Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

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316: Transformative Leadership for Nonprofits with Faust Ruggiero Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

With over 35 years of private practice and extensive experience consulting in various sectors, our guest expert Faust Ruggiero shares practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to improve their operations, strengthen staff development, and enhance fundraising efforts. Tune in for actionable tips and learn how to work smarter, not harder, to make a bigger impact without burning out.

Episode Highlights

03:53 Challenges in Nonprofit Management
05:26 Building a Strong Nonprofit Team
06:48 Importance of Networking and Fundraising
08:14 Investing in Staff Development
18:35 Overcoming Internal Resistance
21:18 The Role of a Volunteer Coordinator
24:10 Assessing and Building Your Team

Meet the Guest

Faust Ruggiero is a psychologist who has been in private practice for over thirty-five years. Before entering private practice, he worked in clinics for deaf children, prisons, nursing homes, substance abuse centers, inpatient facilities, and is a consultant for major national and international corporations. He is a published research author and a professional clinical trainer. In the summer of 2016, he began to develop The Fix Yourself Empowerment Series based on the Process Life Program to help readers address difficult situations in their lives. The series currently includes The Fix Yourself Handbook, The Fix Your Anxiety Handbook, The Fix Your Depression Handbook, The Fix Your Anger Handbook and the new The Fix Your Addiction Handbook that was just released!

Connect with Faust: Website: www.FaustRuggiero.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaustInspire/ Twitter: https://x.com/faustinspire IG: https://www.instagram.com/faustinspire/

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315: Revolutionize Your Nonprofit's Strategic Planning with Sarah Olivieri Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Join nonprofit leadership expert Sarah Olivieri as she addresses the outdated cycle of infrequent strategic planning in nonprofits. Sarah introduces the iterative, flexible, and highly effective Impact Method®️ to update and sustain your organization's goals. With over two decades of experience, Sarah shares insights on why traditional multi-year plans often fail and how a bi-monthly planning approach can keep your nonprofit on track. Learn about the benefits of regular planning, the elimination of 'planning to plan,' and how to enhance your leadership team's strategic thinking skills. For more detailed guidance and support, explore Sarah's Thrive program and get inspired to elevate your nonprofit leadership.

Episode Highlights

00:22 The Problem with Traditional Strategic Planning
02:48 Risks and Challenges of Multi-Year Plans
05:27 How the Impact Method®️ works
06:22 Benefits of Iterative Planning

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

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

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

314: HR Tips with Tiffany Slater Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In this podcast episode, special guest Dr. Tiffany E. Slater, an HR consultant with over 25 years of experience, shares tips on HR tailored for nonprofits. Sarah and Tiffany explore the concept of fractional HR support, onboarding best practices, compliance issues, the role of AI in HR, along with creative ways to enhance employee wellness and engagement. Dr. Slater emphasizes the importance of customized employee handbooks, streamlined payroll systems, and proactive onboarding processes. The episode underscores the value of supportive, efficient HR practices in building effective and joyful nonprofit teams.

Tiffany E. Slater, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP is the Founder & CEO for HR TailorMade - THE human resource solution for small businesses and nonprofits. HR TailorMade partners with organizations to provide seamless Fractional HR support for their team. Not every organization has an HR department, especially at their start. Tiffany steps in as a partner and helps to streamline all things HR - in other words, all the things an internal HR department usually handles:

-compliance

-workplace culture/ team building

-managing difficult conversations/ communication skills/ conflict resolution

-productivity and collaboration

-effective employee retention

-onboarding/ remote onboarding,

-benefits administration

-exit interviews, etc

They are here to help you avoid those common HR mistakes, protect your business, and ensure that you and your employees thrive.

Dr. Tiffany has been an HR professional for over 25 years with experience in all aspects of human resources. She also has experience in a variety of sectors, including union and non-union, PK-12 public education, property management, manufacturing, and casino industries, to name a few.

Onboarding Checklist - Stop 'Winging' the Onboarding Process

8-step Onboarding Checklist to make things easy on you…and better for the whole team

https://hrtailormade.com/#:~:text=Stop%20%E2%80%98Winging%E2%80%99%20the%20Onboarding%20Process

Connect with Dr. Tiffany:

Website:https://hrtailormade.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-e-slater/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrtailormade/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrtailormade

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjMUYGr44N2FQPR6Q87gyXA

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

Connect with Sarah!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-olivieri/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahfolivieri/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxB2J-XcixGeGaZvcu_cVxA

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

313: Are You Playing Nonprofit Leadership Whack-A-Mole with Sarah Olivieri Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Join host Sarah Olivieri to learn why nonprofits are more complex than for-profits and discover practical tips on managing the nonprofit leadership 'whack-a-mole' problem. In this episode, Sarah provides insights on balancing mission and money, managing a larger team with limited financial resources, and enhancing organizational efficiency.

Episode Highlights

01:15 The Whack-a-Mole Problem in Nonprofits
02:01 Complexities of Running a Nonprofit
03:29 Managing People and Resources
05:53 Invitation to a bonus private training

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

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"?

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.

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

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

312: Marketing Mastery with Louis Kotsinis Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Join host Sarah Olivieri in this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she explores how nonprofit leaders can make a bigger impact through smart marketing strategies. Featuring guest Lou Kotsinis, founder of BCS Interactive, they discuss the fundamentals of effective storytelling, the strategic use of digital tools, and the transformative potential of AI in nonprofit marketing. Learn from Lou's extensive experience in helping organizations like the World Childhood Foundation and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories and grow their causes. Perfect for executive directors, board members, and nonprofit leaders looking to improve their marketing approach without burning out.

Episode Highlights

02:25 Lou's Jazz Journey and Its Marketing Parallels
05:06 Strategic vs. Tactical Marketing for Nonprofits
10:50 Foundations of a Great Marketing Strategy
17:01 The Role of AI in Nonprofit Marketing
17:38 The Rise of AI Search Platforms
18:35 Positioning Nonprofits in the AI Era
21:59 The Power of Storytelling for Nonprofits

Meet the Guest

Lou Kotsinis is CEO and Co-Founder of BCS Interactive, a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on the nonprofit and educational communities.

Since co-founding BCS in 2011, Lou leads a team of designers, technologists, and strategists that have helped organizations such as The World Childhood Foundation, The Seeing Eye, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories, showcase their impact, and grow their causes. Prior to co-founding BCS Interactive, Lou was marketing manager at Time Warner Trade Publishing, the book-publishing arm of Time Warner.

Lou graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a B.A. in English and History. His interests include hiking, reading, and practicing yoga. He's deeply passionate about political reform and pro-democracy efforts and is an advocate of initiatives such as FairVote and the Institute for Political Innovation. A life-long musician, Lou plays drums in a jazz trio and participates in local symphonies as an orchestral drummer. He lives in Westfield, NJ with his wife and two daughters.

Connect with Lou:

http://bcsinteractive.com/sign-up

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcs-interactive

https://bcsinteractive.com/

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

311: Multitasking Is Hurting Your Productivity with Sarah Olivieri Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, host Sarah Olivieri delves into the pitfalls of multitasking and its detrimental effects on productivity for nonprofit leaders. Drawing from personal experience and expert studies, she explains how multitasking leads to cognitive overload, poor decision-making, and significant time loss.

Episode Highlights

01:15 The Dangers of Multitasking
01:57 Personal Story: The Cost of Multitasking
02:54 The Fallacy of Multitasking
04:58 The Solution: Focus on One Task at a Time
05:55 Practical Tips for Single-Tasking

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

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"?

Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it.

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

310: Prospect Research Secrets with Pauline Palkovic Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership we welcome Pauline Palkovic, an expert in donor prospect research with nearly 30 years of experience. Pauline shares invaluable insights into how nonprofits can identify and engage potential donors through strategic research. From understanding the basics of prospect research to debunking common misconceptions, Pauline provides tips that both small and large nonprofit organizations can apply to their fundraising efforts. Learn about essential tools, the importance of relationship-building, and how to find the right donors to make a meaningful impact. Whether you're an executive director, board member, or fundraising professional, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to optimize your donor engagement strategy.

Episode Highlights

03:31 Understanding Prospect Research
07:13 Tools and Techniques for Prospect Research
11:50 Misconceptions and Strategic Insights
17:13 Prospect Research in Different-Sized Nonprofits
22:04 The Joy of Prospect Research
25:10 Building Relationships with Donors
32:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

Meet the Guest

Pauline Palkovic has been delivering strategic behind-the-scenes support to fundraisers and marketers in the nonprofit sector for nearly 30 years. She has helped to raise more than $250 million for nonprofit clients and provided prospect research that enabled frontline fundraisers to reach a $200 million capital campaign goal. I have provided data analysis and strategic insight to multichannel marketing and fundraising programs for over 60 clients. I designed strategic planning and company reorganization to weather dramatic industry changes. I am a member of APRA International, APRA Greater NY and APRA Upstate NY, AFP Global, AFP Greater Hudson Valley, Woodstock NY Women's Network, and Hudson Valley Women in Business.

Connect with Pauline: - google.com - linkedIn.com - projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ - tools.emailhippo.com/ - ulstercountyny.gov/maps/parcel-viewer/

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

309: Governance is NOT Your Board's Job with Sarah Olivieri Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Sarah Olivieri outlines why a nonprofit board's primary role should NOT be governance. Sarah explains the importance of separating decision-making and oversight, detailing how such a system of Governance can improve decision-making and organizational effectiveness. With examples and actionable advice, she demonstrates how shifting to an oversight model can lead to happier board members, more empowered staff, and a bigger impact for the nonprofit.

Episode Highlights

01:15 The Misconception About Board Governance
01:53 Understanding Governance
03:51 The Role of the Board in Governance
05:10 Emergency Decisions and Oversight
06:49 Benefits of the Oversight Model
07:09 A Case Study

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

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"?

Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it.

Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

308: Become a High Performing Leader with Scott Burgmeyer Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Join Sarah Olivieri, nonprofit consultant and coach, as she interviews Scott Burgmeyer about high performance leadership in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the importance of clarity in mission and strategy, how to cultivate and grow team members, and the critical aspects of hiring the right people for your organization. Scott shares his expertise on delivering effective feedback, holding team members accountable, and making strategic hiring decisions that align with long-term organizational goals. Tune in for practical advice and essential tips to unleash your full potential as a nonprofit leader.

Episode Highlights

03:28 Defining Great Leadership
06:15 Challenges Leaders Face
08:27 Addressing Underperformance
19:00 Hiring the Right People
19:39 The Cost of Hiring Decisions
19:58 Designing the Role for Future Needs
21:55 Finding the Right Fit: Skills, Heart, and Head
27:39 The Importance of Onboarding and Setting Norms
32:18 Accountability in the Workplace

Scott Burgmeyer is a founder of the BecomeMore Group solve problems that prevent organizations from achieving their full potential.

More about Scott:

PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of Arizona

Master's degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership from Ashford University

Recipient of the Iowa Recognition of Performance Excellence seven times

Won the Bridgestone CEO award

Connect with Scott:

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burgy

Website: www.becomemoregp.com

Sponsored Resource

Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit!

Access it here >>

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

307: Secrets to Better Project Planning with Sarah Olivieri Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Join Sarah Olivieri, host and nonprofit consultant, as she shares her expert insights on planning and executing successful projects for nonprofit organizations. In this episode, Sarah discusses the crucial subprojects that form a comprehensive project plan, including designing the plan, executing it, evaluating results, and refining processes. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to projects running behind schedule or over budget and discover practical tips for making project tasks a routine habit in your organization. Sponsored by DonorBox, this episode offers valuable advice to help you work smarter and make a bigger impact without the burnout.

Episode Highlights

02:12 Key Elements of Project Planning
03:33 Evaluating and Refining Your Project
04:34 Making a New Processes a Habit

Resource

The Board Clarity Club

A monthly membership for boards that provides training and live expert support to help your board have total clarity on how to be the best board possible.

Learn More >>

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"?

Sarah helps nonprofits transform their organizations from failing to thriving. And she's very, very good at it.

Access additional training at www.pivotground.com/funding-secrets or apply for the THRiVE Program for personalized support at www.pivotground.com/application

Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

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