Explore every episode of the podcast Successful Nonprofits Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Strategic Planning Mistakes Nonprofits Make | 03 Nov 2026 | 00:22:47 | |
Is your nonprofit 18 months into its strategic plan and still stuck? When an executive director brings me a plan that isn't moving, the trouble usually sits in one of two places: leadership, or the structure of the plan itself. This episode is about structure. In this episode, I walk through the seven mistakes I see again and again: goals with no strategy behind them, no decision screen to filter shiny objects, no contingency plans, staff left out, the board left out, no financial pro forma, and no way to evaluate progress. Along the way I share what a pandemic-era performing arts client did with its contingency plan, and the repeat client that taught me staff focus groups are non-negotiable. Then I close with what every planning process should include, and two free tools: a six-minute readiness quiz if you're about to begin strategic planning, and a check-in template if your existing plan has stalled. This episode answers questions like:
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| Are You Ready for a $2 Million Lawsuit? | 27 Oct 2026 | 00:20:37 | |
Are you one staff or volunteer accident away from a $2 million claim? Last year I sat on a jury where the plaintiff's attorneys asked for $2 million over a car accident in which the airbags never went off and the plaintiff walked away without a scratch. The jury awarded nothing, but it drove home something I see in my client work all the time: a million dollars of coverage is not what it used to be, and many nonprofits are underinsured or uninsured in places they've never looked. In this episode, I walk through more than a dozen types of insurance your organization might need, from general liability and D&O to employment practices, cyber, hired and non-owned auto, and umbrella coverage. Then I share three moves to close the gaps, make insurance renewal simpler, and give your board visibility into managing your risk. This episode answers questions like: Links mentioned in this episode: Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: Join the live virtual audience for podcast recordings (and bring your question for the Q&A). Topics, guests, and times are announced in my newsletter, and you can sign up at this link: https://successfulnonprofits.com/newsletter-signup/ | |||
| 5 Lessons from Shutting Down a Nonprofit | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:32:02 | |
About a decade ago, I helped a once multimillion-dollar nonprofit with about 50 employees close its doors, and before it was over, board members wrote personal checks to cover money owed to the IRS. In this episode, I share the five lessons I took from that work. And these lessons are essential for chief executives and board members alike: keep a cash flow projection, cut staff or expenses long before payroll is at risk, treat your audit and government filings as sacred deadlines, never let your directors and officers insurance lapse, and watch for the small missteps that add up to insolvency. I also answer a question from the live audience about whether cutting staff actually keeps an organization open, and share a free cash flow projection template to get you started. You can get my free cashflow projection template at www.successfulnonprofits.com/cashflow This episode answers questions like:
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| The CEO's Role in a $500,000 Event with Jai Ferrell | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:41:47 | |
When your organization's biggest fundraising event is on the line, where should the chief executive lead, and where should she stay out of the way? Jai Ferrell, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, transitioned a long-running luncheon in her first year to a gala that raised more than $500,000. In this episode she explains who should make an ask, how to choose honorees, and how she spends every minute of the event itself, including the "wrangler" who keeps her moving. If your event depends on you and you are not sure what that should mean, this conversation gives you a clear division of labor between you, your team, and your board. This episode answers questions like:
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| 6 Ways to Use AI in Your Nonprofit | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:26:11 | |
Join the live virtual audience for podcast recordings (and bring your question for the Q&A). Topics, guests, and times are announced in my newsletter, and you can sign up at this link: https://successfulnonprofits.com/newsletter-signup/ Whether or not you like AI, you are already using it, from spell check to your social media feed. Yet most nonprofits have barely put it to work where it could give leaders time back. In this episode, I share six roles AI can play in a small or mid-sized nonprofit without significant new spending: admin support, IT support, research, marketing, finance, and management systems. Every example comes from real use, from a scheduling agent that coordinated five time zones to a monthly website scan that caught about a hundred typos. I also cover how to check a 990 before you sign it, how to respond to audit findings with policies that fit your actual staff, and why none of this works without clear instructions and supervision. This episode answers the following questions:
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| When Staff Complain Directly to Your Board | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:31:34 | |
A staff member unhappy with one of your decisions skips you and goes straight to the board chair. If the chair entertains it, your ability to lead takes a hit that is very hard to repair. In this episode I share when this happened to me as a chief executive, as well as what I've learned about responding in a way that strengthens the organization's effectiveness and my leadership. I also cover four ways to future-proof your organization, from a written plan with your board chair to a validated staff engagement survey, and four traps that look like solutions but aren't. Chapters: 00:00 When staff go around you to the board This episode answers the following questions:
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| Stop Being Your Team's Referee: Escalate Together | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:29:40 | |
A staff member knocks on your door and asks you to settle a disagreement with a coworker. Saying yes feels good, and it is one of the few things in your week that ends cleanly. It also teaches your team to bring you every dispute, and it pushes the fundraising, board, and strategy work that only you can do into your nights and weekends. In this episode I walk through escalate together, a practice I draw from Kim Scott's Radical Candor and use in every interim executive director engagement. Staff make a good faith effort to work it out themselves, and if they are still stuck, they come to me together. I cover how to set up the room, the two questions I ask once everyone sits down, the issues that belong in formal channels instead, and what to do about the frequent flyer who has escalated with eight different colleagues in a year. You will also hear what happened when I rolled this out on my first day at an organization with a long history of instability, and a team member knocked on my door about 90 minutes later. This episode answers the following questions:
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Join the live virtual audience for podcast recordings (and bring your question for the Q&A). Topics, guests, and times are announced in my newsletter, and you can sign up at this link: https://successfulnonprofits.com/newsletter-signup/ | |||
| The Busy Executive Director's Guide to Planned Giving with Tony Martignetti | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:35:15 | |
Most executive directors put off planned giving because it feels like a time consuming and expensive project that requires a consultant, a gift acceptance policy, board training, a recognition society, and more. And after investing so much into planned giving, you won't receive a gift for years. Tony Martignetti has spent 29 years proving that belief is just not true. In this episode he walks us through his three-step, one-week launch; explains why three or four top prospects is a real planned giving program; and dismantles the objections that keep chief executives from closing the simplest gift there is (and the easiest one to ask for). We also get honest about what stewardship of your planned giving donors actually costs. If you are the CEO who wears many hats, this is the fundraising conversation that pays off long after your current grant cycle closes. This episode answers questions like:
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Subscribe to the newsletter and join a live podcast recording: https://successfulnonprofits.com/newsletter-signup/ Join the live virtual audience for podcast recordings (and bring your question for the Q&A). Topics, guests, and times are announced in my newsletter, and you can sign up at this link: https://successfulnonprofits.com/newsletter-signup/ | |||
| How to Deliver Bad News to Your Board | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:19:12 | |
If you're in the chief executive seat long enough, something will eventually go wrong. A cash-flow crisis, the loss of a key funder, a serious audit finding, critical news coverage, or an on-site disaster can test both your leadership and your relationship with the board. In this episode, I lay out a practical way to deliver bad news to your board without creating a second crisis. I share who to tell first, the six questions your written board update must answer, and how to structure an emergency meeting so the loudest board member does not control the conversation. You will also learn when to stop weekly updates to your board and how to conduct a post-mortem after the issue is fully resolved. The central lesson is simple: bad news does not break trust, but surprise, avoidance, or inaction will. | |||
| How Nonprofit CEOs Get Buy-In Across Political Divides with Chandra Brown | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:32:20 | |
If you are a CEO responsible for moving your mission forward in a polarized environment, this conversation will sharpen how you lead. Your ability to communicate with people who don't share your or your nonprofit's values and views can determine whether your organization gains traction or stalls out. In this episode, I speak with consultant and former executive director Chandra Brown about how leaders choose words and framing that build alignment with board members, donors, policymakers, and community stakeholders. You'll hear a real-world example of a messaging misstep that backfired and what it reveals about how different audiences interpret the same issue. You'll walk away with practical ways to communicate across political divides without compromising your values. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Your Board's Fundraising Retreat: 6 Activities to Make It Count (Nonprofit Board Fundraising) | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:31:15 | |
Can one board retreat turn reluctant board members into fundraising superstars? Anyone promising that is selling something they cannot deliver. But a well-designed retreat can still move board fundraising forward. In this episode, I explain how to diagnose the real barriers first, then share six practical retreat activities that can help a board align expectations, understand its fundraising options, practice useful skills, map its networks, and make specific commitments. I also outline the post-retreat work that turns your board members' commitments into results. This episode answers the following questions:
Links mentioned in this episode: Bring Dolph into your next board retreat. I design and facilitate board retreats that are interactive, practical, and built around the board's real barriers. Retreat topics can include fundraising, governance, board evaluation, planning the board's work, crisis or contingency planning, and strategic planning. To discuss your next retreat, reach out to me at successfulnonprofits.com. | |||
| The One Spreadsheet Every Nonprofit Manager Needs | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:20:27 | |
What recurring tasks does each person on your team actually own? It's almost impossible to remember everything a team member is responsible for, and a job description usually won't tell you. When that information lives only in someone's head, onboarding gets harder, performance conversations get murkier, and an employee departure can create unnecessary chaos. In this episode, I share my simple, one-tab staff task checklist I use when leading nonprofit teams. It documents each position's recurring work and how often it needs to happen. It also becomes a practical tool for interviewing candidates, onboarding new employees, managing performance, cross-training staff, reviewing job descriptions, and being ready for staff departures. You'll also learn how this simple exercise can expose tasks only one person knows how to do, processes that still lack documentation, and responsibilities that have quietly changed over time. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Are Fundraising Events Worth Your Time? A 10-Hour-a-Month System with Mary Thompson | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:28:28 | |
Whether to spend staff time and resources on a special event is an important decision that rests with you as the chief executive. Fundraising events can consume hundreds of staff hours, sap your board's enthusiasm, and produce far less revenue than everyone expected. That is why many nonprofit leaders conclude events are simply not worth the effort. Mary Thompson offers a different answer. Mary is the long-time executive director of Apple Seeds Teaching Farm in Arkansas, and her organization produces a large annual fundraiser that costs approximately 23% of gross revenue. It also hosts monthly Kitchen Table Dinners for 40 to 50 guests, with each dinner requiring only about 10 to 11 hours of staff time. In this episode, Mary explains how Apple Seeds created events that generate revenue, introduce the organization to new supporters, deepen donor relationships, and remain manageable for her team. You will hear why repeatable systems matter, how smaller gatherings can outperform a large gala as relationship-building tools, and what every executive director should examine before approving another event. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Stop Doing $25-per-Hour Work | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:27:14 | |
Never miss an episode: Sign up for our newsletter Your calendar is full, your inbox is under control, and the copier is finally working. You were productive today, right? Maybe not. Every week, nonprofit chief executives routinely spend hours scheduling meetings, answering routine emails, preparing documents, and handling administrative work that someone else—or the right technology—could manage. Every hour spent on those tasks is an hour you cannot spend cultivating major donors, developing your staff, engaging your board, or preparing your organization for what comes next. In this episode, I will help you identify the $25-per-hour work consuming your week and decide what to stop, do less frequently, delegate, or automate. I also explore why an executive assistant may be the most important next hire for a small nonprofit—and how to protect the time you recover for the leadership work only you can do. This episode answers the following questions:
Links mentioned in this episode: Calculate the Value of an Hour of Your Time Subscribe to the Successful Nonprofits® Newsletter Free Online Trainings for Nonprofit CEOs Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes: | |||
| Stop the hijacking hyena in your boardroom | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:12:49 | |
One person's loud and persistent certainty can become the board's decision. Not because everyone agrees, but because everyone else has grown tired of resisting and just want the meeting to move forward. Over time, that dynamic does more than produce a few bad decisions. It weakens the board's collective governance muscle and gives one member far more power than any individual board member should have. In this episode, I share a structured deliberation process designed to keep the "hijacking hyena" from taking over a consequential board discussion. The process uses position champions, strict time limits, neutral facilitation, anonymous force-ranking, and a clear final vote. You'll get a viable way to address a contentious decision without recreating the same power dynamic. You'll also learn how you as the executive director can help board leadership create a process in which every board member's voice is heard. This episode answers questions like:
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| Top 5 Mistakes Nonprofit Executive Directors Make with Marvin Webb | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:35:30 | |
Nonprofit chief executives are expected to protect the mission, lead the team, and keep the organization financially healthy, often without a CFO sitting beside them. In this episode, Dolph talks with Marvin Webb about five finance mistakes executive directors make, including confusing cash with revenue, ignoring reserves, over-relying on one revenue stream, disconnecting budgets from strategy, and underinvesting in staff compensation. Marvin's core warning is simple: healthy-looking revenue does not mean your organization has the cash, liquidity, or financial strategy it needs to survive. This conversation helps nonprofit CEOs lead with clearer financial judgment, stronger board conversations, and better decisions about the resources required to sustain the mission. This episode answers questions like:
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| Can Your Employees Afford to Stay? | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:42:20 | |
We may say that our organization values equity, inclusion, and our mission. But many of us still pay wages that leave employees struggling to cover basic necessities. That contradiction is not just an HR issue, it's a problem with our strategy. In this episode, I examine why nonprofits are losing the competition for talent, why the nonprofit down the street is not your primary competitor for talent, and how employers in retail and hospitality are changing employee expectations. I also share how we as executive directors can begin building a thriving wage strategy. This episode answers the following questions:
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| 6 Clauses for your executive director contract | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:16:17 | |
Your employment agreement is not just paperwork. It shapes how you and your board handle compensation, performance reviews, incentives, leave, renewal, and the end of the relationship. I share six newer clauses that I've started seeing in ED contracts now, and how to negotiate your agreement in a way that protects both you as the executive and your organization. You will hear why cost of living adjustments, performance review deadlines, incentive pay, retention bonuses, sabbaticals, and nonrenewal payments are not just perks. They are tools for clarity, accountability, and a healthier board and executive relationship. I also explain at what point to bring in legal counsel to negotiate on your behalf, how to tell your board you are doing so, and why negotiating well for yourself can also help you advocate more effectively for your staff. This is not legal advice. It is practical leadership advice to help nonprofit chief executives themselves, their organization, and their ability to lead. This episode answers the following questions:
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| A Sabbatical Made My Nonprofit Stronger with Rebecca Stapel-Wax | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:30:35 | |
Many nonprofit chief executives dream about taking a sabbatical, but few believe their organization is too small to offer sabbaticals. In this episode, SOJOURN Executive Director Rebecca Stapel-Wax shares how she prepared her board, staff, systems, and interim leader for a successful three-month sabbatical that ultimately strengthened the organization. Dolph and Rebecca discuss succession planning, executive burnout, communication boundaries, re-entry planning, and the operational systems every nonprofit CEO should have in place before stepping away on a sabbatical. This episode answers questions like:
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| The Executive Director's Fire Drill | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:15:42 | |
When everything feels urgent, it becomes almost impossible for a nonprofit chief executive to focus on the work that actually moves the organization forward. I share a simple fire triage framework that I first developed during an interim executive director engagement with an organization facing serious financial, staffing, and compliance challenges.
The framework helps leaders sort problems into fire types. We'll dive into each category, clarify who should respond, what level of leadership is needed, and when the executive director should step in personally.
This episode is especially useful for nonprofit CEOs and executive directors who feel pulled into every problem, conflict, complaint, and operational hiccup.
This episode answers the following questions:
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| The Three Roles of an Executive Director | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:12:40 | |
Many executive directors spend their days in meetings, emails, staff questions, funder requests, budget tweaks, and personnel issues. At the end of the day, they have been busy. They may even feel productive. But they still have the nagging sense that the most important CEO level was untouched. I share the three roles on you as the CEO can fulfill: futurist, steward, and optimizer. These three roles help executive directors step out of operational gravity, protect time for long term thinking, steward the organization's people and trust, and make the high stakes decisions that move the organization forward. This episode answers the following questions:
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| 70% of nonprofit CEOs get fired or forced out! | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:25:01 | |
While the nonprofit sector rarely talks about it openly, 35% - 70% of executive directors are forced out — usually without even realizing the warning signs. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on why board confidence erodes, which issues risk accelerating your departure, and steps you can take to ensure you leave on your own terms after a long and successful tenure. This episode answers the following questions:
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| The Lifecycle of an Executive Director with Claudius Hildebrand | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:38:43 | |
Claudius Hildebrand, co-author of the best selling book Life Cycle of a CEO, explores the five stages of a nonprofit executive director's tenure, revealing how these insights apply to your nonprofit leadership journey. Discover practical strategies for launching into new roles, reinvention during your tenure, and intentional succession planning. This episode answers the following questions:
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| The Podcast Returns June 16th! | 28 May 2026 | 00:05:16 | |
New episodes will be released on June 16th with a sharper focus on providing actionable advice and support for nonprofit executive directors.
If there's a CEO-level topic you'd like covered, email me at dolph@successfulnonprofits.com. | |||
| World-Class Benefits for Nonprofit Teams with Curt Ellis | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:34:54 | |
Could your nonprofit offer staff benefits they couldn't even get working for a Fortune 500 employer? Curt Ellis, co-founder and CEO of FoodCorps, joins Dolph Goldenburg to share the secret sauce behind FoodCorps' jaw-dropping benefits package. From a $3,000 401(k) match to 16 weeks of paid parental leave to sabbaticals, FoodCorps is setting new standards in the nonprofit sector. Ellis explains why offering these benefits isn't just about employee satisfaction—it's a business strategy that strengthens FoodCorps' mission to connect children to nourishing food. Discover how FoodCorps' approach to sabbaticals, half-day Fridays, and family planning support boosts morale and retains talent in the high-turnover nonprofit workforce. Whether you're tackling employee burnout or seeking donor buy-in for better benefits, this episode is your blueprint for success. This episode answers the following questions:
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| 5 Ways to Raise More Money at the End of the Year | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:16:06 | |
As the rest of the world counts down the last weeks of the year, this is the perfect time for leaders like you to harness your donors' holiday-giving spirit to generate more dollars, retain more donors, and cultivate even larger gifts for next year. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Are You an Eagle, Parrot, Owl, or Dove? With Manish Shah | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:40:35 | |
What if understanding your team could be as simple as recognizing four birds? In this episode, Manish Shah introduces the "four birds" personality model—a game-changing tool for nonprofits striving to enhance collaboration and solve conflict. From the eagle's boldness to the owl's precision, you'll discover how understanding these personality types can revolutionize your leadership and transform team dynamics. Join host Dolph Goldenburg as he and Manish explore:
This episode answers the following questions:
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| Contingency Planning for a Trump 2.0 Presidency | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:29:36 | |
If you listen to just one episode this year, make it this one. As Donald Trump prepares to take office, the nonprofit sector faces a potential shift that could disrupt services, funding, and the communities you support. In this urgent solo episode, Dolph Goldenburg provides a strategic roadmap to help progressive nonprofits prepare for these seismic changes within the next two months. Goldenburg shares a practical, five-step REACT framework and offers real-world strategies to keep your organization resilient, even under pressure. This episode digs into essential questions, like:
You'll also get a downloadable template to guide your own contingency planning sessions. Don't wait—get your organization ready for day one, day 100, and beyond. Links mentioned in this episode: Download the Contingency Planning Session Agenda and two sample scenarios for contingency planning | |||
| Crafting Your Personal Board with Donna Peters | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:29:00 | |
Are you ready to take charge of your personal and professional growth with the support of a "personal board of directors"? This episode dives into the unique concept of a personal board with award-winning executive coach, author, and podcast host Donna Peters. Peters shares her experience using personal boards to guide life and career decisions, offering invaluable advice for nonprofit leaders. You'll discover how to build a personal board that challenges, supports, and holds you accountable. Whether you're considering a major career pivot, aiming to develop a skill like executive presence, or simply want to refine your strategic vision, this episode offers practical, insightful steps to achieving your goals. This episode answers the following questions:
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| What's Your Operating Model with Leslie MacKrell | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:35:45 | |
What if the key to your nonprofit's success lies not in working harder but in structuring your work smarter? In this insightful episode, Leslie MacKrell, partner at Bridgespan Group and expert in nonprofit operating models, breaks down the essential elements for driving strategic impact. From rethinking accountability structures to streamlining decision-making, Leslie shares actionable steps and real-world examples that help nonprofits of all sizes overcome growth challenges and achieve big, bold goals. If your nonprofit is scaling or facing operational bottlenecks, this episode is a must-listen to transform your strategy into tangible results. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Leverage AI and Behavioral Psychology to Engage Major Donors with Griff Bohm | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:32:33 | |
Are you leaving money on the table by ignoring the psychological triggers that drive donors to give? Join us for a compelling conversation with Griff Bohm, co-founder of Give Momentum, as we explore how behavioral psychology and AI can transform your nonprofit's fundraising strategy. Griff brings deep expertise in donor psychology and financial decision-making, backed by his success in the Defeat by Tweet campaign, which raised $15 million from 60,000 new donors. He explains how concepts like loss aversion, delayed gratification, and "action-based giving" drive donor behavior, and how AI can help nonprofits build lasting donor relationships. Discover how to identify high-potential donors, automate engagement, and leverage AI to hyper-personalize your outreach. If you're ready to supercharge your donor engagement, this is the episode for you. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Becoming a Causie: Elevate Your Nonprofit Board with Rob Acton | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:37:35 | |
Do you have "Causies" on your board? Board members so passionate about your mission that they can't stop championing your nonprofit? In this episode, nationally recognized nonprofit governance expert Rob Acton shares insights from his new book Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause Through Nonprofit Board Leadership. Rob discusses how to attract, onboard, and inspire board members who are true champions of your mission. From navigating the tightrope between board governance and staff management; mastering the art of board fundraising; and more! Rob's approach will help you develop a board filled with engaged, passionate members who fundraise, strategize, and lead with confidence. Whether you're an executive director or a board member, Rob's advice is actionable, inspiring, and geared toward creating a cause-driven nonprofit. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Nonprofit Myth-busting with Mickey Desai | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:45:02 | |
Are nonprofit organizations destined to be underfunded, overworked, and underpaid? Think again! In this myth-busting episode, Mickey Desai, founder of Nonprofit Snapshot and host of The Nonprofit SnapCast, joins Dolph to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about nonprofit work. From myths about volunteers being "free" to the dangers of relying on events for fundraising, Mickey and Dolph provide insights that will challenge the way you think about nonprofit management. Learn why offering competitive salaries is a necessity and discover how nonprofit leaders can turn board members into active, engaged participants. If you're tired of hearing the same old "rules", this episode is packed with refreshing perspectives and practical solutions. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Recharge Your Energy: The Power of Small Habits with Francesca Mereu | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:27:52 | |
Do you feel constantly overstretched, running on empty while trying to keep up with the demands of work and life? You're not alone! This week's guest, Francesca Giulia Mereu, is here to help you recharge your energy and improve your well-being through small, impactful habits. Francesca, a coach with over 25 years of experience, shares her framework for managing energy through the "five batteries"—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Discover how simple actions, from mindful breaks to managing screen time, can help you regain control of your energy levels. Her insights are drawn from her coaching of overstretched leaders, including humanitarian negotiators working in war zones. If you're feeling drained, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to help you thrive. This episode answers the following questions:
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| The First Four Words: Starting Conversations with Confidence with Tucker Miller | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:31:06 | |
Have you ever delayed a difficult conversation, hoping the issue would resolve itself? You're not alone! In this episode, Tucker Miller, executive coach and author of The First Four Words, shares her fresh approach to starting challenging conversations with ease and confidence. Drawing from her experience as a lawyer and HR professional, Tucker dives into why those first four words matter and how they can lead to more effective, empathetic discussions. If you've ever procrastinated on addressing sensitive topics with your team, board, or even donors, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take the leap. From navigating performance feedback to addressing organizational concerns, Tucker's techniques are designed to transform conversations into opportunities for clarity and growth. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Reimagine Leadership for Bold Social Impact with Mohan Sivaloganathan | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:36:51 | |
Are you tired of choosing between your personal well-being and performance in leadership? In this episode, Mohan Sivaloganathan, founder of Harmonious Leadership and former nonprofit chief executive, shares his vision for reimagining leadership to fuel bold social impact ideas. Known as the "Batman of Social Impact," Mohan blends his expertise in nonprofit leadership, coaching, and even hip-hop artistry to challenge the status quo. Discover how to break the cycle of burnout, foster a culture of growth, and inspire your team to thrive. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Navigating the Ethical Imperative with Andrew Cooper | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:34:17 | |
Andrew Cooper, a trailblazer in ethical leadership and author of The Ethical Imperative, joins Dolph for this episode. Andrew shares profound insights on why ethical leadership is crucial for nonprofit organizations to solve seemingly intractable problems. Drawing on his experiences and research, Andrew explains how nonprofits can lead with integrity, invest in their teams, and build stronger communities. Listen in as Andrew discusses practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to foster trust, enhance board engagement, and create lasting impact in their communities. This episode offers actionable advice to help you navigate these challenges ethically and effectively. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Maximize Your Fall Fundraising: Responsive Fundraising Strategies with Gabe Cooper (Encore) | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:34:27 | |
As nonprofit professionals gear up for their Fall fundraising campaigns, it's the perfect time to revisit one of our most impactful episodes. Join us as we dive into Responsive Fundraising with Gabe Cooper, founder of Virtuous and author of the book by the same name. In this encore episode, we explore innovative strategies that help nonprofits treat every donor like a major donor. Gabe shares real-world examples of how to build personal relationships with donors through automation, data-driven strategies, and thoughtful engagement techniques. Whether you're refining your campaign or just starting your planning (we see you!), this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your fundraising efforts this season. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Your Nonprofit Needs a Rest Week with Kevin Greer (Encore) | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:30:25 | |
It's the last week of August, and the lights are off here at Successful Nonprofits®. We have no meetings this week; the podcast and social media are scheduled in advance. And we're off the computer and off the phone. You know why? Because we're off having fun and enjoying our rest week! Since we're on self-care rest week right now, it felt appropriate that we run this encore episode with Kevin Greer, the Chief Administrative Officer at New Profit, about the transformative power of incorporating rest weeks into your nonprofit's annual calendar. As nonprofit professionals, we often push ourselves to the limit, but Kevin shares how New Profit's Radical Reset — a full week where the organization completely shuts down — helps to combat burnout and boost creativity. He discusses the implementation process, the benefits of collective rest, and how rest can be equitably designed for all staff members. This week, as the Successful Nonprofits® team takes our own rest week, we encourage you to consider planning one for your organization next year, especially during a slower period like the last week of August. While acknowledging this may not be feasible for organizations providing 24/7 or emergency response services, the benefits for your team could be profound. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Use Email Sequencing to Unlock Donor Retention with Lisa Fernandez | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:33:05 | |
Are you losing new donors due to uninspired thank-you emails? Join our conversation with Lisa Fernandez as she shares her expertise in crafting effective email sequences to build lasting relationships with donors. Learn how to engage your audience with personalized and automated emails, harness the power of storytelling, and create lead magnets that resonate. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or new to email marketing, Lisa's insights will help you boost donor retention and elevate your email game. This episode answers the following questions:
Links mentioned in this episode: Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes:
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| Mailbag: Board Members Behaving Badly | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:25:54 | |
Are your board members causing more problems than they solve? In this mailbag episode, Dolph answers listener questions about dealing with difficult board members. Whether you're a board chair trying to keep the peace, or an executive director frustrated with a meddling board, this episode offers practical advice to help you refocus on your mission. Listen to this episode to hear how to:
This episode answers the following questions:
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| How to Say No and Feel Good About It with Stephanie Wagner | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:30:14 | |
Have you ever found yourself saying "yes" to a task or opportunity, only to regret it later? You're not alone! In this episode, Stephanie Wagner, a board-certified health and wellness coach from Healthy Minds Innovations, discusses how to say no and feel good about it. Stephanie shares her expertise on setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and communicating assertively without guilt or anxiety. Learn practical strategies for managing digital distractions, breaking free from negative thought loops, and using mindfulness and meditation to enhance self-awareness and well-being. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Leadership Transitions for Nonprofit Leaders of Color with Nate Wong | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:32:57 | |
Leadership transitions are challenging enough, and for leaders of color, there are unique hurdles and barriers that must be overcome. In this episode, we are joined by Nate Wong, a partner at The Bridgespan Group, to discuss the complexities and opportunities of leadership transitions for nonprofit leaders of color. Nate shares his own experiences as a leader of color and offers practical advice for navigating the glass cliff, addressing systemic inequities, and building supportive networks. Listen in to what nonprofit leaders should be asking from their funders to ensure successful transitions. This episode answers the following questions:
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| The Power of Inclusion: Leadership Insights with Andrés Tapia | 23 Jul 2024 | 00:25:58 | |
What if you could leverage inclusion to not only improve your workplace culture but also boost your nonprofit's effectiveness? In today's episode, Andres Tapia, a Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry and co-author of "The 5 Disciplines of Inclusive Leaders," shows us how. Tapia dives deep into how leaders can cultivate inclusion to unlock the full potential of their teams and organizations. We explore practical steps for building a more inclusive environment, measuring success, and learning from diversity initiatives like those of the NFL. This episode answers the following questions:
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| How to Use Remote Volunteers to Solve Your Nonprofit's Problems with Michelle Wiesner | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:32:58 | |
Are you missing out on the hidden potential of remote volunteer programs? Michele Wiesner, Director of Capacity Building at Hire Heroes USA, shares how to unlock this game-changer. Michele discusses the journey of building an effective remote volunteer program, highlights success stories of remote volunteers making significant impacts, and provides practical advice for nonprofit leaders to start or improve their remote volunteer programs. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Maximize Your Nonprofit's Impact Using Google Grants with Sean Littman | 09 Jul 2024 | 00:30:43 | |
Sean Littman, a Google Ads and Google Grants expert, shares his insight on leveraging Google's $10,000 monthly ad credit to drive traffic, grow your email list, and ultimately increase donations. From keyword research to creating compelling email sequences, Sean breaks down his proven strategies for maximizing the impact of Google Grants. He also delves into the importance of storytelling in nonprofit marketing and how to re-engage dormant email lists effectively. Listen to this episode for actionable tips and tools to enhance your nonprofit's digital presence and fundraising efforts. This episode answers the following questions:
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Discover insights that align perfectly with Sean Littman's strategies for maximizing Google Grants and boosting your nonprofit's impact! | |||
| The Nonprofit Professional's Plan for Financial Independence with Bobbie Munroe (Encore) | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:38:31 | |
In this special Independence Day encore episode, we're revisit an important conversation with financial planner Bobbie Munroe. With over 40 years in finance and 30 years as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Bobbie helps individuals with modest incomes plan for a secure retirement. In this episode, Bobbie offers practical advice for nonprofit professionals on financial planning, saving for retirement, and achieving financial independence. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Why Our Team Members Fail with Dr. Tiffany Slater | 27 Jun 2024 | 00:33:15 | |
Dr. Tiffany Slater, CEO and Senior Human Resources Consultant for HR TailorMade, discusses the critical issue of ineffective onboarding and leadership in nonprofits. Dr. Tiffany emphasizes that many of our frustrations with team members stem from inadequate training and unclear expectations, arguing that these are often our fault as managers. It's tough to admit this, but that's also the first step in becoming a better manager and leader. Together, we explore practical strategies for improving onboarding processes, including the use of video tutorials and cohort-based training, and discuss how leaders can create a safe space for feedback, set clear expectations, and build trust within their teams. They also address the challenges of inheriting dysfunctional teams and the importance of honest, constructive feedback. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives looking to enhance their leadership skills and create more effective, cohesive teams. This episode answers the following questions:
Links mentioned in this episode: Looking for more? Check out this amazing episode: · Ep 247: Timeless Tips for Working with Difficult People with Jody Foster. (Apple Podcast, Spotify, or our website with show notes) | |||
| Fostering Inclusion at Your Nonprofit with Kia Croom Encore | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:43:04 | |
In honor of Juneteenth this week, we are re-sharing Kia Croom's episode on fostering inclusion in your organization. When the country shut down in March 2020, Kia Croom realized the shift to remote work also shifted justice, equity, and inclusion dynamics. Racial discrimination, racial trauma, and microaggressions didn't go away, they just changed a little. And now they were happening in her home. Since then, Kia has been working to disrupt and challenge the norms that lead to lack of inclusion in the nonprofit sector. She joins us today to share why this is an essential conversation for your own nonprofit and steps leadership can take to build an inclusive organization. This episode answers the following questions:
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| Should Your Nonprofit Create a 501(c)(4) for Advocacy? Insights from Adam Snipes. | 11 Jun 2024 | 00:28:29 | |
As nonprofits navigate increasingly complex social and political landscapes, understanding the potential of a 501(c)(4) may be crucial for driving meaningful change. This compelling conversation with advocacy expert Adam Snipes may leave you wondering if your organization should start a 501(c)(4) . Adam delves into real-world examples, provides practical advice for nonprofit leaders considering this route, discusses the evolving role of 501(c)(4) organizations in today's advocacy ecosystem, explains the differences between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, and the practical steps involved in setting up and managing these entities. Download and listen to learn how your nonprofit can leverage a 501(c)(4) to advance its mission and engage more effectively in policy advocacy. This episode answers the following questions:
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