We’ve all felt the frustration of having too much to do and not enough time to do it. As nonprofit leaders, this overwhelm can keep us from focusing on high-impact work. In this episode, I introduce the Focus Filter Framework —a straightforward 4-step process to help you clear away distractions, prioritize tasks that align with your goals, and take control of your calendar. By breaking down your task list, aligning it with your goals, and making realistic time decisions, you can regain control a...
Oct 22, 2024•25 min
At some point in your nonprofit's growth, you’ll realize that the team that got you this far might not be the one to take you to the next level. In this episode, I walk you through the crucial steps to move from the team you have to the team you need, so your organization can scale successfully. We’ll unpack how to rework your current team, add capacity where it’s needed, and avoid the common mistake of treating these two strategies as one. By the end of this episode, you'll know how to assess, ...
Oct 08, 2024•15 min
One of the biggest challenges growing nonprofits face is plateauing—doing all the right things but not breaking through to the next level of impact and funding. In this episode, I talk about the core reason behind this: a lack of strategic alignment. I explain why organizations need to align three critical elements—strategic direction, a true cost financial roadmap, and a revenue model. When these pillars work together, nonprofits can achieve the kind of growth that’s both sustainable and impact...
Oct 01, 2024•17 min
In this special episode, I join Rhea Wong on her podcast to talk about the wild ride that is being a nonprofit Executive Director. We talk about how strange 2024 has been, what to do when the fear of failure - or actual failure - stops you in your tracks, and we offer some concrete strategies for making the coming year your best yet! Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator , a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a sma...
Sep 24, 2024•32 min
In this episode, I explore the concept of generative governance and why it’s a game-changer for nonprofit boards looking to enhance their strategic role. Too often, boards get stuck in the weeds, focusing on operational details rather than long-term, mission-critical questions. I break down the differences between operational and generative governance, explaining when and how your board can make the shift. By focusing on big-picture strategy, nonprofit boards can navigate new challenges, foster ...
Sep 17, 2024•24 min
In this episode, I tackle a common but risky misconception: the idea that nonprofits can simply replicate the success of other organizations by copying their strategies. The reality is that applying the same tactics from a $2M organization to a $600K one can be a costly mistake. I’ll guide you through why understanding your organization’s unique growth journey is critical for achieving sustainable impact without burning out your team. What You’ll Learn: Why copying larger nonprofits’ strategies ...
Sep 03, 2024•19 min
This conversation is with Ana Polanco, international ancestral coach and cultural facilitator. This month I’m doing a mini-series called Lessons from COVID that are still relevant today. Pulling together collections of conversations that I had with sector leaders called the Next Normal. We were deep in the days of COVID, and heading into a difficult election season, and everything felt fraught and difficult. And no one knew what our organizations and our work and our sector would look like on th...
Aug 27, 2024•11 min
These conversations were with George Suttles, Executive Director of Commonfund Institute at Commonfund. This month I’m doing a mini-series called Lessons from COVID that are still relevant today. Pulling together collections of conversations that I had with sector leaders called the Next Normal. We were deep in the days of COVID, and heading into a difficult election season, and everything felt fraught and difficult. And no one knew what our organizations and our work and our sector would look l...
Aug 20, 2024•14 min
These conversations are with Kemi Ilesanmi, former ED of The Laundromat Project, and founder and Principal at KGI Projects. This month I’m doing a mini-series called Lessons from COVID that are still relevant today. Pulling together collections of conversations that I had with sector leaders called the Next Normal. We were deep in the days of COVID, and heading into a difficult election season, and everything felt fraught and difficult. And no one knew what our organizations and our work and our...
Aug 13, 2024•14 min
This month I’m doing a mini-series called Lessons from COVID that are still relevant today. Pulling together collections of conversations that I had with sector leaders called the Next Normal. We were deep in the days of COVID, and heading into a difficult election season, and everything felt fraught and difficult. And no one knew what our organizations and our work and our sector would look like on the other end of it all. Now, here we are 4 summers later, and we’re starting to see which shifts...
Aug 06, 2024•15 min
In this episode, I'm diving into the often overlooked but critical elements of effective leadership: bravery and grace. While I usually focus on the skills and strategies for launching and scaling high-impact nonprofits, today I'm shedding light on the mindset shifts that can propel your organization forward. Tune in to discover why acting before you're comfortable and giving yourself grace when things don't go as planned are just as important as any strategic plan. What You'll Learn: The import...
Jul 23, 2024•8 min
In this episode, I dive into the essentials of creating a high-impact strategic plan for your nonprofit. Last week, we explored the importance of a well-structured planning process and clarity about your end goal. This week, we focus on the content of your strategic plan, ensuring it’s both inspiring and actionable. Whether you're leading the process or working with a facilitator, understanding these elements is crucial. What You'll Learn: How to articulate a 10-year guiding vision that serves a...
Jul 16, 2024•26 min
In this episode, I demystify the strategic planning process for nonprofit leaders. Facilitating your own strategic plan doesn't have to be daunting or time-consuming. With the right structure, you can create a plan that not only guides your organization but also gets used effectively. Tune in to learn how to engage your team, gain stakeholder buy-in, and develop a strategic plan that serves as a powerful marketing and fundraising tool. What You'll Learn: The essential components of a successful ...
Jul 09, 2024•29 min
What you do in July, August, and September lays the foundation for the kind of year-end you're going to have. In this episode, 4 nonprofit experts share their advice about what you can do to make this summer a success. Listen in as Kel Haney , Jordana Merkin , Perry Radford , and Emily Taylor pull back the curtain on everything from how to bring joy to your team, to how to set yourself up for successful year-end fundraising! Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator ,...
Jul 02, 2024•9 min
Summer is officially here -- are you starting to have that sinking feeling that you're falling behind? Did “January-You” make exciting and bold plans for 2024 but “Mid-Year You” is nowhere near achieving them? I see you 👀 And I have good news for you: You don't have to feel guilty for changing your plans! It’s not too late to save your year. During this info-packed workshop, I share actionable strategies to: Reset your goals: Gut-check what’s still realistic and important for the rest of the ye...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 20 min
In this episode, I break down how to get the opportunity to speak at a conference to do double duty as a cultivation vehicle also! By focusing on pre-event preparation, engaging interactions during the event, and personalized post-event follow-up, you can transform conference opportunities into meaningful donor engagement opportunities. What You'll Learn How to prepare for a conference to maximize donor cultivation Effective strategies for engaging potential donors during the event Best practice...
Jun 18, 2024•20 min
In today’s episode, I conclude our mini-series on donor cultivation by exploring the crucial fourth dimension: trust. If you missed the earlier episodes, I highly recommend starting there for a comprehensive understanding. Today, we'll discuss how to demonstrate your organization’s impact, strategic planning, and trustworthiness to potential donors. What You'll Learn: How to prove your organization's impact with data and stories. Strategies for showcasing your clear and strategic planning. The i...
Jun 14, 2024•8 min
In this episode, I delve into the third dimension of donor cultivation: affinity. Understanding and nurturing potential donors' affinity for your mission is crucial for building lasting relationships. If you missed the first two episodes, I recommend starting there for a complete overview. Today, we explore how to engage donors who already resonate with your mission, making them feel even more connected and invested in your cause. What You'll Learn: The importance of targeting donors who natural...
Jun 13, 2024•9 min
In today’s episode, I continue our mini-series on donor cultivation, focusing on how nonprofit leaders can build meaningful relationships with potential donors by deepening their understanding. We dive into the second dimension of donor cultivation: understanding. This episode is all about helping your potential donors grasp the core of your mission and how you achieve it, fostering a sense of excitement and investment. Tune in to learn how to make your work resonate on a deeper level, ensuring ...
Jun 12, 2024•7 min
In this 4-part strategy mini-series, I break down what it truly means to build relationships with your donors. Over the past 20 years, I’ve learned that the essence of successful fundraising lies in understanding and implementing the four dimensions of donor cultivation: knowledge, understanding, affinity, and trust. I’ll walk through the reason this is such an important topic to focus on, and I’ll break down the what and the how of each dimension of donor cultivation. What You'll Learn The four...
Jun 11, 2024•14 min
Do you often feel overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings and never-ending tasks? In this episode, I share my tried-and-true weekly planning ritual that has helped me and countless nonprofit leaders stay on top of our work while keeping our long-term goals in sight. As we approach the end of the first half of the year, it's time to reflect and recalibrate. Let's dive into a process that ensures you’re not just getting things done but moving towards your mission with intention and clarity. What You'...
Jun 04, 2024•18 min
In this episode, I reflect on some enlightening conversations with leaders from my Next Level Nonprofit program. This week, I revisit discussions with Darcy Richie and Toya Lillard, exploring the essential elements of building and sustaining high-impact nonprofit teams. We dive into how to foster trust and respect within teams, the evolving nature of leadership post-COVID, and strategies for achieving sustainable impact. Join me as we uncover actionable insights to strengthen your nonprofit lead...
May 31, 2024•29 min
In this episode, I reflect on conversations with inspiring leaders from my Next Level Nonprofit program. We delve into the core of sustainable leadership, exploring how to lead in a way that fuels our passion and honors our whole selves. I revisit dialogues with Kishishana Palmer, Chitra Aiyar, and Reverend Dr. Emma Jordan Simpson, discussing the weight of leadership, the importance of mental health, and sustainability as a value. Join me as we navigate the evolving landscape of nonprofit leader...
May 30, 2024•30 min
I've been having some incredible conversations with leaders in my Next Level Nonprofit and coaching programs about sustainable leadership, staying true to our missions, and forming vital partnerships with funders and donors. These discussions have brought up key themes around what it means to lead in today's ever-evolving nonprofit landscape, especially post-COVID. This week, I’m revisiting these insightful dialogues to explore how we can create equitable relationships with funders, featuring in...
May 29, 2024•38 min
In this episode, I reflect on insightful conversations with leaders from my Next Level Nonprofit program, exploring the essence of effective whole-self leadership. We dive into how leaders can bring their entire selves into their roles, maintain their passion, and build impactful organizations post-COVID. Through discussions with Tene Howard, Zareta Ricks, Jill Eisenhard, and Katy Rubin, we unpack the challenges of traditional leadership models and the importance of aligning leadership with pers...
May 28, 2024•40 min
In this episode, I share the ultimate tool that can revolutionize your hiring process: the hiring rubric. By standardizing your hiring approach, you can reduce bias, make better hiring decisions, and streamline the entire process. I break down the structure of an effective hiring rubric and show you how to implement it to build your own high-impact team. What You'll Learn How to define and prioritize core competencies and skills for your organization. The importance of clear indicators for evalu...
May 21, 2024•33 min
Have you ever had people in your network who are excited about your mission and work, but who don’t totally fit on your board? Enter: the Advisory Council. A well designed and executed advisory board can provide a unique blend of expertise, experience, and expanded networks — without the formalities of governance. In this episode, I delve into how to design, structure and implement an effective advisory council to bolster your credibility, offer invaluable advice, and act as ambassadors for your...
May 14, 2024•17 min
This week I’m bringing back one part of my 3-part series on how to unlock the power of ChatGPT. I’m bringing it back into the rotation because I just launched a new ChatGPT resource for nonprofits that I’m so excited about — the Nonprofit ChatGPT Headquarters. ChatGPT isn’t some fancy, super-techie tool that needs to be built out and figured out. It should be as integrated and simple as Google Docs. It’s a capacity builder and a time saver and my goal is to make it easy for organizations to tap ...
May 07, 2024•33 min
In this episode, I walk through the 4 core metrics vital for your nonprofit's success. I can't overstate the importance of tracking and understanding your organization's health, effectiveness, and alignment with its mission. Yet, for many nonprofit leaders, navigating this terrain can feel overwhelming and perplexing, leaving them unsure of where to begin. I'm sharing a four-part, structured approach to tracking and measuring your organization's health on a month-to-month basis. While the concep...
Apr 23, 2024•16 min
In this episode, I dive into the concept of a Brain Trust—a facilitated gathering that leverages the expertise of advisors and thinkers to tackle specific organizational challenges. Imagine convening your “dream team” of advisors and strategic thought partners, all focused on solving a real, tangible problem your nonprofit faces. It's not just about sharing ideas; it's about action-oriented problem-solving that's grounded in real-world issues. I'll guide you through why Brain Trusts are a simple...
Apr 16, 2024•30 min
