Successful Nonprofits Podcast

What if the key to your nonprofit's success lies not in working harder but in structuring your work smarter? In this insightful episode, Leslie MacKrell, partner at Bridgespan Group and expert in nonprofit operating models, breaks down the essential elements for driving strategic impact. From rethinking accountability structures to streamlining decision-making, Leslie shares actionable steps and real-world examples that help nonprofits of all sizes overcome growth challenges and achieve big, bold goals.   If your nonprofit is scaling or facing operational bottlenecks, this episode is a must-listen to transform your strategy into tangible results. This episode answers the following questions: How can I move my nonprofit from strategy to results? What is a nonprofit operating model? How can I align my organization around our goals? What are common barriers to implementing strategic plans? How do decision-making practices impact nonprofit effectiveness? Links mentioned in this episode: Nonprofit Operating Models (Bridgespan Article) Project ECHO Looking for more? Check out these episodes: How the Best Nonprofits Launch, Scale Up and Make a Difference with Kathleen Janus  [Episode Title on our website with show notes]

Are you leaving money on the table by ignoring the psychological triggers that drive donors to give? Join us for a compelling conversation with Griff Bohm, co-founder of Give Momentum, as we explore how behavioral psychology and AI can transform your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy. Griff brings deep expertise in donor psychology and financial decision-making, backed by his success in the Defeat by Tweet campaign, which raised $15 million from 60,000 new donors.  He explains how concepts like loss aversion, delayed gratification, and "action-based giving" drive donor behavior, and how AI can help nonprofits build lasting donor relationships. Discover how to identify high-potential donors, automate engagement, and leverage AI to hyper-personalize your outreach. If you're ready to supercharge your donor engagement, this is the episode for you. This episode answers the following questions: What are the key traits of major donors? How can I use  psychology to increase donor engagement How can I use AI to identify, engage, and retain donors? Links mentioned in this episode: Give Momentum GPT – Learn about their GPT assistant for fundraising best practices. Give Momentum’s Website Give Momentum’s Blog Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 351: Use Email Sequencing to unlock donor retention with Lisa Fernandez [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 281: Surefire ways to retain your donors with Samantha Threadgill [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Do you have "Causies" on your board? Board members so passionate about your mission that they can’t stop championing your nonprofit?  In this episode, nationally recognized nonprofit governance expert Rob Acton shares insights from his new book Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause Through Nonprofit Board Leadership. Rob discusses how to attract, onboard, and inspire board members who are true champions of your mission. From navigating the tightrope between board governance and staff management; mastering the art of board fundraising; and more!  Rob’s approach will help you develop a board filled with engaged, passionate members who fundraise, strategize, and lead with confidence. Whether you're an executive director or a board member, Rob’s advice is actionable, inspiring, and geared toward creating a cause-driven nonprofit. This episode answers the following questions: How do I find board members passionate about my cause? How do I keep my board from micromanaging me? How do I get my board members to fundraise? Links mentioned in this episode: Rob Acton’s Website (book and speaking) Causies Website (board recruitment and leadership) Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 205: Find your next great Board member with Rob Acton[Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 212: The Supportive Board Chair with Monica Khant [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Are nonprofit organizations destined to be underfunded, overworked, and underpaid? Think again! In this myth-busting episode, Mickey Desai, founder of Nonprofit Snapshot and host of The Nonprofit SnapCast, joins Dolph to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about nonprofit work. From myths about volunteers being “free” to the dangers of relying on events for fundraising, Mickey and Dolph provide insights that will challenge the way you think about nonprofit management.  Learn why offering competitive salaries is a necessity and discover how nonprofit leaders can turn board members into active, engaged participants. If you’re tired of hearing the same old “rules”, this episode is packed with refreshing perspectives and practical solutions.  This episode answers the following questions: Why do nonprofits need to compete on pay? How should board members really contribute to my nonprofit’s success? Why is fundraising during a recession or election season not just possible, but essential? What are the true costs of working with volunteers? Links mentioned in this episode: Nonprofit Snapshot – Learn more about Mickey’s nonprofit consulting work. Nonprofit Snapshot – Mickey’s podcast about board development, fundraising strategies, volunteer management, and more. The Thing About Cars Podcast – Mickey’s talk-show podcast about all things cars.  Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 217: Time to Change the Way You Fundraise and Raise More Money with Jack Silverstein[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 297: Volunteer Fundraisers Unleashed with Maura McDaniel Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Do you feel constantly overstretched, running on empty while trying to keep up with the demands of work and life? You're not alone! This week’s guest, Francesca Giulia Mereu, is here to help you recharge your energy and improve your well-being through small, impactful habits.  Francesca, a coach with over 25 years of experience, shares her framework for managing energy through the "five batteries"—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Discover how simple actions, from mindful breaks to managing screen time, can help you regain control of your energy levels. Her insights are drawn from her coaching of overstretched leaders, including humanitarian negotiators working in war zones. If you're feeling drained, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to help you thrive.  This episode answers the following questions: What are the key habits to manage and recharge energy? How can I avoid burnout? How can I improve my decision-making and performance? Links mentioned in this episode: Francesca’s Online Energy Check – A 10-minute, no-email tracking assessment to evaluate your energy levels and identify mini-habits. Recharge Your Batteries – Francesca's book, now revised with new techniques. Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 215: Take a Deep Breath with Jay Johnson[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 177: The Secret to Low Stress & High Efficiency with Susie Hayman [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Have you ever delayed a difficult conversation, hoping the issue would resolve itself? You’re not alone! In this episode, Tucker Miller, executive coach and author of The First Four Words, shares her fresh approach to starting challenging conversations with ease and confidence. Drawing from her experience as a lawyer and HR professional, Tucker dives into why those first four words matter and how they can lead to more effective, empathetic discussions.  If you've ever procrastinated on addressing sensitive topics with your team, board, or even donors, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take the leap. From navigating performance feedback to addressing organizational concerns, Tucker’s techniques are designed to transform conversations into opportunities for clarity and growth. This episode answers the following questions: How do I start a difficult conversation? What techniques can I use to set clear expectations? How do l model effective behavior in challenging discussions? Links mentioned in this episode: Onward Leadership coaching services. J Tucker Miller information on J Tucker Miller's book and speaking engagements. Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 208: The Magic of “Thank You” with Sandy Rees Apple Podcasts | Spotify | or our website with show notes Ep 311: The Power of Words with Erica Barnhart Apple Podcasts | Spotify | or our website with show notes

Are you tired of choosing between your personal well-being and performance in leadership? In this episode, Mohan Sivaloganathan, founder of Harmonious Leadership and former nonprofit chief executive, shares his vision for reimagining leadership to fuel bold social impact ideas. Known as the "Batman of Social Impact," Mohan blends his expertise in nonprofit leadership, coaching, and even hip-hop artistry to challenge the status quo. Discover how to break the cycle of burnout, foster a culture of growth, and inspire your team to thrive.  This episode answers the following questions: How can I balance personal well-being and performance? How can I, as a nonprofit leader, support the emerging workforce? How can my organization sustain transformation and systems change for social impact? Links mentioned in this episode: Harmonious Leaders website Mohan’s TED Talk: The breakthrough power of young leaders Sign up for Mohan’s newsletter  Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 335: Thriving as a Nonprofit Leader: Expert Guidance from Russ Finkelstein [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 289: Leading Authentically with Elana Frank   [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Andrew Cooper, a trailblazer in ethical leadership and author of The Ethical Imperative, joins Dolph for this episode. Andrew shares profound insights on why ethical leadership is crucial for nonprofit organizations to solve seemingly intractable problems. Drawing on his experiences and research, Andrew explains how nonprofits can lead with integrity, invest in their teams, and build stronger communities. Listen in as Andrew discusses practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to foster trust, enhance board engagement, and create lasting impact in their communities. This episode offers actionable advice to help you navigate these challenges ethically and effectively. This episode answers the following questions: What strategies can nonprofits use to invest in their teams and communities? How can nonprofits enhance board engagement through ethical practices? What are the key elements of leading with integrity in the nonprofit sector? Links mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Andrew Cooper Get his book The Ethical Imperative on Amazon  Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Episode 272: 17 Leadership Books to Add to Your Reading List  [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Episode 307: Embrace the Challenge: Empowering Leaders with Luis Velasquez and Kristin Gleitsman  [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

As nonprofit professionals gear up for their Fall fundraising campaigns, it's the perfect time to revisit one of our most impactful episodes. Join us as we dive into Responsive Fundraising with Gabe Cooper, founder of Virtuous and author of the book by the same name.  In this encore episode, we explore innovative strategies that help nonprofits treat every donor like a major donor. Gabe shares real-world examples of how to build personal relationships with donors through automation, data-driven strategies, and thoughtful engagement techniques. Whether you're refining your campaign or just starting your planning (we see you!), this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your fundraising efforts this season. This episode answers the following questions: How can I refresh my stale fall fundraising campaign? What is responsive fundraising? What are donor personas? How can I use donor personas to engage my donors? What Is journey mapping? What are some best practices for involving all staff in donor cultivation? Links mentioned in this episode:  Virtuous CRM Responsive Nonprofit Summit Responsive Fundraising Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Episode 156: Fundraising for Sustainability with Dr. Shantell Chambliss[Apple Podcasts | Spotify | our website with show notes] Episode 72: Make Your Board an Engaged Fundraising Machine with Kim Horton and Greg Giles[Spotify | our website with show notes]

It’s the last week of August, and the lights are off here at Successful Nonprofits®. We have no meetings this week; the podcast and social media are scheduled in advance. And we’re off the computer and off the phone. You know why? Because we’re off having fun and enjoying our rest week! Since we’re on self-care rest week right now, it felt appropriate that we run this encore episode with Kevin Greer, the Chief Administrative Officer at New Profit, about the transformative power of incorporating rest weeks into your nonprofit’s annual calendar.  As nonprofit professionals, we often push ourselves to the limit, but Kevin shares how New Profit’s Radical Reset — a full week where the organization completely shuts down — helps to combat burnout and boost creativity. He discusses the implementation process, the benefits of collective rest, and how rest can be equitably designed for all staff members. This week, as the Successful Nonprofits® team takes our own rest week, we encourage you to consider planning one for your organization next year, especially during a slower period like the last week of August. While acknowledging this may not be feasible for organizations providing 24/7 or emergency response services, the benefits for your team could be profound.  This episode answers the following questions: Why is a rest period critical for nonprofit staff? How does collective rest differ from individual vacation time? What are the steps to successfully implement a rest week? Links mentioned in this episode: The Radical Act of Rest by Tulaine Montgomery How Fundraisers Can Get Off the Road to Exhaustion and Burnout by Emily Haynes We Are for Good: Unlocking the Impact of Proximate Leadership New Profit’s Website Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 200: Self-Care Tips for Coming Out Stronger with Beth Kanter[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Ep 295: Tips for Making Your Dream Sabbatical a Reality with Emily Raskin[Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]    

Are you losing new donors due to uninspired thank-you emails? Join our conversation with Lisa Fernandez as she shares her expertise in crafting effective email sequences to build lasting relationships with donors. Learn how to engage your audience with personalized and automated emails, harness the power of storytelling, and create lead magnets that resonate. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or new to email marketing, Lisa's insights will help you boost donor retention and elevate your email game.  This episode answers the following questions: How can I increase my donor retention? Why is email sequencing important for donor retention? How can I create an effective donor email sequence? What are some creative lead magnets for attracting and engaging donors? How can I improve the effectiveness of the CTA in my emails? Links mentioned in this episode: Lisa Fernandez Agency Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Episode 181: How to Write Effective Copy that Gets Noticed with Nicki Krawczyk  [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Episode 246: Attention-Grabbing Marketing with Dan Schepleng [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Are your board members causing more problems than they solve? In this mailbag episode, Dolph answers listener questions about dealing with difficult board members. Whether you're a board chair trying to keep the peace, or an executive director frustrated with a meddling board, this episode offers practical advice to help you refocus on your mission. Listen to this episode to hear how to: Enforce an "escalate together" rule to prevent being dragged into board drama. Facilitate conflict resolution without becoming a judge or referee. Recognize when it's time to fire a board member. This episode answers the following questions: How can I manage conflicts between board members without getting dragged into the drama? What strategies can I use to encourage board members to resolve issues independently? When should I escalate a board conflict, and when should I step back? How do I set boundaries with Board members? Links mentioned in this episode: How to fire a difficult board member [Blog Post | Apple Podcast | Spotify] Successful Nonprofits’ Board Development Services Subscribe to our newsletter!  Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Bonus Break: How to fire a difficult board member [Apple | Spotify | Our Web Page] Bonus Break: Revolutionize your board onboarding process [Apple | Spotify | Our Web Page]

Have you ever found yourself saying "yes" to a task or opportunity, only to regret it later? You're not alone! In this episode, Stephanie Wagner, a board-certified health and wellness coach from Healthy Minds Innovations, discusses how to say no and feel good about it. Stephanie shares her expertise on setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and communicating assertively without guilt or anxiety. Learn practical strategies for managing digital distractions, breaking free from negative thought loops, and using mindfulness and meditation to enhance self-awareness and well-being. This episode answers the following questions: What are the negative effects of saying yes too often? How can I learn to say no without feeling guilty? What are some effective strategies to help me say “yes” less often? How can mindfulness and meditation help with decision-making? How do I manage digital distractions? Links mentioned in this episode: Healthy Minds Program App (Apple Store | Google Play Store)  Stephanie Wagner’s Webinar on YouTube Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Episode 322: 5 Ways You Can Find Joy at Work with Steve Fredlund  [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes] Episode 273: Practicing Courage with Jim Detert. [Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes]

Leadership transitions are challenging enough, and for leaders of color, there are unique hurdles and barriers that must be overcome. In this episode, we are joined by Nate Wong, a partner at The Bridgespan Group, to discuss the complexities and opportunities of leadership transitions for nonprofit leaders of color. Nate shares his own experiences as a leader of color and offers practical advice for navigating the glass cliff, addressing systemic inequities, and building supportive networks. Listen in to what nonprofit leaders should be asking from their funders to ensure successful transitions. This episode answers the following questions: What challenges do leaders of color face during leadership transitions? What should we be asking of our funders to better support nonprofit leaders of color? What strategies can leaders of color use to navigate the glass cliff? What role do boards play in setting up new leaders for success? Links mentioned in this episode: Four Ways Funders Can Support Leaders of Color The Bridgespan Group Nate Wong on LinkedIn Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Ep 334: Amplifying the Voices of BIPOC Leaders with Darren Isom Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Ep 310: Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Transitions with Dhivya O’Connor Episode Title on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

What if you could leverage inclusion to not only improve your workplace culture but also boost your nonprofit’s effectiveness? In today’s episode, Andres Tapia, a Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry and co-author of "The 5 Disciplines of Inclusive Leaders," shows us how. Tapia dives deep into how leaders can cultivate inclusion to unlock the full potential of their teams and organizations. We explore practical steps for building a more inclusive environment, measuring success, and learning from diversity initiatives like those of the NFL. This episode answers the following questions: What are the five disciplines of inclusive leaders? How can small nonprofits measure the success of their diversity and inclusion efforts? What are some practical steps leaders can take to build a more inclusive environment? Links mentioned in this episode: Andres Tapia's LinkedIn Profile Korn Ferry Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes: Amplifying the Voices of BIPOC Leaders with Darren Isom Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes 6 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Be More Trans Inclusive with Andy Marra Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes