Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

In this episode, Mary discusses ten characteristics you want to consider when you're looking for a mentor. Mary has over 40 years experience in the nonprofit sector: 26 as an executive and 18 as a board member. She knows your day-to-day challenges first hand and brings experience and expertise to help you have the greatest possible impact. Be sure to follow Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   You can get your free guide: How to Engage Your Board in Fundraising by going to https://hilandconsulting.org/boardfundraising Mary's book is available on Amazon or wherever books are sold: Love Your Board! The Executive Directors' Guide to Discovering the Sources of Nonprofit Board Troubles and What to Do About Them. Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that, and follow us, on Facebook. To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to: Hiland Consulting Connect with Mary! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhiland Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Facebook Group: https://tinyurl.com/inspirednonprofitleadership Website: https://www.hilandconsulting.org/ Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilandconsulting

In this episode, we welcome Rebecca Tolbert, a mental health therapist and ADHD coach specializing in ADHD in women. Rebecca shares her expertise on managing ADHD through practical, actionable strategies and philosophical approaches. She discusses the importance of sleep, nutrition, hydration, and sensory grounding techniques to help improve executive functioning and emotional regulation. The episode also dives into how ADHD presents differently in women and provides guidance for adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis. Rebecca emphasizes the value of understanding and supporting team members with ADHD to maximize their potential in a nonprofit setting. Episode Highlights 01:36 Practical strategies for managing ADHD 02:32 Why basic needs matter for ADHD regulation 06:19 How ADHD shows up in women and leaders 19:43 Nervous system, stress, and emotional regulation 24:24 Practical, real-life tools for managing ADHD Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Rebecca Tolbert. Rebecca Tolbert, LICSW, is a mental health therapist and ADHD Coach who dives into the research and find practical, actionable ways to integrate wellness and healing. She specializes in ADHD in women (because she's a woman with ADHD) and loves to share her insights with everyone from schools to companies. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, toddler, and Braque Francais Connect with Rebecca: LinkedIn Website Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

If your budget feels like a set of handcuffs instead of a helpful tool, this episode is for you. I break down why so many nonprofits get stuck prioritizing the bottom line instead of smart financial decisions—and how to reframe your budget as a living financial plan that helps you invest, adapt, and create more impact as new opportunities emerge. Episode Highlights 00:27 The Importance of Aligning Strategy and Operations 01:13 Common Budgeting Pitfalls 02:18 Reframing Your Budget as a Financial Plan 03:23 Prioritizing Spending for Maximum Impact 07:39 Adapting to New Opportunities Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What does it really take to lead a values-driven nonprofit at scale—without losing your mission, your independence, or your sanity? In this episode, I sit down with Elyse Cherry, CEO of BlueHub Capital, to talk about long-term leadership, mission discipline, community-centered finance, and how great leaders keep asking better questions as their organizations grow. Episode Highlights 02:21 – How global travel shaped Elyse's leadership worldview 07:58 – Staying true to mission and values over decades 14:15 – Navigating financial partnerships without losing independence 19:49 – What systems change really looks like in practice 31:15 – Why nonprofit leaders must "look around the corner." My guest for this episode is Elyse Cherry. Elyse Cherry is the CEO of BlueHub Capital, where she has led the organization since 1997. Under her leadership, BlueHub has invested more than $3.2 billion to support affordable housing, health centers, schools, clean energy, foreclosure prevention, and community wealth-building initiatives nationwide. She is also President of Managed Assets at Boston Community Venture Fund, Aura Mortgage Advisors, and NSP Residential. A former partner at WilmerHale, Elyse is an attorney with deep experience in real estate finance and community development. She is an active civic leader, serving on the boards of Wellesley College, Eastern Bank, and The Boston Foundation, and has been widely recognized for her leadership, including honors from the White House, the Boston Business Journal, and the Financial Times. Connect with Elyse: Website: https://bluehubcapital.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluehubcapital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluehubcapital/ X: https://twitter.com/BlueHubCapital Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Delegating tasks keeps you busy. Delegating outcomes changes everything. In this episode, I break down the real difference between assigning work and asking someone to own a result—and why outcome ownership requires agreement, trust, and the right match between people and responsibility. If scaling still feels heavy, this is why. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: The Managerial Dilemma 00:10 Task Proficiency vs. Leadership Skills 00:21 The Side Benefits 00:24 Common Challenges in Management 00:28 Aspiring Leaders in Organizations Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if your podcast became your most effective relationship-building tool? In this episode, I'm joined by Jeremy Weiss, who breaks down how nonprofits can use podcasting to connect with their Dream 200—donors, referral partners, and champions—by leading with generosity and creating real ROI. Episode Highlights 01:19 Jeremy's background and journey 05:41 The power of podcasting for relationships 11:30 Building relationships through giving 17:12 Asking better, open-ended questions 26:58 Active listening, follow-up, and human connection 35:31 Connecting and engaging meaningfully on LinkedIn Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Dr. Jeremy Weisz   Dr. Jeremy Weisz has been featuring top entrepreneurs with video interviews since 2008. The interviews include founders/CEO's of Pixar, P90X, Atari, Zappier, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Kettle Chips, RX Bars, Big League Chew, the Orlando Magic, and many more on www.InspiredInsider.com, and he shares the interviews with over 225K social media followers and email subscribers.   He runs Rise25, where they help B2B businesses connect to their 'Dream 200' clients and referral partners, and get ROI, using a podcast. They eliminate 99% of the work and make sure you get ROI. Rise25 is an easy button for you to launch and run your podcast.   Podcasting has been one of the best things I've done both personally and professionally. It's been an amazing tool for connecting with referral partners, strategic partners, clients, and more. Podcasting is like a "Swiss Army knife" because it is business development, referral marketing, strategic partnerships, lead generation, SEO, content creation, personal & professional development, all in one Connect with Dr. Jeremy: www.Rise25.coAbout - Rise 25m/about/ Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Procrastination isn't a character flaw—it's data. In this training, Sarah Olivieri shares how to turn "I can't make myself do it" into a practical clue about what needs to change: your expectations, the size of the task, or whether it even belongs on your plate. You'll learn a simple mindset shift (Wabi-Sabi procrastination), how the Four Tendencies can explain your patterns, and a few quick ways to redesign work so you actually get it done—without forcing yourself to become a different person. Episode Highlights 01:13 Today's Topic: Positive Procrastination 01:32 Personal Procrastination Story 03:21 Understanding Procrastination 06:19 The Four Tendencies Framework 08:38 Breaking Down Tasks 10:43 Delegation and Zone of Genius Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with.   As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What if nonprofits weren't just backstops for broken systems—but laboratories for building better ones? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Pierre Berastain, CEO of the Safe Alliance in Austin, Texas, for a powerful conversation about systems change, abundance, and coherence in nonprofit leadership. Drawing from his lived experience, global work, and frontline leadership in domestic and sexual violence services, Pierre shares how nonprofits can move from constant crisis response to designing humane, effective systems that truly help communities thrive. Episode Highlights 01:16 Meet Dr. Pierre Berastain 05:26 Understanding Systems Change 09:19 Nonprofits as Civic Laboratories 15:06 Fundraising, ROI, and Real Financial Impact 21:39 Flipping the Script: From Scarcity to Abundance My guest for this episode is Dr. Pierre Berastaín. Dr. Pierre R. Berastaín is a leader whose life and work sit at the intersection of justice, healing, and systems transformation. Pierre is the CEO of The SAFE Alliance in Austin, Texas—one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive organizations supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, trafficking, and child abuse. What makes Pierre's leadership so powerful isn't just his résumé, though it's extensive. He has led a global nonprofit, co-founded national centers on domestic violence and systems change, expanded housing systems for survivors in Washington, D.C., and directed Harvard University's efforts to respond to interpersonal harm. But beneath all of that is a personal story: Pierre immigrated from Peru in 1998 and lived undocumented for 14 years. That experience of living between systems, often unprotected by them, continues to shape his belief that safety, dignity, and belonging must be intentionally built through community, courage, and collective imagination. Connect with Dr. Pierre: @safeatx on all platforms. SAFE's website: https://www.safeaustin.org/ Pierre's personal website: https://pierreberastain.com/   Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Burnout doesn't usually announce itself—it sneaks in through exhaustion, distraction, and that constant feeling of carrying too much. In this episode, I break down how to spot burnout early, why it hurts your organization (not just you), how boards can unintentionally make it worse, and what actually helps leaders recover—without adding more to your plate. Episode Highlights 01:16 Recognizing Burnout in Nonprofit Leadership 02:44 The Impact of Burnout on Organizations 03:55 Board's Role in Preventing Burnout 05:44 Strategies to Overcome Burnout 07:13 Self-Care and Community Support Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Burnout doesn't usually come from caring too much. It comes from carrying too much for too long. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Melanie Gray to talk about trauma-informed leadership, nervous system overload, and how nonprofit leaders can respond to stress with clarity instead of reactivity. We unpack how to spot burnout early, set real boundaries, and build cultures of care that support both your people and your mission without pretending yoga fixes everything. Episode Highlights 02:28 Dr. Gray's background and personal story 05:07 What trauma-informed care really means 08:54 Stress and burnout in nonprofit leadership 10:43 Setting boundaries and managing capacity 20:49 Building a trauma-informed nonprofit culture Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Dr. Melanie Gray   Dr. Melanie Gray is a PhD-prepared nurse, educator, and trauma-informed leadership consultant with more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and higher education. She specializes in helping mission-driven leaders prevent burnout, lead with emotional integrity, and create cultures of care that sustain both people and purpose.   Grounded in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and systems thinking, Dr. Gray translates complex research on stress, the nervous system, and emotional labor into practical tools nonprofit leaders can use in real time. Her work bridges theory and practice—offering evidence-informed strategies that honor human limits while advancing organizational impact.   Drawing on her background in nursing leadership, curriculum design, and frontline experience in high-acuity environments, she equips leaders to recognize signs of nervous-system overload—in themselves and their teams—and to respond with clarity rather than reactivity. Her approach emphasizes that sustainable leadership begins with psychological safety, nervous-system regulation, and realistic boundaries at every level of the organization.   Through keynotes, workshops, and coaching, Dr. Gray teaches that caring for the caregivers is not a luxury—it is a strategic imperative for retention, innovation, and long-term mission success. During the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Gray will share actionable insights on: Leading on Fumes: Recognizing early warning signs of burnout and practical first steps to reverse the trend. Cultures of Care: How to embed trauma-informed principles into communication, supervision, and organizational norms.   Regulated Leadership: Simple, science-backed regulation tools that help leaders hold space for others without sacrificing their own well-being.   Connect with Dr. Melanie: https://www.facebook.com/melanie.gray.550422 https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniewellnesscoach/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577286124894 https://x.com/MelanietheRN https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelaniegray/ www.DrMelanieGrayTheConfidenceCoach.com Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What happens when lived experience, science, and nonprofit leadership collide? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eugene Manley, Jr. to discuss health equity, cancer care gaps, and what it truly takes to design programs that serve communities that have been overlooked for far too long. We explore how focus, intentionality, and listening to the people most impacted can turn complex equity challenges into meaningful, measurable action. Episode Highlights 02:32 Dr. Manley's Personal Journey and Inspiration 04:01 Challenges in the Hospital System 05:24 Launching the STEM and Cancer Equity Foundation 06:18 Addressing Health Disparities and Patient Advocacy 10:11 The Importance of Early Exposure to STEM 11:01 Navigating Academia and Nonprofit Work 11:57 The Lung Cancer Health Equity Summit 16:03 Fiscal Sponsorship for Nonprofits 19:46 Defining and Addressing Health Equity 22:03 Challenges in Lung Cancer Clinical Trials My guest for this episode is Dr. Eugene Manley, Jr., PhD, MS. Dr. Eugene Manley, Jr., PhD, MS, is a biomedical scientist-turned-social impact leader and the Founder & CEO of the STEMM & Cancer Health Equity (SCHEQ) Foundation. He brings 20+ years across engineering, molecular and cell biology, nonprofit strategy, and workforce development, with prior leadership at leading cancer organizations. He had worked in development at the AACR, grant system administration at LCRF, and directed national STEM and workforce initiatives and health equity initiatives at LUNGevity Foundation.   Through SCHEQ, he advances STEMM workforce diversity and patient-centered solutions across the cancer care continuum, producing health-literacy resources, convening cross-sector stakeholders, and leading the Lung Cancer Interventions Summit to drive practical, equity-focused outcomes for underserved communities. He serves on local, national, and international advisory boards advocating for Medicaid, rural, and historically marginalized patients. Dr. Manley serves on the Stony Brook Cancer Community Advisory Council, PCORI advisory panels focused on healthcare delivery and comparative clinical effectiveness, and has co-authored a perspective work with the American Cancer Society's National Lung Cancer Roundtable on compassion and stigma in lung cancer care. His lived experience, research background, outreach, and policy engagement inform a pragmatic approach to closing gaps in screening, biomarker testing, trial access, and survivorship. Connect with Dr. Eugene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenemanleyjrphd https://www.linkedin.com/company/stemmcheq https://www.facebook.com/stemmcheq https://www.instagram.com/stemmcheq https://www.instagram.com/manleyeugene Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Struggling to find great board members—and feeling stuck with the same advice that isn't working? Today's conversation is all about why board recruitment feels so hard (hint: it's not you) and what actually makes board service appealing to the right people. We'll reset what "skilled" really means, talk about the expectations that quietly scare good candidates away, and walk through practical ways to attract thoughtful, committed board members who can provide strong oversight without creating more work or drama. Episode Highlights 01:16 Struggling to Find Great Board Members? 02:03 Common Misconceptions About Board Members 03:50 Qualities of a Great Board Member 05:15 Making the Board Role More Attractive 06:49 Finding Potential Board Members 09:53 Effective Outreach Strategies 11:17 Building a Collaborative Board Culture Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Ever feel like decisions in your nonprofit take forever… or worse, no one knows who's actually supposed to make them? In this episode, I break down why unclear decision-making slows your organization to a crawl, how to fix confusion between staff and the board, and the simple tools that help teams move faster without chaos. If delays are costing you time, money, and client well-being, this one will bring some welcome clarity. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction and Funny Story 01:51 Today's Topic: Decision Making in Organizations 04:43 Clarifying Board Decision Making 07:53 Guiding Principles for Decision Making 11:23 Functions and Outcomes in Nonprofits 13:16 Heads and Hands Roles in Teams 16:30 Conclusion and Further Resources Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

If you've ever found yourself juggling way too many projects and somehow making less progress than ever, you're in the right place. In this training, I break down why overcommitment slows you down, how context switching quietly steals your entire workday, and the simple system I use to help nonprofit leaders reclaim time, reduce overwhelm, and actually finish what they start. Grab your coffee, breathe for a second, and let's untangle this mess together. Episode Highlights 02:17 The Problem with Overcommitting 03:11 Understanding Context Switching 05:01 The Impact of Anxiety on Productivity 06:48 The Impact Method: A Solution to Overcommitting 07:49 Implementing the Impact Method Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"?   Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money.   Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it.   She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with.   As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results.   Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

If major donor work keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list, you're not alone. In this episode, we dig into why getting started feels so darn hard, what's really behind the procrastination, and how to take simple, doable steps that actually build momentum. My guest, Lieve Hendren, brings years of experience helping nonprofits build mission-aligned donor relationships, and together we unpack how to move from "I know I should" to "I'm actually doing this… and it feels good." Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: The Best Time to Act is Now 00:09 The Importance of Diversifying Funding 00:16 Challenges in Implementing Strategies 00:21 Executive Directors' Dilemma 00:29 The Importance of Regular Strategy Conversations Meet the Guest My guest for this episode is Lieve. Lieve (lee-va) Hendren is an Executive Coach helping nonprofit leaders build mission-aligned relationships and launch or revitalize major donor programs. She's interviewed 420+ philanthropists and specializes in campaigns ranging from $8M to $400M. Author of The Joyful Flow Formula, Lieve shares a 3-step method to replace burnout with inspired productivity. She's worked with organizations like AdventHealth Foundation, Chicago Public Schools, Coca-Cola, and Save the Sound, and was part of the founding team at Predata, later acquired by FiscalNote. Lieve holds a degree from Princeton, is a certified coach, and is pursuing a master's in neuroscience of mental health at King's College London. Connect with Lieve: Website: https://lievehendren.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lievehendren/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lhendren Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lieve.hendren Book Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTD8CBD4 Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!   Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

If you've ever felt confused about OKRs—or wondered why they seem helpful in theory but clunky in practice—this episode is for you. I break down what OKRs were supposed to do, why the language trips people up, and a clearer way to plan your goals by separating what you can control from what you can't. You'll walk away with a simple, practical framework for setting outcomes, actions, and metrics that actually move your mission forward. Episode Highlights 01:16 Introduction to OKRs 01:44 Understanding OKRs 04:35 Critique of OKRs 06:04 Improving OKRs Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Ever wish your team would stop handing every decision back to you? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Levy to talk about building self-reliant teams, simplifying processes, and unlocking the hidden potential inside your organization. Lisa breaks down how to reduce chaos, boost confidence, and tap into the full brainpower of your staff—without adding more meetings or more stress. If you've ever dreamed of a team that can actually run things without you hovering, this is the episode to hit play on. Episode Highlights 02:01 Networking and leadership challenges 03:05 Lean Six Sigma and the Adaptive Transformation Framework 09:47 Building self-reliant teams 16:01 The Innovation Engine concept 19:43 Spotting and developing emerging leaders 24:11 Process improvement wins and fixes My guest for this episode is Lisa L. Levy. Lisa L. Levy is a dynamic business strategist, best-selling author, and founder of Lcubed Consulting, where for over 16 years she has helped visionary founders and leadership teams scale with confidence and agility. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Project Management Professional, Lisa's work focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology to eliminate chaos and drive sustainable impact.   Her proprietary Adaptive Transformation™ Framework has helped thousands of organizations boost productivity and foster self-reliant teams. A #1 best-selling author of Future Proofing Cubed, Lisa is also the host of the "Disrupt and Innovate" podcast and has been recognized as one of the Best Women Leaders of 2021. She brings over two decades of expertise across sectors—including nonprofits—to help mission-driven organizations thrive in an ever-changing world. Connect with Lisa: Website: https://lisallevy.com/ Consulting: https://lcubedconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisallevy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lcubedconsulting Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Budgets shouldn't feel like punishment math. In this episode, I break down how to use the Jobs to Be Done framework to make your budget actually useful. You'll learn why budgets should change as you learn, how to stop obsessing over budget-vs-actuals, and how to build a financial tool that shows what really matters: what things cost, what results you're getting, and where to invest for the biggest impact. Episode Highlights 01:46 Understanding the Jobs to Be Done Framework 02:44 Evaluating Budget Effectiveness 07:21 Re-envisioning Financial Tools 12:00 Practical Budgeting Tips Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

What happens when nonprofit leaders stop chasing every idea and start focusing on simplicity, clarity, and what really matters? In this episode, we dig into how to cut through the noise, strengthen your operations, and lead with purpose—without overcomplicating your mission. You'll learn why scaling often means doing less, how to rethink old constraints, and what it really takes to build an organization that thrives for the long haul. Episode Highlights 01:15 Meet Eric Newman: A Story of Resilience and Purpose 03:05 The Power of Storytelling in Nonprofits 06:38 Building Rock Solid Foundation: From Zero to Millions 10:39 Overcoming Nonprofit Constraints and Myths 18:16 The Journey of Building a Team 18:52 Overcoming Financial Challenges 19:56 The Importance of Vision and Scalability 27:41 The Power of Simplicity in Scaling 31:21 Focusing on the Mission My guest for this episode is Eric Newman. Eric's story of turning life's toughest challenges into a passion project has touched the lives of thousands. Eric Newman is a pediatric cancer survivor and founder of Roc Solid Foundation, a nonprofit that brings joy to kids fighting cancer by building playsets and delivering hospital-ready bags to families. Since 2009, Roc Solid has partnered with 160+ hospitals and served over 4,500 families. Eric is the bestselling author of What Hope Looks Like, host of the Success and Significance podcast, and a sought-after speaker on purpose-driven leadership. His story has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and in a short film about his journey.   Connect with Eric: Instagram: @theericnewman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theericnewman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-newman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theericnewman Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Tired of scrambling to keep up with donors? You're not alone. In this episode, I break down how to build consistent, meaningful donor communication without adding more overwhelm to your plate. You'll learn why simple, frequent updates matter more than perfectly polished newsletters, how to engage supporters weekly in a way that feels natural, and when it might be time to increase staff capacity so donor relationships don't fall through the cracks. If you want stronger retention and deeper donor loyalty, this one's for you. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Donor Communication 00:28 The Importance of Consistent Donor Follow-Up 02:07 Increasing Capacity for Donor Communication 03:52 Effective Donor Communication Strategies 04:58 Simple Ways to Engage with Donors 06:55 Leveraging Staff Meetings for Content 10:06 Conclusion: Mastering Weekly Communications Resource The Board Clarity Club A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible. Learn More >> About Your Host Have you seen Casino Royale? That moment when Vespa slides in elegantly, opposite James, all charming smile, razor-sharp wit and mighty brainpower, and says, "I'm the money"? Well, your host, Sarah Olivieri has been likened to Vespa by one of her clients – not just because she's charming, beautiful and brainy– but because that bold statement "I'm the money" was, as it turned out, right ON the money. Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it. She's brought nonprofits back from the brink of insolvency. She's averted major cash-flow crises, solved funding droughts, board conflicts and everything in between… and so she has literally become "the money" for many of the organizations she works with. As the former director of 3 nonprofits and founder of 5 for-profit businesses, she understands, deeply, the challenges and complexities facing organizations and she's created a framework, called The Impact Method®️, which can help you simplify operations, build aligned teams and make a bigger impact without getting overwhelmed or burning out – and Every. Single. One. Of her clients that have implemented her methodologies have achieved the most incredible results. Sarah is also a #1 international bestselling author, holds a BA from the University of Chicago with a focus on globalization and its effect on marginalized cultures, and a master's degree in Humanistic and Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz. Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.