That's What C! Said – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Lee talks with Shelly Willis, Executive Director of Family Education and Support Services (FESS). For over 25 years, FESS has strengthened families through parenting support, trauma-informed care, and community resources to help kids thrive. Shelly tells her story and shares practical strategies that every nonprofit leader can use to grow their organization, engage supporters, and build a strong, mission-driven team. 

Get practical tips on how to: 

Build marketing connections that expand your network and influence 

Get tips on building real relationships with local leaders and service clubs. These connections can make your nonprofit more visible, trusted, and supported by the community. 

Craft impact-focused stories to deepen donor engagement 

Find out how to move beyond just “telling” your mission. Impact stories that show real change help supporters connect emotionally, keeping them engaged and invested. 

Develop a more diverse, resilient funding strategy 

Learn why balancing funding sources — grants, donors, corporate partners, and fees — can give your nonprofit financial stability and flexibility. 

Engage on social media to build community, not just to inform 

Discover how to make your social posts more engaging and shareable. Focus on storytelling and conversation to build an active online community around your cause. 

Cultivate a workplace culture that retains and energizes staff 

Hear ways to support your team’s well-being with mental health days, recognition, and growth opportunities. A strong, happy team brings more passion to the mission! 

Listen in for practical tips from Lee and Shelly to sharpen your nonprofit’s marketing, funding, and team culture. 

In this episode, Lee Wochner sits down with Will Hedrick, founder of MyCharity, an innovative donation platform aiming to make fundraising easier and more accessible. Launched in 2022, MyCharity is reimagining the donation experience by pooling donor contributions and providing transparent impact reports that include photos, videos, and even GPS coordinates.  

Will explains why his 100% donation model sends every penny to the field, using a separate fund for operational expenses. You’ll hear about MyCharity’s unique approach to vetting nonprofits and plans to scale its impact by working with small-to-medium businesses and grassroots organizations. 

Tangible takeaways for you: 

• Build trust with transparency. Learn how a 100% donation model can enhance donor confidence and set you apart. 

• Tap into corporate partnerships. Discover how small-to-medium businesses can boost your funding and visibility — even without a full-scale CSR department. 

• Prioritize storytelling. Real, data-backed impact stories resonate most with donors. Will explains how to use photos, videos, and even GPS data to demonstrate results. 

• Diversify your revenue streams. Whether it’s grants, individual donors, or operational contributions, you’ll get tips on balancing fundraising for both impact and sustainability. 

Curious about the future of online fundraising? Listen now. 

Every nonprofit has a story, one that can awaken widespread support throughout its communities.

Communications experts Beverly Durham and Lee Wochner discuss how public relations in the modern age helps organizations connect directly with a variety of audiences (not just the media), including internal stakeholders, elected officials, and the people they serve.

In this episode, learn how modern PR can create a story that gives voice to your organization’s identity and mission, going beyond simply disseminating information to building and sustaining emotional bonds.

Uncover the essence of modern PR: Learn how public relations acts as the bridge between nonprofits and their diverse publics, from donors to service recipients and everyone in between.

Storytelling mastery: Learn strategies for crafting compelling stories, illuminating the critical impact your nonprofit makes in the community.

Insider expertise: Beverly shares invaluable insights on creating a magnetic brand identity and ensuring that your organization's actions align seamlessly with its core values.

Crisis management wisdom: Gain tips on handling potential PR crises with grace and strategic acumen, ensuring your nonprofit maintains its integrity and public trust.

The transformative power of modern public relations is shaping the future of nonprofit engagement. Tune in to learn from Beverly Durham and Lee Wochner as they reveal the strategies and insights that can elevate your organization’s reach and impact.

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

https://www.bldcomms.com/

https://www.counterintuity.com

Is your nonprofit leveraging its real estate effectively?

Lee Wochner and real estate expert Barry Burnett explore the intricate dynamics behind successful real estate management for nonprofits. This episode reveals when it's beneficial for nonprofits to hold onto property and when it's strategically advantageous to divest.

Discover the nuanced relationships between real estate management and fulfilling your mission, and gain insights into effective strategic asset management tailored for the nonprofit sector.

https://barryburnett.net/

In this episode, Lee is joined by Paul Jan Zdunek. The two recount critical aspects of executing a successful organizational turnaround for the Pasadena Symphony and Pops. Zdunek’s strategic prowess and Counterintuity’s innovative marketing reinvigorated the Symphony's brand and connection with the community.

Facing your own crisis?
Strategic crisis management can offer a lifeline. Understand the steps and strategies employed by Zdunek to steer the Pasadena Symphony and Pops away from the brink of closure, offering a roadmap for nonprofit leaders facing similar crises.

Struggling to engage your community and stakeholders?
Discover how effective engagement can turn the tide. Learn the art of rallying community support and engaging stakeholders effectively, a pivotal move that played a significant role in the organization's recovery and future sustainability.
Marketing can be the secret weapon in your turnaround.
Discover how Lee Wochner and the Counterintuity team’s marketing expertise helped transform the public image of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops, making the case for the vital role of creative branding and targeted communication in reviving and sustaining nonprofit organizations.

Need a dream team to navigate through storms?
Zdunek shares his approach to assembling a visionary team capable of executing the organizational turnaround, emphasizing the importance of leadership in guiding nonprofits through challenging times.

Looking to future-proof your organization?
The episode provides strategies for ensuring the long-term success of a nonprofit, highlighting the importance of innovation, community connection, and adaptive organizational structures.

If you are navigating your organization through turbulent waters, looking to enhance public engagement, or laying the groundwork for a thriving future, this podcast episode offers a treasure trove of strategic insights and practical advice.

www.pauljanzdunek.com

Now is the time to kick-start your end-of-year fundraising efforts.

You read that right.

March might seem way too early, but with nonprofits generating up to 30% of their annual revenue in December alone, planning ahead is not just wise — it's essential.

In this episode, Lee Wochner shares invaluable insights and practical steps to ensure your campaign moves potential donors and thrives in a mobile-first world. From leveraging digital advertising and heartwarming video content to rigorous testing and optimization, this episode is packed with actionable advice to maximize your year-end fundraising.

Tune in to discover how an early start can lead to a prosperous December. Don't wait for the holiday decorations to go up; the time to act is now.

A special two-part episode

PART I
Strategic advice (and how to embrace it when you really don’t want to)

The expert advice you just got will shake things up. But the idea of acting on it is daunting. In this special episode with David McGraw, the dynamic CEO of Oyova, we take an all too familiar journey into strategic advice — and the courage it takes to embrace it.

PART II
Find your edge: creating a standout nonprofit

In part two, Lee and David zoom in on unique challenges and opportunities in nonprofit marketing and operations. You’ll discover the secret to standing out in a crowded field, the satisfaction derived from streamlining operations, and why choosing projects that align with personal values matters.
Whether you're looking to refine your brand identity, harness the power of digital tools, or simply find inspiration from successful peers, this episode will help you achieve more. Tune in now.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcgraw-2468262/

https://www.oyova.com/

Michael Brosowski has rescued more than 20,000 children from human trafficking and the danger of living on the streets. And as you would imagine, it hasn’t been easy.

This is an episode you just can’t miss.

Lee Wochner talks with Michael, the visionary behind Blue Dragon Children's Foundation. Their conversation is a treasure trove for nonprofit executives, packed with strategies on overcoming obstacles and making a lasting change within your organization and the world.

Michael’s story reveals actionable insights on problem-solving, the power of hope, and the pivotal role of strategic marketing and global awareness in Blue Dragon's journey.

He shows how effective communication and storytelling have been instrumental in scaling their impact and mobilizing support worldwide using a simple formula:
Celebrate every victory and leverage these moments to fuel your mission and your team.

This episode is a masterclass in leading an organization with courage and innovation. Whether your aim to enhance team motivation, boost fundraising, or expand your impact, Michael's experiences and strategies are invaluable.

Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge and inspiration to lead your organization to new heights.

https://counterintuity.com/

https://www.bluedragon.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brosowski/

Do you feel like your message gets lost in the noise? Struggling to engage with donors and volunteers effectively?

It's time to awaken your brand's story.

With insights from branding luminaries Lee Wochner and Peter Wilken, the author of "Dim Sum Strategy," this podcast episode is your guide to overcoming these hurdles and transforming your nonprofit. Wochner and Wilken, conceptual creative thinkers, provide the strategies to control and shape the perception of your brand and make your nonprofit stand out. Learn actionable strategies to revitalize your brand and connect with your audience.

Join Lee and Peter on a journey into the essence of branding, where perception is key.

https://counterintuity.com/podcast/

Email: peter@dolphinbrandstrategy.com

Website: https://www.peterwilken.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterwilken/

Lighthouse SLP: https://lbsa.peterwilken.com/cbo-masterclass

Feeling the weight of your mission? Let Liz Bloomfield lift your spirits. In our latest podcast, this former British Army officer and nonprofit virtuoso shares her blueprint for thriving in the face of global challenges.

As the driving force behind Ripple Effect Images, Liz amplifies stories of empowerment and hope. Beyond that, she coaches leaders like you to transform exhaustion into action and impact.

Dive into a conversation that will recharge your purpose and strategy. Don't miss this chance to refuel your passion and multiply your impact.

Listen now and join the movement towards a more just and vibrant world.

Learn more about Ripple Effect Images at https://www.rippleeffectimages.org/ 

Watch Hindou address water scarcity in Chad: "Mapping Survival" at https://www.rippleeffectimages.org/films/ 

Watch the village of Piplantri and their celebration of girls: "For Every Girl, a Forest" at https://www.rippleeffectimages.org/films/