Afleveringen
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312: Moving Your Organization from Toxic Stress to Radical Resilience (Brett Loftis)
SUMMARY
Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.
Why are so many nonprofit leaders exhausted, irritable, or dealing with chronic health issuesâand not realizing the deeper cause? In episode 312 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Brett Loftis explores how unacknowledged trauma and toxic stress infiltrate nonprofit organizations, often masked as burnout or fatigue. Brett, a national leader in trauma-informed care, explains how individuals and entire organizations can become "trauma-organized," and what it takes to shift toward radical resilience. Drawing on decades of experience in child advocacy and organizational leadership, he shares practical tools like emotional safety plans and values-based leadership practices that support healing and sustainability. Learn why self-awareness, grief processing, and cultural rituals are essential for leaders and teams to thriveâand how your organization can transform stress into strength. This episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader seeking long-term impact and well-being.
ABOUT BRETT
Brett Loftis graduated from Furman University with degrees in Sociology and Political Science and in 2000 from Wake Forest University School of Law. After spending numerous years working in ministry and child advocacy, including as the Executive Director of the Council for Childrenâs Rights in Charlotte, NC, Brett came to Crossnore in 2013 as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Brett leads all initiatives of the organization, including programs, external relations, operations, and organizational growth. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth soccer and basketball. Brett is married to Sally, and the couple has three sons.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireNo Bad Parts by Richard SchwartzGet Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
311: Leading with Systems: The Secret to Mission-Driven, High-Performing Nonprofits (Kevin Wilkins)
SUMMARY
Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.
Are you so focused on keeping your nonprofit running that you donât have time to step back and fix the systems holding you back? In episode 311 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, organizational expert Kevin Wilkins shares how to break free from these constraints and build a thriving, mission-driven culture. Expert insights reveal why culture is the strongest predictor of success, how to foster collaboration despite competition for funding, and why strategic planning should be adaptable rather than rigid. Discover practical steps to strengthen organizational effectiveness, align people with processes, and implement a plan that doesnât just sit on a shelf. Explore how stakeholder engagement, accountability structures, and performance management drive long-term impact. Whether leading a small nonprofit or managing complex systems, this discussion provides actionable strategies to maximize resources and create lasting change.
ABOUT KEVIN
Kevin N. Wilkins is the Founder and CEO of Trepwise, a strategy consulting firm dedicated to unlocking the potential of purpose-driven organizations by aligning people, process, and vision. With over 35 years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and private ventures, Kevin has led Trepwise to support over 700 organizations. Since moving to New Orleans, he has worked with for-profit, nonprofit, and public entities, shaping his vision for thriving communities driven by impactful ideas. A Dartmouth graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Kevin has held executive roles at Procter & Gamble, Fidelity, and State Street Research. He serves on multiple boards and has received many honors, including Louisianian of the Year (2021) and Best Place to Work recognitions for Trepwise. Most recently, Trepwise was named Outstanding Business of the Year (2024) by Best of America Small Business Awards.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireBuilding a StoryBrand by Donald MillerHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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310: Why is Now the Time for Future Thinking? (Trista Harris)
SUMMARY
Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.
How can nonprofit leaders break free from the exhausting cycle of putting our fires to create a clear, future-focused strategy that drives long-term impact? In episode 310 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, philanthropic futurist, Trista Harris dives into why many in the sector struggle to think beyond immediate crises and how future-focused strategies can drive transformational change. Learn practical tools for envisioning long-term impact, including how to align organizational activities with a shared vision and develop a rolling three-year strategic plan. With actionable insights on integrating futurism into your culture and engaging stakeholders, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine whatâs possible for your organizationâand equip you to build a brighter, more equitable future.
ABOUT TRISTA
Trista Harris is a renowned philanthropic futurist who advocates for the use of futurism to address critical community challenges worldwide. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, The New York Times, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and many social sector blogs. Trista is the President of FutureGood, a consultancy that helps visionaries create a better future. She has authored two books - "How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar" and "FutureGood.". Prior to her work at FutureGood, she served as President of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a thriving grant-making community that awards over $1.5 billion annually. She was also the Executive Director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice and a Program Officer at Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. A strategic foresight expert certified by Oxford University, Trista holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Rest is Resistance: Free Yourself from Grind Culture and Reclaim Your Life by Tricia HerseyParable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
309: Are You Really Onboarding for Long-Term Success? (Tiffany Slater)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Struggling to retain great talent? In episode 306 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, HR expert Tiffany Slater shares practical strategies to transform your onboarding process into a tool for retention and team success. Learn why onboarding begins the moment a new hire says "yes" and how small gesturesâlike a personalized welcome video or a thoughtful giftâcan set the stage for a strong workplace culture. Tiffany shares actionable advice on preparing new employees with the right tools, clear processes, and meaningful first projects to ensure they feel valued and capable from day one. Whether your team operates in-person, virtually, or hybrid, these tips will help you reduce turnover and empower your team to thrive.
ABOUT TIFFANY
Tiffany E. Slater, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP is the Founder & CEO for HR TailorMade - THE human resource solution for small businesses and nonprofits. HR TailorMade partners with nonprofits and small businesses to provide seamless Fractional HR support for their team. Dr. Tiffany has been an HR professional for over 25 years with experience in all aspects of human resources. She also has experience in a variety of sectors, including union and non-union, PK-12 public education, property management, manufacturing, and casino industries, to name a few. The HR TailorMade team handles everything from onboarding & managing employee relations to benefits administration to guiding team leaders through difficult conversations & exit interviews. They are here to help you avoid those common HR mistakes, protect your business, and ensure that you and your employees thrive.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireBuy Back Your Time by Dan MartellHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
308: 3 Keys to Building a Dynamic Nonprofit Team (Chris Jenkins)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
What makes or breaks a nonprofit team? In episode #308 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Chris Jenkins shares how he has built a thriving organization by prioritizing trust, mission alignment, and strategic leadership. Discover why micromanagement is one of the biggest threats to team dynamics and how empowering staff with autonomy leads to stronger results. Learn how to foster a culture of accountability, encourage team-driven decision-making, and create an evaluation process that ensures long-term success. This conversation dives into the importance of hiring people who challenge your perspective, how to balance visionary leadership with structured planning, and why succession planning starts long before a leadership transition.
ABOUT CHRIS
Chris Jenkins is the Founder of Hope Restorations Inc. which he started in February of 2015. Hope Restorations is a non-profit social enterprise striving to help adults recover from addiction and/or incarceration by providing honest, paid, dignified employment. The program uses the daily work environment to build relationships and trust as the foundation to help each individual identify and overcome their own unique barriers to success. The work involves acquiring and renovating deteriorating, eyesore properties in the community to provide affordable housing for low-income families. Chris served in the US Navy and then managed privately owned manufacturing operations before opening his own auto repair shop. In 2004, he began answering a calling into formal ministry. He holds a Bachelor's in Occupational Education from Eastern New Mexico University and has completed the Course of Study for Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church at Duke Divinity School. Heâs an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician, an NC General Contractor, and a USCG Licensed Captain.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireWatch Chrisâs story here!Start with Why by Simon SinekHave you gotten Pattonâs book -
307: How to Overcome 5 Nonprofit Communication Challenges (David Chatham)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Are you pouring your heart into your nonprofitâs mission, yet struggling to get donors, partners, and the community to truly understand and support your work? In episode 307 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, communication expert David Chatham shares how organizations can transform their storytelling by focusing on the âFour Câsâ of effective communication: clear, concise, compelling, and consistent messaging. He breaks down the five biggest communication challenges nonprofits faceâfrom weak foundational messaging to the lack of a strategic marketing planâand offers practical, actionable solutions to overcome them. Learn how to refine your mission statement, engage key stakeholders, and make the most of limited marketing budgets. Plus, discover why investing in strong communications isnât just about visibilityâitâs about strengthening donor engagement and long-term sustainability. If your nonprofit struggles to communicate its impact effectively, this episode will help you sharpen your strategy and amplify your voice.
ABOUT DAVID
David has more than 25 years of marketing communications experience, with the last 10 focused on serving nonprofits through his work as senior client success strategist at Angel Oak Creative. He's grateful for the opportunity to work with organizations who are working each day to make the world a better place. David lives in Raleigh, N.C. with his wife of 20+ years, Lisa, and his mighty 7lb Yorkie, Max.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireWhen Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.Have you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
306: Building Resilient Nonprofits Through Interim Leadership (David Harris)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check out their Interim Management Institute.
Leadership transitions can be a pivotal moment for any nonprofit, yet many organizations rush to fill the gap without assessing their true needs. In episode #306 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the critical role of interim executive leadership with David Harris, and how it strengthens nonprofits during times of change. David is a national expert in interim leadership and shares insights on why nonprofits should resist the urge to hire quickly and instead use transition periods to build resilience. Learn how skilled interim leaders address financial stability, talent development, board engagement, and operational adaptabilityâensuring the next executive is set up for success.
ABOUT DAVID
David is the Managing Director of Interim Executive Solutions, and has extensive experience working with for-profit and nonprofit organizations to develop and implement strategies to improve operations, marketing, board governance, and leadership team effectiveness. He served as co-chair of Community Action Partners where he provided strategic planning, marketing and other services to Boston area nonprofits. In that capacity, David has led projects with nine different organizations. Most recently, he served as the interim Executive Director of the Springfield Empowerment Zone in western Massachusetts and the Landing School in Maine. David spent five years as Deputy Director of Teachers21, a professional development service provider, and provided coaching and consulting services to school and district leaders on business strategy and organization. David is currently Clerk of YouthBuild Boston. David holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MAT from Simmons College and a Sc.B. in Biochemistry from Brown University.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Want to be an Interim Executive? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireWait, What? And Lifeâs Other Essential Questions by James RyanHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
305: 5 Steps for Balancing Leadership with Personal Wellness (Latoya Robinson)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Are you constantly giving everything to your mission but feeling like thereâs nothing left for yourself? In episode 305 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Latoya Robinson shares why prioritizing wellness is essential for sustaining long-term impact and preventing burnout. Drawing on her leadership journey, she introduces five practical steps to help nonprofit executives balance their professional responsibilities while maintaining personal well-being. She discusses leading with empathy and self-compassion, building supportive relationships, setting boundaries, aligning leadership with purpose, and staying organized without overwhelming. Latoya also shares her personal strategies for maintaining balance, including morning routines, intentional goal-setting, and prioritizing time for reflection.
ABOUT LATOYA
Latoya Robinson is a Nonprofit Growth Architect dedicated to transforming service-based and community-focused organizations. She helps nonprofits, foundations, and corporations align their missions with sustainable strategies that drive measurable impact and long-term financial stability. As the founder of LUR Growth, Latoya provides innovative donor engagement and strategic growth services, leveraging her LUR 3D StrategyâąâData-Driven Direction, Donor Devotion Dynamics, and Dynamic Impact Orchestrationâto foster capacity building, donor loyalty, and organizational growth. Since 2016, Latoya has served as Executive Director of Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN), where her leadership has expanded the budget from $310K to $1.2M. She previously co-founded SAVED Health and launched the SAVED4HOPE Therapeutic Summer Camp, growing both into multi-county initiatives.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Gifts of Imperfection by Brene BrownDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens -
304: Balancing the Head and the Heart as a Nonprofit Leader (Eric Newman)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
How do you sustain the passion that fuels your nonprofit mission while ensuring long-term financial and operational success? In episode 304 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, youâll hear from Eric Newman, a nonprofit leader who turned personal adversity into a powerful movement, scaling an organization from a grassroots fundraiser to a national force for pediatric cancer support. Learn how he navigated the critical balance between mission-driven passion and business-minded strategy, built a sustainable fundraising model, and leveraged corporate partnerships for impact. He shares hard-earned lessons on overcoming early financial struggles, the importance of adaptability, and why "marrying the mission, not the model" is key to longevity.
ABOUT ERIC
Eric Newman is a passionate entrepreneur, speaker and visionary leader. A childhood cancer survivor, he founded Roc Solid Foundation in 2009, a nonprofit that builds hope for kids fighting the same battle throughout the U.S. Roc Solid partners with over 100 childrenâs hospitals to gift Ready Bags to families just after diagnosis, and theyâve provided thousands of play sets for children throughout the country who need a safe place to play and a reason to smile. As a best-selling author and guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Ericâs story continues to inspire people who are looking for ways to turn their pain from past experiences into their lifeâs passion.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Carpenter: A Story About the Greatest Success Strategies of All by John Gordon10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin HardyHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â -
303: Advocacy That Matters: Taking Your Nonprofit to the Next Level (Sam Daley-Harris)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Are you leveraging advocacy to amplify your nonprofitâs impact? In episode 303 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Sam Daley-Harris, author of Reclaiming Our Democracy, shares transformative insights on moving beyond transactional actions to engage in transformational advocacy. Sam emphasizes the power of asking big questions, building meaningful relationships with elected officials, and training teams to embrace grassroots victories. Discover practical strategies to engage your board, staff, and volunteers in impactful advocacy, even if your organization is just starting out. This conversation challenges nonprofit leaders to think bigger, connect deeper, and embrace their potential to create systemic change.
ABOUT SAM
Sam Daley-Harris founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS in 1980, co-founded the Microcredit Summit Campaign in 1995, and founded Civic Courage in 2012. The 2024 edition of his book Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizenâs Guide to Transformational Advocacy was named an editorâs pick by Publisherâs Weekly BookLife. Kirkus Reviews wrote: "Overall, [the author's] analysis of effective action is as persuasive as it is accessible, and his call to democratic participation is inspiring. A handbook for aspiring activists that readers will find to be both inspiring and practical." Daley-Harris has been interviewed on NPRâs Here and Now and 1A and on PBSâs Laura Flanders and Friends. Ashoka founder Bill Drayton said, âSam Daley-Harris is one of the certified great social entrepreneurs of the last decades.â
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
American Shield by Aquilino Gonell and Susan ShapiroHow Nonprofits Lose Out When Volunteer Advocates Are Asked to Do Little Real AdvocacyLearn more and connect with Sam here -
302: Nonprofit Success Through Donor Relationships (Melissa Le Roy)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Are you ready to take your nonprofitâs fundraising to the next level? This episode dives deep into the art of relationship-driven fundraising and the strategies that sustain long-term nonprofit success. In episode #302 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Melissa Le Roy shares actionable advice for building meaningful donor connections. Learn her "five steps to building a fire" for sustainable fundraising strategies, discover how gratitude and consistent communication can transform donor retention, and explore how AI can streamline segmentation and personalized outreach. Melissa also highlights leadership lessons, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and prioritizing relationship-building to inspire greater engagement.
ABOUT MELISSA
Melissa Metcalf Le Roy, a graduate in Entrepreneurship, with a minor in business law of Western Carolina University and a graduate in Nonprofit Management of Duke University teaches non-profit management classes throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia for Duke University and Western Carolina University. She is a past board member of the North Carolina Center for Non-Profits. For four years she contributed a regular âNon-Profit Leadershipâ column for the Tryon Daily Bulletin and currently offers her services as a consultant through her own firm, OnFire Nonprofit Consulting. You can also view her TEDx talk âA Love Affair, the Art of Not Askingâ on Nonprofit Fundraising.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireDonor Centered Fundraising by Penelope BurkeHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
301: Unlocking the Power of Sustainable Giving (Dave Raley)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates, your go-to resource for career opportunities OR for help finding an interim executive or your nonprofitâs next leader.
Are you struggling to build a reliable, sustainable revenue stream while keeping donors engaged in your mission? The grind is real. In episode #301 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dave Raley dives into the essential shifts nonprofit leaders need to embrace, inspired by lessons from the subscription economy. He shares practical strategies for creating engaging donor experiences, building ongoing value propositions, and maximizing the long-term impact of recurring donors. Drawing on two decades of experience and insights from his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving, Dave outlines the key elements of a thriving recurring giving program, from understanding your tech stack to cultivating donor relationships that go beyond âset it and forget it.â If your organization wants to deepen donor loyalty and create sustainable revenue streams, this episode is a must-listen.
ABOUT DAVE
Dave Raley is the founder of Imago Consulting, an advisory firm that helps organizations create growth through innovation. As a speaker and advisor, he has inspired thousands of nonprofit leaders to grow both personally and organizationally. Heâs the author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving, and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit. Dave also writes a weekly innovation and leadership column called The Wave Report, and heâs the co-founder of the Purpose & Profit Podcast â a show about the ideas at the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit brands.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Rise of Sustainable Giving by Dave RaleyHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
300: 30 Takeaways from 300 Episodes
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates, your go-to resource for career opportunities OR for help finding an interim executive or your nonprofitâs next leader.
In this special milestone episode of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, host Patton McDowell highlights key moments, lessons learned, and pivotal conversations from the podcastâs first 300 episodes.
15 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
First Episode: November 13, 2019First Guest: Penny Hawkins, AVC of Development at UNC CharlotteMost Downloaded Episodes: #130 Manuel Campbell ("How Do You Prepare for Nonprofit Leadership?"), #124 Shana Plott ("How to Make Yourself an Outstanding Candidate for Nonprofit Leadership"), and #165 Bill Connors ("3 Technology Traps All Nonprofit Leaders Must Avoid") Longest Conversations: #36 with Tina Admans (âFortune 500 to Nonprofit Founder & CEOâ) and #213 with Brian Collier (âKeys to Advancing Your Nonprofit Careerâ) Two Guest Hosts: Chris Delisio hosted episode #100, and Ken Fuquay stepped in for episode #148 Most Appearances by a Guest: Andrew Olsen: episodes #145, #196, and #276.Two Trios: Episode #98 featured Charlie Elberson, Diane Gavarkavich, and Whitney Feld. Episode #237 highlighted Josueâ Hernandez, Tiffany Kong, and Mike WalshGuests have come from 38 of the 50 U.S. states and 14 different countriesFurthest Guest: Leif Cocks (#254) joined from Perth, Australia, 11,455 miles away. Top Listener Region: 85% of downloads come from the U.S., with Canada, the UK and Australia rounding out our international audience.200 Total Hours of Content100,000 Cumulative DownloadsTop Topics Covered: Leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, board engagementFirst-Time Challenges: failed to record Lisa Baxterâs first session, but she joined us again for episode #57! Achieved a #1 ranking in the world of nonprofit leadership podcasts according to FeedSpot -
299: No Ego Allowed: Leading with Humility (Lisa Steven)
SUMMARY
Our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates bring this episode to you. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Are you letting ego impede building a stronger, more effective nonprofit team? Leadership in the nonprofit sector often demands humility, yet the pressure to appear confident and in control can lead to isolation, burnout, and missed opportunities for growth. How can nonprofit leaders shift their mindset, embrace humility, and empower their teams while staying connected to their mission? In episode #299 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Lisa Steven, Executive Director of Hope House Colorado, shares her journey from being a teenage mom to leading a transformative nonprofit organization. Lisa explores the challenges of isolation in leadership, the importance of reconnecting with your mission, and how to approach delegation as an act of empowerment for your team. She discusses building a culture of humility, learning to lead with faith and authenticity, and navigating the complexities of board relationships. Lisa also provides actionable insights into fostering mentorship, creating environments of excellence, and approaching fundraising as a deeply relational and transformational practice.
ABOUT LISALisa Steven has over 28 years of experience working with teen moms. In 2003, she co-founded Hope House Colorado and has served as the founder & executive director ever since. Under Lisaâs leadership, Hope House has reached new levels and growth that, with a budget of over $3.5 million, puts the organization in the top 10 percent of nonprofits in the United States. Lisa is also a co-founder of the Colorado Teen Parent Collaborative (TPC) and serves on the Board for the Arvada Chamber. Lisa co-authored the Teen MOPS Handbook and worked with MOPS International on their strategic plan for expanding the ministry of Teen MOPS. Lisa is the author of A Place To Belong, a book that shares the miracle of Hope House while encouraging women in their leadership journey. A former teen mom, Lisa is committed to empowering teen moms in her community and across the world.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireCEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, Vikram MalhotraHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
298: Do You See Your Nonprofit as a Corporation? (Laura Bonnell)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Are you running your nonprofit like a passion project â or a thriving corporation? Maybe youâre struggling to balance mission-driven work with the organizational discipline needed for sustainable growth. In episode #298 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Laura Bonnell, founder of The Bonnell Foundation, shares her journey of transforming a deeply personal mission into a globally impactful nonprofit. She highlights the critical need for nonprofit leaders to adopt a corporate mindset - emphasizing strategic financial planning, program expansion, and board engagement as essential tools for growth.
ABOUT LAURA
Laura Bonnell, a seasoned journalist with 25 years of experience in Detroit, founded The Bonnell Foundation in 2010 after her daughters, Molly and Emily, were born with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite having ten siblings between them, Laura and her husband, Joe, did not know they were carriers of the disease, as no one else in either family had been diagnosed with CF. Driven by her personal experience and professional expertise, Laura used her platform as a reporter to raise awareness about CF. Before establishing The Bonnell Foundation, she actively raised funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participating in the Great Strides Walk fundraisers and speaking at CFF events. Bonnell also organized events like the first Celebrity Softball game with the Detroit Tigersâ wives and launching the "Portraits of Cystic Fibrosis" calendars in 2003âboth of which are integral to The Bonnell Foundation's fundraising efforts today. Through her foundation, Laura continues to advocate tirelessly for those affected by CF, leveraging her journalistic skills to amplify the cause and support the CF community.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThe Code Breaker by Walter IsaacsonHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
297: Four Ways to Future-Proof Your Nonprofit in 2025 (Bert Armstrong & Shannon Williams)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Are you ready to navigate the opportunities of 2025, or are you feeling the pressure of stretched resources, leadership turnover and a disengaged board of directors? In episode #297 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Bert Armstrong and Shannon Williams share findings from statewide community conversations that illuminate all of these issues.
ABOUT BERT & SHANNON
Bert Armstrong found his career mojo as a nonprofit leader and fundraiser, and has served the nonprofit community as a fundraising professional, consultant, volunteer, and board member. As co-founder and principal of Armstrong McGuire, he has led searches for nonprofit executives, facilitated planning efforts, and helped clients raise tens of millions. Prior to co-founding the firm, Bert served as the Vice President for Advancement for the Methodist Home for Children.
After graduating from the UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism, Shannon Williams stumbled into a fundraising position cloaked in a communications job and found her passion. For over 25 years, she has focused on helping organizations change the trajectories of their communities. Shannon leads the Armstrong McGuire team in helping boards find strategic direction, maximizing fundraising potential, and matching talented leaders to exceptional organizations.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Leaders Eat Last by Simon SinekDiscernment by Henri NouwenThank You. Iâm Sorry. Tell Me More by Rod Wilson -
296: PMAâs Holiday Gift Basket for Nonprofit Leaders (Patton McDowell)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
As the year ends, nonprofit leaders are reflecting on 2024 while gearing up for a successful 2025. In episode 296 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, host Patton McDowell delivers PMAâs âholiday gift basketâ of actionable strategies to support your leadership journey. From building a personal strategic plan and aligning your professional goals with your organizationâs mission to boosting year-end fundraising success with storytelling and corporate partnerships, this episode is packed with practical tips. Patton also shares ideas for celebrating your teamâs achievements, thanking donors with personalized stewardship, and closing the year with a high-impact board meeting. Youâll leave equipped to prepare for tax season, craft a strategic budget, and set the stage for sustainable growth. Tune in to this holiday special and unwrap the tools you need for a thriving new year!
ABOUT PATTON
Patton is the Founder and President of PMA Nonprofit Leadership and brings over 30 years of expertise in philanthropic leadership, having partnered with over 300 organizations across all nonprofit sectors. A CFRE and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he's recognized for his speaking and dynamic facilitation. Starting with Special Olympics International and NC Special Olympics, his journey led to roles at Queens University of Charlotte and UNC Wilmington before founding PMA in 2009. Currently, an Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Patton's leadership insights resonate through his weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and his 2022 book of the same title. A Morehead Scholar from UNC Chapel Hill, he also earned an MBA from McColl School and a Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the University of Southern California. Originating from Elizabeth City, NC, Patton's involvement with AFP Charlotte and AFP International Board demonstrates his unwavering dedication to nurturing leaders at all stages of their nonprofit careers.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership -
295: Unlocking Marketing Mastery for Nonprofits (Kirsten Suto Seckler)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity, help finding an interim executive, or to find your next leader.
Are you struggling to align your nonprofitâs marketing efforts with fundraising goals while staying true to your mission? Marketing can feel daunting, but mastering it is crucial to driving impact and building deeper donor connections. In episode 295 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Kirsten Suto Seckler shares her expertise on leveraging marketing to elevate nonprofit impact. With over 20 years of experience, Kirsten discusses the critical differences between nonprofit and for-profit marketing, emphasizing storytelling and mission-driven engagement. She highlights how strategic alignment between marketing and fundraising creates a stronger donor pipeline, while also providing practical tips on building brand awareness, measuring success, and fostering thought leadership. Drawing from her work at Shatterproof and Special Olympics, Kirsten offers actionable strategies to create authentic messaging and reach diverse audiences, helping nonprofit leaders take their organizations to the next level.
ABOUT KIRSTEN
Kirsten Suto Seckler is the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit working to reverse the addiction crisis in America. She uses her expertise in marketing and communications to drive social change, focusing on science-based interventions and reducing addiction stigma. At Shatterproof, Seckler leads initiatives like the Treatment Atlas, a platform to help families find quality addiction treatment, and a national campaign to end addiction stigma. She also oversees mass-market fundraising efforts and brand alignment. Previously, Seckler spent over 20 years at Special Olympics International, serving as Chief Brand and Communications Officer. She led global campaigns that elevated the organizationâs brand to nearly 200 countries, reaching 6 million athletes. Her accomplishments include organizing 11 World Games and establishing a global broadcast partnership with ESPN. Seckler has taught Integrated Marketing at Georgetown University since 2013 and previously worked in marketing at Kraft and as a journalist. She was named to PRWeekâs Health Influencer 30 Class of 2022 and honored by Washington Women in Public Relations. She holds a Bachelorâs degree from the University of Delaware and a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Management from Georgetown University.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireTuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom'Have you gotten Pattonâs book -
294: Starting from Scratch: What it Takes to Build a Successful Nonprofit (Courtney Johnson)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
What does it really take to build a nonprofit from scratch, especially when youâre balancing limited resources, overwhelming demands, and the challenge of staying resilient as a leader? In episode 294 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Courtney Johnson shares the inspiring story of founding Culinary Care, a nonprofit dedicated to providing meals for cancer patients and their families. What began as a personal response to the challenges her own family faced during her father's cancer treatment has evolved into a mission to make nourishment a fundamental part of cancer care. Courtney discusses the importance of relationship-building, persistence, and staying true to your mission in the nonprofit space. She offers insights on navigating early challenges, scaling growth, and managing burnout as a leader. Her experience highlights how strategic partnerships and focusing on small, sustainable steps can lead to big impact over time.
ABOUT COURTNEY
Courtney is the Founder of Culinary Care, which brings nourishment, care, and joy to cancer patients and their families by delivering free, restaurant-prepared meals. In 2006, while a high school junior, her father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. Told he would have five months to five years to live, he passed away just seven months later. Amidst everything, there was always one thing that brought a sense of joy and normalcy to their lives, and that was the meals that friends and neighbors delivered each night. After graduating college in 2011, she returned home to Chicago wanting to bring meals to others fighting cancer that may not have the same community support. After searching for organizations to volunteer with, she found none; that is the void Culinary Care is working to fill. Every year, 1 in 5 cancer deaths are a direct consequence of malnutrition. In Illinois alone, thatâs over 6,000 individuals. With every meal, Culinary Care is helping take something off the plate for cancer patients by simply putting something on it.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela DuckworthHave you gotten Pattonâs book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector â Now available on AudibleDonât miss our weekly -
293: Unlocking Crypto Donations and Millennial Giving (Pat Duffy)
SUMMARY
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader.
Are you missing out on donations from the next generation of donors simply because your nonprofit isnât equipped to accept cryptocurrency or appeal to tech-savvy millennials? In episode 293 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we unlock new opportunities in fundraising with Pat Duffy. He shares how nonprofits can integrate crypto donations seamlessly and unlock the potential of millennial and Gen Z donors. Learn why cryptocurrency is more than a buzzwordâitâs a highly tax-efficient giving method that aligns with the preferences of younger, tech-savvy philanthropists.
ABOUT PAT
Pat Duffy founded The Giving Block, with co-founder Alex Wilson, creating a new fundraising category they called âCrypto Philanthropyâ. Pat and his team developed the largest crypto giving platform for donors, raising over $100M for nonprofits and taking crypto and NFT donations mainstream. Today, The Giving Block is the platform helping thousands of the worldâs leading charities, schools, healthcare systems and faith-based organizations fundraise cryptocurrencies, stocks and Donor Advised Fund grants more effectively from modern philanthropists, including Save the Children, United Way Worldwide, Feeding America and St. Jude. Pat was honored for being one of the 100 Most Influential people in crypto, as well as The Kennedy Centerâs Next 50 class of 2022. Patâs been featured in Time Magazine, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Associated Press, Coindesk, and CNBC.
EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanDonât miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership - Laat meer zien
