348: Holiday Rewind: 4 Ways to Advance Your Nonprofit Leadership

What are you doing - intentionally - to move closer to your nonprofit leadership goals?

In this Holiday Rewind of solo episode #159, Patton revisits four practical, evergreen ways nonprofit leaders can reflect, refocus, and move forward in their leadership journey. Whether you’re early in your career, preparing for your next step, or refining your impact as a senior leader, these four elements provide a simple framework for year-end reflection and year-ahead momentum.

Special thanks to our friends from TowneBank and Armstrong McGuire for supporting this podcast on its way to 350 Episodes next month!

The Four Elements

1. Sharpen Your Vision Framework. Clarity fuels progress. Revisit where you want to be in three to five years and define the kind of leader you want to become, not just the title you want to hold. A clear vision helps you evaluate opportunities, say no with confidence, and align daily work with long-term goals.

2. Practice Self-Assessment. Growth starts with honest reflection. Regularly assess your strengths, skill gaps, leadership style, and readiness for greater responsibility. Seek feedback, reflect on recent experiences, and use that insight to guide your development priorities.  There were 10 Skills back in Episode #159, but the Mastermind Program now features 12!

3. Utilize Strategic Networking. Relationships don’t happen by accident. Be intentional about building a diverse network of peers, mentors, and sponsors who can challenge your thinking, open doors, and support your growth. Strategic networking is about mutual value, not transactions.

4. Curate Knowledge. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need to keep learning. Be selective about the books, podcasts, conferences, and conversations that shape your thinking. Curated learning keeps you relevant, reflective, and ready for what’s next.

About Patton

Patton McDowell is a nonprofit leadership coach, consultant, author, and podcast host with more than 30 years of experience helping leaders and organizations thrive. He is the founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, where he works with emerging, mid-career, and senior nonprofit professionals through coaching, training, and strategic planning. Before launching PMA in 2009, Patton served as Vice President for University Advancement at Queens University of Charlotte and previously as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at UNC Wilmington, where he was the youngest vice chancellor in the UNC system. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Special Olympics North Carolina and Special Olympics International. Patton holds a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill where he was a Morehead Scholar, an MBA from the McColl School of Business at Queens, and a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a Master Trainer for AFP, host of the weekly podcast Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and author of the book of the same name.

Other Solo Episodes by Patton

• Episode #56 – 10 Essential Skills & Experiences for Nonprofit Leadership
• Episode #78 – 5 Ways to Build Your Professional Development Plan
• Episode #13 – Build a Personal Strategic Plan That Works
• Are you ready for a Mastermind?

347: Protecting Your Nonprofit from Fraud (Amy Seintourens) 

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. 

Fraud is one of the most underestimated risks in the nonprofit sector - and one of the most disruptive when it strikes. In Episode #347 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, fraud prevention expert Amy Seintourens, SVP and Director of Fraud Management at TowneBank, breaks down the real vulnerabilities nonprofits face today, from internal threats and weak controls to sophisticated email scams, phone spoofing, counterfeit checks, and mail theft. Using clear examples and practical guidance, Amy explains why small organizations can be even more vulnerable and how simple steps - dual controls, treasury services, verification habits, and ongoing team training - significantly reduce risk. Whether you’re a founder handling your own bookkeeping, a board treasurer overseeing internal controls, or a senior leader strengthening organizational resilience, Amy offers straightforward strategies to help you prevent fraud before it happens - not after it’s too late.

ABOUT AMY

Amy Seintourens is the Senior Vice President and Director of Fraud Management at TowneBank, bringing 31 years of experience in fraud prevention and Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance. She began her career in 1994 at Dean Witter, later known as Morgan Stanley, before joining EverBank in 2011, where she gained extensive experience supporting a primarily online bank environment. Amy maintains both her ACAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) credentials. She joined TowneBank in 2018 to support BSA operations and was promoted in 2022 to lead Fraud Management for the organization. Amy is deeply passionate about educating employees and members, staying ahead of emerging fraud trends, and helping nonprofits and businesses strengthen their internal controls.

RESOURCES

• Learn more about fraud prevention at TowneBank.com
• TowneBank’s The Shield bi-monthly fraud-prevention newsletter
• Let Them by Mel Robbins (Amy’s book recommendation)
• Armstrong McGuire
• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)

346: Understanding the Science of Generosity (Cherian Koshy)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support can be a powerful partner for your organization, offering financial expertise, expanded community relationships, and practical advice no matter your budget size. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do some fundraising efforts inspire generosity while others fall flat, and what can nonprofit leaders do to fix it? In Episode #346 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, global philanthropy expert Cherian Koshy helps us understand how generosity actually works. Drawing from his groundbreaking book Neurogiving, Cherian explains why many well-intended fundraising tactics unintentionally create friction, suppress generosity, or erode trust. He offers clear insights on donor psychology, identity, timing, and the neuroscience behind decision-making—making the case that great fundraising isn’t about persuasion or pressure. It’s about designing environments that affirm who donors believe themselves to be and making it easier for them to act on their generous instincts. Whether you lead a large development team or fundraise off the side of your desk, Cherian’s guidance will help you build trust, reduce barriers, and communicate with greater authenticity in a noisy world.

ABOUT CHERIAN

Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP, is a globally recognized expert in fundraising strategy and innovation, and the author of Neurogiving, which blends behavioral science with practical tools to help organizations inspire generosity more effectively. A sought-after keynote speaker and advisor, he helps mission-driven teams adapt, grow, and lead with clarity in a changing philanthropic landscape. Cherian serves on the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and on the board of The Giving Institute. He received the 2022 Governor’s Volunteer Award for his leadership with Volunteer Iowa and is a LinkedIn Top Voice as well as a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. His insights appear in CEO Weekly, Yahoo Finance, and other leading publications. He founded the AI-powered platform NonprofitOS, which was later acquired by Kindsight, where he now serves as Vice President.

RESOURCES

• Neurogiving by Cherian Koshy – neurogivingbook.com
• Exactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones (Cherian’s recommended read)
• Learn more about Cherian – cheriankoshy.com
• Armstrong McGuire – www.armstrongmcguire.com
• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership (Audible edition available)
• Sign up for the weekly Thursday Leadership Lens newsletter

345: The Trust Factor: How to Strengthen Your Strategic Leadership

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by TowneBank, whose ongoing support helps bring meaningful leadership conversations to nonprofit professionals across the sector. Learn more at townebank.com/nonprofitbanking. Nonprofit leaders often feel pulled in a dozen directions - responding to urgent needs, carrying the emotional weight of their missions, and struggling to find time for strategic thinking. In Episode #345 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Christy Pietryga, CEO at HEARTH in Pittsburgh, PA, shares how she has intentionally built a team culture grounded in trust, humility, and shared accountability. Christy talks openly about her journey from frontline work with veterans and families experiencing homelessness into executive leadership at a young age. She explains how listening first shaped her early success, how she empowers team members to operate as strategic contributors, and how leaders can balance compassion with clear expectations. Christy also offers thoughtful insight into fundraising as an introvert, supporting staff who face trauma in their daily work, and modeling healthy self-care for the whole organization. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned CEO, Christy’s practical approach offers a roadmap for leading with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

ABOUT CHRISTY

Christy Pietryga is the CEO at HEARTH in Pittsburgh, PA, and brings a deep background in supportive services and housing for homeless families and veterans. Before joining HEARTH, she spent a decade with the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, where she managed housing programs, provided direct case management, and advanced into key leadership roles during a period of significant organizational growth. In addition to her program and operations expertise, Christy has experience in communications and design, having created workbooks and materials for conferences and workshops. She holds a degree in Sociology with concentrations in Human Services and Nonprofits from Bucknell University. Today, she leads HEARTH with a blend of operational strength, empathy, and a strong commitment to cultivating a trusting, high-performing team culture.

RESOURCES

• Falling Free by Shannon Martin (Christy’s book recommendation)
• Ready for your next leadership role? Check out Armstrong McGuire
• Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here
• Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

Special Edition Show Notes #344

This Thanksgiving episode highlights seven standout guests from 2025 - along with their books - plus three bonus titles from Patton’s Picks.

Thanks to our partners:

• TowneBank: https://TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking
• Armstrong McGuire: https://armstrongmcguire.com
• Mastermind Leadership Program: https://PMAnonprofit.com/mastermind

Featured Guests & Books

Mary Kelly — Ep. 317: Crisis-Proof Your Leadership
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/317
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Leaders-Fail-Prescriptions-Success/dp/1640950857

Ora Grodsky — Ep. 329: Leading with Transformation
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/329
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Love-Organizational-Healing-Transformational/dp/1739581604

David Rhode — Ep. 326: 5 Essential Topics Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/326
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Isnt-Enough-Practical-Nonprofit/dp/B0CR2T8XRM

Rebecca White — Ep. 320: From Paper to Progress
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/320
Book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Stress-Nonprofit-Consultant-Rebecca-White/dp/1737867935

Salvatore Manzi — Ep. 322: Make Your Nonprofit’s Message Stick
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/322
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Compelling-Communication-Strategies-Ideas/dp/1646871449

Nick Grono — Ep. 315: Lessons Nonprofit Leaders Can Teach the Business World
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/315
Book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Lead-Nonprofits-Purpose-Impact/dp/1544535391

Dr. Keith Dorsey — Ep. 335: A Roadmap to Board Service
Episode: https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/335
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Success-Board-Service-Leadership/dp/1637559626

Bonus Patton’s Picks (3 More Books for 2025)

Uptime — Laura Mae Martin
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Uptime-Optimize-Performance-Feel-Great/dp/0063304634

The Future Is Faster Than You Think — Peter Diamandis & Steven Kotler
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Faster-Than-You-Think/dp/1982109661

The Smart Nonprofit — Beth Kanter & Allison Fine
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Nonprofit-Alison-Fine/dp/1119818894

343: Reclaim Your Capacity and Escape the Burnout Trap (Trasetta Washington)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do so many passionate nonprofit leaders find themselves constantly running on empty and teetering on the edge of burnout? In episode #343 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, leadership wellness coach and productivity strategist Trasetta Washington unpacks the core reasons mission-driven leaders sacrifice their own well-being for the cause, explaining that society glorifies resilience and sacrifice, creating pressure to push through. Trasetta helps define burnout as "stress that rest won't fix" - a chronic state that manifests as fatigue, irritability, and living in constant survival mode.

ABOUT TRASETTA

Trasetta Washington, known as The Team Technician™, is a nationally recognized speaker, leadership wellness coach, and productivity strategist. With over 25 years of experience in business operations and team development, she helps mission-driven leaders realign their teams without burning themselves out. As CEO of Profitable Productivity, LLC, Trasetta brings a signature blend of strategy, structure, and soul to her work, equipping nonprofit and human services leaders with practical tools to eliminate team friction and build a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and well-being. Through programs like the Teamwork Tune-Up Intensive and the Leadership Accelerator, she empowers leaders to stop managing everything and start leading teams that perform, without running on empty. Her no-fluff, heart-centered approach helps teams pause, reflect, and realign so they can thrive together.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
• Learn more about Profitable Productivity at https://trasettaannelle.com/ 
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & Associates
• Explore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

342: Lessons That Shape Great Nonprofit Leaders (Garrett Cathcart)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership.  Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

What does it take to build something from the ground up - and lead it with purpose, humility, and vision? In episode 342 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Garrett Cathcart shares the lessons he’s learned in creating and scaling organizations that strengthen communities and unite people across divides. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led nonprofit rebuilding civic and social trust through connection, service, and engagement, Garrett explores the power of starting from zero, leading volunteers with accountability, and measuring impact through both empathy and data.

ABOUT GARRETT

Garrett Cathcart is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led movement to strengthen communities and heal the divides in our country through meaningful connections built on service, civic engagement, and leadership development. He also co-founded 550 Capital Partners, a venture firm investing in early-stage startups led by military veterans. Previously, Garrett served as the founding Executive Director of Mission Roll Call and as Southeast Regional Director of Team Red, White & Blue. A U.S. Army Cavalry officer for nine years, Garrett is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served in multiple combat leadership roles and earned three Bronze Stars and the Meritorious Service Medal. He continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves and teaches leadership and military science at Georgia Tech. A graduate of West Point and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, he is a Truman National Security Fellow and a George W. Bush Veteran Leadership Scholar.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• It Worked for Me by Colin Powell
• Learn more about +More Perfect Union
• Explore our Mastermind Program, now accepting applications for 2026!

341: 4 Resources Every Nonprofit Leader Needs (Ivan Canada)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

In episode #341 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Ivan Canada, President and CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, shares the four essential resources every nonprofit leader needs to succeed: advocacy tools, legal compliance guidance, sustainable fundraising practices, and peer networking. Drawing on his extensive experience leading one of the state’s most trusted sector organizations, Ivan explains why each of these elements is vital to long-term organizational health and how leaders can apply them immediately. He offers practical advice for building advocacy confidence, avoiding compliance pitfalls, and fostering collaboration across diverse organizations. Listeners will gain actionable insights into how peer learning and shared leadership can strengthen both individual leaders and the sector as a whole.

ABOUT IVAN

Ivan Canada is the President and CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, an organization dedicated to amplifying the collective voice of the state’s nonprofit sector. Under his leadership, the Center provides thousands of nonprofits with resources in advocacy, legal guidance, fundraising best practices, and peer learning opportunities. With a career spanning both nonprofit and corporate sectors, Ivan brings a unique perspective on how organizations can thrive through strategic collaboration and mission-centered leadership. Known for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to equity, Ivan works to ensure every North Carolina nonprofit has access to the knowledge and connections needed to fulfill its mission effectively.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
• Learn more about the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits at https://www.ncnonprofits.org
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & Associates
• Explore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

340: You Should Be Moving at the Speed of Relationships (Will Acuff)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How can you build stronger community impact without burning out or losing sight of your mission? In episode #340 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Will Acuff, Co-Founder of Corner to Corner in Nashville, Tennessee, shares how relationship-driven leadership has fueled his organization’s growth and sustained its mission.

Will explains why authentic connection - not control - is the key to lasting impact. He discusses the importance of leading with empathy, setting boundaries that protect your energy, and prioritizing community trust over quick wins. His insights offer practical tools to deepen relationships, strengthen organizational culture, and build a team that moves together with purpose. If you’re striving to scale your nonprofit while staying grounded in your values, this conversation will help you lead with authenticity, humility, and resilience.

ABOUT WILL

Will Acuff is the Co-Founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit that equips neighbors with the tools and relationships they need to thrive. Under his leadership, Corner to Corner has grown into a nationally recognized organization known for its entrepreneurship programs, youth education initiatives, and storytelling platforms that celebrate community success. Guided by his belief that relationships drive sustainable change, Will has dedicated his career to creating pathways to opportunity for underserved communities. Through innovative programs like The Academy - which has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs launch and grow local businesses - he continues to prove that lasting impact begins with trust and collaboration. Will is a frequent speaker on leadership, faith, and social innovation, and his approach has inspired nonprofit leaders nationwide to “move at the speed of relationships.”

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• No Elevator to Everest by Will Acuff — Amazon
• Learn more about Corner to Corner at cornertocorner.org
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & Associates
• Explore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026

339: Retention on a Budget – 5 Smart Ways to Keep Your Best People (Rachel Platt)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How can you retain your best people when your nonprofit doesn’t have the budget for big raises or flashy perks? In episode 339 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Rachel Platt, Founder of PLATTinum Consulting in Washington, DC, shares five smart, low-cost strategies any organization can use to strengthen staff engagement and reduce turnover. Drawing from her extensive background in HR, organizational culture, and nonprofit management, Rachel outlines simple yet powerful tools to boost morale, productivity, and connection. From her Teaching Tuesdays and Focus Fridays concepts to new approaches for recognition, communication, and workload balance, she demonstrates how creative leaders can build trust and loyalty - without spending a dime.

ABOUT RACHEL

Rachel Platt brings more than 20 years of experience helping organizations and individuals achieve enduring success through strategic human resources leadership. Before founding PLATTinum Consulting in 2018, she served as a Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President, and Regional Director across diverse industries - building a reputation for creating pragmatic, people-centered solutions to complex organizational challenges. Through PLATTinum Consulting, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Rachel helps small and medium-sized nonprofits and businesses nationwide strengthen their people strategy. Her work focuses on employee engagement, leadership development, culture assessment and improvement, performance management, staff training, communications, talent acquisition, inclusion, and coaching.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Strong Ground by Brené Brown
• Learn more about PLATTinum Consulting at plattinumconsulting.com
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire & Associates at armstrongmcguire.com
• Learn more about the Mastermind Leadership Development Program – now accepting applications for all three 2026 cohorts at PMAnonprofit.com/mastermind