Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

Join Sarah Olivieri in this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she discusses modern strategic planning for nonprofits. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Sarah critiques traditional models and offers innovative strategies, emphasizing frequent, staff-led planning sessions. Discover the significance of integrating capacity-building goals and learn practical tips to keep your organization on course. Dive deeper into nonprofit leadership and stay inspired!

Episode Highlights

• The Importance of Strategic Planning
• Traditional Strategic Planning: Challenges and Pitfalls
• A New Approach to Strategic Planning
• Frequent and Iterative Planning
• Incorporating Capacity Goals

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

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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.

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In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, host Sarah Olivieri interviews Susan Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. Susan shares her journey from being a donor to becoming a leading figure in the organization, and discusses the strategic planning processes that have driven significant impact in the community. The conversation touches on setting measurable goals, the importance of collaborative research, and innovative programs addressing homelessness, financial security, and student success. Learn valuable tips for effective nonprofit leadership and strategic planning, and get inspired by the success stories from Orange County United Way.

Episode Highlights

• Meet Susan Parks: CEO of Orange County United Way
• Strategic Planning: Past and Present
• Measurable Goals and Community Impact
• The Importance of Research and Data
• Strategic Planning Models and Capacity Building
• Leadership Lessons and Team Building

Meet the Guest

As President and CEO of Orange County United Way, Susan B. Parks leads the nonprofit

organization’s mission to improve lives and strengthen the Orange County community.

Parks has a long history with the organization as a former board member and one of the

founding members of Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund.

She was also an active player in the development of the nonprofit’s 10-year strategic plan

to achieve substantial and sustainable social change in our county. Under Parks’

leadership, the organization launched three key initiatives (United to End HomelessnessSM,

United for Financial SecuritySM and United for Student SuccessSM), which tackle the Orange

County community’s most critical issues and seek to provide long-term solutions that break

the cycle.

She also spearheaded the organization's acquisition of 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC), a key service that connects thousands of the community's most vulnerable residents with health and human service resources via a free, 24-hour emergency contact center.

Prior to joining United Way, she held executive roles in several Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, in addition to being an entrepreneur.

Parks has received numerous accolades including the 2023 LA Times Inspirational Women in Leadership Award, 2021 Excellence in Executive Leadership Honoree Award by the CSU Fullerton’s Center for Leadership, the 2020 Woman of the Year Award from Congressman Lou Correa, the Impact 2020 CEO of the Year Award, and many others.

Parks currently serves on the Commission to End Homelessness and is a member of the University of California,Irvine (UCI) Chief Executive Roundtable.

Connect with Susan:

>>Website: https://www.unitedwayoc.org >>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-parks-92a5185/ >>Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unitedwayoc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw

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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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

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Join host and nonprofit leadership expert Sarah Olivieri on Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she shares valuable insights and strategies for meeting your fundraising goals without stress. Sarah outlines the key reasons why nonprofits struggle with fundraising and offers practical advice on how to streamline fundraising activities, focus on high-return strategies, and avoid common pitfalls. Learn about different types of fundraising, the importance of investment in fundraising efforts, and the benefits of staying focused on one primary source before diversifying.

Episode Highlights

• Meeting Your Fundraising Goals
• Understanding Different Fundraising Activities
• Focusing Your Fundraising Efforts
• Avoiding Early Diversification
• Investing in Fundraising
• The Role of Grants in Fundraising
• Staying Focused and Consistent

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.

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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

Subscribe on YouTube>>

In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit co-founder Christine Sakdalan and Executive Director, Miguel Valentin share tips from their experience with a start-up nonprofit. Christine, with over 25 years of experience in life sciences and biopharma, shares her journey and the importance of mentorship and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Miguel, the Executive Director at MVP, highlights his path from a first-generation college student to leading a nonprofit focused on community transformation and equitable access. The conversation covers essential tips for building talent pipelines, securing funding, and the significance of role clarity and adaptability in nonprofit leadership. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration to enhance your nonprofit's effectiveness and impact.

Episode Highlights

• Christine's Journey and Role at MVP
• Miguel's Path to Executive Director
• Challenges and Strategies in Nonprofit Funding
• Building a Talent Pipeline and Lessons Learned
• Role Clarity and Adaptability in Nonprofit Leadership

Meet the Guest

Christine Sakdalan, a life sciences and biopharma executive with over 25 years of experience leading transformations at major companies like Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Amgen, and Janssen. Christine is a trailblazer in building patient-centric solutions and teams, driving double-digit growth and billion-dollar revenues across Commercial, Customer and Patient Engagement, Access, and Digital Health initiatives. She’s also a passionate advocate for DEI, having founded a thriving nonprofit supporting young professionals of color. Currently, she’s the U.S. Head of Mental Health at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Miguel Valentin is an accomplished nonprofit leader with a strong commitment to community transformation and equitable access to opportunities for underserved populations. In his role as the Executive Director at MVP - Momentum and Value for People of Color, Miguel oversees the Fellowship Program and the Talent Pipeline Program, focusing on predominantly college-aged young people of color who are first-generation college students and come from low-income backgrounds. His responsibilities encompass fundraising, setting vision, and creating partnerships with corporations and nonprofits. Miguel has facilitated professional workshops, overseen mentoring initiatives, and connected students to paid internship opportunities. With a deep commitment to driving positive change, he is passionate about creating an environment where individuals can excel, grow, and thrive, with a dedication to community well-being and a data-driven approach that enables him to lead impactful initiatives. Miguel invites you to visit mvpoc.org to learn more about MVP and explore the ways they are shaping the future of young talents.

Connect with Christine & Miguel:

Website: https://mvpoc.org/

Email [email protected] for anyone interested in hosting interns or who just wants to connect

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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

Subscribe on YouTube>>

In this bonus episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, host Sarah Olivieri shares insights and strategies on managing the intersection of work and personal life for nonprofit leaders. She recounts a personal story about handling a work-life conflict and offers practical tips for integrating personal issues into workplace discussions. Learn about the importance of addressing how personal matters impact work and vice versa, and discover methods to create balanced, effective solutions that cater to both life and work needs. Tune in for valuable advice on achieving work-life integration and improving overall organizational outcomes.

Episode Highlights

• A Personal Story: When Work and Life Collide
• The Importance of Integrating Personal Issues at Work
• Balancing Work and Life: Positive and Negative Impacts
• Practical Tips for Managing Work-Life Integration
• Evaluating Roles with GWC Framework

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.

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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

Subscribe on YouTube>>

Join Sarah Olivieri in this fun and insightful episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she dives into Planned Giving with Tony Martignetti, a seasoned planned giving evangelist. Tony shares the essentials of planned giving, from its role in nonprofit sustainability to identifying prospects and debunking myths. Learn why planned giving isn't about death, but securing your nonprofit’s future through simple, cost-effective strategies. Explore promoting gifts through wills, leveraging financial assets, and maximizing donor loyalty. Tony shares practical tips, expert advice, and strategies for launching successful fundraising programs, making this episode a must for nonprofit leaders aiming to enhance their fundraising initiatives.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding Planned Giving
• Identifying Prospects for Planned Giving
• Addressing Common Naysayer Concerns
• Launching a Planned Giving Program
• Contact Information and Follow-Up
• Debunking Myths About Planned Giving
• Getting Started with Planned Giving
• Identifying Potential Donors
• Planned Giving and Other Fundraising Efforts
• Advanced Planned Giving Strategies
• Hiring Help for Planned Giving

Meet the Guest

Tony Martignetti is the evangelist for Planned Giving. He started as a front-line fundraiser in1997 and kicked off his consulting in 2003. He knows how to launch and grow Planned Givingfundraising programs. He used to be an attorney and a stand-up comic. Tony is active on LinkedIn and at tonymartignetti.com, where you’ll find his consulting and his podcast, Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio, Big Nonprofit Ideas for the Other 95%.

Connect with Tony:

Website: tonymartignetti.com

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/

https://twitter.com/TonyMartignetti

Guide: Unleash the Game-Changing Power of Planned Giving at Your Nonprofit (link as a QR code)

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.

Connect with Sarah!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahfolivieri/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxB2J-XcixGeGaZvcu_cVxA

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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

Subscribe on YouTube>>

Join Sarah Olivieri on Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she delves into the crucial importance of timing in decision-making for nonprofit leaders. Instead of constantly searching for what to do, Sarah emphasizes focusing on when to implement key actions. She shares valuable insights from her coaching experiences with nonprofit CEOs, advocating for prioritizing and executing one or two key goals at a time. Learn why determining the right timing can significantly impact your organization's success and how gaining support from mentors or consultants can guide you through this process.

Episode Highlights

• The Importance of 'When' Over 'What'
• Focusing on Key Goals
• Taking Action and Learning
• Navigating Overwhelming Options

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.

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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

Subscribe on YouTube>>

Join host Sarah Olivieri on Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she dives into risk management, strategic planning, and innovation for nonprofits with expert Ted Bilch, CEO of Risk Alternatives. Discover how to harness AI tools like ChatGPT, implement lean methodologies, and utilize data-driven decisions to enhance resilience and sustainability. Learn practical tips on prioritizing risks, ensuring smooth executive succession, and building robust systems to drive impactful outcomes for your organization. Tune in for valuable insights that will empower your nonprofit to thrive and make a lasting difference in your community.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding Risk Management for Nonprofits
• The Importance of Risk Identification
• Common Risks in Nonprofits
• Navigating AI and risk management in the Nonprofit Sector
• Managing Biases in AI
• Creating Effective Policies with AI
• Strategic Planning and Risk Management
• Lean Strategic Planning for Nonprofits

Meet the Guest

Ted Bilich (BILL-ITCH) lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Ted is the founder and CEO of Risk Alternatives, which works with nonprofits around the United States to improve resilience and sustainability. Before founding Risk Alternatives, Ted was a Distinguished Visiting Professor from Practice at Georgetown University Law Center. Before that, Ted spent more than 20 years in the Washington DC office of an international law firm. Ted speaks regularly around the United States about resilience, risk management, strategic planning, process improvement, and other topics. He’s also the author of the book, Managing Your Nonprofit for Resilience, published by John Wiley & Sons.

Connect with Ted:

• Website: tedbilich.com
• Special Gift: Appendix 2 of Managing Your Nonprofit for Resilience
• Grab Ted’s Book Managing Your Nonprofit for Resilience here>>

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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

Subscribe on YouTube>>

In this episode of the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership podcast, Sarah Olivieri hosts Takema Robinson, a social justice strategist and CEO of Converge, to discuss strategies for integrating racial and intersectional justice in nonprofits.

Episode Highlights

• Operationalizing Equity, the Role of Learning, Listening, and Reflecting
• Challenges and Missteps in Change Management
• Understanding Privilege and the Greater Good
• The Role of Nonprofits in Community Shifts
• Historical Context of Nonprofit Boards and Diversity

Meet the Guest

Takema Robinson is a mother, social justice strategist, philanthropist, art curator, podcast host, and CEO and Founder of Converge, a national social-justice consulting firm, whose purpose is to accelerate the creation of a radically just new world where communities of color thrive.

As a for-profit Black-woman-owned company, Converge is unapologetically committed to investing its dollars in companies owned by people of color, women, and companies that demonstrate a commitment to communities of color.

With over 20 years of experience in strategic philanthropy, policy advocacy, and fundraising, Takema has built a company with clients like the Ford Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, Walmart Foundation, and George Soros’s Open Society Foundation, representing over $50 billion in philanthropic investment worldwide.

Takema hosts the Converge for Change podcast, which features many stirring and thought-provoking conversations—like this episode with LaTosha Brown, Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter—where they discuss her grassroots organization committed to turning red states blue.

She is also an aspiring author who has published numerous insightful pieces for acclaimed magazines, including Inside Philanthropy, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and the Non-Profit Quarterly.

Connect with Takema:

• IG:https://www.instagram.com/iamtakema/?hl=en
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamtakema/
• Website: https://convergeforchange.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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

Subscribe on YouTube>>

In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, host Sarah Olivieri is joined by Patrick Taggart, founder and chief creative at Blue Sky Creative, to discuss the impactful use of video in the nonprofit sector. Patrick shares insights from his journey in video production and how simple changes can make storytelling more genuine and engaging. The conversation covers the benefits of narrative-driven videos, the importance of authenticity, and practical tips for nonprofits to start incorporating video content effectively and affordably into their strategies.

Episode Highlights

• The Power of Authentic Storytelling in Video
• Effective Video Strategies for Nonprofits
• Overcoming Self-Consciousness on Camera
• Creating High-Impact Videos on a Budget
• Using Video to Build a Strong Nonprofit Team Meet the Guest

As Founder and Chief Creative at SkyBlue Creative, Pat Taggart uses his skills as a documentary filmmaker to create fresh, exciting content that moves the needle for organizations of all sizes and industries. Pat watched countless smart, charismatic people step in front of a camera suddenly look terrified, sweating and stumbling over a stiff and stilted script. By utilizing his previous expertise, Pat discovered that unscripted, documentary-style conversations were the surprising key to high-quality, effective video content. Pat is not only a content creator but also a highly-rated speaker for organizations like YPO and EO, educating leaders on how to use video to attract and engage employees and customers alike.

Connect with Patrick:

Website: SkyBlueCreative.com

linkedin.com/in/pat-taggart-1a25a595

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.

Connect with Sarah:

On LinkedIn>>

On Facebook>>

Subscribe on YouTube>>