Join host Sarah Olivieri in this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she explores how nonprofit leaders can make a bigger impact through smart marketing strategies. Featuring guest Lou Kotsinis, founder of BCS Interactive, they discuss the fundamentals of effective storytelling, the strategic use of digital tools, and the transformative potential of AI in nonprofit marketing. Learn from Lou’s extensive experience in helping organizations like the World Childhood Foundation and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories and grow their causes. Perfect for executive directors, board members, and nonprofit leaders looking to improve their marketing approach without burning out.

Episode Highlights

• 02:25 Lou's Jazz Journey and Its Marketing Parallels
• 05:06 Strategic vs. Tactical Marketing for Nonprofits
• 10:50 Foundations of a Great Marketing Strategy
• 17:01 The Role of AI in Nonprofit Marketing
• 17:38 The Rise of AI Search Platforms
• 18:35 Positioning Nonprofits in the AI Era
• 21:59 The Power of Storytelling for Nonprofits

Meet the Guest

Lou Kotsinis is CEO and Co-Founder of BCS Interactive, a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on the nonprofit and educational communities.

Since co-founding BCS in 2011, Lou leads a team of designers, technologists, and strategists that have helped organizations such as The World Childhood Foundation, The Seeing Eye, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories, showcase their impact, and grow their causes. Prior to co-founding BCS Interactive, Lou was marketing manager at Time Warner Trade Publishing, the book-publishing arm of Time Warner.

Lou graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a B.A. in English and History. His interests include hiking, reading, and practicing yoga. He’s deeply passionate about political reform and pro-democracy efforts and is an advocate of initiatives such as FairVote and the Institute for Political Innovation. A life-long musician, Lou plays drums in a jazz trio and participates in local symphonies as an orchestral drummer. He lives in Westfield, NJ with his wife and two daughters.

Connect with Lou:

http://bcsinteractive.com/sign-up

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcs-interactive

https://bcsinteractive.com/

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In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, host Sarah Olivieri delves into the pitfalls of multitasking and its detrimental effects on productivity for nonprofit leaders. Drawing from personal experience and expert studies, she explains how multitasking leads to cognitive overload, poor decision-making, and significant time loss.

Episode Highlights

• 01:15 The Dangers of Multitasking
• 01:57 Personal Story: The Cost of Multitasking
• 02:54 The Fallacy of Multitasking
• 04:58 The Solution: Focus on One Task at a Time
• 05:55 Practical Tips for Single-Tasking

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.

On this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership we welcome Pauline Palkovic, an expert in donor prospect research with nearly 30 years of experience. Pauline shares invaluable insights into how nonprofits can identify and engage potential donors through strategic research. From understanding the basics of prospect research to debunking common misconceptions, Pauline provides tips that both small and large nonprofit organizations can apply to their fundraising efforts. Learn about essential tools, the importance of relationship-building, and how to find the right donors to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re an executive director, board member, or fundraising professional, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to optimize your donor engagement strategy.

Episode Highlights

• 03:31 Understanding Prospect Research
• 07:13 Tools and Techniques for Prospect Research
• 11:50 Misconceptions and Strategic Insights
• 17:13 Prospect Research in Different-Sized Nonprofits
• 22:04 The Joy of Prospect Research
• 25:10 Building Relationships with Donors
• 32:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

Meet the Guest

Pauline Palkovic has been delivering strategic behind-the-scenes support to fundraisers and marketers in the nonprofit sector for nearly 30 years. She has helped to raise more than $250 million for nonprofit clients and provided prospect research that enabled frontline fundraisers to reach a $200 million capital campaign goal. I have provided data analysis and strategic insight to multichannel marketing and fundraising programs for over 60 clients. I designed strategic planning and company reorganization to weather dramatic industry changes. I am a member of APRA International, APRA Greater NY and APRA Upstate NY, AFP Global, AFP Greater Hudson Valley, Woodstock NY Women’s Network, and Hudson Valley Women in Business.

Connect with Pauline: - google.com - linkedIn.com - projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ - tools.emailhippo.com/ - ulstercountyny.gov/maps/parcel-viewer/

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.

In this episode, host Sarah Olivieri outlines why a nonprofit board's primary role should NOT be governance. Sarah explains the importance of separating decision-making and oversight, detailing how such a system of Governance can improve decision-making and organizational effectiveness. With examples and actionable advice, she demonstrates how shifting to an oversight model can lead to happier board members, more empowered staff, and a bigger impact for the nonprofit.

Episode Highlights

• 01:15 The Misconception About Board Governance
• 01:53 Understanding Governance
• 03:51 The Role of the Board in Governance
• 05:10 Emergency Decisions and Oversight
• 06:49 Benefits of the Oversight Model
• 07:09 A Case Study

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.

Join Sarah Olivieri, nonprofit consultant and coach, as she interviews Scott Burgmeyer about high performance leadership in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the importance of clarity in mission and strategy, how to cultivate and grow team members, and the critical aspects of hiring the right people for your organization. Scott shares his expertise on delivering effective feedback, holding team members accountable, and making strategic hiring decisions that align with long-term organizational goals. Tune in for practical advice and essential tips to unleash your full potential as a nonprofit leader.

Episode Highlights

• 03:28 Defining Great Leadership
• 06:15 Challenges Leaders Face
• 08:27 Addressing Underperformance
• 19:00 Hiring the Right People
• 19:39 The Cost of Hiring Decisions
• 19:58 Designing the Role for Future Needs
• 21:55 Finding the Right Fit: Skills, Heart, and Head
• 27:39 The Importance of Onboarding and Setting Norms
• 32:18 Accountability in the Workplace

Scott Burgmeyer is a founder of the BecomeMore Group solve problems that prevent organizations from achieving their full potential.

More about Scott:

PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of Arizona

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership from Ashford University

Recipient of the Iowa Recognition of Performance Excellence seven times

Won the Bridgestone CEO award

Connect with Scott:

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burgy

Website: www.becomemoregp.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.

Join Sarah Olivieri, host and nonprofit consultant, as she shares her expert insights on planning and executing successful projects for nonprofit organizations. In this episode, Sarah discusses the crucial subprojects that form a comprehensive project plan, including designing the plan, executing it, evaluating results, and refining processes. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to projects running behind schedule or over budget and discover practical tips for making project tasks a routine habit in your organization. Sponsored by DonorBox, this episode offers valuable advice to help you work smarter and make a bigger impact without the burnout.

Episode Highlights

• 02:12 Key Elements of Project Planning
• 03:33 Evaluating and Refining Your Project
• 04:34 Making a New Processes a Habit

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 episode, I discuss the importance of strategic planning tailored to the size and needs of your organization with special guest Kate Scherr-Adams. We talk about the significance of stakeholder engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and how to develop focused, actionable plans. Plus insights on right-sizing your strategic initiatives, making data-informed decisions, and fostering a collaborative environment within your team.

Episode Highlights

• 03:09 Challenges and Changes in Strategic Planning
• 05:16 Strategic Planning Essentials
• 07:25 Tailoring Strategic Planning to Organizational Needs
• 11:31 Importance of Stakeholder Engagement
• 16:45 Adapting to Organizational Challenges
• 20:26 Uncovering Organizational Issues Early On
• 20:58 The Importance of External Perspective
• 22:15 Strategic Planning vs. Organizational Readiness
• 24:20 Defining and Engaging Stakeholders
• 27:41 Collecting and Utilizing Data Effectively
• 32:47 Incorporating DEI in Strategic Planning

Meet the Guest

Kate Scherr-Adams, is a strategist, trainer, and facilitator dedicated to helping nonprofits and public-sector organizations navigate challenges and drive meaningful change. With a background in social work and nonprofit management, she founded KS Solutions Consulting in 2011, specializing in professional development, DEI, and workplace wellness.

Kate has held senior leadership roles at Business Volunteers Maryland, the Family League of Baltimore City, and more, bringing expertise in strategic planning, board dynamics, and partnership building. She also teaches strategy and community engagement at UMBC.

An avid volunteer, nature lover, and community advocate, Kate believes in listening to the birds, not the thunder—an outlook that guides both her work and life.

Connect with Kate:

website: https://www.kssolution.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescherr-adams/

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.

Join Sarah Olivieri, your host and nonprofit expert as she delves into effective goal setting. Learn the difference between outcome goals and process goals, how to set them in pairs, and the importance of focusing on execution goals. Discover actionable tips for breaking down larger goals into manageable projects to make a bigger impact with less work. Get insights on evaluating goals and performance and find out how to apply SMART criteria to process goals.

Episode Highlights

• 01:12 Introduction to Goal Setting
• 02:46 Understanding Outcome and Process Goals
• 05:32 When to Apply SMART Goals
• 06:37 Breaking Down Goals into Projects

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.

Join host Sarah Olivieri on 'Inspired Nonprofit Leadership' as she dives into the crucial topic of soft skills with John Whitehead, a seasoned executive coach and corporate trainer. John brings over 40 years of senior leadership experience to the discussion, sharing insights on the importance of emotional intelligence, communication, and behavioral shifts for impactful leadership. Learn practical tips for improving your nonprofit's effectiveness, including how to manage board relationships and ensure fair compensation for staff. This in-depth will help you work smarter, not harder, and make a lasting impact without burning out.

Episode Highlights

• 04:21 The Importance of Thinking Time for Leaders
• 07:04 Defining Soft Skills
• 09:45 Emotional Intelligence and Communication
• 10:35 Practical Examples and Stories
• 12:10 Developing Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
• 19:09 Natural Leadership Qualities
• 20:02 Building Relationships and Continuous Learning
• 20:57 Communication Challenges in Leadership
• 22:06 Understanding Personal and Team Dynamics
• 27:15 Nonprofit Leadership Challenges
• 30:16 Fair Compensation in Nonprofits
• 33:48 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Meet the Guest

John Whitehead is a facilitator, and Certified Executive Coach (ICF) who has over 40 years of senior leadership and management experience.

John has held senior operational positions with national organizations achieving significant recognition for his results. Along with his executive and leadership coaching practice, John is currently a Corporate Trainer at Okanagan College, British Columbia, Canada and was previously an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Management, University of British Columbia, Okanagan.

John travels internationally including Europe and the Middle East facilitating leadership workshops. John describes himself as a continuous learner, motivated to learn more so that he can better help others achieve their goals. John’s clients have included senior and emerging leaders in both non-profit and for-profit organization.

John holds a master’s degree in leadership from Royal Roads University, Victoria, Canada along with various certifications in management and leadership

Connect with John:

Website https://johnkwhitehead.ca/

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

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWhitehead_Executive_Coach

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.

Join host Sarah Olivieri in this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she shares essential tips for building and retaining a dedicated and effective nonprofit team. Drawing from her experience as an executive director, board member, consultant, and coach, Sarah discusses the importance of paying a worthy wage, creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, investing in professional development, and building pathways for career advancement.

Episode Highlights

• 01:15 The Importance of Building a Stronger Nonprofit Team
• 01:51 Tip 1: Pay Your People Well
• 03:35 Tip 2: Create a Supportive and Inclusive Culture
• 06:41 Tip 3: Invest in Professional Development
• 07:41 Tip 4: Build Pathways for Career Advancement

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.