327: 5 Reasons Communication Breaks Down Between Boards & Executive Directors with Sarah Olivieri

Why does communication between executive directors and boards break down so often—even when everyone has the best intentions? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, host Sarah Olivieri unpacks the five biggest reasons board–ED communication goes sideways, from unclear decision-making lines to insecurity and information overload. With a blend of insight and tough love, Sarah shares what really causes the tension and what you can do to fix it—so your board and leadership can finally get on the same page and keep your nonprofit moving forward.

Episode Highlights

• 01:12 Introduction to Communication Breakdowns

• 02:16 Reason 1: Strategic vs. Day-to-Day Decisions

• 03:38 Reason 2: Asking for Permission vs. Informing

• 04:43 Reason 3: Insecurity in Leadership

• 06:21 Reason 4: Board Members' Concerns

• 08:01 Reason 5: Overloading with Details

• 10:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resource

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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

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