The Nonprofit Edge

What if the biggest leadership mistakes aren’t about strategy… but about self-awareness? In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, I sit down with Stephanie Blackburn Freeth, leadership coach and advisor, to unpack one of the most critical transitions in any career: the move from individual contributor to manager. It’s a transition many underestimate and one that can quietly shape the trajectory of a team, a culture, and ultimately, an organization’s impact. Stephanie brings a powerful lens to leadership, grounded in a simple but profound truth: “The inner game runs the outer game.” In this conversation, we explore the five biggest mistakes new managers make in their first six months and, more importantly, how to avoid them: • Relying too heavily on the skills that earned the promotion • Mistaking activity for effectiveness • Avoiding the human side of leadership • Filling every moment instead of creating space to think • Failing to intentionally design how teams work together But this episode goes deeper than tactics. It challenges leaders to rethink how they show up, how they listen, and how they understand the people they lead. From tools like the Enneagram to concepts like “getting on the balcony,” Stephanie offers practical and transformative insights to help leaders build trust, clarity, and high-performing teams. If you’re stepping into leadership or developing the next generation of leaders in your organization, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Watch or listen now on YouTube, Podbean, or Substack. #NonprofitLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitEdge #Management #TeamBuilding #LeadershipGrowth

What if the biggest barrier to fundraising success isn’t donors… but what’s happening inside your organization? In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Randall Hallett, CEO and founder of Hallett Philanthropy, to explore a powerful leadership concept that many nonprofit leaders overlook: the role of the Chief Political Officer (CPO). And no, this has nothing to do with partisan politics. Randall explains that successful fundraising often depends on something far less visible than donor strategy. It depends on internal alignment, trust, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate the power dynamics inside nonprofit organizations. Drawing from decades of experience as a chief philanthropy officer and advisor to nonprofit leaders across the country, Randall shares why fundraising leaders must learn to operate as diplomats within their organizations. In this conversation, Chris and Randall explore: • Why fundraising struggles are often caused by internal misalignment, not donor behavior • The critical role of diplomacy and relationship building inside executive teams • Why strategy and philanthropy must move at the same speed • How internal politics and power dynamics shape fundraising outcomes • The importance of educating CEOs and executive teams about how philanthropy actually works • How nonprofit leaders can build alignment with finance, strategy, and operations teams • Why small internal wins often lead to major fundraising success over time Randall also shares practical leadership insights on navigating disagreement, building trust across departments, and helping nonprofit leaders rethink their role in advancing fundraising from the inside out. If you are a CEO, executive director, chief development officer, or nonprofit leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about fundraising leadership and organizational influence. Watch the full episode to discover why the most effective fundraising leaders often serve as the Chief Political Officer inside their organizations.

When Bad Things Happen to Good Organizations: Crisis Communications for Nonprofits In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Rebecca Hall, President and CEO of Idea Hall, to explore one of the most challenging realities nonprofit leaders face: navigating a crisis. Whether it is an unexpected leadership transition, a reputational challenge, a funding disruption, or a serious internal issue, moments of crisis test the strength, clarity, and values of an organization. How leaders communicate during those moments often determines whether trust is strengthened or permanently damaged. Rebecca Hall has spent her career guiding organizations through complex communications challenges, helping leaders respond with clarity, compassion, and credibility. In this practical and insightful conversation, she shares how nonprofit leaders can prepare for crises before they happen and how to respond effectively when the unexpected occurs. In this episode, you will learn: • What actually qualifies as a crisis in a nonprofit context • Why silence during a crisis often creates more suspicion than clarity • The critical role of legal counsel in shaping communications strategy • How to approach the first 24–48 hours after a crisis emerges • Why internal stakeholders, especially staff and board members, must be prioritized • How values based leadership can guide communication in moments of intense public scrutiny • Why proactive preparation, including a crisis playbook, can dramatically improve response Rebecca also discusses the growing challenge of misinformation, the speed at which narratives can spread online, and why proactive media monitoring has become essential for modern nonprofit leadership. Crisis is never convenient. But with the right preparation, clarity of values, and strong communication practices, organizations can emerge stronger and more trusted than before. If you lead a nonprofit, serve on a board, or work in development or communications, this conversation offers practical guidance that every mission driven organization should understand.

The Nonprofit Edge | Best Practices in Strategic Planning for Nonprofits Guest: Rebecca Alvarez, Co-Founder and Principal, NP Strategies Strategic planning is one of the most important responsibilities of nonprofit leadership. Yet too often, plans are created with great enthusiasm and then quietly shelved. In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, Chris Looney sits down with Rebecca Alvarez to explore what actually makes a strategic plan effective and why so many fail to gain traction. Rebecca challenges the idea that a strategic plan should simply be a detailed to-do list. Instead, she reframes it as a clear direction, a shared vision, and a decision-making framework that guides leaders through uncertainty. In this conversation, you will learn: Why many strategic plans fail before implementation even begins The difference between a task list and true strategic direction How to determine the right number of organizational priorities The role of the board versus staff in planning and execution Why clarity and simplicity matter more than length How to balance aspiration with organizational capacity Why three-year plans are often more effective than five-year roadmaps How to build a culture that sees the plan as a living guide rather than a rigid checklist Rebecca also shares powerful insights for executive directors and CEOs about asking the right questions before the planning process even begins. If your organization is approaching a new planning cycle or struggling to activate a current plan, this episode offers practical guidance that will help you think differently about strategy. Subscribe, share with your board chair or leadership team, and continue strengthening your nonprofit edge.

Reclaim Your Agency | Self Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders with Janine McClintock Nonprofit leadership is demanding. Budgets shift. Staff transitions happen. Expectations rise. In the middle of all that pressure, there is still one thing you always have: the ability to choose your next move. In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, Chris Looney sits down with Janine McClintock, founder of J9 Leading Solutions and author of Stir It Up, to explore the power of agency. Janine defines agency in practical terms: your capacity to choose your response, even when you cannot control your circumstances. Through real stories and actionable tools, she shares how leaders can shift from urgency and reactivity to clarity and intention. You will learn: • The difference between agency and control • How leaders unintentionally forfeit their power • The “Power of Three” framework for building team accountability • How to recognize when you are operating from fear, habit, or choice • Simple daily self coaching questions to strengthen confidence and alignment • Why reclaiming agency unlocks possibility If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or reactive in your leadership, this conversation will help you reset. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that sharpen your leadership edge. 👉 Share this episode with another leader who needs it.

The Nonprofit Edge: Kyle Houlton on Preparing Leaders Before They Manage People** Too many nonprofit professionals find themselves placed into management roles without the training, support, or preparation they need to succeed. In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, Chris Looney sits down with Kyle Houlton, CEO of Covenant Philanthropic Solutions, to unpack why this continues to happen and how organizations can change the pattern. Kyle reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy and explains why people management is a completely different discipline from being an individual contributor. The episode dives into core leadership competencies, overlooked risks, the value of early equipping, and the training models that help rising leaders succeed. Listeners will come away with a clear and practical set of ideas for improving leadership development inside their organizations. Topics include: • The leadership gap facing the sector • Why strong performers are often promoted too soon • What happens when managers learn on the job without support • Skills and mindsets emerging leaders need before they supervise others • Practical ways to train and develop future managers • The power of mentorship and structured support • How board members can strengthen leadership development through shared expertise A helpful and hopeful conversation for anyone committed to building stronger teams and healthier organizations.

In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, Chris Looney welcomes Howard Pearl, CEO of CARS, a nonprofit social enterprise that supports nearly 11,000 organizations nationwide through vehicle, real estate, and asset donation programs. Howard shares how his career evolved from entrepreneurship and global business leadership into nonprofit management, and how CARS became a mission-aligned enterprise designed to help other nonprofits thrive. The discussion explores revenue diversification, high-ROI fundraising models, operational efficiency, and the importance of technology and automation in scaling impact. Listeners will also hear Howard’s candid perspective on why nonprofits should embrace enterprise thinking, overcome discomfort around revenue generation, and invest in systems that support long-term sustainability. A practical and thought-provoking conversation for nonprofit leaders focused on growth, innovation, and financial resilience.

Choosing the right investment advisor is one of the most important and least understood decisions nonprofit leaders face. In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney is joined by Michael Skillman, Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors, to break down how nonprofits can lead a smart, confident investment counsel search without needing to be investment experts. Michael walks listeners through what to do before, during, and after an advisor search, with a focus on clarity, governance, and long-term mission protection rather than chasing short-term performance. This conversation is especially helpful for executive directors, CEOs, and senior nonprofit leaders with limited investment background who want to make sound decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Key Takeaways • Why most nonprofits react to investment searches instead of planning them • How to clarify the role investments play in supporting mission outcomes • The importance of defining success beyond just returns • Why governance and investment policy matter more than hiring a big-name firm • What questions to ask advisors and what red flags to avoid • What a healthy, long-term advisor relationship should look like 🎧 Listen to remember this simple truth: you do not need to be an investment professional to lead this process well.

Mergers & Acquisitions in the Nonprofit Sector: A Conversation with Tim Davis of Glick Davis & Associates In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Tim Davis, President of Glick Davis & Associates, to explore one of the most misunderstood and transformative topics in nonprofit leadership: mergers and acquisitions. Tim draws on more than two decades of experience helping organizations navigate complex transitions with both strategy and humanity. Together, Chris and Tim unpack: Why mergers and alliances are becoming more common across the nonprofit landscape How leaders can tell the difference between a short-term financial fix and a true long-term strategy The human side of mergers—trust, culture, and communication What a well-run merger process really looks like, from early conversations to board approval and implementation How partnerships can preserve mission, protect staff, and expand community impact Whether you’re leading a nonprofit that’s thriving, struggling, or simply evolving, this episode will help you think differently about collaboration, sustainability, and the future of impact. 🎧 Subscribe to The Nonprofit Edge wherever you get your podcasts. 💡 If conversations like this help you lead better, connect with the community shaping the future of the sector at Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership.

In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Chad Paris, CEO and Creative Director of Parisleaf, to unpack one of the most misunderstood elements of major fundraising efforts: campaign communications. Whether your organization is planning a billion-dollar university campaign, a hospital expansion, or a large-scale nonprofit initiative, how you tell your story matters. Chad shares how powerful communications can unify people around a common vision, inspire donor confidence, and transform campaigns from transactional to transformational. Together, Chris and Chad explore: Why campaign communications are the heartbeat of a successful fundraising effort How to integrate communications early in campaign planning—ideally during readiness and feasibility studies The value of co-creation and collaboration between fundraising counsel and creative partners How to balance institutional and campaign branding for consistency and inspiration The power of authentic storytelling that connects the head and the heart Strategies to maintain momentum and keep communications fresh through long campaigns How AI and new tools are shaping the future of nonprofit storytelling This is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and communicators preparing to launch or strengthen a major campaign. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to build alignment, spark emotion, and tell the story that will move your donors to act.

The Nonprofit Edge: Growth Mindset, Culture, and Team Alignment with Stuart Wachs In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney sits down with Stuart Wachs, Founder and CEO of Impact Group, to explore what it truly takes to lead and grow a thriving nonprofit in today’s complex environment. Stuart shares insights on cultivating a growth mindset, building a strong organizational culture, and aligning teams around a shared vision of impact. Drawing from his experience leading large nonprofit organizations and advising executive teams across the country, Stuart offers practical strategies for balancing mission with operational excellence — treating a nonprofit like a business without losing sight of purpose. Tune in to learn how mindset, culture, and alignment can transform not just your organization’s results, but the experience of everyone who’s part of it. 🎧 Listen now to gain actionable leadership lessons and inspiration for your own journey in nonprofit leadership.

Most nonprofit organizations are leaving transformational gifts on the table… and they don’t even realize it. In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, Chris sits down with Dave Smith, one of the leading voices in philanthropic strategy and gift planning, to challenge how we think about fundraising at its core. This is not a conversation about planned giving as you know it. It is a masterclass in rethinking the entire approach to donor engagement, strategy, and long-term impact. Dave introduces a powerful distinction between planned giving and true gift planning and shows why this shift is the key to unlocking significantly larger, more meaningful gifts. Instead of waiting for donors to raise their hand, he outlines how organizations can proactively engage donors of all ages in conversations that align their values, assets, and aspirations. The result? Stronger relationships. Smarter strategy. And dramatically increased philanthropic impact. You’ll hear: • Why most fundraising strategies unintentionally limit donor potential • How to move from transactional asks to transformational conversations • The critical role of non-cash assets in unlocking major gifts • How to identify and engage the right donors at the right time • What it takes to build a truly collaborative, organization-wide approach to fundraising • A remarkable real-world story of a $50,000 gift becoming a $1M commitment Perhaps most importantly, this episode reframes the role of the fundraiser. Not as someone asking for money, but as someone helping donors answer deeper questions: How much is enough? What impact do I want to have? And how do I align my resources with what matters most? If you want to elevate your fundraising strategy, deepen donor relationships, and unlock the full potential of your organization’s impact, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.

What if the future of nonprofit finance isn’t about doing more with less… but doing less of what slows you down? In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, I sit down with Neil Shah, Founder of Altruva.ai and a seasoned nonprofit CFO who has worked alongside more than 100 organizations, to unpack one of the most important shifts happening in our sector right now. This is not a conversation about hype. It’s a practical, grounded look at how AI is reshaping nonprofit finance and what leaders need to do today to stay ahead. Neil brings a rare combination of deep financial expertise and forward-thinking innovation to help answer questions every nonprofit leader should be asking: • How can AI reduce the manual burden on already stretched finance teams? • Where are the immediate, practical wins that can save time and improve accuracy? • What are the real risks and how should organizations think about data security and governance? • How do you begin adopting AI without overwhelming your team or compromising your mission? Perhaps most importantly, this episode reframes AI not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to elevate human capacity. When used well, it allows leaders to spend less time reconciling spreadsheets and more time making strategic decisions that drive impact. If you care about efficiency, sustainability, and the long-term strength of your organization, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Watch or listen to the full episode on YouTube, Podbean, or Substack. #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitEdge #AIforGood #NonprofitFinance #Leadership #Innovation

Interim Leadership: A Strategic Bridge for Nonprofits in Transition Leadership transitions are some of the most vulnerable moments for nonprofit organizations. When an executive leader departs, organizations are often tempted to rush into a replacement hire. But what if the better answer is to pause? In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge Podcast, I sit down with Jeffrey Wilcox, CEO of Third Sector Company and founder of the Interim Executives Academy, to explore the powerful role of interim executive leadership. Jeffrey has helped more than 900 nonprofit organizations across 40 states navigate leadership transitions. His work focuses on helping organizations stabilize during moments of uncertainty while also preparing them for stronger leadership in the future. One of the most compelling insights from our conversation is that interim leaders are not substitutes or placeholders. Instead, they serve as bridge builders who help organizations move thoughtfully from their past into their future. In our conversation, Jeffrey explains: • Why interim leadership is often misunderstood in the nonprofit sector • The difference between crisis interims and strategic capacity building interims • The leadership traits that make interim executives successful • How interim leaders stabilize organizations during difficult transitions • Why development and fundraising departments often benefit from interim leadership • How nonprofits can build a culture of succession planning Jeffrey also offers a powerful reflection on leadership itself. Some leaders thrive in long-term roles, while others are uniquely suited for short-term “emergency room” leadership environments where organizations need rapid stabilization and clarity. For nonprofit leaders and board members navigating leadership transitions, this conversation offers important perspective on how interim leadership can strengthen organizations during pivotal moments.

How can nonprofits create deeper, more meaningful relationships with donors in a world filled with communication noise and shrinking attention spans? In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge Podcast, host Chris Looney sits down with Jeff Kliewer, founder of ViewSpark, to explore how fundraisers can move beyond transactional giving and create transformational donor relationships. Jeff shares insights from his 30 years in fundraising and discusses how simple, authentic communication can dramatically improve donor engagement, retention, and giving. The conversation highlights why donors crave validation and authenticity, why short real-time updates can be more powerful than polished campaigns, and how nonprofits can leverage technology without losing the human connection. One of Jeff’s most memorable insights is that donors are looking for “snacks,” short, authentic updates that show the impact of their giving and bring them closer to the mission. In this conversation, you will learn: • The difference between transactional and transformational donor relationships • Why authenticity and validation are essential for donor engagement • How short, real-time video updates can strengthen donor connections • Why fundraisers often overthink communication with donors • How technology can help scale personal engagement without becoming impersonal • The importance of showing donors the real impact of their gifts • Practical ways to engage mid-level donors more effectively • How AI and emerging technology may shape the future of donor engagement Jeff also shares powerful stories about how simple videos, imperfect and unscripted, have helped organizations raise thousands of dollars and deepen donor relationships. If you are a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or development professional looking to strengthen donor engagement and build lasting relationships, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Learn more about Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership: https://fulcrumleader.com Subscribe for more conversations with nonprofit leaders and sector experts.

In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, host Chris Looney welcomes Nathan Chappell for a wide ranging and deeply practical conversation about artificial intelligence, leadership, and the future of philanthropy. Nathan, Chief AI Officer at Virtuous and co author of The Generosity Crisis and Nonprofit AI, has been exploring AI in the nonprofit sector since long before it was mainstream. In this conversation, he explains why leaders can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines. Key highlights from this episode: • Why the “generosity crisis” and the reality of fewer donors giving more demand a new approach • The difference between predictive AI and generative AI, and why both matter for nonprofit strategy • How AI is already transforming fundraising through smarter donor identification, engagement based modeling, and personalized stewardship • Why wealth alone is a weak predictor of giving, and what AI reveals about alignment and engagement • Practical ways leaders can use AI as a thought partner to improve strategy, brainstorming, performance reviews, job descriptions, and more • The surprising emotional and productivity benefits leaders experience when using AI as a collaborative tool • Why curiosity is the defining leadership trait in an AI powered future, and how to build a culture that encourages experimentation • Real world examples of nonprofits using AI creatively and ethically to amplify mission impact • The importance of AI governance, acceptable use guidelines, and keeping humans in the loop • Common barriers to adoption, including fear, fatigue, and resistance to change, and how forward thinking organizations are overcoming them Nathan challenges leaders to stop viewing AI as a novelty or threat and instead see it as a strategic lever for mission advancement. He makes the case that the organizations thriving today are not necessarily spending more money on technology. They are changing the way they think. Whether you are exploring AI for the first time or looking to scale your organization’s capabilities, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a roadmap for leading with insight in an age of exponential change. Listen in and discover how to position your organization on the right side of the digital divide and at the forefront of nonprofit leadership.

Welcome to The Nonprofit Edge: A Podcast to Promote Purpose in Practice. Each week The Nonprofit Edge features an extraordinary individual that provides valuable and impactful services, helping to transform the capabilities of their nonprofit clients. Join us as we explore a variety of topics, all vital to the success of nonprofit organizations. Learn and grow from the experience and expertise of our featured guests. This week The Nonprofit Edge features Sarah Agee, President of Sterling Search, Inc. The discussion provides an overview of the top 10 best practices for Nonprofit Executive Search. Whether you choose to work with an executive search firm or plan to hire talent on your own, you won't want to miss this conversation. Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership, the producer of this webinar series, exists to raise up the most effective nonprofit leaders and we invite you to learn more by visiting us on the web at www.fulcrumleader.com.