When I was an ED, leading my team sometimes felt like fumbling around in the dark looking for the path forward. Enter my friend Dr. Patton McDowell. Patton provides a roadmap and framework for nonprofit leaders. Whether you’re a new leader, a leader looking to grow or an experienced leader ready for the next step, […]
The Seven Stops on the Path to NP leadership with Dr. Patton McDowell Read More »
Recently, I was flying home from Spain after vacation. As reported, the airports were a bit of a mess and the security lines were long. When we finally got to the metal detector and were in the process of depositing our stuff into the plastic bins, an older woman cut in front of us and
Going slow to go fast Read More »
In reading the news, it is so easy to be mired in anxiety and fear. It feels like we’re all living on edge so I offer this to you as spots of joy. No fundraising, just some fun. Here are some things that are giving me joy right now. The Fckry with Leslie Jones and
Ever wondered what an interim Executive Director actually does? Are they supposed to keep the trains running on time or clean house for the new ED? What is it like to be the Mary Poppins for an organization in transition? Learn the answer to all these and more with my favorite NPO Mary Poppins Diana
How to Interim ED with Diana Breen Read More »
Join me and expert fundraiser Sherry Quam Taylor as we talk about making big ass asks. We discuss board and staff reluctance to engage personally with donors, how we’re mismanaging our board’s time and efforts, and where we really need to spend our time with our investment-level donors. This was an insightful conversations and Sherry
Big Asks with Sherry Quam Taylor Read More »
Ah, times–they are a-changing. In the last year, the dynamics of leading and being responsive to visibility, equity and social justice have never been higher stakes. We know we want to be equity-centered, anti-racist leaders, but where do we even begin? Join me and my friend Alfonso and Trina as we discuss what it really
DISRUPTING RACISM + SEXISM IN HIRING WITH ALFONSO WENKER AND TRINA OLSON Read More »
In this episode, we’re going to discuss development 3.0 with my friend, Sarah Danzig Simon, the head of development for Uncommon Schools. Join me and Sarah as she talks about the lessons she has learned in fundraising to inspire those new fundraisers listening out there who want guidance and wisdom from those of us in
Development 3.0 with Sarah Danzig Simon Read More »
Happy Black Philanthropy Month! In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jackie Copeland who is the founder of Black Philanthropy Month and April Walker, fundraising consultant. April and Dr. Jackie speak from their lived experiences as Black women in philanthropy. In this important talk, we discuss how the Black community can fund Black causes, the
BLACK PHILANTROPHY MONTH with April Walker and Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland Read More »
This episode is FIRE. Join me and my friend Dr. Eugene K Choi to discuss how to manage your mind to avoid burnout, anxiety and panic. Did you know that your brain is only ever in one of two modes: survival or executive? Learn about the characteristics of both and how to regulate yourself to
Avoiding NPO Burnout with Dr. Eugene Choi Read More »
Most people think that when you merge nonprofits, or you’re making any significant changes in a nonprofit, it means that there’s terribly wrong that has happened. Right? But in this episode, my guest, Jess Cavagnero, a partner of SeaChange Capital Partners, dispels some of these misconceptions. Jess and I will talk about the hows, whys
Nonprofit Mergers + Acquisitions with Jess Cavagnero Read More »
When I’m training new fundraisers in soliciting funds from individuals, I hear a lot of fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of being judged. Fear of being harmed through microaggressions. This fear can also masquerade as resentment. Resentment towards capitalism. Resentment towards people of wealth and their advantages. Resentment of past traumas due to racism, classism,
Finding the humanity Read More »
Anybody who’s ever been in a relationship knows the importance of voice tone. The wrong tone could mean the difference between a night of Netflix and chilling or sleeping on the couch alone. Did you know that 38% of what you communicate comes through your tone of voice, while only 7% are the actual words
Don’t take that tone with me Read More »
