268: Strategic Philanthropy: Navigating Choices and Building Impact (Steven E. Mayer, Ph.D.)

SUMMARY

How can shifting from a need-based approach to an asset-based mindset transform your nonprofit’s impact and fundraising success? Discover transformative strategies to elevate your nonprofit’s impact in episode 268 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership featuring Dr. Steven Mayer, the Chief Strategist for Effective Communities. Drawing from his extensive experience, Steve shares practical advice from his book aimed at both individuals and organizations. He introduces a shift from the traditional need-based approach to an asset-based mindset, highlighting the importance of recognizing and leveraging community strengths. Steve outlines three key actions encouraging nonprofits to persuasively communicate their mission and progress. Through real-world examples and actionable tips, this episode offers nonprofit leaders’ invaluable guidance on enhancing their organizational effectiveness and fundraising success, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and impactful nonprofit sector.

ABOUT STEVE

As an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in Johns Hopkins University’s Master of Arts Program in Non-Governmental Organization Management, Steve Mayer for many years taught an online course in Nonprofit Program Development and Evaluation. This has allowed him to hone his perspective on evaluation and energize brilliant mid-career students with perspective and tools to pursue a more decent society. In 2019 he began work on his first eBook, How to Show Off Your Wicked Strong Sexy and Incredibly Effective Nonprofit. The book was tailored to nonprofit staff and board members, and incorporated work from his website, EffectiveCommunities.com – its main purpose was to help nonprofits demonstrate their effectiveness to key stakeholders. Now, 25 years after ECP’s founding, Steve is turning his lens to focus on individuals wanting to make the world a better place. This new direction is found in his recently launched book, How to Save the World: Evaluating Your Options.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• Crafting Effective Mission and Vision Statements, by Emil Angelica
• Check out Steve’s book How to Save the World: Evaluating Your Options
• Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector? You can now download the audiobook!
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

267: Recapture Time with Simplification, Strategic Focus, and Systems (Alexia Maas)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders harness business strategies to enhance collaboration, strategic planning, and board dynamics for greater impact? In episode 267 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alexia Maas shares her wealth of experience and practical advice tailored to leaders like you. She emphasizes the importance of integrating business strategies into nonprofit operations, particularly through collaboration and strategic partnerships. Alexia outlines a meticulous approach to strategic planning, highlighting the need for clear goals, focused priorities, and incremental steps to achieve success. She also addresses the critical elements of fundraising, stressing the importance of sustainability, diversification, and financial acumen. Alexia provides thought-provoking insights on board dynamics, advocating for smaller, more effective boards with diverse perspectives. Her mantra, "Do less, achieve more," encapsulates her advice to prioritize impactful initiatives and maintain strategic focus.

ABOUT ALEXIA

Alexia’s executive and legal career spans almost 30 years. A dual qualified lawyer (UK & US), she has lived & worked in several countries around the world. After 16 years in private practice, Alexia joined the Volvo Group in 2013 and became the Global GC for Volvo Financial Services in 2014. As a member of the C-Suite Executive Management Team, Alexia gained valuable experience in transformation & change management; Business Development & Growth Strategies; Compliance & Risk Management; Crisis Management and People & Talent Development. An accomplished strategist thought leader & mentor among peers, Alexia quickly became a valued and trusted business adviser and is renowned for her strong focus on execution and high impact & creative problem solving. Alexia now offers niche consultancy & mentoring services through her own firm, Stratevix. Despite her previous hectic schedule as a C-Suite Executive, Alexia mastered how to recapture her own time & value and not only found time to launch and run her own consulting business, write & publish articles, speak nationwide and–most importantly relax with friends & family, she still found time left over to combine her passion, philanthropy and community spirit as Co-Founder & Executive Director of a local nonprofit organization: Triad International Ballet.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less by Michael Hyatt
• Learn more about Alexia here
• Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

266: Managing Overload as a Nonprofit Leader (Anton Skornyakov)

SUMMARY

How do you lessen your load and effectively delegate while also fostering an environment of continuous learning and creativity at your nonprofit? In episode 266 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we dive into effective delegation strategies for nonprofit leaders with Anton Skornyakov, author of "The Art of Slicing Work." Anton shares invaluable insights on how to delegate results rather than activities, fostering both team creativity and growth. He explains the importance of setting clear, specific goals and providing regular feedback to ensure continuous learning. Anton also highlights the need to tackle high-risk tasks first to uncover potential challenges early on. By distinguishing between predictable and unpredictable projects and building a robust feedback infrastructure, nonprofit leaders can enhance their impact and adaptability. This episode offers a practical framework for managing projects and empowering teams, essential for anyone striving to lead a successful nonprofit organization.

ABOUT ANTON

Anton Skornyakov is partnering with organizations to support them on their path to becoming learning & adaptive environments that encourage everyone to contribute their full productive and creative potential. For this Anton gives ScrumMaster trainings and Product Owner trainings, mentor, coach and a builder of internal and public communities. Anton believes in Scrum being a fundamental ingredient that enables motivating ideas to become reality with an order of magnitude higher effectiveness. Today, many organizations with hundreds and thousands of people are looking for answers on how to apply Scrum and engage everyone's full potential in their product development. Having successfully applied it, Anton is a firm believer in the body of knowledge behind Large Scale Scrum (LeSS). Anton is a believer in the transformative power of communities. He consistently nurtures communities around topics he is passionate about such as Large-Scale Scrum, Liberating Structures and coaching. Anton has co-founded and lead several digital startups. Here he made own experiences in Lean Startup - applying empiricism on developing sustainable business models. He has worked as a product owner, Scrum master and developer.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
• Learn more about Anton here
• Ready for a Mastermind? 

265: Prioritizing Mental Wellness as a Nonprofit Leader (Yolanda Robano-Gross)

SUMMARY

How do you support your team when they (and you) are feeling the effects of a high-stress environment? In episode 265 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Yolanda Robano-Gross shares invaluable insights and experiences on building a supportive workplace culture. She discusses the importance of prioritizing staff well-being and creating a space where individuals feel valued and heard. From implementing strategic planning initiatives to engaging in innovative fundraising approaches, Yolanda emphasizes the significance of adaptability and empathy in navigating the challenges of nonprofit leadership. She offers practical advice on building and retaining an effective board of directors, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion. Through her candid reflections and commitment to kindness, Yolanda inspires fellow nonprofit leaders to embrace empathy, cultivate meaningful connections, and drive positive change within their organizations and communities.

ABOUT YOLANDA

Yolanda Robano-Gross joined Options for Community Living as Chief Executive Officer in 2014 with over twenty years of prior executive-level experience in the health care industry. She handles oversight of all agency affairs and reports to the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include fiscal management of an annual budget of over $24 million, personnel management, program development, and fundraising. She earned her Master’s in Health Care Administration from Hofstra University, Masters in Social Work from Yeshiva University, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Marist College. She holds a certificate in Executive Education, Non-Profit Leadership from The Fordham Center for Non-Profit Leaders.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 
• Learn more about Yolanda here
• Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!
• Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available in Audible
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com

264: Navigating Nonprofit Change: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid (Michael Randel)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofit leaders effectively navigate resistance and foster genuine support for change initiatives? In episode 264 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Michael Randel delves into the complexities of leading change in a nonprofit organization. He outlines five common mistakes leaders make, emphasizing the importance of fostering two-way communication and understanding the true nature of resistance. Michael introduces a practical framework for addressing resistance, categorizing into three levels: lack of understanding, dislike of the change, and personal mistrust. He also stresses the necessity of involving key stakeholders early in the process and building a culture of psychological safety. By focusing on listening, dialogue, and relationship-building, leaders can better navigate resistance and drive effective, inclusive change. 

ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael Randel’s interest in group dynamics dates to his time as a university student in South Africa when he was thrust into a living social experiment at the University of Natal, one of the few places at the time where Black and white people interacted as peers. He realized he wanted to support people so that they could have positive experiences as they worked together in groups, rather than being in conflict. With the backdrop of the political protests against apartheid and the birth pangs of a new democracy, he spent almost a decade inside a national youth development organization. He took part in the slow, painful transformation of a rigid, bureaucratic organization to one on meeting the needs of most of the youth across the country. Everything he learned from this experience served him well as he then worked as an organizational change consultant–with nonprofits and government agencies across Southern Africa, and subsequently in a global capacity at the World Bank. Interacting with a wide range of organizations and working in a huge variety of sectors and settings, has sharpened his ability to observe, to see systems at work, to make connections, and to find different ways of doing things. This led to the establishment of Randel Consulting Associates in 2010 with a vision is to support clients who are genuinely engaged in leading change, designing holistic and tailored interventions that suit each organization.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• The Psychological Safety Playbook by Minette Norman and Karolin Helbig
• The 3 Levels of Resistance framework by Rick Maurer: learn more at this link 
• Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!
• Have you read Patton’s book

263: Tech-Forward Strategies for Nonprofit Success (David Blyer)

SUMMARY

How can your nonprofit leverage the latest technological advancements to elevate its fundraising, donor engagement, and mission impact? In episode 263 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, technology expert David Blyer explores cutting-edge tools and strategies shaping the future of the nonprofit sector. From the imperative of leveraging technology to drive social change to the practical applications of AI and machine learning, David sheds light on how nonprofits can harness these tools to enhance donor retention, acquisition, and engagement. With a focus on integrated solutions and innovative approaches, David underscores the importance of technology in streamlining operations and maximizing impact. From virtual reality to blockchain, the horizon of possibilities is vast, offering nonprofit leaders the opportunity to revolutionize their organizations.

ABOUT DAVID

David Blyer is Co-Founder, CEO, and President of Arreva, a trusted advisor and market leader to the non-profit industry for over three decades, providing software and services including virtual fundraising, donor relationship management, and virtual auction software. He founded DonorCommunity in 1999, the first All-in-One Fundraising Software for the nonprofit industry, and co-founded Arreva with Susan Packard Orr, through a merger with her company, Telosa in 2017. In 1994, he co-founded, and was the CEO and President of Vento Software, a provider of packaged vertical business intelligence applications that was gained by Chicago-based SPSS in 1999. After the acquisition, David served as President of the company's Enabling Technologies Division which was gained by IBM. Prior to Vento, Blyer held executive management and sales positions with Tandem, NCR and other leading technology/consulting firms. David holds an MBA in Finance from Nova Southeastern University and a BA in Business Management from the University of South Florida. He also is a member of NonProfit PRO's board of directors, serving as an Editorial Advisory Board Member.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges by Nathan Chappell, Brian Crimmins & Michael Ashley 
• Want to hear more from authors, Nathan Chappell & Brian Crimmins? Listen to Patton’s interview of them in episode 211 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership today!
• Check out the Audible version of Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector

262: Donors and Dollars Are Down – Now What? (Morgan Falor)

SUMMARY

How can nonprofits effectively communicate financial challenges while maintaining donor support? Morgan Falor, a seasoned nonprofit strategist, dives into this question and more in episode 261 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. From leveraging transparency to harnessing the power of donor advised funds, Morgan offers insights into fostering authentic connections with prospective donors. She challenges traditional approaches to special event fundraising, urging nonprofit leaders to adapt to changing donor demographics. Morgan emphasizes the importance of legislative awareness and optimizing digital communications for donor engagement. Hear Morgan’s holistic approach to nonprofit leadership, blending transparency, strategic planning, and adaptability to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the nonprofit sector.

ABOUT MORGAN

Morgan Falor focuses on helping nonprofits create strategic approaches to both finance and development. Since joining Armanino, she has aimed to enable nonprofits to further their mission and create greater impact using data-driven approaches. She has experience in both public accounting and industry, most recently serving as executive director and VP of finance for a high-profile nonprofit organization. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting from the University of Iowa and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink, Et al.
• Connect with Morgan here and read some of her published articles here.
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector 
• Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Audiobook edition is live - start listening now
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Find more resources at PMAnonprofit.com

261: How to Overcome Barriers & Build Capacity as a Nonprofit Leader (Matt Sharp)

SUMMARY

As a nonprofit leader, have you ever considered how investing time in refining your nonprofit’s operational processes could significantly amplify your organization’s impact on the communities you serve? In episode 261 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll learn invaluable strategies for maximizing organization efficiency and effectiveness from expert consultant, Matt Sharp. Delving into key areas such as HR management, strategic planning, technology integration, and personal strategic development, you’ll gain profound insights into transforming your nonprofit into a high-performing entity. With practical advice and actionable tips drawn from real-world experiences, this episode offers nonprofit leaders the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of organizational management and achieve their mission-driven goals.

ABOUT MATT

Matt Sharp is a highly relational nonprofit and higher education professional, with an inherent drive to stimulate personal and group excellence. With 17+ years of experience, he brings a specialized blend of knowledge, technical skills, and expertise to his work—and focuses on empowering small- to mid-size nonprofit organizations to achieve greater impact on their communities. Before entering the entrepreneurial world, Matt spent six years as the Chief Operating Officer at RunningWorks. Prior to that, he spent 11 years at Johnson & Wales University, where he served as the Director of Student Involvement & Leadership. Through the university, he gained valuable experience in event management, program management, systems, and process creation, developing and implementing strategic goals, professional development, financial management, and managing a team of professionals. Matt received his MBA at Southern New Hampshire University, as well as his Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Resort Management. He is also a proud Leadership Charlotte alumni, which is program focused on building Charlotte community leaders through inclusive leadership development. He currently sits on the Board of JoPri, a nonprofit serving the children of Uganda. 

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• Atomic Habits by James Clear 
• Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!
• Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector 
• Watch for the companion audio version coming soon!
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

260: The Blueprint for Building Exceptional Nonprofit Teams (Will Sparks)

SUMMARY

How can you harness the power of organizational culture to drive optimal performance in your nonprofit? In episode 260 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dr. Will Sparks, an expert in leadership and organizational culture, delves deep into the dynamics of culture, leadership, and team performance. Drawing from his extensive research and experience, Will unpacks the nuances of leadership influence and the role of executive tenure in shaping organizational culture. He explores the challenges and opportunities for new leaders in transforming established cultures, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and candid communication. From navigating board dynamics to founding the Center for Human and Organizational Potential (CHOP), Will offers actionable strategies and valuable insights for nonprofit leaders seeking to cultivate a culture of excellence. 

ABOUT WILL

Will Sparks is the Dennis Thompson Chair & Professor of Leadership at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte, where he also serves as the Director of the Office of Leadership Initiatives. In 2008, he founded the McColl School’s M.S. in Organization Development (MSOD) Program and served as Director until 2013. Will serves as the Managing Director for William L. Sparks & Associates, LLC, and as a Partner with Peter Browning Partners, LLC, a consulting firm providing board governance and executive coaching. His TedX Talk “The Power of Self Awareness” released in 2018. He is the author of “Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow & Maximizing Your Potential” and co-authored (with Peter Browning) “The Director’s Manual: A Framework for Board Governance” (2016, Wiley). He completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development under the direction of Dr. Jerry B. Harvey from The George Washington University’s School of Business and Public Management, where his research focused on group dynamics, organizational culture, and leadership.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Actualized Teamwork: Unlocking the Culture Code for Optimal Performance by William L. Sparks
• Hear more from Will on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership in episode 14.
• Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector 
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

259: How Do You Know if Nonprofit Leadership is for You? (Alyssia Palacios-Woods)

SUMMARY

Are you a nonprofit leader looking to enhance your strategic networking and professional development skills? In episode 259 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alyssia Palacios-Wood, CEO of Capital Idea in Austin, TX, shares invaluable insights ranging from strategic networking and fundraising tactics to the significance of professional development and personal growth. Alyssia discusses the transformative power of board service in shaping leadership perspectives and the strategic advantages of pursuing certifications like CFRE. From navigating the complexities of fundraising to mastering calendar management, she offers practical strategies for success. Discover how she leverages strategic networking to forge meaningful connections and drive organizational growth. Through candid discussions on strategic networking, fundraising strategies, professional and personal growth, this podcast offers a wealth of actionable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating the complexities of their roles.

ABOUT ALYSSIA

Alyssia Palacios-Woods is a community builder and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience supporting workforce development initiatives in Central Texas. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) dedicated to best practices in non-profit operations and fundraising. Prior to joining Capital IDEA, Alyssia served as the President & CEO of the Austin Young Chamber, where she championed regional collaboration, entrepreneurship, talent development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has been a member of the Opening Central Texas for Business Task Force for COVID-19 rebuilding, the Austin Homelessness Task Force, and the National YP Week Advisory Council. Alyssia was recognized as an Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power Nominee in 2019 and an Austin Under 40 Finalist in 2023. She received her bachelor's degree from St. Edward's University and her master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond
• Learn more about Alyssia here.
• Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!
• Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!