Welcome to the first episode of Next Era Non-Profit, where we will discuss what keeps the non-profit sector stuck and the actionable strategies we can take to advance your organization into its next era.

This week, we dive into the impact that scarcity mindset has on you as a leader as well as your organization as a whole. To help you break free from the scarcity trap, Katie discusses strategies to allow you to reclaim bandwidth and build resilience and alignment within your teams. By getting rid of the scarcity mindset, you can reimagine what is possible for your organization.

With so much uncertainty in the nonprofit sector right now, it’s hard to know what to focus on first. In this episode, we’re talking about practical steps to strengthen your leadership, engage your board, and gain strategic clarity—so your organization can stay steady no matter what comes next. If you’re feeling the weight of funding shifts and external pressures, this conversation will give you a place to start and a path forward.

Additional Resources 🔗:

• Free Contingency Planning template and video training: https://mailchi.mp/dc913c253695/q4boardchecklist
• Episode 9 - Five Strategies for Board Engagement: https://podcasts.helloaudio.fm/player?episodeId=a70f3efd-839e-47d5-864b-dc36f5a1212b&code=1I9Xji1qj0&centered=true
• If you need more strategic clarity, email me at katie@ziplineconsulting.com for a free consultation!

What does it mean when your team constantly asks for clarity on their roles and responsibilities?

This is commonly an indicator of larger organizational issues that result from a lack of strategic focus and organizational vision. In this week's episode, we explore how to achieve strategic clarity and discuss actionable steps to align your team, reclaim your focus, and ensure all of your efforts are working to propel your organization toward its mission.

Discover how strategic clarity and focus can propel your organization toward its Next-Era!

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing nonprofit landscape, an engaged board isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. With leadership turnover on the rise and increasing demands on organizations, a strong, collaborative board provides stability, strategy, and support nonprofits need to thrive.

In this episode of Next Era Nonprofit, I share five actionable strategies to elevate board engagement, helping you foster a board team that amplifies your leadership capacity, ensures sustainability, and delivers greater impact. This episode offers practical tips to create a board that truly adds value.

 Don't miss this Bonus Opportunity: Don’t miss the chance to empower your board chair with the tools they need to lead with confidence and purpose. Register now for the Board Chair Bootcamp and start building the board of your dreams today! Starts January 17th - so grab your seat now at this link: https://katiespencer499.lpages.co/board-chair-bootcamp

Happy New Year!

The start of the new year presents a unique opportunity for you to reflect on the past year but also for you to determine how you would like your leadership to grow.

In this episode, we will take the time to walk through how you want your leadership to grow, what you want your leadership to look like, and then map out what changes need to be made to help you become that leader!

Step into 2025 in your Next Era as a leader!

Start the New Year off by thriving in your role as a non-profit leader!

In this episode, we are joined by Rory Thomas, President of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative. He shares his unique insights on his ability to thrive as a non-profit leader who has been able to lead highly successful teams. Tactics he discusses like fostering authentic relationships, implementing and upholding standards, and creating a vibrant organizational culture can bring you and your organization into it's Next Era!

How do we close out our year with gratitude, a sense of accomplishment, and energy to dive into 2025? In this short episode, I walk you through an exercise to do just that:

"...to prepare to tackle next year, it’s important to take stock of this year. And not just take stock, but acknowledge that you’ve done a lot. That you’ve accomplished so much. And that you’ve grown, as a leader, as a human."

Join me to take stock of your gains and you will:

• Be reminded of all you have to celebrate!
• Get an emotional and energetic lift - wow, look at all of that. I really did do a ton!
• Decrease your stress - and I know you want to enjoy the holidays and feel relaxed as you enter the new year. 

Succession planning is vital for the sustainability of any nonprofit. Additionally, funders are keen on succession planning.

Why? What is the funder's perspective on succession planning?

This episode, as we dive into succession planning, we are joined by Lauren Taylor, Senior VP of Hyde Family Foundation.

To access Katie's Succession Planning Course 🔗: https://katie-s-site-4eb4.thinkific.com/courses/copy-of-succession-planning

This week, Lauren Ready, Emmy Award-winning storyteller and owner of Forever Ready Productions, joins the show to discuss how to leverage the impact of storytelling as a tool for your organization. Drawing on her experience as a dynamic storyteller and video producer, Lauren shares how the power of storytelling can increase visibility, engage audiences, and boost fundraising. Advance your organization into its next era through storytelling to engage your community and rally people behind your cause.

Welcome to Next Era Non-Profit, where we will discuss what keeps the non-profit sector stuck and the actionable strategies we can take to advance your organization into its next era!

Uncertainty is one of the biggest challenges faced by leaders of all kinds, so in this week's episode, we dive into the impact that uncertainty can have on decision-making and even success. With the hindrance that uncertainty can cause in your organization, we explore the need for a clear strategic vision that will serve as your organization's compass!

In this moment of uncertainty, with shifting government policies, economic pressures, and increasing demands, nonprofit leaders must rethink their approach to organizational sustainability. In this episode, we will dive into three entrepreneurial lessons that will help guide your organization through this moment and beyond. 

Additional Resources 🔗:

• Free Contingency Planning template and video training: https://mailchi.mp/dc913c253695/q4boardchecklist
• Navigating Uncertainty: Strengthening Your Nonprofit for the Road Ahead (Episode 11): https://podcasts.helloaudio.fm/player?episodeId=823d7605-5c08-4f59-87d7-aebf231fc841&code=1I9Xji1qj0&centered=true

When faced with a crisis, our first instinct is often to play it safe—to spread the pain evenly and hope for the best. But real leadership means making tough, strategic choices. In this episode, I share a pivotal moment in my career when I had to cut my nonprofit’s budget in half overnight—and why the hardest decisions turned out to be the most powerful. Whether you're navigating financial uncertainty or simply feeling stretched too thin, this is about more than budgets. It’s about having the courage to focus, to let go, and to build something stronger. Tune in to rethink how you make decisions and lead your non-profit into its next, stronger era.

🔗 Free Contingency Planning Tool: https://mailchi.mp/dc913c253695/q4boardchecklist

Feel free to reach out to me at katie@joyofleading.com

In this week's episode, we explore the relationship at the heart of a non-profit's success - the partnership between the executive team and the board. When this duo is disconnected, progress can be stalled, limiting your organization's impact. 

However, when this duo is aligned, your organization will be set for long-term success! So join us as we discuss how to strengthen this vital relationship and build a foundation of trust that propels your non-profit into its next era. 

• Free Contingency Planning template and video training: https://mailchi.mp/dc913c253695/q4boardchecklist
• If you need more strategic clarity, email me at katie@ziplineconsulting.com for a free consultation!

In this week's episode, we are joined by Dr. Russell Wigginton, CEO of the National Civil Rights Museum, to explore how nonprofit leaders can cut through the noise and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction by getting back to basics. Drawing on his years of experience in academia, advocacy, and the museum world, Dr. Wigginton brings a unique perspective to our conversation as he speaks to how this approach has impacted his decision-making, team-building, and even the approach he takes to larger issues.

What if the task you keep avoiding isn't a burden, but a doorway to clarity and freedom?

In this week's episode of Next Era Nonprofit, we're going to liberate you from what's holding you back by addressing the things we've been avoiding. And, in doing so, we will open up the space, time, energy, and possibility to accomplish the goals we have set. I share the Face It. Feel It. Free It. method to help you take action on that lingering task that’s draining your energy and slowing your momentum.

Whether you're avoiding a tough board conversation, a strategic decision, or just that pesky email, this episode is a nudge to do the thing — and feel the relief that follows.

What do nonprofit leaders need to unlearn to move forward? In this lively and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Ruth Abigail Gardner—Executive Director of AngelStreet Ministries and host of The Unlearnt Podcast—to dig into the habits, beliefs, and expectations that no longer serve us (and maybe never did).

We talk about the obvious stuff (like perfectionism and over-functioning), but we also get into some trickier, more taboo territory. It’s a fun, honest conversation full of real talk about what it actually takes to lead well in today’s nonprofit world—and what we might need to let go of to do it.

Ruth Abigail brings energy, wisdom, and humor, and she isn’t afraid to think out loud about her own leadership journey and the sector as a whole. You’ll walk away reflecting on your own “unlearning list.”

To hear more from Ruth Abigail Gardner, listen to the Unlearnt Podcast! And also, check out the work that Angel Street does by visiting their site or on social media @angelstreetmemphis! 

You’ve probably felt it: the stress of leading a nonprofit where the demands far outweigh the resources. It’s not just frustrating—it’s unsustainable.

In this episode, I unpack a powerful definition of stress—“more demands than resources”—and walk you through a 5-step approach to rebalance the equation. We’ll explore how to set boundaries, shift expectations, and reduce the weight of competing priorities so you can lead with clarity and protect your energy.

Not every idea or every donation deserves a place on your to-do list.

✨ Ready to reduce the demands and focus your time, energy, and budget on what truly drives impact?

That’s exactly what I do with leaders during a Strategic Refresh Intensive—a one-day deep dive to create a clear, adaptive plan for the year ahead. You’ll walk away with a roadmap that ensures your resources go where they matter most.

📩 Email me at katie@ziplineconsulting.com when you’re ready to balance the equation.

You don’t need a 6-month planning process—just one powerful day.

Nonprofit leadership often feels like an endless cycle of putting out fires—but what if you could build a future where fewer fires even start? In this episode, we explore how to move beyond crisis response and reclaim your time, energy, and vision for long-term impact. We dive into strategies such as:

• Triaging the urgent from the important
• Protecting your strategic thinking time
• Building a leadership environment and team

that will give you the clarity you need to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Resources

• Contingency Planning Template 🔗: https://katie-s-site-4eb4.thinkific.com/courses/copy-of-succession-planning
• Non-Profit Leadership Edge Mastermind Group: Email katie@joyofleading.com

Nonprofit leaders are navigating one of the most uncertain times we’ve ever seen—funding challenges, shifting policies, and increasing community needs. In times like these, you can’t afford an unengaged board.

In this episode of Next Era Nonprofit, I sit down with Hardy Smith, author of Stop the Nonprofit Blame Game, to discuss why now—more than ever—your board must be fully engaged and actively helping you lead. We cover:

✔️ The biggest reasons boards disengage—and how to fix it

✔️ How to create a culture of accountability and shared leadership

✔️ What nonprofit leaders can do to activate their board during uncertain times

✔️ How to get your board to step up, contribute, and help drive strategy forward

Your board isn’t just there to approve budgets and attend meetings—it should be a powerful asset in leading your nonprofit through change and uncertainty.

Connect with Hardy on LinkedIn, and get his book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game!

Courage isn’t something you have—it’s something you practice. Nonprofit leaders face tough decisions, difficult conversations, and high-stakes moments every day. But the real challenge? Stepping into those moments with courage.

In this episode, we explore:

✔️ Why courage is a learned skill, not a personality trait

✔️ The common fears that hold nonprofit leaders back

✔️ Practical ways to strengthen your courage muscle in leadership

✔️ How showing up boldly and authentically transforms your board, team, and organization

If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for what you need, speak up in a tough moment, or take action despite uncertainty—this episode is for you.

If you’re looking for strategies to get a hold on what’s happening and proactively prepare your organization for what’s ahead, this conversation is for you.

Nonprofit leaders are facing mounting uncertainty—federal funding shifts, economic instability, and growing scrutiny on the sector. But instead of waiting for challenges to escalate, now is the time to take action.

In this episode of Next Era Nonprofit, I sit down with nonprofit risk management expert Ted Bilich to talk about what you can do right now to strengthen your organization and navigate uncertainty proactively. We cover:

• Why waiting is one of the biggest risks nonprofits face
• How today’s anti-nonprofit rhetoric is shaping public trust and funding
• Practical steps to identify and manage risks before they become crises
• The board’s role in navigating uncertainty and strengthening governance
• Why storytelling, advocacy, and collaboration are more important than ever

Tune in for insights and actionable steps to help you take control of what’s next.

About Ted

Ted Bilich is the CEO of Risk Alternatives, a firm dedicated to helping non-profits assess risk and develop long-term sustainability strategies, and author of the book  Managing Your Nonprofit for Resilience. With his expertise in risk management and sustainability, Ted brings a unique perspective to the current landscape that many nonprofit leaders find themselves in. Keep up with Ted by visiting his site or connecting with him on LinkedIn!

What does it take to lead a nonprofit in today’s ever-changing world? According to Derwin Sisnett—nonprofit founder, board member, and successful entrepreneur—it’s all about embracing your entrepreneurial mindset. In this episode, Derwin, founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, shares insights from his experience leading and balancing innovation with mission-driven work. Are we all born entrepreneurs? Embracing your entrepreneurial spirit can truly strengthen your organization and drive sustainable change. 

About Derwin

Derwin Sisnett is the founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, a real estate company focused on transforming civic spaces for social good. With a background spanning social impact businesses, education, and community development, Derwin brings a unique perspective on how to drive lasting change. Connect with Derwin on LinkedIn and learn more about his organization at adaptivecommons.com.

As non-profit leaders, there is an uncomfortable topic that we need to discuss...boundaries.

In the numerous conversations I've had with non-profit executives, I've seen the emotional toll that nonprofit work can take and how personalizing every challenge leads to burnout. Continuing on this path toward burnout is neither sustainable nor healthy for you and your organization. That is why we need boundaries. 

In this week's episode, join me as I explore how the inability to set and maintain boundaries is one of the biggest threats to both personal well-being and effective leadership.

Need more support? Reach out to discuss how to create better board alignment, role clarity, and a healthier leadership partnership for your organization.

Additional Resources 🔗:

• Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima
• Navigating NP Burnout with Kait Donovan

One of the biggest problems facing nonprofit boards today is disengaged board meetings that feel like a waste of time to board members. Join us for this week's episode where we will break down why boards are increasingly disengaged and what you can do to change that! With my proven ENGAGE Method we will transform board meetings into your strongest tool for leadership, clarity, and energy.

If you have any questions surrounding board engagement or are interested in an in-depth program walking you through building better board practices, reach out at katie@joyofleading.com!