How can nonprofit organizations navigate leadership transitions with steadiness and clarity? In episode 137 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Erin Stratford Owens, a seasoned interim executive director to answer this question. Carol and Erin talk about:

• what makes interim leadership distinct from simply "holding down the fort" — it's a time for honest reflection, system assessment, and preparing the path for what's next.

• how boards and staff can make the most of an interim period, 

• the common mistakes to avoid, and why slowing down to plan for sustainability — rather than reacting in urgency — is essential for long-term impact. 

The conversation offers nonprofit leaders a grounded perspective on turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for renewal and learning.

 

Episode highlights:

[00:08:26] What Interim Leadership Really Is

[00:11:56] Misconceptions About Interims

[00:15:21] Avoiding Common Mistakes

[00:18:46] Setting the Stage for the Next Leader

[00:20:26] The Board's Crucial Role

[00:22:41] Building Staff Trust

[00:25:36] Addressing Systems and Structure

[00:29:26] What Makes an Interim Successful

[00:30:56] From Urgency to Sustainability

Guest Bio:

Erin Stratford Owens is the founder and CEO of ESO Nonprofit Consulting, specializing in Interim Executive Leadership and coaching for nonprofits and nonprofit leaders in transition. Erin holds a BA in English from UNC-Greensboro and a Master's in Nonprofit Management from The New School's Milano School of Policy, Management and Environment. She is a Certified Interim Executive through Armstrong McGuire Interim Leadership Institute. With 12 years of experience as an in-house nonprofit Executive Director, her extensive interim leadership experience includes guiding organizations through critical transitions at Humane Society of the Piedmont, Partners Ending Homelessness, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater High Point, Greensboro Farmers Market, and Humane Society of Catawba County. She currently serves as Board Chair for the Guilford County Continuum of Care and as a Steering Committee member of the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium. When not working or volunteering, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, two dogs, and a 16-year-old blind kitty cat named Smokie

Important Links and Resources:

Erin Stratford Owens

 

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In episode 136 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton, Elizabeth Engel, and Jamie Notter talk about their new white paper Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch. Ten years after Engel first explored Lean Startup principles in the nonprofit and association world, she and Notter revisit what's changed—and what hasn't. Carol, Elizabeth and Jamie discuss:

• Why the tools of innovation are accessible, yet the real challenge in adoption lies in organizational culture. 

• how competing commitments, fear of failure, and rigid silos can quietly sabotage innovation efforts

• what leaders can do instead to nurture learning, empathy, and experimentation.

For nonprofit and association leaders navigating rapid change, this conversation offers a candid look at how to build cultures that support innovation—not resist it.

 

Episode highlights:

[00:06:00] Revisiting Lean Startup, 10 Years Later [00:010:50] Defining Lean Startup and Design Thinking [00:011:50] Culture: The Invisible Barrier [00:014:40] When Culture Undermines Innovation [00:19:00] Insight Over Perfection [00:22:00] People Don't Resist Change—They Resist Being Changed [00:24:40] Low Fences, Not No Silos [00:27:00] Listening Beyond the Boardroom [00:30:40] Volunteer Culture Matters Too [00:31:00] The Role of Healthy Conflict [00:37:35] What a Culture Supportive of Innovation Looks Like [00:41:20] From Reactive to Proactive Transparency [00:44:35] The Questions Nonprofit Leaders Should Ask

 

Guest Bios:

Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, is Chief Strategist at Spark Consulting. For more than 25 years, Elizabeth has helped associations grow in membership, marketing, communications, public presence, and especially revenue, which is what Spark is all about. She speaks and writes frequently on a variety of topics in association management. When she's not helping associations grow, Elizabeth loves to dance, listen to live music, cook, and garden.

Jamie Notter is a speaker, author, consultant, and culture scientist. His career spans 30 years, with more than a decade of research and practice in the culture field, as well as deep experience in areas like conflict resolution and generations. He desperately wants to make work suck less for everyone, and has written four popular business books, including the award-winning Non-Obvious Guide to Employee Engagement, and his latest release, Culture Change Made Easy. He holds a Master's in conflict resolution from George Mason and a certificate in Organization Development from Georgetown, where he served as adjunct faculty.

Important Links and Resources:

Elizabeth Weaver Engel

https://www.getmespark.com/

https://www.getmespark.com/blog/

Jamie Notter

https://jamienotter.com/

https://jamienotter.com/research-books/

 

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In episode 127 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Cat Lazaroff. They talk about her work around engaging white-led and majority-white organizations in meaningful culture change to more inclusive, diverse and equitable cultures. 

They explore:

• how nonprofit leaders, especially white leaders, can begin and sustain their own equity learning journeys. 

• Privilege, identity, conflict, organizational culture, and the necessity of holding multiple truths. 

• how culture transformation isn't about quick fixes, but rather long-term commitments, courageous relationships, and collective learning. 

Episode highlights:

[010:20] Starting with the personal

[14:50] Identity and Bias: What's Seen, What's Hidden

[19:50] Lived Experience, Assumptions, and Honoring Multiple Truths

[27:20] Managing Conflict and Holding Space

[31:20] Navel Gazing or Doing the Work?

[36:50] Nuance, Polarity, and Organizational Culture

[42:20] Community, and Expanding Belonging

[45:50] Guilt, Blame, and the Journey for White Leaders

[51:20] Final Advice: Don't Do This Alone

Guest Bio:
Cat Lazaroff

Cat Lazaroff (she/they) is a white, queer consultant who supports anti-racist culture change at nonprofits and small companies. She specializes in helping other white folks center equity, inclusion, justice, and diversity in their work and their lives.

Important Links and Resources:

Cat Lazaroff

Cat Lazaroff, LLC

Deep democracy: https://deepdemocracyusa.com/

Liberatory Design: https://www.nationalequityproject.org/training/liberatory-design-for-equity

White supremacy culture characteristics: https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/

Resource Media: https://www.resource-media.org/

Natasha Aruliah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-aruliah-75071420/ 

Tara McMullin: https://whatworks.fyi/

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This episode is part of the Culture Fit project that Carol recorded with her son-in-law Peter Cruz. In this episode, Carol, her cohost Peter Cruz, and their guest Ariel Salome discuss:

• Non-positional leadership and how everyone is a leader in their own right
• Being an active ally and status quo disruptor
• How you can create a safe and inclusive environment

 

Guest bio:
Ariel Salomé thrives on challenging assumptions and limiting beliefs, reframing challenges into opportunities. She possesses the uncanny ability to constructively disturb the status quo to the point where it opens the floodgates of possibilities, leading to transformation. For the past 18 years, Ariel has served as a training & curriculum designer, DE&I practitioner and group process facilitator. She just returned to California from Washington D.C. where she managed National Science Foundation grant-funded projects in STEM higher education reform, supporting the development of STEM faculty leaders across the nation. Ariel is now known as the "Corporate Healer" as she coaches and develops the next generation of leaders in tech as the PM for Leadership Development at Lyft. Ariel is also the founder and space holder for METANOIA, a spiritual community of practice. Ariel received her BA in Sociology and dialogue facilitation training at Occidental College. She completed ICF comprehensive coaching certification and doctoral-level training in human and organizational development at Fielding Graduate University. Her research and practice include transformative learning, ontological coaching, and the somatic release of intergenerational and racialized trauma. She believes that the world's greatest problems can find solutions when we show up as fully human and fully divine.

Important Links and Resources:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjcruz/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielsalome/ 
• https://www.theforem.co/features-at-the-forem/developing-ah-ha-moments-with-ariel-salome 
• The Art of Possibility – Benjamin Zander, Rosamund Zander 
• Innovation Adoption Curve 
• Whistling Vivaldi: How stereotypes affect us and what we can do– Claudia Steele
• The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell

 

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In episode 36 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol, her guest, Anne Hilb discuss:

• How nonprofits can best handle conflict within the organization 

• What steps can be taken to avoid conflict before it happens

• How to handle the hurt feelings that can linger in the wake of conflict

 

Guest bio:

Anne Hilb, MSOD is a community and culture architect, an expert at conflict resolution, and a champion of restorative and racial justice practices. As a community and culture architect, she partners with managers, executives, and front-line employees to repair conflict and restore trust so they can succeed and organizations can thrive. Her approach to this work is unique due to her blend of a decade of hands-on experience with more than a half-dozen degrees and certifications. Anne harnesses the power of circle and uses her deep listening skills to help build healthy workplaces. She develops deeply connected people and communities by leading with authenticity, transparency, curiosity, and care. Her work is centered around building confidence and accountability while mitigating blame, shame and guilt. When not repairing harm, working through conflict, and restoring trust, she can be found searching out the best taco, hosting circles, and spending time in nature.

 

Important Links and Resources:

•  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annehilb/ 
• https://www.graymake.com/ 

 

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In episode 35 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol, her cohost, Peter Cruz, and their guest, Nathaniel Benjamin discuss diversity, equity and inclusion and its intersection with human capital management. This episode is a release of a podcast Carol planned to start with her son-in-law and has many transferrable ideas and concepts to the nonprofit sector. We talk about:

• Where and where not to situate DEI initiatives and staff in your organization 
• The value of the stay interview vs the exit interview
• The importance of data in fostering healthy cultures of inclusion and belonging

 

Guest bio:
Nathaniel Benjamin approaches the space of Diversity and Inclusion as not only a profession, but as a passion that's taken hold of his life's work.  As a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, University of Baltimore and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, his educational endeavors led him into a marketable career in Human Resources -- working in the C-suite level --managing workforce planning, strategy, policy and talent management.  But to "really" understand how an organization works, he later found that you must understand its people… the diversity of those who make an organization thrive.  He brings 17 years of experience as an organizational Change Agent and a D&I Strategist, ready to exceed your organizational needs.

 

Contact:

Nathaniel Benjamin:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielhbenjamin/ 
• https://benjaminacg.com/ 

Peter J. Cruz:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjcruz/

 

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In episode 34 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol, her guest, Doug Spencer talked about:

• What branding really is
• What gets in the way of having a unified message that all your stakeholders are ready to share
• Why our expertise can actually get in the way of having a clear message

Guest Bio:
Douglas Spencer is president of Spencer Brenneman, LLC, which helps mission-driven organizations reframe their focus and remaster their messages to thrive in any environment. In 2021, Douglas launched the podcast, Messaging on a Mission. In it he talks to leaders of nonprofits, social enterprises, associations about their journeys and the messages they're using to thrive. He is also the author of Do They Care? The one question all brands should ask themselves, continually, a book that shows leaders how they can create meaningful connections with everyone important to their organization's success.

 

Resources:

• https://spencerbrenneman.com/ 
• https://spencerbrenneman.com/messaging-on-a-mission/ 
• https://spencerbrenneman.com/books/ 

 

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In episode 33 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol, her cohost, Peter Cruz, and their guest, Stephen Graves discuss diversity equity and inclusion in the health care sector. This episode is a release of a podcast Carol planned to start with her son-in-law and has many transferrable ideas and concepts to the nonprofit sector. We talk about:

• Why leadership engagement and support for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts is key regardless of the sector
• How data and evidence can inform DEI efforts
• Why there is historical mistrust of the medical professional among communities of color

 

Guest Bio: Stephen Graves

Born in South Carolina and raised in the black Baptist church, Stephen had an insatiable curiosity to understand the South's nuanced history related to race, his place in that story as a black man, and how the Christian faith could be used as a tool to heal or a weapon to hurt.  This curiosity set him on a personal exploration, which turned into a professional journey as he pursued and earned a Master in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina.  Throughout his career in healthcare and in diversity, equity and inclusion, he has led initiatives centered on addressing health disparities, improving language access, and increasing cultural humility among teams.  He has been fortunate to collaborate with healthcare providers, faith leaders, high school and college students, and business leaders in helping them to create welcoming and inclusive cultures where all can thrive.

 

Resources:

Cultural humility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaSHLbS1V4w

Tuskegee Study:  https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/The_Tuskegee_Syphilis_Study_and_Its_Implications_for_the_21st_Century/

Racial biases about Black people and pain: https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/how-we-fail-black-patients-pain

Guest contact:

Stephen Graves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sggraves/

All In Consulting: https://www.allinconsulting.co/

Peter Cruz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjcruz/

 

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In episode 32 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Don Tebbe discussed include:

• How organizations can best manage transition
• Why it is important for the outgoing director to take care of themselves
• How boards might need to change to accommodate a transition

 

Guest Information: Don Tebbe is an organizational planning consultant and one of America's most experienced advisors on nonprofit CEO transition and leadership succession. He experienced, first-hand, the challenges of sustaining an organization and navigating leadership succession as a former nonprofit executive director and five-time interim CEO. Since 1993, he's helped hundreds of nonprofit leaders plan for and manage turnover in their chief executive positions. Don was one of the national thought leaders involved in an Annie E. Casey Foundation-sponsored project to develop better practices for nonprofit leadership succession. Many of the concepts and practices used by succession practitioners today originated with the Casey project. He is the author of Chief Executive Transitions: How to Hire & Support a Nonprofit CEO and The Nonprofit CEO Succession Roadmap: Your Guide for the Journey to Life's Next Chapter.

Important Guest Links:

• https://dontebbe.com/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dontebbe/ 
• https://twitter.com/ceotransitions
• Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, The Hero's Farewell: What Happens When CEOs Retire
• Annie E Casey Foundation – Executive Transitions
• Center for Excellence in Nonprofits 
• When a New Manager Takes Charge, John Garbarro 
• Going Solo, Going Big 

 

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In episode 31 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Sharon Anderson discussed include:

• What lobbying consists of and how organizations can get involved
• The constraints placed on lobbying and other ways to help
• The legislative process and why nonprofits have a lot to offer in the arena of public policy

 

Guest Information: Sharon Anderson has been engaged with nonprofit boards of directors in several capacities: president, member, interim executive director, and consultant. As CEO of Anderson & Associates, LLC, Sharon strengthens teams and organizations through personalized governance training, advocacy training, meeting facilitation, and project management. As a Licensed Consultant of the Standards for Excellence® program, Sharon has conducted Board excellence trainings. She has also designed and presented advocacy training for nonprofits through the Center for Nonprofit Advancement in Washington, DC. Anderson & Associates, LLC provided project management, meeting facilitation, and policy development services to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

 

Important Guest Links: 

• https://bolderadvocacy.org/
• https://www.nonprofitadvancement.org/vendors/anderson-associates-llc/ 
• https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/advocacy-vs-lobbying 
• https://standardsforexcellence.org/Home-2/code

 

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In episode 30 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Hilary Marsh discussed include:

• What content creation and curation means and how they differ
• What content strategy entails and how to develop one
• Why trust across staff departments is so important to a cohesive content strategy

 

Guest Information:

Hilary Marsh is president and chief strategist of Content Company, a content and digital strategy consultancy and leading content strategy practitioner, mentor, speaker, and professor since 1999. She helps associations get better results from their content by improving their practices. Content Company's clients include the American Bar Association, American Medical Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Endocrine Society, Institute of Food Technologists, and ISPOR. Hilary oversaw the member website for the National Association of Realtors from 2005 to 2011. Hilary is a co-author of "Association Content Strategies for a Changing World" (ASAE Research Foundation, 2018), "Content Curation, Associations' Secret Weapon Against Information Overload" (self-published, 2020), and the "Leading Your Organization's Content Strategy" chapter in the 4th edition of Professional Practices in Association Management (ASAE, January 2021).

 

Important Guest Links: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilarymarsh/ 
• https://contentcompany.biz/ 
• https://twitter.com/hilarymarsh
• https://getmespark.com/wp-content/uploads/ContentCuration2020.pdf 
• https://www.asaecenter.org/ 

 

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In the special 1-year anniversary episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton discussed the following:

• The benefits of doing strategic planning online and some downsides of in-person strategic planning
• How to plan in a VUCA world – volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity
• How organizational culture persists in remote work

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In episode 28 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Peggy Hoffman discussed include:

• How local nonprofit chapters contribute to the larger organizations
• What implications the rise of online professional development has for local chapters.
• Why volunteers and chapters are the heart and soul of associations and yet a somewhat neglected aspect of working in a membership organization

 

Guest Information:
Peggy Hoffman is president of Mariner Management, an association management company which is home to two associations and provides an array of support and training to associations and most importantly member volunteers. Peggy has provided training and counsel to dozens of global, national and local membership associations over the past 30 years. She often draws on her own team's research on volunteerism, member communities and association innovation. Peggy not only enjoys working with association volunteers but is an active volunteer for her professional association – including serving as a chapter past president – so she'll draw from experience on both levels. Read her full bio at MarinerManagement.com and connect with Peggy on Twitter @peggyhoffman or LinkedIn. And ask her about triathlons, dance or living with three sons.

 

Important Guest Links: 

• https://marinermanagement.com/resource/white-paper/2021-06-30/creating-association-roi-through-volunteer-training-toolkit/ 
• https://marinermanagement.com/resource/white-paper/2019-10-22/2019-chapter-benchmarking-report/  
• https://marinermanagement.com/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmhoffman/ 
• https://twitter.com/peggyhoffman 

 

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In episode 126 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Matt Hugg discuss the unique landscape of nonprofit careers. 

Together, they explore:

•  what makes nonprofit work meaningful and distinctive, including the opportunities and challenges for those transitioning into or advancing within the sector. 

• how nonprofit professionals can align their skills and passions, 

• how to navigate career shifts, and maintain their connection to mission-driven work. 

This conversation offers nonprofit leaders practical wisdom on supporting their teams and nurturing their own professional journeys.

Timestamped Highlights:

[00:9:12] The Uniqueness of Nonprofit Careers
 

[00:13:25] Beyond 501(c)(3): The Breadth of the Nonprofit Sector

[00:07:51] Transitioning from the Private Sector

[00:15:11] Networking and Defining Your Niche

[00:18:25] Exploring Support Roles and Vendors

[00:20:01] The Rise of Nonprofit Education Programs
 

[00:22:30] Moving from Volunteer to Staff: A Shift in Expectations

[00:26:02] Passion, Mission, and Boundaries

[00:27:20] Dispelling Misconceptions About Nonprofit Organizations

[00:32:43] Consulting and Group Decision-Making

[00:36:21] Nonprofit Fundraising: Diverse Skills, Diverse Roles

[00:40:20] Embracing Nonlinear Career Paths

[00:41:46] Managing Fundraisers: A Need for Education

[00:43:20] Staying Grounded in Mission
 

Guest Bio:

Matt Hugg is president and founder of Nonprofit.Courses, an on-demand, eLearning resource for nonprofit leaders, staff, board members and volunteers, with thousands of courses in nearly every aspect of nonprofit work. He's the author of The Guide to Nonprofit Consulting, and Philanders Family Values, Fun Scenarios for Practical Fundraising Education for Boards, Staff and Volunteers. Hugg has held positions at the Boy Scouts of America, Lebanon Valley College, the University of Cincinnati, Ursinus College, and the University of the Arts. In these, Matt raised thousands of gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and government entities, working with hundreds of volunteers on boards and fundraising committees, in addition to his leadership responsibilities. Matt has taught fundraising, philanthropy, and marketing in graduate programs at Eastern University, the University of Pennsylvania, Juniata College and Thomas Edison State University via the web, and in-person in the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe, and is a popular conference speaker. He has a BS from Juniata College and an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Mr. Hugg has served on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Nonprofit Career Network of Philadelphia and several nonprofits.

Important Links and Resources:

Matt Hugg

Nonprofit.Courses

Focus Search Hub

Career Focus Search

DRIVE

The High Price of Materialism

 

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In episode 27 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Carlyn Madden discussed include:

• Why small nonprofits can consider working with an executive search firm
• How to make your search for a new organizational leader as equitable as possible
• What aspiring future leaders need to do now to prepare for future executive leadership roles

 

Guest Information:
Carlyn Madden helps nonprofits find new leaders. She is the CEO of Good Insight, a national executive search firm and governance consultancy that focuses on small nonprofits. Good Insight is committed to becoming an anti-racist search firm and she is a sought-after speaker and adviser on the nonprofit workforce's generational and demographic shifts. She comes to this work through philanthropy, beginning her career at The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, where she managed a portfolio of grants that spanned education, the arts, human services, and the environment.

 

Important Guest Links: 

• https://good-insight.org/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlynmadden/ 
• https://twitter.com/carlynmadden 
• Will We Get There Hire by Hire? By Jeanne Bell, Paola Cubias, and Byron Johnson https://www.compasspoint.org/sites/default/files/documents/Hire_by_Hire_Report.pdf
• https://www.compasspoint.org/sites/default/files/documents/Executive_Transition.pdf
• Articles about the glass cliff
• https://hbr.org/2011/01/how-women-end-up-on-the-glass-cliff
• https://www.vox.com/2018/10/31/17960156/what-is-the-glass-cliff-women-ceos
  
  

Contact Us:

• Send an email: https://www.missionimpactpodcast.com/contact.html 
• Get Nora to edit your show or write some music: nstraussriggs@gmail.com

 

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In episode 26 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Sabrina Walker Hernandez discussed include:

• How to get comfortable with fundraising
• The breakdown of the fundraising process
• Why both introverts and extroverts make good fundraisers

 

Guest Information:
Sabrina Walker Hernandez is the President & CEO of Supporting World Hope. She has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership. One of Sabrina's greatest successes is that she increased operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5 million over an 8-year period as well as being responsible for the planning and operations of a $12 million comprehensive capital campaign in the 3rd poorest county in the United States. She has also facilitated numerous workshops with hundreds of nonprofit professionals and is a master trainer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Sabrina is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School. She is an active community leader and volunteer in Edinburg, Texas where she is based.

 

Important Guest Links: 

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/NonprofitProfessionalsExchange/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinawalkerhernandez/ 
• https://supportingworldhope.com/leadership/ 

 

Contact Us:

• Send an email: https://www.missionimpactpodcast.com/contact.html 
• Get Nora to edit your show or write some music: nstraussriggs@gmail.com

 

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In episode 25 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Kristin Bradley-Bull discussed include:

• How strategic planning helps organizations and the people in them connect back to their "why"
• How organizations need to listen to the people in the communities they work in more intentionally

• The role of the sector in our economy and culture
• Why organizations need to be intentional about their support to new leaders of color that many groups are now hiring and promoting to CEO roles.

 

Guest Information:
Kristin Bradley-Bull's tagline says it all: "Illuminating your vision. Extending your vast roots and branches to get there." She runs Roots to Canopy in Durham, NC. At Roots to Canopy, Kristin consults with non-profits to develop powerful strategies and plans – and to develop staff capacity to be wildly successful in making change in the world. She does the same in her coaching practice: supporting people to crystalize their vision and orient toward their North Star – as non-profit leaders and as humans. Kristin loves people, justice, organizations and movements, and transformation on all levels. Her background includes co-founding a training and leadership non-profit, being a full-time public health faculty member, and consulting (20 years+) with organizations ranging from multilaterals to grassroots social justice groups.

 

Important Guest Links: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rootstocanopy/ 
• https://www.rootstocanopy.com/  

The book mentioned during the show is Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits by Leslie R. Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant

Information on the size of the nonprofit sector in the US:

https://nccs.urban.org/publication/nonprofit-sector-brief-2019#the-nonprofit-sector-in-brief-2019

Divorcing White Supremacy Culture website http://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/

 

Contact Us:

• Send an email: https://www.missionimpactpodcast.com/contact.html 
• Get Nora to edit your show or write some music: nstraussriggs@gmail.com

 

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In episode 24 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Bobbi Russell discussed include:

• Transitioning back to in person
• How nonprofits can make accommodations while working from home
• How investing in systems and organization can help in the long term

 

Guest Information:

Bobbi is an operations executive with 20+ years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. She launched her own practice in 2017 after working in a COO role for 10+ years. While similar systems and processes can work for many organizations, she sees success when organizations apply solutions that are customized to their culture. She's really good at understanding the human aspect of how any new system, tool, or process will integrate with an organization's culture. Earlier in her career, she worked in marketing, membership, strategic communications, and journalism. She has an undergraduate degree in English from Clarion University of PA and an MBA from George Washington University. Her non-work passions include her dog, craft beer, and writing parody songs to entertain friends and family. 

 

Important Guest Links: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbi-russell-4a61793/ 

 

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In episode 23 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Elizabeth Engel discussed include:

• The significance of digital transformation for organizations
• What's different about digital transformation for associations
• Avoiding shiny object syndrome in your tech related projects

 

Guest Information:
Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, is Chief Strategist at Spark Consulting. For more than twenty years, Elizabeth has helped associations grow in membership, marketing, communications, public presence, and especially revenue, which is what Spark is all about. She speaks and writes frequently on a variety of topics in association management. When she's not helping associations grow, Elizabeth loves to dance, listen to live music, cook, and garden.

 

Important Guest Links: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewengel/ 
• https://www.getmespark.com/
• The Digital Transformation whitepaper:  https://bit.ly/3y4O6dy
• https://www.amazon.com/Designed-Digital-Architect-Sustained-Management/dp/0262042886 

 

Contact Us:

• Send an email: https://www.missionimpactpodcast.com/contact.html 
• Get Nora to edit your show (she writes music too): nstraussriggs@gmail.com  

 

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In episode 22 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Michelle Nusum-Smith discussed include:

• Pros and cons of starting a nonprofit vs. finding a fiscal sponsor vs. starting a for-profit business
• Things to consider to be more successful as you apply for grants as a nonprofit
• The pitfalls of applying for grants and ways to diversify your funding

 

Guest Information:
Michelle Nusum-Smith is owner and principal consultant at The Word Woman LLC. A licensed nonprofit consultant, coach and trainer, Michelle helps nonprofits, government agencies, and individuals achieve their goals. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience, she has expertise in all areas of nonprofit development and sustainability. Michelle has extensive speaker and facilitator experience. She is licensed to offer consulting services for the Maryland Nonprofit's Standards for Excellence® program and has the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to work with nonprofits across the country. A graduate of the Honors Program at Coppin State University where she earned a BS in Management Science with a minor in Marketing, Michelle is a member of the Grants Professional Association and an Associate Consultant at Maryland Nonprofits.

 

Important Links: 

• https://thewordwomanllc.com/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-nusum-smith/ 

 

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In episode 21 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Andy Robinson discussed include:

• The importance of leaders being called out
• The importance of cultivating and grooming your next generation of leaders
• What founders need to be aware of
• The importance of having a life beyond your work and maintaining a balance between those two

 

Guest Information:
Andy Robinson provides training and consulting for nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. Over the past 25 years, Andy has worked with clients in 47 US states and Canada. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, he has designed and facilitated 70 online meetings, webinars, and remote workshops covering a variety of topics, including fundraising, board development, marketing, leadership development, facilitation, and train-the-trainer programs. Andy is the author of six books, including Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money, www.trainyourboard.com. His latest is What Every Board Member Needs to Know, Do, and Avoid. He lives in Plainfield, Vermont.

 

Important Links: 

• www.andyrobinsononline.com
• http://trainyourboard.com/ 
• https://dontebbe.com/
• https://www.sustainabilitynetwork.ca/past-events/harvey-mckinnon-and-andy-robinson-on-raising-more-money 

 

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In episode 20 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Elizabeth Scott discussed include:

• How organizations have adapted to the pandemic
• The research Liz completed with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement
• What changes from the pandemic might organizations retain when things go back to "normal"

 

Guest Information:
Elizabeth Scott, PhD, founder of Brighter Strategies, provides thought leadership and high value organizational development consulting in support of a stronger social sector. Liz has provided consulting services in strategic planning, process-improvement, and human capital development for hundreds of nonprofits and associations. She has been a Baldrige examiner for the Commonwealth of Virginia and is a certified Standard of Excellence consultant. In addition to managing the practice, Liz holds a faculty positions at both The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and George Mason University. Liz holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Organizational Sciences from The George Washington University, as well as a second master's and Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California.

 

Important Links:

• https://www.brighterstrategies.com/
• https://www.nonprofitadvancement.org/
• Research report: https://www.nonprofitadvancement.org/tools-resources/coronavirus-resource-tools/

 

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In episode 19 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Nancy Bacon discussed include:

• Learning in nonprofit organizations
• The best methods nonprofits or associations can use to train their staff
• How habits and accountability helps people follow through on the behavior change they are aiming for

 

Guest Information:
Nancy Bacon is a teacher, instructional designer, and learning strategist who has worked for over 25 years in the nonprofit sector. She works with nonprofits, associations, and networks to strengthen how nonprofits are able to serve their communities. She has trained thousands of people in-person and online, speaks on learning and leadership, and writes books and blogs on topics at the intersection of learning and nonprofits. Nancy also co-hosts the Nonprofit Radio Show. 

 

Important Links:

• www.nancybacon.com
• https://jamesclear.com/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwashburn/ 
• https://www.influenceatwork.com/ 
• https://scholar.princeton.edu/kahneman/home

 

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In episode 18 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guests, Shelley Sanner and Alanna McKee discussed include:

• Trends facing associations, including the need for greater personalization
• How associations have adjusted to the virtual environment
• What the future of work could look like and how associations could contribute to the workforce development of the fields they serve

 

Guest Information:
Shelley Sanner, CAE, MA, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations:

As senior vice president of industry relations, Shelley fosters knowledge-sharing and partnerships to promote innovation and excellence within the association industry. Her main areas of focus include identifying association challenges and trends and translating them into resources that benefit the community at-large. She also coordinates McKinley's presence at events and within industry publications to ensure that we serve as a resource to the community on best practices and other insights.

Before joining McKinley in 2007, Shelley served as Membership Director at a higher education association. On a national level, Shelley has served in various volunteer leadership positions, taught courses and presented at many industry events. She has a Master's in liberal studies from Georgetown University and an undergraduate degree from Juniata College, where she majored in French and education.  

Alanna Tievsky McKee, MSW, Director:

As a director within the consulting department, Alanna leads client engagements designed to maximize organizational efficiency and mission impact. She brings a creative and thoughtful approach to each of her clients, combining skills acquired through her training and experience as a consultant, clinician, and coach. During her time at McKinley, she has nurtured an expertise in member engagement and retention, strategic planning, governance and staff and volunteer leadership facilitation.  

Alanna has worked in and with the nonprofit sector for more than a decade and has supported nearly 100 unique associations as a member of the McKinley team. She is a social worker by trade and feels passionate about helping individuals and organizations solve challenges and reach their full potential. Alanna holds an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in nonprofit management and a B.A. in developmental neuropsychology from the University of Rochester.

 

Contact our Guests

• https://www.mckinley-advisors.com/
• https://www.mckinley-advisors.com/team/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleysanner/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanna-tievsky-mckee-47b79448/

Connection platform for online gatherings

https://www.wonder.me/

 

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In episode 125, of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Michele Walls. Michele shares her deep well of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and strategic development. They explore: 

• the importance of thoughtful relationship-building, patience, and team collaboration in securing sustainable funding. 

• how fundraising is a team effort and a long game. 

• how to move from reactive panic to strategic action—even amid uncertainty and funding contractions.

Episode highlights:

🤝 Fundraising is a Team Sport

[08:45]
Top fundraising tips:

1. People give to people—leaders must be visible and engaged.

2. Fundraising is a shared responsibility.

3. Relationships take time—there are no shortcuts.

🌱 Cultivating Donors with Care

[10:45]
Michele walks through the process of moving a new connection into a meaningful donor relationship. Key steps include follow-up, inviting prospects to experience the mission firsthand, and paying attention to readiness cues before making the ask.

🔍 Assessing Capacity and Readiness

[14:15]
From simple Google searches to full wealth screenings, Michele outlines how to evaluate a donor's giving potential while staying grounded in ethical relationship-building.

💡 Leading Through Uncertainty

[16:45]
With funding sources in flux, Michele advises nonprofits to stay calm, stay informed, and deepen relationships with current funders. Direct communication is more important than ever.

🌈 Strategic Diversification

[20:45]
Diversify, but do it with intention. Michele recommends starting with mid-level donors and using board connections. It's not about doing everything—it's about doing the right next thing.

📣 Boards as PR Champions

[23:15]
Not every board member needs to be a fundraiser, but every board member should be a storyteller. Sharing the mission builds the foundation for future support.

🧩 What is Fractional Fundraising?

[26:45]
Michele explains her approach to fractional fundraising: part-time support with full-time expertise. From strategy to grant writing to board coaching, she fills gaps and builds capacity.

 

🔍 Onboarding with Intention

[30:45]
Every client engagement begins with deep listening, thoughtful review of materials, and an exploration of what's working, what needs attention, and what priorities are driving fundraising.

🧭 The Question Every Leader Should Ask

[33:15]
"What can I say no to?"
Michele challenges leaders to focus, set boundaries, and recognize that saying no can create space for greater impact.

 

Guest Bio:
Michele brings two decades of experience in fundraising, communications, and nonprofit management. Having raised over $30 million for small and mid-sized organizations, she guides nonprofits across arts, education, cultural, and social justice sectors towards stability and growth.Through MW Strategies, Michele supports organizations with $100K-$5M budgets,specializing in fundraising and human resources. She develops data-driven strategies and compelling stories that drive success.Michele excels in major gifts, campaigns, and grants, while bringing expertise in organizational development. She guides organizations through critical phases,emphasizing collaboration and revenue maximization.Michele serves on the boards of CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia and theAssociation of Consultants to Nonprofits. A Philadelphia resident, she holds degrees from the University of Delaware and Drexel University, balancing her professional life with interests in running, cooking, and the city's cultural scene.

Important Links and Resources:

Michele Walls

MW Strategies LLC

The National Council of Nonprofits

 

Be in Touch: 

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In episode 17 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Wendy Wolff discussed include:

• How leading a non-profit differs from leading a for-profit business
• Awareness vs. action
• Why people are scared of evaluation
• Assumptions made when working with communities
• Changing social norms
• Where to start evaluation on an organizational level
• The barriers to evidence-based testing

 

Guest Information:
Activating and coordinating community responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic was how Wendy Wolff began her career in the nonprofit sector. Her early career helped her to build a strong understanding about the value and role of the community in program planning and policy development. She brings nearly 25 years of diverse consulting experiences to her role as Director of Strategic Engagement for Maryland Nonprofits. Wendy has collaborated with government agencies; universities; non-profit organizations; and faith-based organizations to enhance the quality of life within many communities throughout the United States. She uses her strategic thinking skills to help clients synthesize information from wide-ranging sources, reframe problems while uncovering root causes to find refreshing, creative and effective solutions.

Over the past two decades, Wendy has helped thousands of organizations and their people to create brighter futures for the communities in which they serve. Her excitement in working with the members of Maryland Nonprofit's is infectious. She values the genius that each and every person brings to their role in the sector and works diligently to elevate any person that she engages with. 

Ms. Wolff holds a Master's Degree in Public Health from New York University. She has resided as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver and as an Associate Faculty Member at Indian River State College. Wendy is a licensed consultant with the Standards for Excellence® Institute. Ms. Wolff's first book, The Letter Writing Project (Blooming Twig Books), was published in August 2014.

 

Evaluation Resources

• https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/behavioralchangetheories6.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/eval/framework/index.htm
• http://www.gracesocialsector.com/missionimpact/is-your-organization-having-the-impact-you-want
• https://www.amazon.com/Finally-Outcome-Measurement-Strategies-Understand/dp/0578024659
• https://www.amazon.com/Great-Nonprofit-Evaluation-Reboot-Understand/dp/193807792X   

Connect with Wendy Wolff

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolffwendy/

 

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In episode 16 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Rosalind Spigel discussed include:

• Organizational values and the best method to decide on them 
• How to welcome diversity on the board and mitigate microaggressions
• How to implement values in the day-to-day life of an organization

Guest Information:
Rosalind Spigel believes in the difference nonprofits can make.  Her vision is to increase the effectiveness of organizations and coach them – and the people in them – to grow and prosper.  In consultation with her clients, Rosalind designs and facilitates strategic planning and implementation, leadership development and coaching, professional development, and capacity building interventions.

Links:

• http://stproject.org/ 
• rosalind@spigelconsulting.com 
• spigelconsulting.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalind-spigel-msod-1694751/ 
• twitter.com/SpigelConsultin

 

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In episode 15 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Mary Hiland discussed include:

• The pivotal executive director – board chair relationship.
• Why trust is so key and how to build it.
• How hard giving negative feedback can be, especially to new people in the workplace
• What the focus of the board chair/executive director conversation says about the relationship and how the two are leading the organization
• Why it is important to introduce new board members to not only the organization and the role of the board member but also to yourself as the executive director – and not assume they truly appreciate your background and expertise
• The role of the board in day-to-day operations
  
  

Guest Information:
Mary Hiland brings over 40 years of experience to nonprofit leaders to create a paradigm shift about how to develop an informed and inspired board that is truly an asset. Her mission is to help nonprofit leaders ignite and unleash the potential of the board, getting rid of the mindset that a board is a burden. Her deep expertise and hands-on experience (26 years as a nonprofit executive and 17 as a board member) bring credibility and confidence to nonprofit leaders who know she understands because she's "been there." Mary coaches, and mentors executive directors and board leaders. She is a speaker and published author. She has a weekly podcast, Inspired Nonprofit Leadership: conversations to inspire, inform, and support nonprofit leaders.

Links:

• www.hilandconsulting.org
• hilandconsulting.org/trustbuilding 
• https://hilandconsulting.org/bded-article 
• http://www.gracesocialsector.com/missionimpact/consensus-doesnt-have-to-be-pure
• https://www.hilandconsulting.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ODP-V47No1-Hiland.pdf

 

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There is a brief discussion of police brutality in this episode around 16 minutes in.

In episode 14 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Keisha Sitney, discussed include:

• Why leaders need to be role models for their staff and lead by example
• Why organizations need to start with individuals when working on equity
• How to build the leadership capacity of people who haven't traditionally been promoted to leadership roles
• Why it is important to not just teach people of color to be like "traditional" white leaders but encourage them develop their own leadership style
• How professionals focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion experience profound fatigue in continually educating people about racism and other forms of oppression.
• Why it's important for leaders to be willing to share when they make mistakes and what they learned from them.

 

Guest Information: 

Keisha Sitney is the Chief People Officer for The Y in Central Maryland and the founder of Golden Key Coaching. She works to ensure the people strategies and resources support and match the strategic priorities of the organization. Keisha is an executive leader who has been with the Y for 30 years, both at the national and regional levels. With in-depth experience in coaching, talent management, strategic visioning and planning, and facilitation, Keisha has served in operational roles at the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, led the national multicultural leadership development movement as well as served as an internal consultant for C-Suite leaders from Ys across the United States. She holds a Master's Degree in Organization Development from American University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Howard University.

 

Links:

• https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-aiko-bethea-on-inclusivity-at-work-the-heart-of-hard-conversations/ 
• https://www.rarecoaching.net/ 
• https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Consulting-Agency/Golden-Key-Coaching-799926680207953/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisha-sitney/

 

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In episode 13 of Nonprofit Mission Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Peter Lane, discussed include:

• How to bring health and wellness training to organizational consulting
• Why you should hire a health and wellness coach
• Understanding how others feelings impact your own and vice versa
• How organizations can utilize their resources to better care for their employees
• How organizational culture impacts employees' ability to take advantage of those resources
• How leaders set the tone for an organization's culture
• Adapting wellness policies for the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Guest Information: 

Peter Lane is an organizational consultant with more than 20 years of experience. He is also a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) trained at the Mayo Clinic. Peter works with individuals and teams that are committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and making positive change for themselves and their organizations. Before becoming a wellness coach and consultant, Peter worked for 18 years as director of programs at the Institute for Conservation Leadership 

After working with many nonprofit leaders over the years who were experiencing the negative physical and emotional effects of burnout, he decided that focusing on wellness in the workplace is an important strategy for how he can contribute to the success of nonprofit organizations. Peter serves on the board of directors of the Reve Kandale Foundation. He received a Bachelor's degree from Clark University and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

 

Links:

• https://www.peterlanecoaching.com/
• peter.lane100@gmail.com

 

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In episode 11 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Elizabeth Woolfe, discussed include:

• The importance of an interim director for organizations
• The process of transitioning and the strain that puts on an organization
• The importance of having a plan in place for when your leader leaves
• Growth mindset with Boards
• What the role of the Board and the role of the staff are in an organization and how those differ
• The importance of taking breaks for yourself

 

Guest Information: 

Elizabeth Woolfe is a lifelong nonprofit professional with expertise in affecting strategic change and facilitating growth for organizations, as well as in assisting boards and organizations through transitions. She also has strength in building philanthropic relationships between nonprofit and for-profit companies, facilitating collaborations, and program development. Her particular areas of interest are interim leadership, management of organizations and boards, strategic assessment, organizational development, board functionality, and relationship building.

 

Links:

• https://www.intuitionconsult.com/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethwoolfe/

 

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In episode 11 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, some of the topics that Carol and her guest, Nyacko Perry, discussed include:

• Addressing accountability of past actions as a method of moving forward
• Creating a healthy environment with room for employees to care for their mental health
• The process of making change in an organizational structure
• The disconnect between many organizations' missions and their internal culture
• The disconnect between front-line workers, the people running many nonprofit organizations, and the communities they serve
• Thoughts on how organizational change happens
• How systems exploit vulnerable populations

 

Additional Resources:

• William Bridges' Transition Theory: https://wmbridges.com/about/what-is-transition/
• The 1619 Project: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html
• 1619 podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1619/id1476928106

 

Guest Information: 

Nyacko Perry utilizes a systems-thinking approach to assist individuals, community groups, and organizations, in creating more inclusive cultures. Her decade long career as a transformational change agent includes national and international facilitation with non-profit, corporate, and government agencies. Nyacko is the founder of Yin Consulting, a collaborative focused on personal, organizational and systemic healing.

She is the Organization Development Partner at the much-anticipated Comfort Kitchen, a restaurant, community meeting space, and a food incubator dedicated to fostering collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and community engagement.

Nyacko also serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Action Boston Community Development, Inc. Roxbury/N. Dorchester Opportunity Center. Nyacko holds an M.S. in Organization Development, with distinction, from American University. She is also a 500-hour professional level yoga teacher, an Afro Flow Yoga® certified teacher, and weaves her mindfulness expertise into her consulting work.

 

Links:

• www.yinconsulting.com/
• comfortkitchenbos@gmail.com
• www.comfortkitchenbos.com/
• www.instagram.com/comfortkitchenbos/
• www.allinconsulting.co

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Heather Yandow.  

We talked about: 

• What gets in the way of nonprofits hiring consultants successfully.
• Why an RFP process is often not the best approach to having a great experience with a consultant.
• The trends we are observing in this time of disruption.

 

BIO:

Heather Yandow brings more than 20 years of experience as an outreach coordinator, coalition leader, project manager, and fundraiser to Third Space Studio. She helps organizations with strategic planning, board development, change management, leadership development, and going from good to great. She has also served on the Board of Directors of Democracy NC, ncyt: NC's Network of Young Nonprofit Professionals, and the Beehive Collective (a giving circle). She is also the founder of Nonprofit.ist, an online platform for nonprofits to find the consulting expertise they need.

 

Links: 

https://www.nonprofit.ist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatheryandow/

https://www.thirdspacestudio.com/

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Carol Vernon

We talked about: 

• The four typical communication styles.
• What shows up in communications now that so many teams are working remotely.
• How people can keep networking even while face to face events are cancelled.

 

BIO:

Carol Vernon is a certified executive coach and principal of Communication Matters, an executive coaching firm that helps leaders and teams elevate their executive presence and communication skills in order to grow their impact. Carol was inspired to start Communication Matters after years of observing that doing your job well isn't enough. Without executive presence and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, leaders can't achieve their full potential or achieve the results they seek. Previously, Carol was the senior communications director at the National Cable and Television Association, as well as acting executive director of the cable industry's education foundation, with both people management and budget responsibilities. Prior to that she worked on Capitol Hill and on more than a dozen political campaigns. 

 

Links: 

https://commmatters.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-vernon-aa09833/

https://www.facebook.com/ComMatters/

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Becca Bartholomew.  

We talked about: 

• Ensuring all voices are included in planning processes
• Why it is important for leaders to not only have intelligence but also have emotional intelligence and somatic intelligence
• What the buffering sign on your computer has to tell us about today's work environment

 

Barry Oshrey's Tops, Middles and Bottoms https://govleaders.org/total-system-power.htm

Ladder of Inference: https://thesystemsthinker.com/the-ladder-of-inference/

Your Body is Your Brain by Amanda Blake https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40515283-your-body-is-your-brain

 

BIO:

A facilitator and coach with expertise in organization development (OD), Becca has extensive experience working with groups and individuals to foster communication and effective collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Becca helps her clients implement strategies that increase their emotional intelligence and efficacy. She is known for her clear communication, innate ability to foster trust, and firm, yet gentle approach to helping others recognize their blind spots and engage specific tools to articulate and reach their goals. She gracefully supports her clients toward self-reflection, new learning and increased awareness of their impact on others. She works with leaders of all types and has a special passion for those newer to leadership as well as those who hold societal privilege and want to address their roles in upholding and then dismantling systems of oppression.

 

Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccabartholomew

https://twitter.com/thebeccab

 

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In episode 124 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and LeeAnn Mallorie discuss about navigating leadership from a place of embodiment, resilience, and grace. They explore:

• how tuning into the body can help leaders make better choices, weather organizational turbulence, and come through crisis with renewed purpose. 

• How our effectiveness and influence are deeply tied to how we relate to ourselves—and that honoring our inner wisdom is not a luxury, but a necessity in today's climate of uncertainty and change.

 

Episode highlights:

What Is Embodiment and Why It Matters [08:15] 

Resilience in a Time of Chaos [11:15] 

The Power of Letting Go [13:59] 

Balancing Drive with Surrender [17:15] 

Grace as Leadership Range [19:26].

Leaders Getting in Their Own Way [22:15] 

Co-Creating with What Is [23:26] 

Feeling First, Then Acting [26:58] 

Leading Through Uncertainty [24:01] 

Advice for Those in Transition [29:16] 

A Strategic Shift: Collective Leadership [35:15] 

 

Guest BIO:
LeeAnn Mallorie, CEO of Guts & Grace Leadership, began her career as an executive coach in 2006, working with leaders and teams from around the globe. Yet she soon found something was missing—the body. This led her on a personal journey of physical, mental, and spiritual healing, to eventually embrace the feminine side of leadership. Committed to walking her talk, she brings these lessons back to her clients in the corporate, non-profit and government sectors, with surprisingly positive results. Today LeeAnn specializes in bringing feminine wisdom and diverse cultural values into business, as keystone to solving some of our world's stickiest problems. Using practical embodiment tools, she helps attendees bridge the gap between the hard-driving logical mind and the deeper wisdom of the soul.

 

Important Links and Resources:

LeeAnn Mallorie

Guts & Grace

Leading in Motion

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Cinthia Manuel.   

We talked about:  

• the challenges nonprofits face in trying to make their services more accessible. 
• What to think about before getting started with community engagement.  
• Why Cinthia thinks traditional mentoring is backward. 

 

BIO:

Cinthia Manuel is the CEO and Founder of Autentica Consulting, LLC. She specializes in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Mentoring; and Multicultural Marketing. She is the proud daughter of immigrants and a first-generation Latina. She was named one of the 23 Business People to Watch in 2019 by the Portland Business Journal for her work contributing to communities of color through professional development, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. She is passionate about education and has worked with the Gates Millennium Scholarship Alumni Association, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the United Negro College Fund. She is a TEDx speaker. She deeply believes that building strong communities is key to creating a powerful voice that drives change. 

  

Links:  

https://www.autenticaconsulting.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/autenticaconsulting/ 

https://twitter.com/AutenticaCo 

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission: Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Arielle Goodman, Jenny Hegland and Jessica Srikantia.   

We talked about:  

• What this uncertain moment in history could mean for the systems that we live in and   

       take for granted 

• How we are born into a collectively traumatized culture that has a domination logic built into its systems. 
• A systemic analysis can divorce ourselves from our part in that system – as if it exists outside of us instead of us existing within these systems.  

 

Resources mentioned: 

•  Otto Schwarmer and the MIT Presencing Institute 

• • https://www.ottoscharmer.com/
  • https://www.presencing.org/ 

• Thomas Huebl 

• • https://thomashuebl.com/ 

 

BIO:

Arielle, Jenny and Jessica are a team of colleagues that has been working together for the past six months to discover how they might be of service as a collective. Their work exists in cultivating the spaces between, such as in-between people during times of transition and not knowing, spaces within our own selves, or the connective tissue of complex systems. Together, they explore what is possible in and from wholeness. They are committed to transforming themselves into alignment with life, so that they can support this work in the broader world inclusive of and beyond their individual selves. Their areas of expertise include navigating uncharted terrain in times of uncertainty, helping systems see and sense themselves, and practicing sacred relationships with team and stakeholder groups. 

  

Links:  

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyhegland 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-srikantia-206797173/ 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellegoodman/   

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Beth Sperber Richie.   

We talked about:  

• What Burn Out is and why Burn Out is so prevalent in the nonprofit sector 
• What the research shows about rest and productivity for organizations. 
• What vicarious trauma is and how it impacts staff and an organization's culture.   

 

BIO:

Beth Sperber Richie, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and consultant in private practice in the Washington, D.C. area. Dr. Richie works with non-profit leaders on how to sustain their staff and their mission given the grind of social change work. She gives workshops and presentations on managing stress and burnout, vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, improving cross-cultural communication and counseling skills and setting boundaries for front-line employees. Her workshops focus on practical skills and engaged involvement of all participants.   

 

Links:  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fermata-consult 

  

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Rebecca Murphy.  

We talked about: 

• What organizations need to think about to be ready to partner 
• Having clarity about what your why is key for partnering. 
• Why mission creep is so common among organizations and what drives it. 

 

BIO:

Rebecca has been a consultant for over 20 years. She considers herself an "interpreter," as she has worked in multiple sectors including government, nonprofit, business, and philanthropy. She is adept at explaining/translating one to another. She is a generalist with a broad knowledge base – including workforce development, affordable housing, parks and placemaking. She has expertise in capacity building, organizational and program development, strategic planning, with particular expertise in public-private partnerships, community engagement, and strategic collaborations. Hers is a mission-focused practice. She is passionate about mission fidelity and avoiding mission creep. 

 

Links: 

https://rcmstrategicconsulting.com/ 

https://twitter.com/RCMStratConsult 

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast, the podcast for nonprofit leaders who do not want to be a martyr to the cause. This week we're talking to Tip Fallon. Tip Fallon is a coach and consultant who is passionate about working with people to reach their potential.  

We talked about: 

• the masks many people feel forced to wear or personas they assume in the workplace. 
• Why we need to do some preventative work to make things easier for people with targeted identities. 

• How we are the product of the history that has created systems of oppression, as well as creating history ourselves 

 

Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tipfallon 

https://www.fallonconsulting.net/ 

https://twitter.com/tipfallon 

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Moira Edwards.  

We talked about: 

- how technology supports the work of nonprofits and associations. 

- Moira explains the three levels of IT infrastructure that leaders need to consider and how an organization typically would apportion the budget to support those three levels 

- the concept of the peacetime and the wartime CEOs come into play as organizations manage the quick shifts forced onto them by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

BIO:

Moira Edwards is the President of Ellipsis Partners and focuses on the impact of technology on organizational strategy. As head of Ellipsis Partners, she helps associations and non-profits make smart technology decisions to create member value and support critical business operations. 

 

Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/moiraedwards 

https://www.ellipsispartners.com/ 

 

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Welcome to the Nonprofit Mission Impact Podcast. This week we're talking to Kathy Patrick.  

 We talked about: 

• what it takes to influence decision-makers. 
• the concrete steps leaders can take to create a plan, identify who is key to your organization and how to start building a relationship with them before you need their help.  
• Why it is so important to remember that key decision-makers are human first and not fixate on their title and role. 

 

BIO:

Kathy Patrick, of Strategic Sense, LLC, helps progressive non-profit leaders build influence and create powerful relationships with all types of decisionmakers, so they can increase the impact and reach of their organizations, attract more resources to their work, and free up time to do the creative, visionary work they were meant to do. 

 

Links: 

https://strategic-sense.com/ 

https://strategykeys.com/ 

https://strategykeys.com/engagenow 

 

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Coming soon.

Nonprofit Mission Impact is the podcast for nonprofit leaders who want to build a better world without becoming a martyr to the cause. Interviews of nonprofit experts explore how to make your organization more effective and innovative for greater mission impact.

In episode 123 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Josh Hirsch discuss using AI in fundraising and donor engagement. 

They explore:

• The evolution of AI, and its potential to enhance how organizations connect with donors. 

• How to train AI tools effectively, leveraging data responsibly, and using AI to enhance—rather than replace—human-driven strategy. 

• Why nonprofit leaders who embrace AI thoughtfully do not need to fear the technology

 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

The Evolution and Role of AI in Nonprofits - [00:010:00] 

How Nonprofits Can Use AI Effectively - [00:12:31] 

Training AI to Match Your Brand's Voice - [00:16:51] 

Best Practices for AI Implementation - [00:20:31]  Ethical Considerations and Policy Development - [00:25:25]  A Case Study: AI in Action for Donor Engagement - [00:22:00]

Future Trends in AI and Nonprofit Work - [00:27:56] 

Final Advice for Nonprofit Leaders - [00:33:02]  

 

GUEST BIO:

Josh Hirsch is an accomplished nonprofit strategist and educator specializing in digital communications and fundraising innovation. With over two decades of experience, Josh has driven impact for organizations through roles such as Director of Mission and Communication at Susan G. Komen Florida and faculty member at The Fund Raising School. He currently serves as Education and Training Strategist at Fundraise Up, where he leads the development of cutting-edge donor engagement initiatives, including the Modern Digital Fundraising Essentials certificate program. Josh is a generative AI expert, leveraging emerging technologies to optimize nonprofit workflows and enhance donor experiences. A dynamic speaker and consultant, Josh is passionate about empowering organizations to overcome barriers to giving and achieve sustainable growth. Connect with him at theaidude.ai or through his AI Dude podcast.

IMPORTANT LINKS & RESOURCES:

Josh Hirsch, MS

Fundraise Up

The AI Dude

Soukup Strategic Solutions, Inc.

The Fund Raising School

Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

 

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In episode 122 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and James Young discuss the role of community, social innovation, and problem-solving in nonprofit leadership. They explore 

• how organizations can foster meaningful collaboration, 

• move beyond traditional silos, and embrace an interdisciplinary approach to tackling complex challenges. 

• the importance of balancing expertise with curiosity, 

• strengthening both bonding and bridging social capital, and designing intentional community experiences that drive impact. 

Together, they reflect on how associations and nonprofits can evolve to meet the shifting needs of their members and society at large.

 

Episode highlights:

[00:09:45] Social Innovation as a Driving Force [00:012:00] Navigating Uncertainty While Staying Grounded in Mission [00:13:22] Learning Communities and Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving [00:16:48] The Role of Expertise and Curiosity in Leadership [00:19:08] The Messiness of Community and Building Trust [00:21:20] Conditions for Successful Communities [00:23:03] The Importance of Bridging Capital in Building Inclusive Networks [00:26:24] Lessons from the Past: Can We Rebuild Community Engagement? [00:33:10] Rethinking Association and Nonprofit Models [00:37:45] Designing Organizations for Connection and Problem-Solving [00:41:28] Invitation to Nonprofit Leaders: Permission to Forgive Ourselves

 

Guest Bio:
James Young is founder and chief learning officer of the Product Community and writes a weekly newsletter called The Innovative Association. Jim is a leading thinker in the worlds of associations, learning communities, and product development. Prior to starting the product community, he served as senior vice president for education and chief learning officer at the American College of Chest Physicians and chief learning officer at the Society of College and University Planning. He earned a PhD at George Mason University, a masters at the University of Michigan, and a bachelors at Michigan State University.

Important Links and Resources:

James Young

Product Community

Byers Young Group

Bowling Alone

The Upswing

Join or Die

 

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In episode 121 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Rachel Jellinek discuss the power of video storytelling for nonprofits. They talk about:

• how nonprofits can use video effectively to connect with their audiences, 

• How to maintain ethical storytelling practices. 

• the importance of focusing on strengths rather than deficits, ensuring those sharing their stories have agency, and balancing emotional impact with authenticity. 

The conversation also explores common mistakes nonprofits make when creating videos and best practices for incorporating video storytelling into their communications strategy.

 

Episode highlights:

Strategic Video Planning vs. DIY Approach [00:06:53] Key Storytelling Questions for Nonprofits [00:07:11]  Avoiding the "Tearjerker" Trap[00:09:45]  Ethical Storytelling: Moving Beyond the "Savior" Narrative[00:11:58]  Dispelling Myths and Misperceptions Through Video [00:13:54]  Ensuring Storyteller Agency and Power Dynamics Awareness[00:15:27]  Building Trust in the Storytelling Process [00:18:04]  The Role of B-Roll in Video Storytelling [00:18:45]   Common Nonprofit Video Mistakes [00:21:32]  Incorporating Inclusive Voices in Video Content [00:27:45]  The Value of Joy in Storytelling [00:33:33] 

 

Guest Bio:

Rachel Jellinek is President of Reflection Films, a certified woman-owned video production company that does video storytelling and content creation for a variety of mission-driven organizations. Reflection Films does filming and animation, typically for a fundraising, marketing, or training purpose. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts from Harvard University. Prior to Reflection Films, she worked at several nonprofits focused on public health and education. She has served as a health educator for youth and adults; as a director of a literacy program, and as a community relations liaison at MIT. Her experience in the nonprofit world lends itself well to understanding how to tell client stories in an emotionally compelling and entertaining way.

 

Important Links and Resources:

Rachel Jellinek

Reflection Films

Blog

Smiles Video

 

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In episode 120 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Leah Kral discuss how to foster innovation within nonprofits. 

They discuss six key practices for driving meaningful change: 

• uncovering hidden needs, 

• asking courageous questions, 

• empowering collaboration, 

• embracing experimentation, 

• committing to continuous learning, and 

• building a culture of persuasion. 

Through relatable stories and actionable advice, together they emphasize the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, and creating space for bold ideas to thrive in resource-constrained environments.

Episode Highlights:

[00:10:16] Innovation in Nonprofits

[00:11:34] Practice 1: Be a Fearless Problem Solver

[00:20:02] Practice 2: Ask Courageous Questions

[00:22:52] Practice 3: Empower Collaboration

[00:26:30] Practice 4: Experiment and Start Small

[00:29:03] Practice 5: Embrace Continuous Learning

[00:34:20] Practice 6: Build a Culture of Persuasion

[00:39:17] Strategic Thinking as a Permission Slip

 

Guest Bio:
Leah Kral is a consultant, public speaker, and author who helps nonprofits innovate and further social change. Her book, Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results (Wiley, 2022). For decades, she has been providing tailored workshops and consulting to nonprofit leaders and boards across the country. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica 2002-2004), she loves the outdoors and trails in northern Virginia, and enjoys being an active volunteer in her community.

Important Links and Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkral/

https://leahkral.com/

https://substack.com/@leahkral

Innovation for Social Change: How Wildly Successful Nonprofits Inspire and Deliver Results

 

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In this solo episode of Nonprofit Mission Impact, Carol Hamilton delves into scenario planning and its value for nonprofits navigating an era of heightened uncertainty. She emphasizes

• how scenario planning moves organizations from a state of overwhelm to proactive action, 

• outlines a step-by-step approach and 

• shares a recent client story to illustrate its usefulness. 

Podcastathon 2025: She also highlights The Arc of Montgomery County and its important role in supporting people with developmental disabilities through local programming and national advocacy as part of Podcastathon 2025.

 

 

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00] Why scenario planning now

[00:01:00] Defining Scenario Planning

[00:02:10] Why Scenario Planning Matters

[00:04:30] Steps to Implement Scenario Planning

[00:08:06] Example from a Recent Client

[00:10:21] Podcastathon feature: The Arc of Montgomery County

Important Links and Resources:

Podcastathon

The Arc of Montgomery County 

The Arc of Maryland 

The Arc of the United States 

 

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In episode 118 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Meghan Speer about the concept of holistic communication within nonprofit organizations. They discuss:

• the importance of ensuring consistency and clarity across all communication channels to enhance donor engagement and confidence. 

• insights into breaking down silos, fostering collaboration among internal teams, and 

• how to map out donor touchpoints to deliver a seamless and human-centered experience.

The conversation highlights the need for nonprofits to align their messaging with donor expectations, adopt a long-term view, and prioritize appreciation to build lasting relationships.

 

Episode highlights:

[00:07:00] Defining Holistic Communication [00:08:51] Real-World Impact of Communication Silos [00:12:30] Mapping Communication Touchpoints [00:18:30] Overcoming Campaign Fatigue [00:23:00] Understanding Donor Behavior [00:27:30] The Role of Gratitude in Donor Relationships

 

Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders

• Foster collaboration by breaking down silos and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

• Think beyond immediate campaign results and adopt a long-term view of donor engagement.

• Invest in consistent, clear, and human-centered messaging across all communication channels.

• Show appreciation and follow up with donors to maintain trust and connection.

• Engage with everyday donors to gain valuable insights into their motivations and perceptions.

 

Guest Bio:

Meghan Speer serves as the Executive Director of Nonprofit Hub, a nonprofit educational site dedicated to providing excellent content and resources for those leading nonprofits. She is the host of the Nonprofit Hub radio podcast and has spoken at countless conferences and conventions helping leaders to craft holistic communication and donor strategies. For over 10 years, Meghan was with Marketing Support Network,  serving in key executive roles focused on communications strategies that help organizations of all sizes grow and scale. Meghan lives in Pittsburgh, PA where she is active with many organizations serving her inner city neighborhood.

Important Links and Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-speer55/

https://www.marketingsupportnetwork.com/

 

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🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.

😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn