Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

Latest Episodes:

246: Benefits of Creating a Brand Guide May 16, 2024

Show notes

In the digital age where communication is more visual than ever, having a cohesive brand identity is not just beneficial—it's essential. In this enlightening episode, Sarah speaks with Lidia Varesco Racoma, a Chicago-based designer who specializes in strategic branding and marketing design for nonprofits and small businesses. With over two decades of experience, Lidia brings a wealth of knowledge on the importance and impact of a well-crafted brand guide.

My guest for this episode is Lidia Varesco Racoma, a designer out of Chicago who empowers organizations and entrepreneurs to make a change through strategic branding and marketing design. With over two decades of experience, Lidia is known not only for her ability to express a client's mission but also for her friendly, approachable working style. She is a blogger and speaker and leads branding and creative marketing workshops for nonprofits and small businesses all over the world. Lidia is active in the nonprofit and marketing communities, currently serving on the Communications Committee for AMA Chicago as Graphics Manager, as well as a Co-chair of the Marketing & Communications Committee for the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits (ACN) with a past position on the board of directors. She has also served on the Association Forum's Content Working Group as a content creator. Lidia Varesco Design is a certified woman-owned business (WBE/WOSB) and celebrated 20 years in business in November 2020.

Here's what to expect during the episode:

What Is A Brand Guide
The The Key Parts Of A Brand Guide
The Importance Of Your Brand Guide For AI
The Evolution Of Brand Guides And Their Future
Simple Steps For Getting Started

Connect with Lidia!

Blog www.lsvdesign.com https://lsvdesign.com/blog/
Facebook www.facebook.com/lsvdesign
Instagram www.instagram.com/lsvdesign
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsvdesign
Lsvdesign Medium https://lsvdesign.medium.com/
NonprofitBrandingChecklisthttps://bit.ly/nonprofitbrandingchecklist
Social Media Brand Guide Templatehttp://bit.ly/SMBrandGuideTemplate
Creating a Nonprofit Brand Guide: A How-To Guide and Checklist

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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 your host Sarah Olivieri:

On LinkedIn>>
On Facebook>>
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245: What's the Boards Role? May 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode nonprofit board expert Mike Burns dives deep into the purpose, challenges, and innovative practices concerning nonprofit boards! Our discussion critiques conventional wisdom around board responsibilities, such as budget approval and the potential benefits of rethinking board members' roles for greater organizational impact.

My guest for this episode is Michael (Mike) Burns, Partner, BWB Solutions. Mike began his career as an executive director of a community health center, followed by 15 years as an executive director and primary consultant for a nonprofit capacity building organization. During this time, he was also an associate professor of management at the Antioch-New England Graduate Schools of Organization and Management and Environmental Studies. Since 2017, Mike has been Adjunct Faculty in University of New Haven's Nonprofit Management Certificate Program and Professor of Marketing Strategy. In 1994, Mike joined BWB Solutions. His practice focuses on strategic and revenue generating planning, nonprofit governance, and helping nonprofits assess their readiness for mergers and partnerships. He regularly posts to his blog, Nonprofit Board Crisis, where he focuses on nonprofit governance issues. As part of a research team he completed a national survey on the roles and relationships of nonprofit board chairs. In addition to his professional work as an organizational development and planning consultant, Mike operates an organic farm growing asparagus, raspberries, garlic, strawberries and tomatoes. Mike has been a professional foster parent for over 25 years. Mike graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Marquette University and completed a master's degree in nonprofit management with a focus on governance at Lesley College. He also holds a graduate certificate in nonprofit marketing management from the University of Hartford.

In this episode you'll find:

The Role and Purpose of Nonprofit Boards
A Critique on Conventional Wisdom Around Board Responsibilities
The Executive Director and Board Relationship
Strategic Planning and Accountability in Nonprofits
The Impact of Boards on Nonprofit Organizations
Innovative Practices and the Future of Board Governance

Go to https://www.pivotground.com/signup to get inspired with weekly insights on running your nonprofit.

Connect with Mike:

Web: www.bwbsolutions.com

Blog: https://nonprofitboardcrisis.typepad.com

To follow: https://twitter.com/nonprofitcrisis

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-burns-0ab61/

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

244: Better Budgets for Your Grants May 02, 2024

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Maryn Boess. Over her 35+-year nonprofit career, Maryn has been an on-staff grantwriter; a grants consultant (winning $42 million for her clients over 10 years); a grants trainer; a grants reviewer, author, speaker, mentor and coach; and – starting in 2006 - even a grantmaker. This 3-D background brings a unique insider's perspective to the practical, inspiring trainings on healthy, successful grantsmanship she shares with thousands of people each year through GrantsMagic U. A true dual-citizen of the grants world, Maryn may be the only person holding membership in both Grant Professionals Association (for grantseekers) - and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (for grantmakers). In 2020, in recognition of her lifetime of contribution to the field, Maryn became just the second inductee into the international Grant Professionals Class of Distinguished Fellows.

In this episode you'll discover:

What is total value budgeting for grant applications
Different types of contributions to include in budgets
How to properly value volunteer time
What you need to know about indirect cost ratios

Go to https://www.pivotground.com/signup to get inspired with weekly insights on running your nonprofit.

Connect with Maryn:

GrantsMagic U website: https://u.grantsmagic.org/courses/budget-live
The Quick-Start Guide to the One-Page Grant Proposal https://go.grantsmagic.org
The Total Value Budget May16 Zoom webinar for $25: https://u.grantsmagic.org/courses/budget-live

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

243: Implementing a Four-Day Workweek Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Sean Kosofsky, the "Nonprofit Fixer!" Sean is a coach, consultant, trainer, and strategic advisor to nonprofits. For the past 30+ years, he has helped causes, campaigns, and candidates raise millions of dollars and transformed nonprofit organizations and leaders. Sean has served in a wide variety of roles in nonprofits, including policy, communications, development, grassroots organizing, direct service, board leadership, and five stints as an executive director. He has worked on a wide range of issues, including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more.

Sean has received numerous awards and recognitions from the sector, including the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan. Sean owns Mind the Gap Consulting, which offers coaching and consulting services for executive directors, boards, and fundraisers, as well as a suite of online training courses. I am a proud Detroit native but live with my husband and dog in New York City.

Here's what to expect during the episode:

Sean's motivation for exploring the four-day workweek.
What are the benefits of a four-day workweek?
What impact does a compressed work schedule have on nonprofit organizations?
The initial steps involved in implementing a four-day workweek.
The importance of open communication and conducting a pilot program before fully implementing the change.

Go to https://www.pivotground.com/signup to get inspired with weekly insights on running your nonprofit.

Connect with Sean Kosofsky!

Website: https://www.nonprofitfixer.com/

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

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

The Complete Guide to Implementing a Four-Day Workweek: https://www.nonprofitfixer.com/nonprofit-fixer-blog/the-complete-guide-to-implementing-the-four-day-workweek

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

242: Leadership Transitions Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Mary Hiland, founder of the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. Mary is a nonprofit board and leadership development consultant dedicated to assisting nonprofit executives to lead effectively with their boards.

She has over forty years experience in the nonprofit sector – both as an executive and as a board member. As an executive, she grew her nonprofit from $100K to $26 mil., leading two mergers. She has been consulting and coaching for 20 years, working with several hundred nonprofits.

Mary is a speaker, published author, researcher, and a business professor at DeAnza Community College. She is the author of the best-selling book: Love Your Board! The Executive Directors' Guide to Discovering the Sources of Nonprofit Board Troubles and What to Do About Them (2021) and is a contributing author to four other nonprofit leadership and governance books.

Mary's Ph.D. focused on nonprofit leadership and governance, and she has three Master's degrees: social work, public administration, and organizational development.

Here's what to expect during the episode:

What is a leadership transition, and why is it so important?
Strategies Mary employs to ensure a smooth transition into a new leadership role.
How did Mary determine she was ready for a leadership transition?
Sarah's initial feelings and thoughts when she learned she was at the receiving end of the transition.
What are Mary's goals and aspirations as she enters this next transition phase?

Go to https://www.pivotground.com/signup to get inspired with weekly insights on running your nonprofit.

Connect with Mary Hiland!

Website: https://www.hilandconsulting.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhiland/

Email: mary@hilandconsulting.org

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

241: A Heartfelt and Special Message for you Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

This is a special and unique episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership. It's my last episode as your host. Be sure to listen in to hear my full farewell and welcome your new host.

The first episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership was released on December 8th of 2018.

I created it to be a resource for nonprofit leaders like you. My goal was and has been to bring you interesting, relevant, and practical tips and strategies you can apply to the challenges you face every day. Today, almost five and a half years later, given the emails and reviews – the great feedback I've received, I know I've achieved my goal.

Over these years, I hope you've been able to hear how much I care about you and your success.

The experience of founding and hosting Inspired Nonprofit Leadership has been a true gift. I thank all my guests and you, the listeners, for making it possible.

Inspired Nonprofit Leadership is not going away. I'm confident it will remain an inspiring resource for you with the leadership of your new host, Sarah Olivieri. Sarah has the experience and expertise to carry on my legacy - hosting Inspired Nonprofit Leadership – making it even better!

Listen in to hear more from me and learn more about Sarah. Thank you!

Here's what to expect during the episode:

Mary's farewell and introduction of Sarah Olivieri.
Valuable insights or knowledge Mary acquired through the process of hosting a podcast.
Sarah's concerns about hosting a podcast.
What aspects of Mary's podcast hosting style resonated most with Sarah?
The primary motivations behind Mary's decision to start consulting.

Connect with Mary!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhiland

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilandconsulting

Website: https://www.hilandconsulting.org

Email: mary@hilandconsulting.org

240: What New Nonprofit CEOs Need to Know and Do Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Brian Quail. Brian is the founder and CEO of Quail Consulting, which focuses on guiding nonprofit CEOs and boards to achieve exceptional results. His nonprofit career spanned four decades, including twenty-five years serving as CEO of three affiliates of national organizations: Heart of Florida United Way, American Red Cross Louisville Area Chapter, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Combined, his fundraising, oversight, analysis, and development efforts throughout his professional life have resulted in over one billion dollars in human services funding.

Born in Clinton and raised in neighboring Sterling, Massachusetts, Brian attributes his discipline and integrity to his hard-working blue-collar parents. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he went on to the University of Chicago, where he earned his MA in nonprofit administration and management in 1984.

Since 2009, he and his wonderful wife, Liz, have called Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home. There he enjoys spending time with their amazing daughter, Chloe, running his consulting and speaking services, volunteering, fitness training, playing golf, and attending sporting events.

Here's what to expect during the episode:

What five frameworks do new nonprofit CEOs need to know and understand?
The concept of having an abundance mindset.
What inspired Brian to write a book?
How can organizations ensure that new CEOs get the help they need to handle their responsibilities well when there is no formal guidance?
Your volunteers are also your treasure hunters.

Link for Free Training: 3 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofit Leaders Make Orienting Board Members. You can get that by going to https://hilandconsulting.org/nonprofitboardorientation.

Connect with Brian Quail!

Website: https://www.brianquail.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-quail-aa7659a4/

Email: bq@brianquail.com

Connect with Mary!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhiland

Website: https://www.hilandconsulting.org

239: Why You Should "Run It Like A Business" Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Aubrey Bergauer. Aubrey is known for her results-driven, customer-centric, data-obsessed pursuit of changing the narrative for the performing arts. A "dynamic administrator" with a drive for innovation, she's held offstage roles managing millions in revenue at major institutions, including the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As chief executive of the California Symphony, Aubrey propelled the organization to double the size of its audience and nearly quadrupled the donor base.

Aubrey helps organizations and individuals transform from scarcity to opportunity, make money, and grow their base of fans and supporters. Her ability to cast and communicate vision moves large teams forward and brings stakeholders together, earning "a reputation for coming up with great ideas and then realizing them" (per the San Francisco Classical Voice).

With a track record for increasing revenue and relevance, leveraging digital content and technology, and prioritizing diversity and inclusion on stage and off, Aubrey sees a better way forward for classical music and knows how to achieve it.

A graduate of Rice University, her work and leadership have been covered in the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Thrive Global, and Southwest Airlines magazines, and she is a frequent speaker spanning TEDx, Adobe's Magento, universities, and industry conferences in the U.S. and abroad.

Aubrey's first book, Run It Like A Business, was just published (February 2024).

Here's what to expect during the episode:

Why is it essential for nonprofit organizations to consider running their operations with a business-like approach?
How can adopting a business mindset benefit a nonprofit organization?
What are some common misconceptions people might have when suggesting that nonprofits run like a business, and how can these be addressed?
What practical steps can be taken to overcome workplace silos?
What aspects of business culture could a nonprofit organization potentially adopt to enhance its overall effectiveness and impact?

Connect with Aubrey Bergauer!

Website: https://www.aubreybergauer.com/

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

Link for 6 Steps You Must Know to Unleash the Potential of Your Nonprofit Board.

You can get that by going to Mary's website: https://www.hilandconsulting.org/

Mary's book is available on Amazon or wherever books are sold: Love Your Board! The Executive Directors' Guide to Discovering the Sources of Nonprofit Board Troubles and What to Do About Them.

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 Facebook.

Connect with Mary!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhiland

Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Facebook Group: https://tinyurl.com/inspirednonprofitleadership

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilandconsulting

Website: https://www.hilandconsulting.org

238: Perhaps the most important leadership compentency Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mary discusses the tenth and final episode about the ten principles and practices for effective leadership. In it, Mary reveals her Trust Building Model and more.

Mary has over 40 years experience in the nonprofit sector: 26 as an executive and 18 as a board member. She knows your day-to-day challenges first hand and brings experience and expertise to help you have the greatest possible impact.

Be sure to follow Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated!

You can get a free training: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofit Leaders Make Orienting Board Member by going to https://www.hilandconsulting.org/nonprofitboardorientation

Mary's book is available on Amazon or wherever books are sold: Love Your Board! The Executive Directors' Guide to Discovering the Sources of Nonprofit Board Troubles and What to Do About Them.

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 Facebook.

To learn more about our previous guests, listen to past episodes, and get to know your host, go to: Hiland Consulting

Connect with Mary!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhiland

Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Facebook Group: https://tinyurl.com/inspirednonprofitleadership

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilandconsulting

Website: https://www.hilandconsulting.org

237: Non-human Philanthropy: What You Need to Know. Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

My guest for this episode is Katherine Lacefield. Katherine is the founder and head consultant of Just BeCause Consulting. She brings a wealth of insight to the table from her 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.

As the Coordinator and Communications Manager of PhiLab, Canada's largest philanthropic grantmaking research lab, Katherine has been at the forefront of grantmaking research, particularly in the realms of social and environmental justice. Through her role, she has fostered invaluable relationships with grantmaking foundations, nonprofits, and philanthropy researchers worldwide. Her work has covered diverse aspects of philanthropy, including invisible causes, marginalized communities, environment and climate change, social inequalities, and indigenous relations.

With an academic background in environmental development, Katherine has deepened her understanding of the intricate connections between environmental and social issues. She has contributed thought-provoking articles on the limited funding of environmental and animal causes, shedding light on their intersection with broader societal challenges through renowned platforms like Alliance Magazine.

Here's what to expect during the episode:

What does the term "non-human philanthropy" refer to?
How do societal attitudes and priorities impact the recognition of animals as a charitable cause?
How can biases and stereotypes influence the perception of the worthiness of different causes in philanthropy?
What approaches can these nonprofits use to actively engage people and encourage their involvement in supporting animal welfare?
How can highlighting the interconnectedness between human and animal welfare contribute to changing perspectives?

Connect with Katherine Lacefield!

website: www.justbecause.consulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mac-donald/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just.because.consulting/

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

Link for Effective Board Orientation Checklist https://www.hilandconsulting.org/boardorientationchecklist

Mary's book is available on Amazon or wherever books are sold: Love Your Board! The Executive Directors' Guide to Discovering the Sources of Nonprofit Board Troubles and What to Do About Them.

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 Facebook.

Connect with Mary!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhiland

Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Facebook Group: https://tinyurl.com/inspirednonprofitleadership

Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hilandconsulting