Join your host Sarah Olivieri as she addresses the pervasive issue of board micromanagement in nonprofit organizations. Learn how to establish clear boundaries between board members and staff, empowering your organization to operate more effectively. Discover the four key decisions that an oversight board should focus on, and explore the available resources to further enhance your nonprofit's leadership and strategy.

Episode Highlights

• 00:37 Why Board Micromanagement Happens

• 01:32 How to Establish Clear Boundaries

• 03:37 The Role of Oversight

• 04:14 The Four Board Decisions

• 06:27 Staff vs. Board Responsibilities

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

About Your Host

Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I’m the money”?

Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she’s charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I’m the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money.

Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she’s very, very good at it.

She’s brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She’s averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with.

As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she’s created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.

Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz.

Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What happens when a Hollywood producer steps into the nonprofit world during a global shutdown—with no prior nonprofit experience—and is handed an organization on the brink? Meet Sherry Stilson, Executive Director of Student Television Network, who went from feeling like a fish out of water to leading STN through a remarkable 490% revenue growth. In this powerful episode, Sherry shares the real, messy journey of turning around a struggling nonprofit, building the right team, transforming board culture, and staying focused when the pressure was on. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in your leadership role, this episode will inspire you to keep going.

Episode Highlights

• 01:40 Sherry's Early Career and Transition to STN

• 03:22 Challenges Faced as New Executive Director

• 07:24 STN's Growth and Achievements

• 12:18 Lessons Learned and Leadership Insights

• 19:17 Building and Managing the Right Team

• 23:21 Navigating Board Dynamics and Power Struggles

• 28:45 The Shift to an Oversight Board

• 33:10 Revenue Strategies and Financial Growth

• 40:14 Building Strong Relationships with Sponsors

My guest for this episode is Sheri Stilson, the Executive Director of the Student Television Network.

Sheri is a San Diego native who has 20 years of experience in the entertainment and event industry.

After graduating from San Diego State University with two student Emmys, Sheri began her career stage managing for the San Diego Padres and working as a technician at SeaWorld. She went on to be a TV producer for reality, competition, and game shows in Hollywood for 10 years and has a vast industry network to draw from. Some of the networks she has teamed with are HGTV, FOX, CBS, BRAVO, MTV, Warner Brothers, and Animal Planet.

Sheri also held a position as the Event Supervisor at the LEGOLAND California Resort and led teams through large scale seasonal and education events, daily operations, and press junkets for 10 years in a variety of roles. She volunteers as a wish granter with Make a Wish, teaches her own online courses about how to break into Hollywood, and looks for ways to give back.

Connect with Sheri:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheri-stilson-bb7792b

Social: @stnnow

Website: www.studenttelevison.com

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Are you feeling the pressure to raise more funds—especially with shrinking federal grants or looming financial uncertainty? In this episode, I walk you through a step-by-step framework to inspire your existing donors and warm audience to actually take action. You’ll learn what your donors really want, why your ask is actually a gift, and the exact script I use to craft high-impact fundraising stories. Whether you’re running a year-end campaign or just trying to stay afloat, this is the fundraising mindset shift you need now.

Episode Highlights

• 01:17 How to Inspire Donors to Take Action

• 02:47 Understanding Donor Motivation

• 04:31 The Power of Storytelling

• 05:24 Impact Story Script Template

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

About Your Host

Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I’m the money”?

Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she’s charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I’m the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money.

Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she’s very, very good at it.

She’s brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She’s averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with.

As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she’s created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.

Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz.

Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Is bigger always better? Not so fast. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Bennett—former hospital exec turned consultant and coach—to talk about what happens when growth leads to burnout, how boards can shift from control to connection, and why slowing down might be the smartest move your nonprofit ever makes. We explore strategy, leadership transitions, and the power of authentic relationships—in and out of the boardroom.

Episode Highlights

• 02:16 Career Journey and Insights

• 07:04 Importance of Organizational Alignment

• 14:48 Governance and Relational Leadership

• 20:19 Indigenous Approaches to Meetings

My guest for this episode is Jonathan Bennett. He left an executive role at a large hospital to strike out on his own, founding a management consulting firm. And, for 10 years, things were great. The company grew–became a B Corp and served hundreds of organizations. The problem was, he was unfulfilled.

After a successful exit in which he went through a management buyout of his company, Jonathan founded his coaching practice so that he could fulfill his purpose to create an intimate space for leaders who need to be listened to deeply.

Jonathan Bennett is an advisor and executive coach for founders, CEOs and C- Suite leaders who have a purpose in the world but need help solving their organization’s toughest obstacles.

Jonathan takes his experience as a CEO, board member, and founder to his coaching. As a feminist and social justice advocate, Jonathan brings a progressive approach to his work so that clients always find a way out of even the most complex challenges.

He resides in Ontario, Canada with his family and two dogs. A published author, he’s written seven literary books.

Connect with Jonathan:

Website: clearlythen.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathan/

Private Podcast: https://clearlythen.com/listen

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Are you ghosting your donors between campaigns? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri tackles one of the biggest fundraising mistakes nonprofits make—treating donor communication as a one-time transaction instead of an ongoing relationship. You’ll learn how regular, authentic updates can increase giving, build trust, and make asking for money feel less awkward. Plus, Sarah shares a super simple method to generate consistent content straight from your weekly team meetings. If you want more donations without burning out your list, don’t miss this one!

Episode Highlights

• 00:21 The Importance of Consistent Donor Communication

• 01:15 Building Meaningful Donor Relationships

• 02:39 Strategies for Year-Round Donor Engagement

• 03:47 Practical Tips for Regular Donor Updates

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

About Your Host

Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I’m the money”?

Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she’s charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I’m the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money.

Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she’s very, very good at it.

She’s brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She’s averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with.

As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she’s created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.

Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz.

Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What does it really mean to have a sustainable funding model? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri is joined by Yani San Luis, founder and CEO of The Win Woman, to talk about what most nonprofits get wrong about fundraising. They unpack the hidden risks of grant funding, why galas may not be worth the effort, and how to build a smarter donor stewardship pipeline. If you want to grow your nonprofit’s revenue without losing your mind—or your mission—this is one to listen to with a notepad.

Episode Highlights

• 03:16 Sustainable Funding Models

• 05:09 Risks in Various Funding Models

• 09:37 Importance of Donor Trust and Unrestricted Giving

• 24:15 Effective Donor Stewardship

Meet the Guest

Yanyn “Yany” San Luis is the CEO and founder of The Win Woman, a management consulting firm trusted by nonprofit CEOs to drive strategy, revenue growth, and impact. She has raised over $23 million for nonprofits and trained 2,500+ executives in sustainability and social impact.

Yany has partnered with organizations like AARP, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, and Teach for America, leading high-impact trainings and speaking at NMSDC, USHCC, and other leadership forums. Her work helps nonprofits secure major funding, deepen donor engagement, and expand their impact. In short, Yany and her team help nonprofit CEOs win by raising money.

Connect with Yany:

Company Website

The Win Woman LinkedIn

Yany's LinkedIn

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Is your nonprofit facing a financial crunch? Before you panic or start slashing your budget, it's critical to know: Are you dealing with a budget crisis or a cash flow crisis? In this solo episode, Sarah Olivieri breaks down the difference, explains why that distinction matters, and offers practical solutions for both. You’ll also learn how to avoid these crises in the first place—and what to do if you're already in deep. Spoiler: it’s not about cutting your way to survival.

Episode Highlights

• 01:15 Understanding Budget Crisis

• 03:28 Understanding Cash Flow Crisis

• 06:39 Strategies for Managing Crises

• 08:54 Additional Resources

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

About Your Host

Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I’m the money”?

Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she’s charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I’m the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money.

Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she’s very, very good at it.

She’s brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She’s averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with.

As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she’s created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.

Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz.

Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

In this powerful episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri is joined by Leroy Roberts—speaker, strategist, and leadership expert with roots in Jamaica and a global impact. Leroy shares his personal journey from dreaming of high school to influencing C-suite leaders and nonprofits around the world. Together, they dive into what it really means to lead with courage, why cultural context can make or break your mission, and how quiet confidence leads to bold action. If you've ever felt the weight of leadership—or the temptation to quit—this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights

• The role of quiet confidence in bold leadership

• Why cultural awareness is essential in today’s global workspaces

• How leaders can persevere, even when things get tough

Leroy Roberts is a dynamic speaker, personal development and coaching strategist specializing in leadership, communication, and connection. With a proven track record addressing military personnel, law enforcement, educators, and corporate professionals, Leroy inspires C-suite executives to achieve peak performance and build meaningful relationships.

Connect with Leroy

http://linktr.ee/leroyroberts

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Celebrating wins isn’t just a feel-good moment—it’s a strategic tool. In this episode, Sarah Olivieri explains why taking time to acknowledge progress, joy, and even the disasters that didn’t happen can transform your team’s mindset and performance. She shares the three big benefits of regular celebration, what truly counts as a “win,” and how this simple habit can help uncover issues before they become full-blown problems. Whether you’re leading a team or running solo, Sarah will walk you through how to make celebration a core part of your leadership toolbox.

Episode Highlights

• 01:15 The Power of Celebrating Wins

• 04:35 When to Celebrate Wins

• 05:29 What Counts as a Win?

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

About Your Host

Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, “I’m the money”?

Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she’s charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement “I’m the money” was, as it turned out, right ON the money.

Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she’s very, very good at it.

She’s brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She’s averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become “the money” for many of the organizations she works with.

As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she’s created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.

Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Is your nonprofit putting all its fundraising eggs in one shaky basket? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri talks with fundraising strategist Katherine Lacefield about what true revenue diversification actually looks like—and why it’s not about doing everything all at once. Katherine shares practical advice on building sustainable donor relationships, especially in the animal and environmental space, and how simple, authentic communication can make a major difference. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to “do it all,” this conversation will help you refocus and simplify.

Episode Highlights

• 02:20 Personal Insights from Catherine

• 02:59 Challenges in Fundraising

• 04:21 Diversification in Fundraising

• 09:39 Non-Human Philanthropy

• 12:45 Global Perspectives on Philanthropy

• 16:09 Importance of Meaningful Communication

Katherine Lacefield is a trusted partner in the philanthropic space, leveraging over 20 years of experience empowering organizations and individuals to bring about positive impact in their communities.

Katherine is the founder and head consultant of Just Be Cause Consulting, bringing a wealth of insights to the table. Through her clients, volunteering, webinars, speaking gigs, articles, and podcast, and The Just Be Cause Podcast, Katherine has helped hundreds of nonprofits get excited about fundraising again. She has supported many nonprofits in establishing sustainable funding plans, from small grassroots advocacy groups to large international organizations. Her expertise? Animal and environmental causes, or as she likes to call it "Non-human philanthropy".

Connect with Katherine: Website: www.justbecause.consulting Podcast: www.justbecause.consulting/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mac-donald/

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don’t miss a single episode, and while you’re at it, won’t you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.