The Nonprofit Exchange: Leadership Tools & Strategies

The Real Cost of “Business as Usual”

In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, we dive into the critical topic of project risk management with our guest, Matthew Oleniuk. With over nine years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I have had the privilege of interviewing many insightful individuals, but Matthew brings a unique perspective that we haven't explored before. Matthew, who specializes in project risk management, shares his journey from working in public sector audit to establishing his own coaching and consulting practice. He highlights the common pitfalls in project management, particularly the tendency to treat risk management as a mere compliance exercise rather than a vital component of achieving project goals. We discuss the importance of integrating risk management into the project lifecycle, emphasizing that it should not be viewed as a hindrance but rather as a tool to enhance project success. Matthew explains how many organizations fail to recognize the human element in risk management, leading to significant blind spots that can jeopardize project outcomes. Throughout our conversation, we explore the gaps in project management practices, especially in the nonprofit sector, where many organizations lack a strategic plan. Matthew encourages leaders to adopt a proactive mindset towards risk, suggesting that regular check-ins and open discussions about potential challenges can significantly improve project delivery. As we wrap up, Matthew introduces his upcoming online training series designed to help organizations stabilize high-risk projects, build effective risk radars, and prevent project drift. He also offers a free downloadable tool, the Project Health Check, which identifies the ten largest public sector risks that often go unaddressed. This episode is packed with valuable insights for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their project management practices and ultimately achieve their goals. Tune in to learn how embracing risk management can lead to greater success in your projects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Preventing Burnout Through Mindful Leadership

In this episode of the Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Singh, a passionate advocate for mindful leadership and burnout prevention. With over 23 years of experience in corporate America, Singh faced a significant challenge during a ransomware attack in October 2020, which led him to explore mindful practices that he had unknowingly been using since his youth. We discussed the alarming issue of burnout among nonprofit leaders, emphasizing that it often stems from a lack of fulfillment in three key areas: gratitude, grace, and personal growth. Singh explained how burnout begins with self-doubt and can escalate into physical manifestations of stress, urging listeners to recognize their body's signals as vital data for transformation. Singh shared practical strategies for overcoming overwhelm, including three essential questions to ask oneself in any situation to regain focus and clarity. He highlighted the importance of reframing stress into strategic clarity and provided a simple tool called STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, and Proceed) to help individuals manage their emotional states effectively. We also touched on the myths surrounding nonprofit work, such as overcommitment and the belief that self-care is selfish. Singh emphasized that taking care of oneself is crucial for being able to serve others effectively. Finally, we explored the role of mindfulness in decision-making, clarifying that mindfulness is about being present and intentional rather than conforming to traditional notions of meditation. Singh's insights and tools offer hope and practical steps for nonprofit leaders to combat burnout and enhance their well-being. For more information about Singh and his work, listeners can visit his website at singhleadership.com, where they can find resources, engage in his programs, and access his podcast, "Mindful Leadership Transforming Lives." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Email Works! Best practices in building and growing an engaged email list for fundraising

In this episode of the Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vanessa Chase Lockshin, a seasoned fundraising expert with over 15 years of experience in direct response fundraising. Our discussion centered around the critical role of email in building and growing an engaged donor list, particularly for fundraising efforts. Vanessa shared her passion for helping organizations develop effective email programs that not only raise funds but also foster meaningful relationships with donors. She provided compelling examples, including her work with Variety BC, where a revitalized email strategy led to significant fundraising success and enhanced donor engagement. We tackled common myths about email communication, such as the misconception that emailing donors too frequently can lead to disengagement. Vanessa emphasized the importance of regular communication, suggesting a frequency of one to two weeks to keep donors informed and engaged. We also explored the significance of storytelling in emails, highlighting how emotional narratives can resonate with donors and inspire them to give. Vanessa offered practical advice on email length, content strategy, and the importance of using a reliable email delivery platform to ensure messages reach their intended audience. We discussed the balance between storytelling and fundraising asks, advocating for a thoughtful approach to when and how to solicit donations. As we wrapped up, Vanessa encouraged listeners to rethink their email strategies and consider the vast potential of email as a tool for relationship building and fundraising. She also shared resources available on her website, thestorytellingnonprofit.com, including articles and her book, "The Storytelling Nonprofit." This episode is a treasure trove of insights for nonprofit professionals looking to enhance their email communication and fundraising efforts. I hope you find inspiration in Vanessa's expertise and take actionable steps to improve your email strategy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transforming Fundraising: From Begging to Building Relationships with James Meisner

In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with James Meisner, founder of the Kipos Group, about the often misunderstood world of fundraising for nonprofits. James shared his extensive background in nonprofit leadership and his passion for solving some of society's most challenging problems through effective fundraising strategies. We discussed two major misconceptions that nonprofit leaders often hold: the belief that people are reluctant to give money and the assumption that funding primarily comes from grants and foundations. James emphasized that individual donors contribute the majority of philanthropic dollars in the U.S. and that they derive immense joy from giving. He encouraged nonprofit leaders to shift their mindset from a "begging" mentality to one of providing value to potential donors. James also highlighted the importance of having a well-defined case for support, which serves as a foundational document for communicating an organization's mission and impact. He stressed that successful nonprofits must demonstrate their effectiveness through compelling stories and data, which resonate emotionally with potential donors. We explored the significance of differentiating an organization’s unique value proposition and how to effectively communicate impact. James provided practical advice on how to engage donors by starting with personal stories that illustrate the difference their contributions can make. As we wrapped up, James shared a powerful metaphor about planting seeds in a garden, reminding us that even the smallest efforts can grow into something significant with proper care and cultivation. This episode is a call to action for nonprofit leaders to embrace the fundraising process as a vital part of their mission to create positive change in the world. For more insights and resources, listeners are encouraged to visit thekiposgroup.com, where they can find valuable guides and schedule a free consultation with James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Terms and Conditions of Value Based Leadership

In this episode of theNonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Noah Massey, a seasoned leader with over 42 years of experience at UPS. Noah shared his journey from a college student working to pay for his education to becoming a high-level executive, emphasizing the importance of value-based leadership throughout his career. We discussed the concept of leadership as the ability to influence individuals or groups towards positive outcomes, highlighting the significance of coaching and development in leadership roles. Noah's insights on the "terms and conditions" of leadership were particularly enlightening, as he explained how every individual has their own set of expectations that must be acknowledged for effective team dynamics. Noah also introduced his book, "Been Promoted: Your Guide for New Leaders and Their Teams," which aims to support newly promoted leaders, especially in the nonprofit sector. He emphasized the need for intentional leadership, where leaders articulate their values and establish a congruence within their teams. Throughout our conversation, Noah shared powerful anecdotes and practical techniques, such as the "four by five method" for handling challenging situations and the importance of listening as both a skill and a value. He underscored that leadership is not just about achieving results but about investing in the development of others. As we wrapped up, Noah left us with a profound reminder: "You can't hope to get more than you give." This principle serves as a guiding light for leaders who aspire to foster high-performing teams. I encourage our listeners to reflect on their own leadership journeys and consider how they can invest in the people they lead. For more insights and resources, be sure to check out Noah's website at noelmassey.com, where you can find his book and a masterclass that expands on the topics we discussed. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Nonprofit Exchange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices