The ”run nonprofits like a business” fallacy — with Ariel Glassman

2025-02-26

In this episode, we’re joined by fellow rabble-rouser Ariel Glassman. Ariel’s helped organizations (on four continents!) raise tens of millions of dollars through a collective approach, which she leads with her firm, Common Great. Along the way, we dive into — Uncovering the real problems of toxic leadership How “run it like a business” is nearly impossible in the current nonprofit reality Why diversifying revenue is a vertical—not horizontal—strategy The need for strong strategy and operations, and not just pass...

In this episode, we’re joined by fellow rabble-rouser Ariel Glassman. Ariel’s helped organizations (on four continents!) raise tens of millions of dollars through a collective approach, which she leads with her firm, Common Great.

Along the way, we dive into —

Uncovering the real problems of toxic leadership
How “run it like a business” is nearly impossible in the current nonprofit reality
Why diversifying revenue is a vertical—not horizontal—strategy
The need for strong strategy and operations, and not just passion
One wish Ariel would make to magically improve the social sector

It’s practical, it’s honest, and (as always) there’s good nonsense along the way. If you know a nonprofiteer we should invite on the show, let us know at hello@goodnonsense.org!

Mentioned on this episode:

Ariel’s LinkedIn
Common Great
How Nonprofits Get Really Big (SSIR)

Comments (3)