Hey. So, my pal, Emily wrote a book called Obsessed . She also happens to be the branding genius behind household brands like Casper, Boxed, and Allbirds. So, yeah, she knows a thing or two about branding. Listen in to this episode where Emily drops huge value bombs like: 1) How to simplify and streamline your message (literally, NOBODY needs to know about the mind-numbing details of your mission) 2) Why a five-minute elevator pitch is actually a massive failure 3) How to use qualitative researc...
Jul 30, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 96
What a treat this interview with my dear friend and soul sister Maureen Yusuf-Morales is! Mo and I worked together at Breakthrough New York and she has gone on to become an expert educator, school founder and principal and DEI trainer. In this interview, we talk about examining and unpacking the racist practices of schooling in America, how to be an anti-racist parent and what educators and parents can do to dismantle racism. This is a fun, whole-hearted and thoughtful interview from one of the ...
Jul 23, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Join me and my long-time pal Jenn David-Lang to discuss how to start and run a mastermind group. In this podcast, you'll learn: 1) What is a mastermind and how can I use it to up my game? 2) Tactical tips on how to run the group 3) How masterminds are effective in reinforcing learning and adopting new behaviors. 4) How to deal with that pesky Imposter Syndrome For more about Jenn, check out: https://www.themainidea.net/...
Jul 16, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Join me and CPA Chyla Graham to talk about how to deal with your nonprofit budgeting and money management during this crazy time. Chyla drops a ton of value bombs like: Why women of color may shy away from the finances. How to train your board at the appropriate level of financial oversight. Benefits of zero-based budgeting How to align your budgets with the stuff you care about and value. Chyla brings over a decade of experience as an auditor and CPA in the nonprofit sector to the conversation....
Jul 09, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Oh, our boards. In this time of BLM and the broader conversations around racial equity, it can be hard to know where to begin with your board. Boards are often more conservative, wealthier and less diverse than our staff and clients so how do we get them on their DEI path? In this really important conversation with DEI consultant Martha Haakmat, we talk about 1) How to get boards to understand the continuum of DEI development and what that looks like on a policy and practice level. 2) Creating a...
Jun 25, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 91
Today my guest Vanessa Wakeman, founder of the Wakeman Agency, discusses PR in the nonprofit sector. Why do we need it and how do we demonstrate an ROI? We also discuss how to elevate the voices of women and folks of color as experts and thought leaders in the field. Vanessa shares a step by step playbook on how to be recognized for your ideas, how to show up as your whole self unapologetically and why she has dedicated herself to elevating the the profile of BIPOC in nonprofit. For more about V...
Jun 18, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 90
In this tumultuous time, we are all asking ourselves what we can do to support racial justice and equity (and if you're not, why are you even listening to my podcast?). Join me and Karen Fleshman, founder of Racy Conversations, to learn about the history of white women's role in holding up white supremacy in America, how you can start to have hard conversations about race with white family and colleagues and what it would take for us to decolonize wealth. I invited Karen, who is a white woman, t...
Jun 11, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 89
Hot off the press! Join me and today's guest Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou, New York State's ONLY Asian-American female Assemblymember representing Lower Manhattan (Lower East Side, Chinatown, Financial District, Battery Park and South Street Sea Port). In this conversation, we discuss the recent protests, how Asians can be allies to the Black community, what the impact of Asian under-representation is and how to shed the shame and silence in our community. This is an important and timely discuss...
Jun 04, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 88
In the midst of a pandemic, there has never been a better time to think about starting that side-hustle or that full-hustle. Join me, Kishshana and Brooke to talk about making the leap from nonprofit executives to small business owners. We talk about what is hard and what is joyful about owning your own business, how to feel the fear and do it anyway and how to stop comparing yourself to others. In this podcast, we share our hard-won wisdom about starting our own ventures. Some takeaways: 1) Bui...
May 28, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 89
My friend Dianne Morales is running for Mayor of New York. She is the first Latina to ever do so and the very first woman in this mayoral race. Listen in as she shares her platform positions on racial equity and justice, access to mental health and how her brand of female leadership would transform New York for the better. Dianne is aligned with many of my personal values and I hope that this interview will convince you: DIANNE MORALES FOR MAYOR. To support Dianne's campaign visit: https://www.d...
May 21, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 86
The documented rise of racist attacks against Asian-Americans is real and hits particularly close to home for me. Join me, Dr. Peter Keo of UCLA and Carlyn Cowen of the Chinese American Planning Council to explore the historical roots of anti-Asian racism in the US, how to avoid upholding racist stereotypes of the "model minority myth" and how to be an ally. This is a really deep and timely discussion that unearths the erasure of Asian-Americans and asks how we disrupt racism both externally and...
May 14, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Join me and my friend and mentor Cynthia Rivera Weissblum for some sound advice and comfort on leading your nonprofit during these tumultuous times. Cindy has been both an Executive Director and now oversees the Edwin Gould Foundation as CEO. Her advice comes from a thirty year history in the sector coupled with her deep empathy and wisdom. Some takeaway thoughts include: How and what to communicate to funders. How to remain calm and centered as the leader. The unique role of the nonprofit secto...
May 07, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 84
In this interview from our webinar series, we're talking with Minna Taylor, Founder of Energize Your Voice, about how to effectively communicate with your team via Zoom, how your content is the LEAST important thing that you're communicating and how to harness your breath and body for impactful communication. This is a must-listen for leaders who want to maximize their impact, especially in a remote environment. For more about Minna, visit: https://www.energizeyourvoice.net/ To see some of Minna...
Apr 30, 2020•53 min
We are all going through a challenging time right now, but it won't be forever. Dr. Lisette Nieves is one of the kindest, wisest and most effective leaders I've had the pleasure of knowing. Listen into a recent interview with her where we talk about how to both hold space for people's emotions while also looking at the opportunities ahead of us. She provides both truth and hope in this tumultuous time. Some takeaways: "What does it mean to be both high tech and high touch?" "Right now, your budg...
Apr 23, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Today's guest is none other than the phenomenal Kaya Henderson. Among many accomplishments, she was the former Chancellor of DC Public Schools, Executive Director of Teach for America DC, and a Spanish teacher in the Bronx. Kaya knows a thing or two about leading through challenging circumstances and this chat was both a warm hug and a fire in the belly. Kaya shares her perspectives about being a humble leader, filling up your own cup and when it's time to let your warrior spirit lead. If you ne...
Apr 16, 2020•31 min
As fundraisers, this COVID-19 has presented more than a few challenges. Join me and master fundraiser Kara Logan Berlin to talk about what savvy development directors are doing now, what to communicate to your funders and how to come out stronger when this ends. Kara has raised millions of dollars and is passionately committed to teaching people how to do development well. We are in this together and Kara provides her best advice and guidance to help you through with actionable tips and lots of ...
Apr 09, 2020•35 min
“Leadership is accepting responsibility for enabling others to achieve shared purpose in the face of uncertainty” -Marshall Ganz Now more than ever, we are facing uncertainty. We all have a choice to make: will we grow and rise to meet the challenge and lean into this moment to create grace and community or will we let fear lead us to make ourselves smaller? Join me and master fundraiser Jennifer McCrea as we explore making sense and meaning out of this extraordinary moment in our planet's human...
Apr 02, 2020•26 min
I know you're stressed out, worried about what's happening now and uncertain about the future. In the midst of all this COVID-19 madness, don't forget that you need to take care of yourself. Join me and my naturopathic doctor, Dr. Gabrielle Francis, as we discuss strategies to take care of yourself, especially as an empath in this work. We talk about signs of adrenal fatigue, dietary changes that can boost your immune system and how to clear your energy. I've personally benefited from her help w...
Mar 26, 2020•34 min
I invited my pal Heather Malin to talk about the state of fundraising in these challenging times. Heather is an expert fundraiser and we talk about strategies that fundraisers can implement right now, how to survive and how to move forward in the face of recession. With obstacle comes opportunity and those who adapt will survive. Take a listen and let me know what other supports you need. Stay safe and fight on!
Mar 19, 2020•23 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Join me and my friend (and first boss!) Sam Marks to understand the financial side of nonprofits. As the new CEO of FJC: A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds, we talk about what exactly a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is, how nonprofits who need a loan to even out cash flow can get one, why it's important to get a handle on your expenses and what he's learned from over twenty years in the social sector. He's good people and it's an elucidating conversation about financial aspects of running a nonprofi...
Mar 12, 2020•26 min
Fakequity= Fake equity. Like when you're in a meeting and someone repeats something a person of color said and takes credit for it. Or when "These people need..." or "They need to..." is said. Or when someone misses a previous meeting and then questions the decision made. Or when being short on time is used to justify NOT asking the community that is impacted. Or when someone tries to shift the conversation to class from race because race is just too uncomfortable. Or when someone "doesn't see c...
Mar 05, 2020•24 min
If I had a nickel for every time an ED complained that their board was not raising money, not engaged or not working, I'd never have to fundraise. Join me for this chat with Cindi Phallen to learn about how to re-invigorate your board, avoid a bored board, recruit according to your organizational goals and why staff members should never be on a board meeting agenda. Cindi brings a wealth of experience in unlocking the power of boards. To learn more about Cindi, check here out here: https://possi...
Feb 27, 2020•33 min
Ever wonder why mergers and acquisitions are not so common in the nonprofit world? Ever wondered about the nuts and bolts of leading a merger? Join me and my friend Daniel as we discuss the nitty-gritty of a nonprofit merger. Daniel has been a long-time nonprofit executive and, most recently, the Executive Director of Mouse.org. Under his leadership, Mouse successfully merged with another nonprofit and he shares his lessons learned. He also started his own consulting practice to advise on partne...
Feb 20, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Join me for this incredibly candid and vulnerable interview with Iris Chen. Iris was one of the founding members of Teach for America and has built her career in education and social justice over the last twenty years. We talk about perceptions of Asian-American leadership, what we have learned the hard way and what drives Iris after all these years. Iris reflects on the ups and downs of leadership over the last twenty years through the early days of education reform in New York to today's more ...
Feb 13, 2020•33 min
For folks of color who are trying to do big things in the world, fundraising can feel like pushing an endless rock up a hill. Join me and Liza Mueller, VP of Knowledge at Echoing Green, to hear the data that backs up the lived experience. Not surprisingly, women and folks of color raise significantly less funding than their white male counterparts. Interestingly, this disparity starts even before the ask. Here's hoping this conversation starts a deeper conversation for funders. For more about Ec...
Feb 06, 2020•25 min
Join me and my new friend Karla Monterroso to talk about her important work as CEO of Code2040. In today's high-flying tech economy, Code 2040 is committed to dismantling racial barriers that keep Latinx and Black tech workers from the highest levels of leadership. Karla shares the work that she does with the tech community and beyond to help break down the systemic barriers to racial equity in many different industries. We talk about actionable things that leaders can do to start to build an eq...
Jan 30, 2020•28 min
Instagram--it's a lifestyle choice. Join me and my new bud Brandy Henry to talk about how and why nonprofits should be all over Instagram like white on rice. In the sea of confusing social media choices and too much to do, Brandy breaks down some easy steps to get started with IG and how to not get overwhelmed. The best piece of news: Brandy is willing to help you out for FREE so contact her to get your IG game right and tight. To contact Brandy, visit here: https://www.brandywhenry.com/ To down...
Jan 23, 2020•27 min
Founders: they are among the most amazing and maddening people. Many founders struggle as sustaining Executive Directors because the skills that helped you to start a nonprofit are different than the skills needed to be an enduring leader. It takes a lot of reflection, maturity and grace to move from founder to mature ED. Join me as we chat with Jai Nanda who has gone from a founding ED to a tenured ED of over 20 years. Along the way, he's built an amazing organization, Urban Dove, and changed h...
Jan 16, 2020•33 min
You guys--this convo BLEW MY MIND. I usually try not to fangirl, but Susan Scott is so unbelievably amazing. She shares insights from her top-selling book Fierce Conversations and Fierce Leadership to help you have the fierce and necessary conversations with your employees, your family and your friends. This conversation is truthful, honest and whole-hearted. I felt changed afterward and I hope you will too. Some tidbits from our chat: "We are always having conversations and sometimes we include...
Jan 09, 2020•42 min
Happy 2020, friends! Today's podcast is my hope for your 2020. I hope and wish you good health. How many of us sacrifice our health and well-being for the cause? Join me and my friend Liza Baker, recovering nonprofit executive and health coach, to get tips about how to start taking care of yourself through food, exercise and little habits that can make a huge difference. She provides actionable tips that are not painful. Start 2020 out with making sure that you are the best you can be. For more ...
Jan 02, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 66
