The New For Purpose CEO – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Michelle and Danielle talk about the pros and cons of hiring an executive coach  - why you would - or would not - and the importance of building a strong support network as a NFP CEO.  

It's easy to get caught up in the demands of your role and this can feel isolating. This can lead to burnout, decreased creativity, and reduced effectiveness.  How do you combat this? 

In this episode we talk why a network and why - and when -  an executive coach can help. 

Michelle and Danielle talk through the benefits of a strong network, including:

• accessing expertise and different perspectives
• opportunities to think about collaboration or partnerships
• insights into industry trends and best practices

Having a peer group is so helpful for leaders - you learn about others’ experiences and gain insight. 

 We talk how a peer group can help with:

• a safe space to discuss challenges and successes
• opportunities to learn from others
• support and encouragement when you need it 

Whether you're considering hiring a coach or not, investing time and resources into your personal development is crucial. If you are thinking about an executive coach there are certain things to look for - and some to avoid. 

An executive coach may help:

• Clarify your priorities and alignment with organisational goals 
• Identify areas for your improvement and growth
• Provide a sounding board for innovative ideas and solutions

By embracing networking, breaching isolation, sharing experiences, and utilizing coaching, you'll be better equipped to lead your organization with confidence, creativity, and purpose.

Do yourself a favour, stop doom scrolling on your phone and tune into this week's conversation on the benefits of an executive coach.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Sustaining Your CEO Energy: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Being a CEO is a high-energy role that demands a lot -  focus, strategic thinking, decision-making, and constant engagement with stakeholders.  Many For Purpose CEOs complain there is no down time.  So how do you do it? 

If you have ever felt like you're just going through the motions, or waiting for your energy to magically recharge so you can tackle another day of leading your organisation - then this episode is for you.  

Sustaining your energy isn't just about endurance; it's about working smarter. Finding ways to boost your productivity, reduce stress, and maintain your focus so you can lead with both impact and longevity.

In this episode we are talking:

Time Management: The first step to energy preservation. 

How do you spend your day? Are you a slave to your calendar, do you control your time? 

Delegation & Resourcing: Build Capacity, Not Dependence

How do you delegate effectively? How to build capacity. How to avoid micromanagement. How often should you check in?

Rest & Renewal: rebuild (and preserve) your energy.

Rest and renewal are just as important as productivity if you are talking sustaining your energy. How do you take care of yourself? 

Meeting Culture: Quality Over Quantity

Meetings are an inevitable part of being a CEO, but not all meetings are created equal. How do you ensure that your meetings are productive and focused?

Flexibility: More than a Buzzword

Not everyone thrives in a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. How to flex your work rhythms and build a team culture that supports flexible work patterns while maintaining responsiveness.

Crisis Management:  How to handle Pressure Without Burnout

When crises hit, time pressure increases. Prioritising, communicating, and delegating are needed to sustain energy in high-pressure situations.

Wellbeing: How to Ensure Long-Term Sustainability

Sustaining energy as a NFP CEO isn't just about getting through the day; it's about growing and improving over time.  What works?  How to determine what helps your decision-making and resilience .

Sustaining energy as a for purpose CEO isn't about pushing harder; it's about leading smarter. 

Take some time for yourself and join Danielle and Michelle on The NFP CEO for more conversations on leadership, sustainability, and what it takes to thrive in today's fast-paced world as a NFP CEO.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In our latest podcast, "The CEO-Board Chair Relationship: It Matters," we dive into the world of the Chair - CEO relationship from the CEO’s viewpoint and explore what makes this partnership tick. 

As the two key leaders of a purpose driven organisation this relationship is fundamental to the success of the organisation. It impacts culture, goals, and potentially the lives of the people at the heart of your mission. Get this relationship wrong and you are going to struggle as a NFP CEO.

In this episode of the NFP CEO we talk building trust, open communication,  leveraging each other's strengths and look at the secrets to a successful CEO-Board Chair dynamic.

As a new NFP CEO you'll learn how to:

• Build a strong foundation for your organisation by fostering a culture of trust and open communication with your Chair
• Leverage your Board Chair’s experience for you and the organisation  
• Collaborate with your Board Chair to build better stakeholder relationships  

A strong CEO-Board Chair partnership can help drive growth, innovation, and impact - which is what we are all here for.   A key part of the governance framework - ensure you get this relationship right. 

So, join us as we talk how to build a successful CEO-Board Chair dynamic. 

Grab your headphones or earpods and listen in to our latest podcast, "The CEO-Board Chair Relationship: It Matters," and discover how you can build a strong partnership that drives success.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

While every CEO's journey is unique, there are certain truths that apply to us all. CEO reporting is one of them.  A good board reporting structure can be the difference between success and stagnation. So this week, Michelle and Danielle are talking effective board reporting.

In this episode, we focus on why clear and concise reporting matters, how it can help build trust with the board, ensure strategic focus, and streamline decision-making.  Good board reporting will make your life easier as a For Purpose CEO.

Michelle and Danielle share their experience on optimising reporting, how to assess inherited processes and how to work with the Chair and give the Board what they need. They give practical tips and insights to help you create a better report that drives impact and supports good decision-making.

If you're struggling to find your footing as a new For Purpose CEO, or if you want to take your board reporting to the next level, this episode is for you. Join Michelle and Danielle as they explore the world of board reporting, and discover how to make it a strategic tool that drives success.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• The importance of clear and concise reporting in building trust with your Board
• Strategies for optimising reporting processes
• How to keep the Board engaged through regular updates and check-ins
• What question to ask about each report you plan sending to the board

Whether you are on your commute, or your daily workout, tune in now, and start building an effective board reporting structure.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Ever wondered what happens when the CEOs of purpose-driven organisations sit down together for a chat? With 30 years of experience in the for-purpose space, we understood the urgent need for a space where invaluable information could be shared and recorded.

We tackle the real, gritty questions: How do you build and sustain a thriving organisational culture? How do you manage relationships with your board, your chair and preserve your peace of mind while carrying the weight of responsibility? 

For those who are new to the role or eyeing it on the horizon, the importance of a support network cannot be overstated. This is why we envision our podcast as a cornerstone in your resource kit – providing support, offering ideas and enabling you to implement insights within your organisation.

From our own success stories to those of our guests, we’ll discuss the myriad barriers we face, with every episode an opportunity to learn and grow.

Wherever you are in your CEO career, there’s something here for you. Your journey in the for-purpose world is one we’re passionate about supporting. Let’s learn, connect and lead together.

LINKS

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle take listeners behind the scenes of recruiting and applying for a CEO role in the not-for-profit and for-purpose sectors.

Michelle shares her experience supporting an organisation through a CEO recruitment process without using an external recruiter and what made some candidates stand out (and others miss the mark). Together, she and Danielle explore the do’s and don’ts of applying for CEO roles, from crafting a standout cover letter to preparing for the board interview.

Whether you’re stepping up into your first CEO role, moving to a new organisation, or sitting on a board overseeing recruitment, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you navigate the CEO hiring process strategically and confidently.

• How to approach CEO recruitment when your organisation decides not to use a recruiter.
• Why building a personal connection before you apply can give you an edge.
• How to stand out with a tailored cover letter and what most applicants get wrong.
• Why “spray and pray” job applications hurt your professional brand.
• What boards are really looking for in a CEO - beyond the job description.
• How to research and prepare for your interview like a pro.
• The importance of showing your alignment with the organisation’s purpose.
• Advice on using ChatGPT and AI tools the right way when crafting your application.

Related Episodes: CEO Succession Planning

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Policies might not be the most thrilling part of being a CEO, but they’re absolutely essential to running a safe, compliant, and effective not-for-profit. In this episode, Michelle and Danielle unpack the practical side of policy management; how to create a strong policy framework, keep it up to date, and avoid the panic that comes when you realize something’s missing (or written in Times New Roman from 2016!).

Whether you’re stepping into a new CEO role or trying to get your policy house in order, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to create, review, and repeat with confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why policy management is a must-do, not a nice-to-do, for every NFP CEO
• Where to find reliable policy templates and guidance (ACNC, AICD, Institute of Community Directors)
• How to build and maintain a policy register that actually works
• When and how often to review policies and which ones need more frequent updates
• How to involve your team and board committees in policy development and review
• Practical ways to make policies usable, accessible, and embedded in daily practice

The NFP CEO — helping new and aspiring leaders in the for-purpose sector grow their confidence, sharpen their strategy, and lead with impact

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Many not-for-profit CEOs either have a structured annual performance review… or none at all. In this episode of The NFP CEO, hosts Michelle and Danielle, both experienced NFP leaders share practical, step-by-step advice on how to navigate your CEO performance review from start to finish.

You’ll learn:

• Why CEO performance reviews matter for not-for-profit organisations and good governance
• How to approach your Chair if you’ve never had a formal CEO review process
• Proven ways to set up KPIs using your position description and strategic plan
• Structuring your first CEO review so it’s constructive, fair, and aligned with board expectations
• How to include organisational culture, resilience, and compliance in your performance measures
• The benefits of 360-degree feedback from staff, stakeholders, and partners
• Why ongoing CEO–board feedback is critical for leadership success

Whether you’re a new NFP CEO, an aspiring leader, or a board member wanting to improve CEO evaluations, this episode gives you the tools to turn performance reviews into a valuable driver of strategy, alignment, and professional growth.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, we chat with Rachael Cook, CEO of Inclusee, about how her organisation uses a 100% remote workforce to tackle social isolation across Australia. Rachel shares how Inclusee has built a strong culture of trust, connection and inclusion, without a physical office.

We explore how remote work, when done with intention, can boost productivity, attract diverse talent, and support wellbeing. Rachael also reveals how Inclusee discovered that 70% of their team is neurodiverse and why that's become one of their biggest strengths.

Key Points:

• Building trust and culture in a remote team
• Flexible work as a workforce retention strategy
• The truth about remote workforce productivity
• How to keep remote teams connected and engaged
• Practical tips for leading with purpose from anywhere
• Tips for CEOs: how to create connection and community in virtual environments

• Culture is the new visibility: If you don’t trust your team, it’s not a remote work issue, it’s a culture issue.
• Connection over location: Employees aren’t returning to the office for the building; they’re returning for connection.
• Design with intent: From onboarding to communication channels, every process needs to be reimagined in a remote model.
• Flexibility attracts talent: In sectors like aged care where wages can’t always compete, flexibility and purpose become your strongest recruitment and retention tools.
• Remote work enables diversity: Inclusee discovered that 70% of their workforce identifies as neurodiverse - a strength uncovered by creating a psychologically safe, remote-first workplace.

🔗 Learn more: www.inclusee.org.au

Related Episodes:

Beyond the Office. Rethinking Work and Leadership

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Hybrid working is here to stay but what does it really look like in the for-purpose sector, where some roles must be on-site and others can work anywhere?

In this episode of The NFP CEO podcast, we explore how not-for-profit leaders can design, manage and lead hybrid workplaces that balance flexibility, fairness and mission.

We unpack insights from a BBC news article showing that hybrid and remote teams value different leadership styles:

• In-person teams often prefer extroverted, charismatic leaders.
• Remote teams prefer leaders who are dependable, helpful and focused on planning, enabling and connecting people.

These findings lead to an in-depth discussion on how NFP CEOs can adapt their leadership approach to a hybrid workforce.

• What hybrid work really means in a not-for-profit organisation and why it looks different when you have client-facing roles.
• Why a blanket “3 days in the office” policy doesn’t work.
• How to segment your workforce and define flexibility by role, not an office address.
• Ways to create equity between frontline staff and remote/office-based staff.
• The impact of hybrid workplaces on leadership styles – and why situational leadership is essential.
• How to support staff wellbeing in client-facing roles, including those at risk of vicarious trauma.
• Practical communication strategies for building trust, managing outcomes, and reducing friction in hybrid teams.
• The role of technology and tools in enabling hybrid work without overburdening NFP teams.

• Hybrid work is not about counting days in the office,  it’s about being deliberate.
• Align your hybrid approach with your mission, client outcomes and workforce wellbeing.
• Set clear expectations and focus on outcomes rather than presence.
• Understand that hybrid leadership requires flexibility, self-awareness, and strong communication.

If you’re a not-for-profit CEO, senior manager, or aspiring leader, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to build a sustainable hybrid workplace that supports your people and strengthens your organisation.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn