Radio Free 501c - a podcast about Nonprofit Management

Episode 244: My guest Norman Fortenberry, CEO of Great Minds in STEM, discusses the crucial role that DEI (Diversity/Equity/Inclusion) plays in developing the excellent workforce of the future in all areas of STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics). He also discusses how his organization includes a second M, Medical/Health when looking ahead to our needs for high-caliber professionals to advance these building blocks of civilization. Our far-ranging conversation includes why we need to look to non-traditional populations to recruit for STEM, migration, the impact of colonialism, and why this is a global issue, not a US issue. DEI in STEM is essential -- this episode explains why. Does your organization integrate DEI into futurecasting workforce issues? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak."

Thie week's message: How NOT to Talk to Sick or Injured People

Episode 243: This week's guest, Michael Randel of Randel Consulting Associates, works with a variety of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Based on his years of experience and observations from working with his clients, Michael has created several step by step systems to help his clients, one of which is how to Create a Foundation for Change. Inspired by a quote from Louis Pasteur, this led to him developing the concept of The Prepared Organization because if an organization is prepared, it can handle anything! We talk about his processes, Mackenzie Scott money, and how any organization no matter its size can be prepared for whatever comes its way. Do you think your organization is ready for anything? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak."

This week's topic: The Optics of Ethics

Episode 242: This week's guest, Frank Gainer, recently retired Vice President of Meetings at AOTA, is sharing his experiences and wisdom from managing and presenting the AOTA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. We all know tensions are high in the US right now so our members can be sensitive to policies at the local and state level when heading to the next conference city. AOTA members had concerns about the location, how comfortable everyone would feel, and applied some pressure to "just move the meeting." Rather than shy away from the tough conversations, Frank and his team leaned in and created a wonderful, diverse, celebratory experience. From creating FAQs, to building a true partnership with the local conference committee, to getting specific information from the local CVB on activities for one and all, AOTA had one of the best conferences ever! There's lots to learn from this unique and wonderful experience! Listen in and get ideas for your next conference -- no matter where it is. How do you handle issues when it comes to conferences? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from "Rogue Speak," the e-newsletter of Rogue Tulips Consulting.

This week's topic: On Being Helpless

Episode 241: May is Asian American-Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month! Radio Free 501c is partnering with the ASAE AANHPI Group to celebrate and recognize members of this group who are part of the nonprofit management profession. We wrap up our 2024 celebration of AANHPI Month with this fourth episode featuring Kevin Tuuaga, Vice President of Education at LeadingAge California. This self-described "California Boy" is proud of his heritage and he loves to share his positive energy regarding the fun of meetings and events. He loves what he does and it shows! Our topic is Being Present In person for Learning and Leading, which is important no matter what we are doing. Kevin shares his views on why being present is inspiring to others. If you are part of an under-represented group or one that is not quite understood, it's important to be seen at events -- even if you participate quietly. Being seen is part of being present. In other news: How many times do I say "save the angry postcards!"? Find out -- listen to this positive and uplifting conversation about being present and embracing all aspects of our heritage. Listen to this energizing conversation that will lift your spirits. How do you practice being present? Share a comment!

Episode 240: May is Asian American-Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month! Radio Free 501c is partnering with the ASAE AANHPI Group to celebrate and recognize members of this group who are part of the nonprofit management profession. We continue our celebration of AANHPI Month with this third episode featuring Mariel Solomon, MS, CCC-SLP, Associate Director-Practice Portal, at ASHA. Who better to explain language than a speech language pathologist? Mariel shares her journey from specialist in the profession to association management professional, and how she navigated learning this new language and its nuances. We laugh about acronyms but we agree that they can be confusing! Mariel and I talk about the layers of language, including worldview, conversation context, and organization level. In addition to AANHPI Month it's also National Speech-Language-Hearing Month -- Mariel directs us to information on this important part of the month too. It's a great combination to remind us that we need to talk, learn, and listen in order to understand each other. What challenges you about the Language of Associations? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak."

This week's topic: Volunteer Onboarding Requires Clarity

Episode 239: May is Asian American-Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month! Radio Free 501c is partnering with the ASAE AANHPI Group to celebrate and recognize members of this group who are part of the nonprofit management profession. We continue our celebration of AANHPI Month with Khánh Vũ, CEO, Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE). We discuss his Leadership Journey from his early childhood in Vietnam, to helping his family after migrating to the United States, and his evolution as a leader in the nonprofit management profession. We discuss "the Bamboo Ceiling," cultural differences between East and West, and association management issues. Khánh shares his views on leading with curiosity and what is known as "power distance." Don't miss this highly personal and highly relatable journey to leadership! What shaped you on your journey so far? Share a comment!