Nonprofit Leadership Burnout Recovery: Strategic Resistance with Tauna Batiste | ALC ChangeMakers

Guest: Tauna Batiste Founder & CEO, Drew Alexander Consulting

Tauna Batiste is a leadership consultant who supports brilliant leaders in turning their bold ideas into strategic action. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, including executive roles at rare disease organizations, Tauna brings what she calls "big auntie energy" to her consulting work - holding clients accountable while encouraging their dreams and protecting their well-being.

Key Topics Discussed:

Notable Quotes:

"I am first in my priorities" - Tauna's transformational affirmation

"Strategy is resistance" - Her philosophy on empowerment through planning

"Every dollar is not a good dollar. Every dollar is not worth your time."

"Working with me is like working with your auntie."

Resources Mentioned:

Drew Alexander Consulting services:

Strategic advising, leadership development, operational excellence training

Connect with Tauna Batiste:

LinkedIn: Tauna Batiste

Company: Drew Alexander Consulting

About This Episode: This conversation explores the evolution of leadership through personal transformation, the importance of setting boundaries, and how strategic planning can serve as resistance during challenging times. Tauna shares her journey from nonprofit burnout to building a consulting practice that centers on authentic leadership and community care.

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.

In this inspiring episode, Jennifer Sconyers sits down with Carol Kauffman, Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC), to discuss her unique leadership journey, from international humanitarian work to leading one of Ohio's most influential environmental advocacy organizations. Carol shares how her early doubts about leadership were transformed through the lens of servant leadership, and how her commitment to equity and public health eventually led her to the environmental movement.

Listeners will gain insight into:

Key Takeaways:

Call to Action:

👉 Learn more and become a member at theOEC.org

👉 Follow the Ohio Environmental Council on social media on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook

👉 Take your first step: vote, subscribe to a newsletter, or attend a local meeting

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.

In this rich and reflective episode, Jennifer Sconyers sits down with Cedar Landsman and Lucien Demaris, the visionary co-founders of Relational Uprising, to explore how relational culture can transform organizations from the inside out. Together, they unpack the limitations of individualism in U.S. culture and make a compelling case for centering relationships—within teams, communities, and movements—as a radical and necessary act of change leadership.

Relational Uprising supports mission-driven organizations in building deep connection, mutual understanding, and sustainable team cultures. Their approach is a powerful counter to the transactional norms embedded in dominant systems, and one that honors embodiment, belonging, and collective resilience.

🧭 What You’ll Learn

🧠 Wisdom & Insights

💡 Highlights

📆 Upcoming Opportunities

Join the interest list at relationaluprising.org to be notified when a new intro workshop is scheduled. They’re also hosting a leadership convening focused on the unique challenges in progressive and social justice organizations.

🔗 Connect with Relational Uprising

🌐 Website: www.relationaluprising.org

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.

🎧 Subscribe & Follow Want more stories of bold leadership and culture change? Subscribe to the ALC ChangeMakers Podcast on Spotify and follow us at jennifersconyers.com

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, Jennifer Sconyers sits down with Chelsea Elliott, a powerhouse entrepreneur and emotional wellness advocate. Chelsea is the founder and CEO of Sōmōcom Lab (Social Emotional Communication Lab), where she helps individuals and organizations create emotionally safe environments across all areas of life—from home and school to the workplace.

Jennifer and Chelsea first met in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses cohort in Columbus, Ohio, and their connection sparked a shared commitment to transformational leadership rooted in emotional intelligence.

In this episode, Chelsea shares:

Key Takeaways:

Resources & Links:

🎧 Tune in now to hear why Chelsea’s approach to emotional intelligence is changing the game for leaders, educators, caregivers, and community builders.

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.

#ALCChangeMakers #EmotionalIntelligence #MentalHealthAdvocacy #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityCare #EQKidsCrew #SomocomLab #AbundanceLeadershipConsulting #StorytellingForChange #WellnessInLeadership

In this inspiring episode of the ALC ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jennifer Sconyers sits down with Mary Hoffman, CEO and majority owner of Faucethead Creative, a Columbus-area branding and marketing strategy agency.

Mary shares her powerful leadership journey—transitioning from a retail executive to co-owner of a creative agency during the upheaval of 2020—and how she’s intentionally realigning her business to meet the moment.

Mary talks candidly about the realities of pivoting in a volatile market, the role of storytelling in branding, the evolution of her company’s values, and her commitment to uplifting women and underserved communities through both her business and mentorship.

Episode Highlights

About Our Guest

Mary Hoffman is the CEO and majority owner of Faucethead Creative, a branding and marketing firm based in Delaware, Ohio. A Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program graduate, Mary brings decades of leadership in retail and now channels her expertise into supporting local entrepreneurs, especially women, with intentional, values-based marketing. She is also the creator of Signal Tower Microsites, a new division offering affordable, professional one-page websites for small and scrappy business owners. Beyond her agency, Mary actively mentors incarcerated women in partnership with the Ohio Prison Entrepreneurship Program and is a vocal advocate for community-based impact.

Connect with Mary:

Website: faucethead.com

Signal Tower Microsites: signal-tower.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-h-a57544354/

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

IG: 

https://www.instagram.com/faucetheadcreative/

https://www.instagram.com/the.museseries/

📚ALC Programs Mentioned

Mary shares her experience as a participant in two ALC programs:

Learn more or enroll your team at: https://www.jennifersconyers.com/store

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.

💬 Like What You Heard? Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and share this episode with anyone navigating a leadership transition or looking for purpose-driven marketing support. #ALCChangeMakers #WomenInLeadership #CommunityMarketing #RestorativeLeadership #SmallBusinessSupport

In this dynamic episode of the ALC ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jennifer Sconyers sits down with cultural architect and leadership strategist, Varsey Laurelle, for a grounded and energizing conversation on navigating change, building team effectiveness, and staying true to your purpose in a rapidly shifting world.

Jennifer and Varsey share stories from their connection through Haven Collective in Columbus, Ohio, and dive deep into what it takes to do culture change work during a time of deep political and economic uncertainty, especially for those working in or adjacent to DEI, nonprofit leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader facing funding cuts or a founder reimagining your next move, this episode offers refreshing honesty, practical insights, and affirming reminders about the power of community, vulnerability, and curiosity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Varsey’s creative pivots:

Launching her own podcast, hosting virtual workshops, and expanding nationally

About Varsey Laurelle:

Varsey Laurelle founded Varsey Laurelle Cultural Architecture, a firm that helps leaders and organizations foster clarity, trust, and effectiveness within their teams. From strategic advising and leadership coaching to community workshops and team alignment, Varsey’s work centers joy, sustainability, and equity—even when external conditions are uncertain. She recently launched her podcast, Recorded Vulnerabilities, where she brings raw honesty and real-world leadership lessons to life.

 Learn more: www.varseylaurelle.com

🎧 Listen to her podcast: Recorded Vulnerabilities

📍 Follow Varsey on LinkedIn for updates and upcoming clarity sessions

📍 Social Media Links: Cultural Architect | Instagram | Linktree

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.

In this episode of the ALC ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jennifer Sconyers welcomes the dynamic and inspiring Elizabeth Wangugi a burnout consultant, yin yoga specialist, and founder of the Biz Witch Doc.

Through a deeply personal and powerful conversation, Elizabeth shares her transformative leadership journey—from corporate burnout to radical wellness—and the lessons she’s carrying forward into her work to make rest not only essential but accessible, profitable, and communal.

This conversation is a must-listen for mission-driven leaders, high achievers, and anyone struggling to reconcile productivity with well-being.

Episode Highlights From Burnout to Breakthrough:

About Our Guest:

Elizabeth Wangugi is a yoga teacher, burnout consultant, and founder of the Biz Witch Doc, a company dedicated to helping people recover from burnout through rest, breathwork, and community. After losing over 120 pounds and taking a life-changing sabbatical, Elizabeth now works with individuals and organizations to center wellness and reimagine what sustainable leadership looks like.

Connect with Elizabeth:

LinkedIn: Elizabeth Wangugi

Instagram/TikTok: @bizwitchdoc

Email: [email protected]

🎶 Nap Concert Announcement:

Elizabeth is launching a Nap Concert in collaboration with ALC and A Tribe for Jazz—a first-of-its-kind public wellness experience in Columbus, OH, featuring jazz, art, and guided rest. Designed for high-stress professionals and community members alike, this event combines music therapy, yoga, and rest science in a safe and healing environment.

Stay connected to hear more about dates and ticket information:

Follow @bizwitchdoc on Instagram

Follow the Nap Concert’s website: https://www.the-nap-concert.com/

Watch for updates from Abundance Leadership Consulting

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.

💬 Like What You Heard? Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—and share this episode with someone you know who needs a reminder that rest is not a luxury, it’s a leadership imperative.

#ALCChangeMakers #RestAsResistance #SustainableLeadership #WomenInLeadership #CommunityWellness

n this compelling episode, host Jennifer Sconyers welcomes long-time collaborator and senior ALC consultant Mark Fairfield to the ALC ChangeMakers Podcast. Together, they dive into the complexity of relational work within mission-driven organizations, the pain signals that bring clients to ALC, and the strategies they use to support organizations navigating systemic conflict, burnout, and change.

Jennifer and Mark reflect on their first meeting at a workshop focused on relational conflict and explore how their shared commitment to systemic, relational, and cultural change has informed years of collaboration. Mark offers deep insight into Relational Uprising, a movement and methodology rooted in relational culture and solidarity, and how this framework supports organizations through crises and transformation.

From conflict resolution and storytelling to interdependence and systemic bias, this episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders and social impact professionals seeking practical, honest approaches to organizational health and relationship-building.

Topics Covered:

💡 The origin story of Jennifer and Mark’s collaboration

💡 The role of relational culture in organizational sustainability

💡 Why nonprofits often reach out when they’re in pain—and what happens next

💡 The “deep end of the pool” metaphor for diagnosing client readiness

💡 How ALC uses storytelling to interrupt bias and build shared purpose

💡 What it means to practice interdependence in Western work culture

💡 The dangers of “business as usual” in times of systemic crisis

💡 Rapid response coaching and other ALC interventions for conflict recovery

💡 Why thriving organizations embrace complexity and difference

Key Quotes:

"Bias thrives in a vacuum. We use storytelling to eliminate the vacuum." – Mark Fairfield

"Our approach isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about transforming it for the sake of impact." – Jennifer Sconyers

"This is the worst moment in history to reenact business as usual." – Mark Fairfield

About the Guest:

Mark Fairfield is a senior consultant with ALC and a founding leader of the relational culture movement. A former therapist and longtime trainer, Mark brings decades of experience working at the intersection of healing, systems change, and community building. His work is grounded in helping groups reconnect to their values, navigate deep-rooted conflict, and build sustainable cultures of belonging and impact.

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

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Because sustainable organizations create sustainable impact.

#ALCChangeMakers #AbundanceLeadership #RelationalCulture #SocialImpact #OrganizationalChange #ConflictTransformation #NonprofitLeadership #SystemicChange #StorytellingForEquity

This is the inaugural episode of Abundance Leadership Consulting, LLC's ALC ChangeMakers Podcast! This podcast is created to tell the stories of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and entities creating positive social change!

The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast is brought to you by Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC), a certified MBE/WBE consulting firm helping nonprofits, foundations, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence.

At ALC, we specialize in strategic planning, leadership development, organizational change management, board governance, facilitation, and nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and mission continuity planning. Through our proprietary F.A.B.R.I.C.™ Framework - Fairness, Accountability, Belonging, Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration - we help organizations strengthen culture, build sustainable systems, and achieve long-term impact.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from funding uncertainty and leadership transitions to increased operational demands and shifting community needs. Sometimes the most strategic path forward is deeper collaboration, shared services, a formal partnership, or a merger.

ALC helps organizations assess opportunities, manage stakeholder engagement, navigate complex transitions, and protect mission impact throughout the process. Our approach centers people, culture, and community alongside financial and operational considerations.

Learn more about our nonprofit mergers and acquisitions services at:

https://nonprofit-ma.com/

If today's conversation sparked new ideas for your organization, we'd love to hear from you.