The Nonprofit Exchange: Leadership Tools & Strategies

In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Biro, known as America's Breakthrough Speaker. Brian shared his incredible journey, which spans three distinct careers, including his time as a United States swimming coach and a corporate vice president before he transitioned into professional speaking over 35 years ago. His passion lies in helping individuals and organizations break through barriers and reach their full potential.

We delved into the concept of breakthroughs, which Brian defines as the process of moving from fear to freedom, failure to faith, and good to great. He emphasized that breakthroughs are not just possible but can be planned by focusing on three key controllables: shaping your future, energizing and engaging yourself and your team, and building people, teams, and relationships.

Brian elaborated on the importance of vision, stating that we must see our desired future before we can achieve it. He shared a poignant story about his grandson, Augie, to illustrate how our focus determines our path—whether we fixate on obstacles or envision ways to navigate around them. He also highlighted the significance of using our vision to see what is possible rather than relying on past memories that may limit our perspective.

Energy plays a crucial role in human performance, and Brian discussed how we can elevate our energy through movement, purpose, and the conscious choice to engage positively with others. He shared personal anecdotes, including his relationship with his father, to illustrate how we can reclaim our energy by letting go of negative influences.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Brian introduced his books, including "Beyond Success" and "Lessons from the Legends," which draw on the wisdom of legendary coaches John Wooden and Pat Summitt. He emphasized that true success is rooted in character and the ability to build meaningful relationships.

In closing, Brian left us with a powerful challenge: to be fully present with those around us, reminding us that our job as leaders is to help others feel important and significant. He encouraged listeners to commit to being more present with two people in their lives for 30 days, fostering deeper connections and understanding.

This episode is packed with insights and practical advice for nonprofit leaders and anyone looking to inspire and empower others. Brian's energy and passion for helping people break through their limitations are truly infectious, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Greg Stewart, a multifaceted leader with a rich background in ministry, counseling, and organizational leadership. We delved into the concept of I3Q, which stands for Information, Interpretation, and Intensity, and how it relates to our inner strength and the management of negative emotions.

Dr. Stewart shared his journey from being called into ministry to becoming a licensed counselor and executive coach. He emphasized the importance of understanding our negative emotions and how they can serve as a source of energy for personal growth and transformation. His new book, "Unlocking the Inner Strength Behind Your Negative Emotions," is a culmination of his experiences and insights over the past decade, particularly following a personal crisis that led him to explore his own emotional landscape.

We discussed the critical need for leaders, especially in the nonprofit sector, to model emotional intelligence and transformational leadership. Dr. Stewart highlighted the balance between grace and truth in leadership, stressing that effective communication requires both empathy and accountability. He provided practical advice on how to navigate difficult conversations and the importance of self-reflection in understanding our emotional responses.

As we wrapped up, Dr. Stewart encouraged listeners to ask themselves, "What is being exposed in me?" when faced with negative emotions. This introspective approach can lead to healing, emotional resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Overall, this episode is a valuable resource for nonprofit leaders and anyone looking to enhance their emotional intelligence and leadership skills. Dr. Stewart's insights remind us that our emotional challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and connection.

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Pattie Dale Tye, a remarkable individual who has transitioned from a successful corporate career to becoming an author and mentor. We explored the theme of her book, "From Ordinary to Extraordinary," which emphasizes how anyone can achieve remarkable success through passion, purpose, and preparation.

Pattie shared her inspiring journey, starting from her humble beginnings in a small town in North Florida to holding significant leadership roles in major corporations like AT&T and Humana. She discussed the importance of gratitude and giving back, dedicating her book to her parents and husband, who have been instrumental in her life.

We delved into the challenges leaders face today and the necessity of reconnecting with our core values and principles. Patty highlighted the significance of self-discovery, encouraging listeners to identify their unique strengths and passions. She also emphasized the importance of mentoring others and lifting them as we climb the ladder of success.

Throughout our conversation, Patty provided valuable insights on embracing discomfort, understanding our potential, and the importance of continuous growth. She reminded us that career journeys are marathons, not sprints, and that we should be patient and persistent in our pursuits.

As we wrapped up, Pattie encouraged everyone to believe in themselves and not to be discouraged by the curated images often seen on social media. Her message was clear: if she can achieve extraordinary success, so can anyone else.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that is sure to inspire and motivate you on your own journey from ordinary to extraordinary!

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, episode 415, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rupal Patel, a former CIA officer turned entrepreneur and leadership consultant. Rupal shared her journey from the high-stakes world of intelligence to becoming a CEO and founder of multiple organizations. Her book, "CIA to CEO," encapsulates the unconventional life lessons she learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of impactful leadership and mastering the mental aspects of high performance.

Rupal discussed the evolving nature of leadership, highlighting that it is no longer confined to a hierarchical, dictatorial model. Instead, she advocates for a more inclusive approach where leaders can come from various backgrounds and possess diverse traits. She emphasized the significance of humility, self-awareness, and the ability to ask for help, noting that effective leaders do not need to have all the answers.

We explored the concept of building an "ops team"—a curated group of peers and mentors who provide support and feedback in various aspects of life, from business to personal challenges. Rupal also shared her insights on the impact of leadership on organizations, stressing the importance of creating positive work environments and fostering employee well-being.

As we wrapped up the conversation, Rupal encouraged listeners to take actionable steps toward making a difference, no matter how small. She reminded us that while the challenges we face may seem overwhelming, we can all contribute to positive change in our communities.

For more insights and to connect with Rupal, visit her website at entrepreneurora.co. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening episode of The Nonprofit Exchange!

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In this episode of The Non-Profit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jill Robin Payne, a seasoned mental health professional with over 40 years of experience. Jill's expertise centers around fostering connection and leading with empathy in our increasingly diverse world.

We delved into her unique concept of "BEMPATHY," which she describes as "banter with empathy." Jill explained how this approach can simplify the complexities of building relationships, especially in a time when many feel disconnected and anxious. She emphasized the importance of understanding that empathy is a mindset and that effective communication requires us to listen actively and engage meaningfully with others.

Jill shared insights from her three books available on Amazon, including her latest work, which encourages readers to look at situations from multiple perspectives. We discussed the significance of language in communication, particularly the impact of words like "but," which can undermine positive interactions.

Throughout our conversation, Jill highlighted the transformative power of empathy and connection, not just in personal relationships but also in professional settings, including non-profits and leadership roles. She encouraged listeners to take a step back in challenging situations to gain clarity and perspective.

This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills and foster deeper connections in both their personal and professional lives. I hope you find Jill's insights as inspiring and thought-provoking as I did!

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Having a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification can do many things for leaders of nonprofits. It not only makes you a more efficient employee, it's going to open up a lot of opportunities. Project management is a growing career industry, particularly in the nonprofit sector, and having a PMP certification shows organizations that you're capable of effectively managing projects, budgets, and time.

Tamara McLemore, PMP is the founder of Tamara McLemore Enterprises, an executive consultant, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) Instructor, and a sought-after award-winning speaker. Her expertise lies in coaching mid-career professional women, empowering them with the necessary skills, confidence, and language to obtain their PMP Certification and secure significant career advancements. Through her PMP Exam 2-Week Intensive where she has successfully shortened the traditional preparation timeline, enabling candidates to pass their PMP exam within 30 days (a process that typically takes 6-8 months). This accelerated timeline not only aims to achieve certification but also to position women in the careers they truly deserve. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in various industries including technology, federal government, and aviation, Tamara has risen from being a project manager to now serving as the chief impact officer (CIO) of her own company. Tamara's expertise has been recognized through her appearances as a guest on the Women Of Project Management® and the Harvard Business Review, Women at Work podcasts, and has been a keynote speaker at prestigious events such as the Women of Project Management Conference, AE Ignite conference, and the Wonder Women Tech summit. She is also a LinkedIn Top Voice In Project Management. Additionally, she has shared her knowledge by teaching project management at universities and organizations worldwide, including appearances in India and Dubai. Outside of her professional endeavors, Tamara enjoys traveling extensively and lives by the motto: "To be a Service to All Mankind."

More about Tamara at - https://iwantmypmp.com/ 

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with two inspiring leaders, Christine Sakdalan and Miguel Valentin, who are making significant strides in addressing inequities in the workforce through their nonprofit organization, Momentum and Value for People of Color (MVP).

Christine, a pharmaceutical executive with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare and life sciences industry, shared her journey of recognizing the biases and discrimination that exist in the professional world. This awareness, coupled with her passion for mentorship, led her to co-found MVP in 2020. The organization aims to empower young people of color by providing them with practical advice, coaching, and opportunities to thrive in their early careers. Christine emphasized the importance of paying it forward and leaving a legacy, which is a core value of MVP.

Miguel, the executive director of MVP, brought his extensive nonprofit experience to the conversation. He discussed his personal connection to the mission of MVP, highlighting the challenges faced by young people of color in navigating the workforce. Miguel shared how MVP provides essential resources such as workshops, coaching, and internship opportunities to help these individuals build their networks and gain the skills necessary for success.

Throughout our discussion, we explored the transformative impact of mentorship and the importance of representation in leadership roles. Christine recounted a poignant moment when a young Filipino student expressed how inspiring it was to see someone in a leadership position who looked like him. This representation is crucial for young people who may not see themselves in higher-level positions within organizations.

We also delved into the barriers that young people often impose on themselves, particularly in areas like public speaking. Miguel shared insights on how MVP helps students overcome these fears by providing them with the tools and opportunities to practice and improve their communication skills.

As the conversation progressed, we discussed the challenges nonprofits face in securing funding and the importance of investing in talented leaders who can drive organizational growth. Christine encouraged nonprofit leaders to take risks and invest in people who can elevate their missions, while Miguel urged listeners to expand their networks and seek diverse perspectives.

In closing, both Christine and Miguel left us with powerful messages about the importance of empathy, curiosity, and the willingness to step outside of our comfort zones to create a more inclusive and equitable world. This episode is a testament to the incredible work being done by MVP and the profound impact that mentorship and community support can have on the lives of young people.

For more information about MVP and how you can get involved, visit their website at https://mvpoc.org/about/ 

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Brynne Tillman is the CEO of Social Sales Link and The Modern Banker.

She teaches professionals how to leverage LinkedIn to start trust-based conversation without being salesy. Brynne’s authentic approach to social selling has led her to receive a LinkedIn Top Voice in multiple categories.

She is a best-selling Author of the LinkedIn Sales Playbook and is most proud of the sales results she and her team have enabled their clients to achieve.

Get to hello faster. This program is about starting the conversation and getting your ideal buyers excited to take your call... but you have to earn the right to make that happen! In this 25-minute session, Brynne Tillman, CEO of Social Sales Link and the LinkedIn Whisperer, will take you through the journey of positioning yourself as the subject matter expert and thought leader who consistently attracts the right people. We will cover: 1. The social selling mindset that proves to your buyers that they matter to you 2. Positioning your profile to be value-centric, not just a resume or, worse yet, a pitch deck 3. Finding and engaging targeted connections that you have been ignoring 4. Leveraging your clients to get referrals 5. Exactly what to do and say to get raised hands and appointments set

https://socialsaleslink.com 

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Lynell Green is a highly accomplished strategic management consultant and executive coach, renowned for her expertise in unleashing leadership potential and fostering strategic growth. With over 40 years of experience, Lynell has successfully worked with an impressive roster of clients, including industry leaders at Meta, Netflix, X, Microsoft, and Hilton. Her unique combination of skills, including accounting, corporate management, and teaching leadership programs, allows her to provide invaluable insights and guidance to her clients. Lynell's ability to understand complex business strategies, navigate organizational dynamics, and develop effective leaders has consistently resulted in transformative outcomes for her clients. Through her coaching, Lynell empowers leaders to inspire and unleash the leadership potential around them, creating a ripple effect of growth and success throughout their organizations.

More at https://www.lynellsplace.com 

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Deep Dives into Good Books - Reading books definitely still matters!

For 26 years +, Randy has presented synopses of business books at the First Friday Book Synopsis in Dallas. In addition to his presentations at his public event, he presents extended versions of these synopses to leadership teams and groups within companies and organizations, in multiple arenas, including leadership teams in city governments. And for 20+ years, Randy has presented books on issues of social justice at the Urban Engagement Book Club, based in Dallas. Randy graduated from Abilene Christian University, where he lettered four years in Tennis; and then earned a Masters Degree from Pepperdine University, and completed classwork for a PhD from the University of Southern California, in Rhetoric and Public Address. (Yes, he is in the ranks of the infamous ABDs – all but dissertation).

The best way to grasp the complexity of issues is to read the best books by substantive authors on the subject. I have presented synopses son books by Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and renowned journalists, giving me a breadth of understanding regarding the issues of poverty, homelessness, and issues of racial justice.

More at https://www.15minutebusinessbooks.com 

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