Senior Policy Associate with Safe Passages, and has worked extensively in youth development and gang prevention. He joined La Piana consulting in 2006 where he is now a partner. A native of San Francisco, Luis now lives in S...
028: Board chairs and board leaders
August 22, 2019 07:03 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MBMy guest today is Mike Burns. Mike began his career as an executive director of a community health center and now has over 20 years’ experience as a nonprofit manager. Since 1994 Mike has been an organizational development consultant and partner in BWB Solutions. Since 2017 Mike has been faculty in the University of New Haven’s Nonprofit Management Certificate Program. Mike’s consulting practice focuses on strategic planning, governance and helping nonprofits assess their readiness for strat...
027: Advisory Groups: Bane or Benefit?
August 15, 2019 07:04 - 10 minutes - 5.34 MBThis is one of our bonus episodes – a moment with Mary. In this episode, Mary discusses Advisory Groups. She gives examples and shares the benefits you can reap from forming an Advisory Group. Mary also goes over the important steps to take to evaluate if an Advisory Group is right for your nonprofit and how to form one with success. Please sure to subscribe and, while you’re at it, rate and review. For more details about me or my work please go to: Hiland Consulting To get the free...
026: Diversity & Inclusion--A Conversation
August 08, 2019 07:04 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBMy guest for this episode is John Robins. John Robins has 18+ years of leadership experience, with nonprofits, faith communities, and technology companies. Previously, he served as the Interim Executive Director of the Winchester Multicultural Network, where he led a cross functional team spanning program, advocacy, communications, development, and finances. John was a partner in supporting the strategic planning process that moved the organization from a community-based organization to a ...
025: Prepare for leader transitions in your nonprofit
July 25, 2019 07:05 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBMy guest for this episode is Carol Hamilton. Carol grew up overseas and learned at an early age that cultures vary and there are few absolutes. Living in the world between her home American culture and European culture, she became a student of history, culture and language. Carol is fascinated with ways to better understand human organizing systems and the cultures that emerge within these systems. Carol grew up the younger sister of a brother with special needs. Observing how the wor...
024: Do you have unlimited capacity?
July 18, 2019 07:05 - 18 minutes - 8.94 MBThis is one of our bonus episodes – a moment with Mary. In this episode, Mary discusses our capacity and shares some tips for how to make the best use of it--particularly as it relates to the work of nonprofit leaders. Do you have unlimited capacity? Of course not! Listen to this episode to learn how to maximize the capacity (time, energy, etc.) that you do have. Please sure to subscribe and, while you’re at it, rate and review. For more details about me or my work please go to: Hilan...
023: Nonprofit Leadership Development
July 11, 2019 07:03 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MBMy guest for this episode Don Tebbe. Don is a consultant and author based in the Washington, DC, and one of the nation’s leading authorities on nonprofit leadership succession. Serving over a decade as a nonprofit senior executive, chief executive, and interim CEO, he experienced first-hand the challenges of leadership transitions. Founding his consulting practice in 1993, he has since helped over 120 nonprofits find, interview, hire, and transition to new CEOs and other senior leaders. ...
022: Following a founder: shifting the culture
June 27, 2019 07:04 - 36 minutes - 34 MBMy guest for this episode is Maria Nicolacoudis. Maria has twenty-five years of experience working in mental health, providing workforce development and rehabilitation services for youth and adults with disabilities. She has developed model, local, and state-wide service programs and social enterprises and served as a corporate consultant for integrated workforce issues. Currently Maria is the Executive Director of Hearts & Minds Activity Center. Hearts & Minds Activity Center is dedi...
021: Is the ED the Board's coach?
June 20, 2019 07:04 - 32 minutes - 26.6 MBMy guest for this episode is Michael Davidson. Michael has a very diverse and interesting background. He has been a Peace Corps Volunteer, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology, an Assistant District Attorney and an attorney in private practice. He holds a BS in mathematics from New York State University College on Long Island, a JD from Columbia Law School and an Masters in Anthropology from Yale University. Michael is a consultant specializing in nonprofit board development, management ...
020: Earned income opportunities for nonprofits
June 13, 2019 07:05 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MBMy guest for this episode is Rita Fuerst Adams. Rita has worked with nonprofit throughout the United States for over 30 years with budgets ranging from $1 mil. to $450 million. Rita was the executive director of National Parents Organization – the only national organization advocating for shared parented and gender equality in family law. She has extensive experience in fundraising and marketing. She has a BS in Journalism and an MBA. Rita is a published author many times over and a speaker....
019: Tips on board self-assessments
May 30, 2019 04:05 - 13 minutes - 6.55 MBThis is one of our bonus episodes – a moment with Mary. In this episode, Mary shares some ideas about conducting a good board of directors’ self-assessment. If you want to have a board that is truly an asset and you know changes are needed, then the place to start is with Board assessment. In this episode, Mary shares how to do that. She starts with a review of the benefits of doing a board assessment and then highlights the six steps of a good board assessment process. The episode e...
018: Strategic use of videos for your nonprofit
May 23, 2019 04:02 - 32 minutes - 26.6 MBMy guest for this episode is Stephanie Shaterian. Stephanie is a founder of fLO Content, fLO is a video content producer specializing in original, authentic, documentary style pieces that serve specific goals or strategic purposes. They work with decision makers in the for profit and non-profit sectors who have immediate video needs for marketing, promotional, or development goals. She is a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts and holds a degree in Fine Arts from The Theatre Schoo...
017: Nonprofit law leaders need to know
May 16, 2019 04:02 - 33 minutes - 27.4 MBMy guest today is Lauren Cesare. Lauren has been practicing tax law in California for 34 years. The last 23 years Lauren has operated her own practice with an emphasis on tax exempt organizations – what we mostly call nonprofits, as well as limited liability companies. Lauren has served on the Boards of Directors and as an officer of two nonprofits. She is the author of three books on Private Foundations and Public Charities. Here newest book on mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures am...
016: Mindset: Limiting or Empowering?
May 09, 2019 04:03 - 31 minutes - 26.2 MBMy guest today is Cindi Phallen. Cindi was a successful executive director for 18 years with Y’s around the country and is the founder and President of Create Possibility which provides consulting to nonprofits. Cindi is an author, speaker, and an educator. She teaches fundraising at the University of San Diego’s Nonprofit Management Certificate Program. Cindi is the author of “The Impact Triangle” in which she presents her proprietary secret sauce for building a thriving social enterprise...
015: Elements of great strategy
April 25, 2019 04:03 - 36 minutes - 29.3 MBMy guest today is Sarah Olivieri. Sarah is a nonprofit strategist with a passion for helping organizations thrive. The founder of PivotGround, Sarah helps human-service nonprofits increase capacity, deliver better programming, attract more funding, and make the world a better place. She has over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Sarah co-founded the Open Center for Autism and was the executive director of the Helping Children of War Foundation. She is the creator of the Impact ...
014: Evaluating the Executive Director
April 18, 2019 04:02 - 25 minutes - 12.4 MBThis is one of our bonus episodes – a moment with Mary. In this episode, Mary shares some tips for effectively evaluating the executive director and some cautions about pitfalls to avoid. We all know that effective leadership requires clarity of expectations and feedback on an ongoing basis helping people know how they are doing. It is disconcerting that the anecdotal information is that many Executive Directors don’t get evaluated. Without a defined evaluation process, the Executive...
013: Your Board's Role in Fundraising
April 11, 2019 04:02 - 35 minutes - 28.6 MBMy guest for this episode is Ellen Bristol. Ellen founded Bristol Strategy Group in 1995 after a 20-year career in corporate sales. She quickly transitioned to the nonprofit sector, where she has become a thought leader in fundraising management and now has over 20 years experience. Ellen created the SMART Way™, a training and consulting solution that improves fundraising results and productivity continuously. She is the author of Fundraising the SMART Way: Predictable, Consistent Income...
012: HR Mistakes Nonprofits Should Avoid
March 28, 2019 04:02 - 28 minutes - 23 MBMy guest today is Karen Mathews Radau. Karen is deeply experienced in human resources consulting, organizational development, and executive coaching. She is a recognized author and currently is the CEO of her own business, Small Business HR Services. Karen specializes in helping small to mid-sized companies, including nonprofits, with not only how to comply with labor laws but how to apply best practices to help organizations and their employees be successful. Many nonprofits are unable to...
011: 3 Key Factors in Board Improvement
March 22, 2019 04:01 - 14 minutes - 7.4 MBThis is a bonus episode – a moment with Mary. In this episode, Mary shares what her research and that of others has shown are three critical success factors for improving a board of directors. Some nonprofit leaders have little trouble articulating what they think should, or could, be better about their boards. But, even if you are one who knows where you want your board to go, the challenge may be how to get there. Listen to learn the three factors that promote success in board improvemen...
010: Communication mistakes nonprofit leaders make
March 14, 2019 04:01 - 31 minutes - 26.1 MBMy guest today Theresa Kiernan. Theresa has over 20 years of corporate training experience. She is a consultant and coach in communications and leadership. Theresa has been an executive director in three nonprofits and a board member for several as well. She likes having fun and creating a safe environment where people can let down their guard. In today's episode, we talk about communication mistakes nonprofit leaders make and how to avoid them. We explore communication between the board c...
009: Nonprofit and board life stages
February 28, 2019 05:02 - 31 minutes - 25.5 MBMy guest today is Mike Burns. Mike began his career as an executive director of a community health center and now has over 20 years’ experience as a nonprofit manager. Since 1994 Mike has been an organizational development consultant and partner in BWB Solutions. Since 2017 Mike has been faculty in the University of New Haven’s Nonprofit Management Certificate Program. Mike’s consulting practice focuses on strategic planning, governance and helping nonprofits assess their readiness for strat...
008: Addressing staff or board member conflicts of interest
February 21, 2019 05:01 - 14 minutes - 7.22 MBThis is a bonus episode – a moment with Mary. In this episode, Mary talks about how conflicts of interest come up in nonprofits – both with staff and board members and what to consider when addressing them. Mary shares her personal experience from her own board service as well as when she was a CEO and she offers three tips for safeguarding your nonprofit from the potential negative affects conflicts of interest can have. Please be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. And it ...
007: An executive director's view of the board's value
February 14, 2019 05:01 - 31 minutes - 25.8 MBToday’s guest is Suzanne St. John-Crane. Suzanne is the CEO of the American Leadership Forum which joins and strengthens diverse, cross-sector leaders to serve the common good. Suzanne has worked in community media for 24 years and has founded two community television stations. She has been an executive director for over 18 years. Suzanne has received over a dozen regional and national awards for videos and for her work as a media advocate. And, she served as an officer on the Alliance for...
006: Advocacy for nonprofit leaders
January 31, 2019 05:01 - 32 minutes - 15.3 MBMy guest today for this episode is Patricia Gardner. Patricia is the CEO of the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, known as SVCN, a nonprofit membership organization. Patricia has led the SVCN since 2001 after being a nonprofit executive manager for over 20 years. Patricia has won numerous awards and is recognized throughout the state of California as a leader in nonprofit advocacy and public policy. She believes nonprofits are central to the fabric of life, and through her role, at S...
005: The 5 ways your board really matters
January 17, 2019 05:05 - 12 minutes - 6.49 MBThis is one of our bonus episodes – a moment with Mary. In this episode, Mary talks about why boards matter and how board members, when they are fully realizing their potential, make a real difference for the nonprofits they serve. Mary shares her personal experiences with her own Boards when she was an executive director and the lessons she learned. As a CEO, working with a new board she experienced first hand the 5 key ways board members add value and advance the mission. Please be sur...