Leadership Matters

Join us as we continue this month's series on "Emotional Intelligence" with special guest Kevin Walsh. What separates a good leader from a great one? It's not strategy. It's not credentials. It's self-awareness. This week on Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors, we sit down with a senior executive who has walked the halls of organizational power — and learned that the most important work a leader does is the inner work. This week our guest is Kevin Walsh. Kevin spent 43 years in child welfare, mental health and the juvenile justice system in the state of New York. Kevin has coached and developed leaders across industries, helping them name what they feel, manage what they carry, and connect in ways that transform culture. If you lead people — or aspire to — this conversation will challenge you, equip you, and remind you that emotional intelligence isn't soft. It's the hardest skill you'll ever develop. Tune in to Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard—Informing leaders. Inspiring Solutions!

What separates good leaders from great ones isn't always found in a strategic plan — it lives in the space between how you see yourself and how others experience you. It's the capacity to read a room before you speak, to stay grounded when the pressure is on, and to draw out the best in the people you lead. That's Emotional Intelligence — and it remains one of the most powerful, and most overlooked, competencies in leadership today.

Tune into Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors' co-hosts' roundtable discussion on leadership and emotional intelligence. This episode explores how leadership and emotional intelligence intersect to shape trust, culture, and performance. Through a grounded conversation on self‑awareness, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, we look at why technical skill alone isn't enough for modern leaders. The discussion highlights practical ways leaders can read a room, regulate their own reactions, build psychological safety, and make decisions that balance clarity with compassion. Listeners will come away with a clearer sense of how emotionally intelligent leadership strengthens teams, reduces friction, and creates environments where people can do their best work. You don't want to miss the collaborative knowledge sharing discussion with Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard. Leadership Matters: Informing leaders. Inspiring solutions!

What does it really mean to be a visionary leader? In this episode, we sit down with John Jeanetta, President and CEO of Heartland Family Service — an organization that has strengthened individuals and families across the Nebraska community since 1875 — to explore visionary leadership in all its forms. From the Transformational leader who dismantles the status quo, to the Strategic thinker who positions their organization ahead of the curve, to the Inspirational communicator who turns a mission into a movement — John brings each of these dimensions to life through the lens of real leadership in one of the region's most impactful human services organizations. We'll also explore the Innovative visionary who sees opportunity where others see obstacles, the Adaptive leader who holds the vision steady when circumstances shift, and the Social and Ethical visionary who leads with conscience and advocates for lasting change far beyond the bottom line. Whether you lead a nonprofit, a corporation, or a community, this conversation will challenge you to examine your own leadership lens — and remind you that the greatest leaders don't simply embody one of these types. They know when to draw from all of them.

Want to learn more about becoming or supporting others in becoming a visionary leader? Tune into Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors' co-hosts roundtable discussion on visionary leadership. You don't want to miss the collaborative knowledge sharing discussion with Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard. Leadership Matters: Informing leaders. Inspiring solutions!

Visionary nonprofit leaders see beyond today's crises to create lasting change. The sector faces urgent challenges: half of all nonprofit leaders are nearing retirement, and many organizations operate on less than three months of reserves. Visionary leaders navigate these immediate pressures while building for the future. These leaders don't just protect what exists—they create sustainable organizations through strong systems, developing emerging leaders, and forming strategic partnerships that expand their impact. True visionary leadership connects three essential pillars: mission, financial health, and leadership continuity. When these work together, communities continue to be served with excellence for years to come. In this episode, we'll explore what visionary leadership actually means in the nonprofit sector with our special guest, Claude Robinson, Founder and President of Onyx Strategic Partners. We'll discuss the core principles that define visionary leadership and how leaders can develop them.

Join Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard—The People's Doctors—for an unfiltered year-in-review that confronts the leadership crises no one wants to discuss. Now, the three hosts turn the microscope on themselves and each other, asking the uncomfortable questions that emerged from the 2025 episodes of Leadership Matters. The People's Doctors confront 2025's hardest leadership truths: Why 70% of nonprofits lack succession plans, what "keeping the doors open" really costs, and which crisis innovations will actually stick. Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard challenge each other—and you—to face what the nonprofit sector has been avoiding. Your 2026 readiness starts here.

Are today's constraints forcing the innovation nonprofits should have embraced years ago? Crisis pushed obvious changes—digital delivery, remote work, cross-sector partnerships—that the "old normal" resisted. Now organizations report that resource limitations actually revealed more effective operating models.   This isn't just crisis management anymore. While navigating workforce shortages and funding volatility, nonprofit leaders are questioning fundamental assumptions and reimagining their organizations entirely. Is this Nonprofit 3.0—where executives who mastered crisis response now apply those lessons to intentional transformation?   The critical question: Can nonprofits sustain and scale innovations born from necessity, or will they revert to old patterns? The answer determines whether this moment becomes a true sector transformation or just another survival story. Just exactly how does the nonprofit define success?   Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard—Informing leaders. Inspiring Solutions!

In this essential episode, we dive deep into one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of organizational sustainability—succession planning. From an HR perspective, we explore how strategic succession planning goes far beyond simply filling vacant positions to become a cornerstone of organizational resilience and growth.  We will examine why 70% of organizations lack formal succession plans despite recognizing leadership transitions as a top risk factor, and how HR can champion this vital initiative. Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard—Informing leaders. Inspiring Solutions!

Succession planning is a rich topic that touches on leadership, legacy, strategy, and organizational resilience. In this episode, we dive into the critical yet often overlooked process of succession planning. Whether you are an executive, team leader, organizational effectiveness or human resources professional, preparing for leadership and other key role transitions is essential for long-term success. We will explore strategies to identify future leaders, mitigate risk, and ensure business continuity—plus examples of what works (and what doesn't). Tune in to learn how to build a legacy that lasts. Don't miss Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors: Informing leaders. Inspiring solutions!

Succession planning remains one of the most avoided conversations in the nonprofit world, yet this critical episode explores the essential questions every board member, executive coach, and nonprofit leader should be asking about leadership transition—from building internal pipelines to preparing boards for their transition role, transforming succession planning from a dreaded risk exercise into an opportunity for organizational renewal and strategic growth. We'll dive deep into both practical and emotional dimensions of leadership transition, including preserving organizational culture while embracing change, creating realistic timelines, and addressing the legacy questions that keep CEOs up at night. Whether you're a CEO considering transition, a board member knowing this conversation is overdue, or a consultant guiding organizations through change, this episode provides a roadmap with actionable questions and strategies for moving from emergency succession planning to proactive leadership development—a game-changing discussion that could determine your nonprofit's future sustainability and impact.

Succession planning is a rich topic that touches on leadership, legacy, strategy, and organizational resilience. In this episode, we dive into the critical yet often overlooked process of succession planning. Whether you are an executive, team leader, organizational effectiveness or human resources professional, preparing for leadership and other key role transitions is essential for long-term success. We will explore strategies to identify future leaders, mitigate risk, and ensure business continuity—plus examples of what works (and what doesn't). Tune in to learn how to build a legacy that lasts. Don't miss Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors: Informing leaders. Inspiring solutions!

Like a car without gas, a mission without funding typically is not going too far. Seeing one's way forward when traditional revenue streams seem to be vanishing can feel daunting. Tune in for our discussion with Wendy McKinney a mission-driven executive, former chief development officer, author, co-pastor, and trusted leader in business, nonprofits, and ministry to explore creative options and ways nonprofits and businesses from all sectors are faced with shifting their thinking and fund development efforts. Discover new possibilities for "finding funding" to continue advancing your organization's vision—making a positive impact. Tune in to Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors: Informing leaders. Inspiring solutions!

Join us as we continue this month's series on "Keeping the Doors Open" with special guest John P. Lydon - Director of Strategic Projects/CEO Emeritus – Auberle/Ward Home/Pauline Auberle Foundation John has decades of experience practicing civil law in Pennsylvania's federal and state courts—as well as the Supreme Court of the United States—he has represented everyone from local businesses to major insurance carriers and government agencies. Beyond the courtroom, John brought communities together by organizing municipal consortiums and serving on a range of nonprofit boards. Currently, he is Chair of the Board Governance Committee for Footbridge for Families. John was also adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he taught University approved pre-trial practice and pleading seminars for third year students.  John also led two major organizations as CEO: Auberle & the Pauline Auberle Foundation and Ward Home, Inc. Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard—Informing leaders. Inspiring Solutions!

This October, join us as we dive deep into the critical world of nonprofit strategic partnerships. In an era of tightening budgets and fierce competition for donor dollars, nonprofits are reimagining survival—and thriving—through mergers, acquisitions, and innovative collaborations that strengthen their missions without compromising their values. This week we welcome special guest Mary Mulliet, President and CEO, Battle Creek Community Foundation as we explore the delicate balance of preserving organizational identity while pursuing strategic alliances, explore how to maintain donor confidence during transitions, and tackle the real-world challenges of cultural integration and regulatory compliance. From breakthrough partnership models to cautionary tales, we're asking the questions that matter: What does a successful nonprofit collaboration really look like? What are the red flags organizations should watch for? And ultimately—how do nonprofits not just keep the doors open, but position themselves to make an even greater impact in their communities? Whether you're a nonprofit leader considering a strategic partnership or simply passionate about the future of the sector, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

What's it really like to be hired by a nonprofit board, and then work under their ongoing oversight and evaluation? In this candid conversation, we sit down with an experienced Executive Director to explore the unique dynamics of leading an organization while being accountable to a volunteer board. Matt Obert is President and CEO of Chaddock, an internationally recognized leader in trauma and attachment-based services for children and families shares personal insights into the hiring process from the candidate's perspective - from understanding what boards are really looking for to navigating the interview process with multiple stakeholders. We'll hear about the reality of annual performance reviews, how to build trust with board members who may not fully understand day-to-day operations, and the art of keeping boards engaged without overwhelming them. This conversation covers the challenges many EDs face: managing up to a board while leading down to staff, handling performance feedback from volunteers, and maintaining your leadership authority while staying accountable. We'll discuss how to work effectively with board chairs, navigate difficult board dynamics, and advocate for the resources and support you need to succeed. Whether you're an aspiring nonprofit leader wondering what executive roles are really like, a current ED looking to improve board relationships, or a board member wanting to better support your executive, this discussion offers honest insights into the complex but rewarding world of nonprofit executive leadership. Tune in to Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard. Informing Leaders. Inspiring Solutions!

Service on a nonprofit board is commendable and can be a rewarding experience. One of the many reasons people serve on nonprofit boards is the desire to contribute to the achievement of the mission and influence the direction of the organization. Board of directors are charged with providing oversight to ensure an organization's policies, strategic direction, financial solvency, and executive leadership support successful accomplishment of an organization's mission. Engaged board members who are effective in carrying out their duties and responsibilities can make a critical difference to the success of an organization. During this episode, Dr. Dwight Smith, General Counsel with the Neighborhood House Association in San Diego, CA and Ms. Sarah Lyman, Executive Director of Alliance Healthcare Foundation will share their experiences and discuss best practices for board governance; engagement; roles and responsibilities; board development; setting a strategic direction and making policy versus managing operations; and functioning as a high performing entity. Tune in to Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard. Informing Leaders. Inspiring Solutions!

Join us as we continue this month's series on "Effective Governance" with special guest Martha Collins - Nonprofit Policy & Advocacy Leader | Builds Coalitions, Develops Leaders, Delivers Legislative Results Martha Collins is a seasoned public affairs professional with extensive experience in legislative communications, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as Communications Director and Advanced Legislative Assistant for a Wisconsin State Senator, where she manages media relations, crafts press releases, oversees digital communications, and provides in-depth policy research to support legislative priorities. Martha has also championed food security and public policy. As Director of Advocacy and Outreach for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, she developed strategies to improve nutrition assistance programs, fostered partnerships with community organizations, and advocated for culturally responsive food access. At Hunger Task Force, she managed complex projects, led cross-functional teams, and implemented quality control systems to ensure program effectiveness. Currently, Martha is enrolled in the Master of Legal Studies in Human Rights & Nonprofit Organization at Trinity Law School, where she is deepening her expertise in legal advocacy and conflict resolution. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Management from Cardinal Stritch University, where she was active in the CSU Alumni Association Board. Tune in to Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard—Informing leaders. Inspiring Solutions!

What's it really like to be hired by a nonprofit board, and then work under their ongoing oversight and evaluation? In this candid conversation, we sit down with an experienced Executive Director to explore the unique dynamics of leading an organization while being accountable to a volunteer board. Matt Obert is President and CEO of Chaddock, an internationally recognized leader in trauma and attachment-based services for children and families shares personal insights into the hiring process from the candidate's perspective - from understanding what boards are really looking for to navigating the interview process with multiple stakeholders. We'll hear about the reality of annual performance reviews, how to build trust with board members who may not fully understand day-to-day operations, and the art of keeping boards engaged without overwhelming them. This conversation covers the challenges many EDs face: managing up to a board while leading down to staff, handling performance feedback from volunteers, and maintaining your leadership authority while staying accountable. We'll discuss how to work effectively with board chairs, navigate difficult board dynamics, and advocate for the resources and support you need to succeed. Whether you're an aspiring nonprofit leader wondering what executive roles are really like, a current ED looking to improve board relationships, or a board member wanting to better support your executive, this discussion offers honest insights into the complex but rewarding world of nonprofit executive leadership. Tune in to Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard. Informing Leaders. Inspiring Solutions!

Service on a nonprofit board is commendable and can be a rewarding experience. One of the many reasons people serve on nonprofit boards is the desire to contribute to the achievement of the mission and influence the direction of the organization. Board of directors are charged with providing oversight to ensure an organization's policies, strategic direction, financial solvency, and executive leadership support successful accomplishment of an organization's mission. Engaged board members who are effective in carrying out their duties and responsibilities can make a critical difference to the success of an organization. During this episode, Dr. Dwight Smith, General Counsel with the Neighborhood House Association in San Diego, CA and Ms. Sarah Lyman, Executive Director of Alliance Healthcare Foundation will share their experiences and discuss best practices for board governance; engagement; roles and responsibilities; board development; setting a strategic direction and making policy versus managing operations; and functioning as a high performing entity. Tune in to Leadership Matters with the People's Doctors—Dr. Sheryl White, Dr. Undraye Howard, and Dr. Loretta Howard. Informing Leaders. Inspiring Solutions!