318: AI for Nonprofit Leaders – Beyond the Hype (Andrew Gossen & Stamie Despo)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How can nonprofit leaders cut through the noise and start using AI to strengthen relationships, increase efficiency, and stay mission-driven? AI is reshaping how nonprofits engage donors, manage data, and build relationships. In episode #318 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit marketing and fundraising experts Andrew Gossen and Stamie Despo share why nonprofit leaders can’t afford to ignore AI.

ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew is executive director for communications, marketing, and participation at Cornell University's Division of Alumni Affairs and Development. Since joining Cornell in 2010, he has integrated emerging digital technologies, including social media and crowdfunding, into the division’s strategy. Previously, he spent eight years in various roles at the Alumni Association of Princeton University. Gossen focuses on using digital tools to build audiences and mobilize support for causes and organizations. A frequent speaker to domestic and international audiences, he has served on the CASE Commission on Alumni Relations, co-chaired the CASE Joint Commission Task Force on Social Media, and received a CASE Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton and a doctorate in social anthropology from Harvard.

ABOUT STAMIE

Stamie brings over 20 years of experience in philanthropy to Cornell University. Previously she served as the Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for the greater Charlotte, NC, area. Stamie was a 2019 honoree for the Charlotte Athena Leadership Award for Service. Her focus in philanthropy is engaging donors in a meaningful and authentic way, creating a culture of philanthropy, building relationships and providing strategic leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics, Cum Laude, from Smith College, a Masters in Teaching degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Monmouth University, a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Duke University, and an Event Planning Certificate from UNC Charlotte.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership is FeedSpot’s #1 podcast in Philanthropy!
• The Filter Bubble by Eli Pariser and AI for Good by Gaius Chinanu
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens
• Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell

317: Crisis-Proof Your Leadership (Mary Kelly)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

Why do so many nonprofit leaders feel unprepared when crisis strikes and what can they do today to ensure they’re ready to lead with confidence when it inevitably does? In episode 317 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Mary Kelly offers a masterclass in crisis-ready leadership for nonprofit executives. Drawing from her 25-year naval career and deep experience with mission-driven organizations, she unpacks how to prepare for the inevitable disruptions that challenge even the strongest leaders. She introduces the PIVOT model—Purpose, Influence, Volatility, Opportunity, and Tools—as a practical framework for guiding your team through uncertainty. Learn how to balance emotional resilience with decisive action, how to keep teams focused during volatility, and why preparation, not panic, is the true hallmark of great leadership. Mary also shares productivity tools and planning habits to strengthen daily performance and long-term strategy. This is an essential listen for nonprofit leaders seeking to crisis-proof their organizations while building trust, clarity, and confidence.

ABOUT MARY

Mary Kelly is a leadership expert and Hall of Fame speaker who helps leaders and teams navigate crises, challenges, and change with clarity and confidence. A retired Navy Commander with a PhD in economics, she brings 21 years of military service and decades of teaching and consulting experience to her work. Mary is the author of 15 books, including How to Lead Yourself and Your Teams Through Crises and FutureNomics. She delivers keynotes, trainings, and coaching that improve leadership, boost productivity, and drive profit growth. Based in Denver, Dallas, and Nashville, she’s also a board member, dog mom, wine enthusiast, and lover of all things strategy. Access her tools at www.ProductiveLeaders.com/free-resources.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• The Competent Leader by Peter Stark 
• Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

316: Building a Mission-Driven Nonprofit That Pays the Bills (Maggie Kane)

SUMMARY

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

How do you stay true to your mission while keeping the lights on? In episode 316 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we dive into that question and others with Maggie Kane, who shares the story behind A Place at the Table, a nonprofit café in Raleigh, NC, where good food and community go hand in hand through a pay-what-you-can model. You’ll hear candid lessons about sustaining a powerful mission with sound financial strategy, balancing fundraising, revenue generation, and creative pivots when the economy shifts. From developing a board from hands-on to strategic, to hiring for mission alignment, to introducing catering and curbside services, this conversation offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders navigating growth. It’s a masterclass in inclusive leadership, strategic planning, and building a culture where staff, volunteers, and diners feel seen, heard, and valued.

ABOUT MAGGIE

Maggie is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe. She graduated from NC State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with people experiencing homelessness. By befriending many people living on the margins, she saw the challenges of food insecurity as well as providing dignity to those in need. In February 2015, A Place at the Table was born and Maggie never looked back. Opening in January 2018, Table has served thousands of people in Raleigh with a dignified and an affordable meal, together. Maggie has a heart to serve, a desire to always be inclusive, and a passion for loving people. She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains, and all things sunflowers.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• Maggie’s book: Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Dr. Vivek Murthy 
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

315: Lessons Nonprofit Leaders Can Teach the Business World (Nick Grono)

SUMMARY

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

Let’s flip the usual script! Rather than learning from business practices, what if the business world learned from you? In episode #315 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Nick Grono shares powerful insights on why purpose-driven leadership is nonprofits' greatest strength, and why corporations are striving to replicate it. Drawing from his work leading the Freedom Fund, he explores how nonprofit leaders master the art of stakeholder balance, measure complex impact, foster true collaboration without competition, and build resilient, mission-aligned teams. Nick offers candid advice on strategic planning, board relationships, fundraising with authenticity, and navigating tough leadership decisions. Grounded in optimism and hard-won experience, this conversation reminds nonprofit leaders of the transformational role they play, and how the world needs their example now more than ever.

ABOUT NICK

Nick Grono is an Australian human rights campaigner and author. His book “How to Lead Nonprofits” was published in July 2024. Nick has been the CEO of the Freedom Fund, a collaborative fund dedicated to ending modern slavery and human trafficking around the world, since its founding in 2014. He has twenty years of leadership experience of US and international nonprofits, and another decade working in corporate law, government, and investment banking. He was CEO of the Walk Free Foundation, Deputy President of the International Crisis Group, and Chief of Staff and National Security Adviser to the Australian Attorney-General. He is a member of the advisory council of Global Witness. Nick has briefed the United Nations Security Council and testified before parliamentary committees in the UK, Australia and the Netherlands. He has appeared on national and international tv and radio shows, and written for international publications including the New York Times, The Guardian and the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• James: A Novel by Percival Everett 
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens newsletter!

314: It’s Time to Rethink How Your Nonprofit Does Marketing (Lou Kotsinis)

SUMMARY

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

Many nonprofits treat marketing as a luxury or an afterthought, but doing so limits their impact. In episode #314 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, digital strategist Lou Kotsinis challenges nonprofit leaders to rethink their approach, emphasizing that marketing must be mission-critical, not secondary. Lou breaks down why an authentic story, a strong digital presence, and consistent audience engagement are essential for growth. He shares how to simplify data tracking, leverage free tools like Google Analytics, and start using AI platforms to better understand and expand reach. For organizations with tight budgets, Lou offers practical tips to build momentum without needing massive resources. If you want to increase awareness, grow fundraising success, and fulfill your mission more effectively, it’s time to rethink not just how you market, but how you prioritize marketing across your organization.

ABOUT LOU

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.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership
• Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell

313: What They Don’t Tell You About Being a Nonprofit Leader (Kevin Dean)

SUMMARY

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

What happens when your first day as an executive director ends in tears - and your second day requires laying off most of the staff? In episode #313 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Kevin Dean shares the raw truths about the loneliness, imposter syndrome, and burnout that often accompany nonprofit leadership. From leading a turnaround at Literacy Mid-South to scaling the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, Kevin reveals how he built his support system, learned to fundraise as an introvert, and developed a long-term career plan grounded in both lived experience and education. He offers hard-won lessons on board engagement, strategic risk-taking, and authentic mentorship - urging seasoned leaders to guide the next generation. A must-listen for navigating the highs and lows of leadership in the nonprofit sector.

ABOUT KEVIN

Kevin Dean is President & CEO of the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit capacity building. His previous roles include Executive Director of Literacy Mid-South, Director of Development at Hope House, and Community Services Director at Volunteer Memphis. He holds a BA in Communications from the University of Memphis, an MA in Executive Leadership from Christian Brothers University, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Learning from Vanderbilt University. A licensed Standards for Excellence consultant and BoardSource-certified in board education, Kevin has earned numerous honors, including Memphis’ Top 40 Under 40, the ProLiteracy Award for Community-Based Adult Literacy, and Memphis Magazine’s CEO of the Year. He currently serves on the National Council of Nonprofits board and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Development Advisory Council.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to www.delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
• Have you gotten Patton’s book? Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – also available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

312: Moving Your Organization from Toxic Stress to Radical Resilience (Brett Loftis)

SUMMARY

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

Why are so many nonprofit leaders exhausted, irritable, or dealing with chronic health issues—and not realizing the deeper cause? In episode 312 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Brett Loftis explores how unacknowledged trauma and toxic stress infiltrate nonprofit organizations, often masked as burnout or fatigue. Brett, a national leader in trauma-informed care, explains how individuals and entire organizations can become "trauma-organized," and what it takes to shift toward radical resilience. Drawing on decades of experience in child advocacy and organizational leadership, he shares practical tools like emotional safety plans and values-based leadership practices that support healing and sustainability. Learn why self-awareness, grief processing, and cultural rituals are essential for leaders and teams to thrive—and how your organization can transform stress into strength. This episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader seeking long-term impact and well-being.

ABOUT BRETT

Brett Loftis graduated from Furman University with degrees in Sociology and Political Science and in 2000 from Wake Forest University School of Law. After spending numerous years working in ministry and child advocacy, including as the Executive Director of the Council for Children’s Rights in Charlotte, NC, Brett came to Crossnore in 2013 as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Brett leads all initiatives of the organization, including programs, external relations, operations, and organizational growth. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth soccer and basketball. Brett is married to Sally, and the couple has three sons.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
• Get Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

311: Leading with Systems: The Secret to Mission-Driven, High-Performing Nonprofits (Kevin Wilkins)

SUMMARY

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

Are you so focused on keeping your nonprofit running that you don’t have time to step back and fix the systems holding you back? In episode 311 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, organizational expert Kevin Wilkins shares how to break free from these constraints and build a thriving, mission-driven culture. Expert insights reveal why culture is the strongest predictor of success, how to foster collaboration despite competition for funding, and why strategic planning should be adaptable rather than rigid. Discover practical steps to strengthen organizational effectiveness, align people with processes, and implement a plan that doesn’t just sit on a shelf. Explore how stakeholder engagement, accountability structures, and performance management drive long-term impact. Whether leading a small nonprofit or managing complex systems, this discussion provides actionable strategies to maximize resources and create lasting change.

ABOUT KEVIN

Kevin N. Wilkins is the Founder and CEO of Trepwise, a strategy consulting firm dedicated to unlocking the potential of purpose-driven organizations by aligning people, process, and vision. With over 35 years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and private ventures, Kevin has led Trepwise to support over 700 organizations. Since moving to New Orleans, he has worked with for-profit, nonprofit, and public entities, shaping his vision for thriving communities driven by impactful ideas. A Dartmouth graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Kevin has held executive roles at Procter & Gamble, Fidelity, and State Street Research. He serves on multiple boards and has received many honors, including Louisianian of the Year (2021) and Best Place to Work recognitions for Trepwise. Most recently, Trepwise was named Outstanding Business of the Year (2024) by Best of America Small Business Awards.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

310: Why is Now the Time for Future Thinking? (Trista Harris)

SUMMARY

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

How can nonprofit leaders break free from the exhausting cycle of putting our fires to create a clear, future-focused strategy that drives long-term impact? In episode 310 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, philanthropic futurist, Trista Harris dives into why many in the sector struggle to think beyond immediate crises and how future-focused strategies can drive transformational change. Learn practical tools for envisioning long-term impact, including how to align organizational activities with a shared vision and develop a rolling three-year strategic plan. With actionable insights on integrating futurism into your culture and engaging stakeholders, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine what’s possible for your organization—and equip you to build a brighter, more equitable future.

ABOUT TRISTA

Trista Harris is a renowned philanthropic futurist who advocates for the use of futurism to address critical community challenges worldwide. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, The New York Times, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and many social sector blogs. Trista is the President of FutureGood, a consultancy that helps visionaries create a better future. She has authored two books - "How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar" and "FutureGood.". Prior to her work at FutureGood, she served as President of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a thriving grant-making community that awards over $1.5 billion annually. She was also the Executive Director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice and a Program Officer at Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. A strategic foresight expert certified by Oxford University, Trista holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• Rest is Resistance: Free Yourself from Grind Culture and Reclaim Your Life by Tricia Hersey
• Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

309: Are You Really Onboarding for Long-Term Success? (Tiffany Slater)

SUMMARY

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. 

Struggling to retain great talent? In episode 306 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, HR expert Tiffany Slater shares practical strategies to transform your onboarding process into a tool for retention and team success. Learn why onboarding begins the moment a new hire says "yes" and how small gestures—like a personalized welcome video or a thoughtful gift—can set the stage for a strong workplace culture. Tiffany shares actionable advice on preparing new employees with the right tools, clear processes, and meaningful first projects to ensure they feel valued and capable from day one. Whether your team operates in-person, virtually, or hybrid, these tips will help you reduce turnover and empower your team to thrive.

ABOUT TIFFANY

Tiffany E. Slater, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP is the Founder & CEO for HR TailorMade - THE human resource solution for small businesses and nonprofits. HR TailorMade partners with nonprofits and small businesses to provide seamless Fractional HR support for their team. Dr. Tiffany has been an HR professional for over 25 years with experience in all aspects of human resources. She also has experience in a variety of sectors, including union and non-union, PK-12 public education, property management, manufacturing, and casino industries, to name a few. The HR TailorMade team handles everything from onboarding & managing employee relations to benefits administration to guiding team leaders through difficult conversations & exit interviews. They are here to help you avoid those common HR mistakes, protect your business, and ensure that you and your employees thrive.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership