The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast discusses important issues facing nonprofit leaders in our community and features real stories from real leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. Enjoy the show!
How to create a leadership culture that retains diverse staff
Sep 04, 2023
Show notesJakada Imani, CEO of The Management Center
Recruitment and retention are hot topics on the minds of many nonprofit leaders right now. Today’s guest, Jakada Imani argues that if you want to recruit and retain a diverse staff, then the organization’s leaders must create an honest culture where people feel like they actually belong.
Jakada is the CEO of The Management Center. The Management Center (TMC) is a consulting firm that is dedicated to helping social justice leaders build and run equitable, sustainable, and results-driven organizations. They provide resources for effective management for social justice and education equity organizations.
Jakada shares how he first got connected to The Management Center in 2017 after working in the social justice sphere for over 20 years. He describes the primary focus of TMC is to give organizations the basic skills to be an effective manager, since being a manager takes very different set of skills compared to other roles in organizations. Jakada shares the three things that make up TMC’s “secret sauce” as well as describes the type of lessons they train managers on improving. When it comes to immersing staff into an organization’s goals, he points out the importance of building alignment on the front end and how that is the responsibility of the managers. Jakada believes that while it is important to have a clear dream, leaders must also be honest about where gaps are and have a rigorous plan of how to close the gaps. Finally, he shares how the work we do is not just about social justice, but it spiritual, like a sacred calling that one must be passionate about.
Links to Resources: If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How to turn former gang members into nonprofit leaders
Aug 27, 2023
Show notes
Leading and motivating staff is a difficult job for every leader, especially the CEO or Executive Director of an organization. Staff communication, staff conflict and staff competition are very real issues that all leaders have to navigate through as they seek to move the organization towards a common mission. Could you imagine having two staff members who are literally working side by side who are from rival gangs? What kind of potential conflict and competition would this create? This is exactly the scenario that Rob’s guest faces every day at his organization.
Rob’s guest today is Thomas Vozzo, the first ever CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world that helps former gang members redirect their lives and become contributing members of their community. Thomas also has a new book coming out called The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life. In it, he outlines how he went from generating billion dollar revenues and making million dollar profits to becoming a voluntary, unpaid CEO of a nonprofit built on compassion, empathy, and social justice.
Thomas Vozzo, CEO of Homeboy Industries
In this episode, Thomas provides an overview of Homeboy Industries’ beginnings and their mission of working to get young men out of gang life. He shares about the “secret sauce” of Homeboy Industries which is its unique community. He also shares what led him to leave a successful corporate career to become the organization’s CEO. Further, Thomas walks us through his leadership journey; how he built trust, cast his vision, and successfully moved the organization forward by doubling its size and impact. He explains how he has navigated the challenges of employing former clients while emphasizing the importance of understanding the long term commitment required to invest in people and help them find positions where they’ll thrive. He also discusses the challenge of being a mission-driven organization that needs to run like a for-profit business. As he gives his perspective, he shares what it’s like working with rival gang members who have been victims of racial, economic, and system-wide injustice. Thomas will also share three important lessons he learned while writing his book and the key principles of finding joy, balance, and your personal beliefs. Finally, he addresses the heavy burden of helping former gang members and prisoners heal from their pain.
Hear how three emerging Gen Z leaders are making their world better
Aug 20, 2023
Show notesSienna Nazarian
Being young doesn’t mean one can’t make a difference. In fact, there is a lot we in the nonprofit space can learn from Gen Z leaders who have already made a big impact in their communities. Today’s guests; Sienna Nazarian, Robbie Khazan, and Dylan Zajac are exactly those kinds of leaders. These three are great examples of emerging leaders who are making their world better.
Dylan Zajac
Sienna, Robbie, and Dylan were each recipients of The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards in 2023. The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize young changemakers who have made a significant impact in leading initiatives that embody the values of “tikkun olam,” which means “repairing the world” in the Hebrew language.
These three Gen Z leaders describe the mission behind their respective nonprofit organizations and what the biggest challenges have been in starting a nonprofit at such a young age. Robbie, founder of Kiddo Byte, shares how his biggest challenge has been to find quality instructors who can teach computer science in a fun and exciting way. Sienna, founder of the Refugee Empowerment Project, explains that her biggest challenge when starting was establishing credibility as a high-schooler and trying to convince larger organizations to partner with her. Dylan, founder of Computers 4 People, believes that the biggest challenge when starting is taking an idea and turning it into a sustainable nonprofit.
Robbie Khazan
Each leader also addresses the misconception that Generation Z is full of coddled individuals who struggle with attention and resilience. They believe the misconception stems from the fact that this generation grew up in the digital age and thus, is the largest consumers of social media content. They also share great advice for other nonprofit leaders on how to recruit and retain Gen Z staff and volunteers. Finally, Sienna, Robbie, and Dylan share what they believe are the biggest challenges facing their generation today and their hopes for the future.
Are you ready for the largest wealth transfer in our history?
Aug 13, 2023
Show notes
Did you know that we’re heading into an unprecedented wealth transfer? It’s been said that within the next few decades, as much as 68 trillion in wealth will pass from the Baby Boomers to the next generation, specifically Gen-xers and Millennials. This is a critical moment for nonprofits to connect meaningfully with their potential donors. So how can you best connect with donors in a truly meaningful way?
Rob’s guest on this episode is Lisa Greer, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, a convener and an author as of 2021. She’s the commissioner of the California State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the chair of the Giving Back Fund, and also has a new book called Philanthropy Revolution: How Inspired Donors Build Relationships and Make a Difference.
Lisa Greer, philanthropist and entrepreneur
Lisa addresses the potential transfer of massive wealth and what that means for nonprofits. She also shares why more nonprofits need to understand and accept donor-advised funds. One of the things she emphasizes is the need for fundraisers to treat donors as human beings and improve relationships and communication with potential donors. She discusses why nonprofit leaders must protect their organization’s brand, business and staff, and common mistakes to avoid manipulating donors when messaging about funding needs. She also explains the drawbacks of competition in the nonprofit sector as well as the huge opportunity in working with millennials both as potential donors and board members. Lisa shares why she believes nonprofits need to overhaul how they fundraise and how to maintain relationships with donors by treating them with the same care they show the communities they serve. Finally, she gives simple ways organizations can make donors feel valued and appreciated as a person instead of a dollar sign.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What a business entrepreneur can teach nonprofit leaders
Aug 06, 2023
Show notesEarl Foote, CEO, Nexus IT Consultants
When it comes to becoming more efficient as a nonprofit organization, it can be helpful for nonprofit leaders to look outside the sector for insights and advice that one can apply to their organization. Today’s guest, Earl Foote, is a leader in the for profit sector who regularly networks with leaders in the nonprofit sector. He shares lessons he has learned over 25 years of running his company, and the transferable principles that can be applied to efficiently leading a nonprofit organization.
Earl is CEO of Nexus IT Consultants. Nexus IT provides IT services and IT support for large and small companies across Utah. As Utah’s premier IT support company, they are committed to making sure business owners have the most reliable and professional IT service.
Earl shares what it was like in the beginning days of starting his company with only $500 and very little business experience. He describes how being disciplined during turbulent economic times was extremely important for his company. Earl believes that in order to handle the current market volatility in our present times, organizations must be vigilant about understanding what’s happening in their business, run experiments, and be willing to make big pivots. When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, Earl explains that employees want to do meaningful work and be part of a truly supportive team environment. He also highlights that if there is dysfunction within the senior leadership team, the dysfunction will exist from the top all the way to the bottom. Finally, Earl shares steps nonprofit leaders can take, to achieve better outcomes and lasting success in their organizations.
Links to Resources: If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How “Smart Tech” is changing the way we lead our nonprofit organizations
Jul 30, 2023
Show notes
Our world continues to change in so many areas, particularly in regards to technology, and specifically, smart tech. Smart tech is not just changing how we use technology, but it’s actually changing the way people make decisions.
Rob’s guests today are Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, co-authors of the upcoming book entitled The Smart Nonprofit. They point out that smart tech and other advanced digital technologies are actually now making decisions for people instead of just being used by people. And that’s why they claim that this is not just a tech evolution, but a revolutionary shift in moving power away from people and towards tech.
Allison Fine, co-author of The Smart NonprofitBeth Kanter, co-author of The Smart Nonprofit
Allison and Beth address what smart tech is and what it is not, and why smart automation is so revolutionary. They discuss how nonprofits can use technology in an ethically responsible way and how to avoid using racist smart tech with embedded bias. They also share why the key message of their book is about being human centered and why nonprofits should use automation and technology to encourage innovative thinking in order to have a bigger impact. They explain how smart tech allows nonprofits to shift from being transactional to being relational and why strong leadership is really the key to implementation. They give tips for finding technology that aligns with your values and why it’s time to turn the page on frantic busyness. Finally, they share some of the most important steps organizations should take today in order to become a smart nonprofit.
#ICYMI #FromTheArchives This episode previously aired.
How is climate change and violent conflict impacting the most vulnerable around the world?
Jul 24, 2023
Show notesJocelyn Wyatt, CEO, Alight
When we hear about the growing number of people being displaced from their home countries, we often assume it is conflict related, due to war or other political reasons. Did you know that weather related events are causing 21.5 million new displacements each year? It’s actually more than twice the number of displacements due to conflict or violence. Today’s guest, Jocelyn Wyatt, describes the effect climate change is having on the global displacement problem and how organizations like hers are focused on battling it.
Jocelyn is the CEO of Alight. Alight, formerly known as American Refugee Committee, is a global humanitarian organization working to effectively and compassionately respond to mass displacement of people worldwide. For 40 years, Alight has provided humanitarian assistance and is now working in over 20 countries around the world.
When considering the future of humanitarian aid, Jocelyn recognizes that climate change will continue to displace more people from their homes. With that in mind, she shares some of the most effective strategies to serve all these displaced individuals. Jocelyn explains that the best way to help refugees settle in and grow into their new communities is to generate solutions with them by co-creating the programs that will best serve them.
She explains that the insights her organization gains directly from the displaced refugees, helps them to design really effective programs. When it comes to offering private sponsorships to refugees seeking a new home, Jocelyn explains which countries are the best examples of what it means to show generosity and support. Finally, she shares examples of countries that are going out of their way to help refugees, even though they themselves have limited resources and displacement problems.
Jon and Becky from “We Are For Good” share their thoughts on the biggest opportunities facing nonprofits today
Jul 16, 2023
Show notes
When you think about the nonprofit sector, are you looking at it with a “scarcity mindset” or an “abundance mindset”? Do you feel like you have already tapped out all your resources when it comes to finding new donors? Rob’s guests, Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott, believe that we need to be asking ourselves different questions as nonprofit leaders. They also share insights into wonderful opportunities that nonprofits are facing and how to take advantage of them.
Becky and Jon are the founders of the media company, We Are For Good. They both host the “We Are For Good” podcast where they tell stories of nonprofit leaders who are making a big difference. Their show celebrates the power of philanthropy, and equips this generation of nonprofit leaders and philanthropists with the mindsets, tools and innovative ideas to make a bigger impact than any of us could ever dream to accomplish on our own. Jon and Becky met nearly 20 years ago, when Becky hired Jon as her graphic design intern at Oklahoma State University Foundation. They ended up sticking together their entire careers in the nonprofit sector, spanning from higher ed to healthcare philanthropy. With combined more than 40 years of experience, they grew up through the ranks and lead teams in nonprofit marketing, annual giving and major gifts. By trade he’s the designer, she’s the writer, and they call themselves “marketers disguised as fundraisers.”
When it comes to thinking with an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset, Becky believes those in the nonprofit space need to seize the present by embracing abundant thinking and applying it to every aspect of their professional and personal lives. Jon urges leaders to not stress out about overarching trends and instead focus on what the controllables are. Jon and Becky offer their opinions on whether the nonprofit sector should be rebranded and how they would suggest it be done. Jon explains why it’s so important to own the impact one makes in the world, and that impact will attract “believers”. Believers, Becky explains, aren’t just donors who give money, but people who show up and grow movements within the nonprofit. They also describe ways to create a dynamic culture of philanthropy and specific examples of what that looks like. Finally, Jon and Becky share why nonprofit leaders need to start prioritizing community and self-growth, and why doing so will have a great impact on the future of their organizations.
How to discover and encourage untapped generosity from your current donors
Jul 09, 2023
Show notes
Did you know that on average, most nonprofit leaders and organizations are only tapping into 13% of their current donors’ potential? In other words, 87% of your current donors are not being fully connected with your mission, which could in turn generate an exponential increase in their support of your organization.
Rob’s guest today is Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold, a donor fundraising agency with a program that moves donors from transactional giving to transformational giving, while turning supporters into ambassadors. Since its founding in 2002, this organization has organized 400 Major Donor weekend fundraising events and raised almost $1.4 billion dollars on behalf of nonprofits, hospitals, churches and universities across the nation. Westfall Gold provides a service that helps nonprofits maximize their existing donors in order to make a difference with large philanthropic contributions, as well as encouraging philanthropy to become more central to these donors’ lives.
Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold
Bob shares why he’s invested his life into raising funds for so many organizations. He also will share along the way some surprising insights from his annual Generosity Report. He explains how organizations can tap into donors already in their database and the necessity of focusing on an organization’s transformational story. He breaks down what is most important when communicating with donors and how to unlock transformational giving. He describes what fundraising should look like, and why creating community, being intentional and cultivating relationships with donors is critical. Bob discusses how nonprofit leaders can build bridges of trust by making multiple deposits in the relationship “bank” before ever trying to make a withdrawal. He also explains the value of a nonprofit’s brand and how he approaches leadership with a focus on courage. Finally, he shares the two greatest challenges that are currently facing the nonprofit sector.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com. To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is driving social change through community leadership
Jul 08, 2023
Show notesPaul Martinez, Chief Leadership and Human Capital Strategist, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The breakfast food innovator, Will Keith Kellogg, started the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 1930 to ensure all children have an equal opportunity to realize their full potential in life. Rob’s guest, Paul Martinez, explains the history of the foundation, its mission, and also offers important insights on leadership for nonprofit organizations.
Paul is Chief Leadership and Human Capital Strategist at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The foundation is an independent, private foundation that believes all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive. WKKF invests in promoting thriving children, working families and equitable communities, as they seek to drive social change through community leadership.
Paul shares the history of WKKF and that the foundation’s mission is to invest in the thriving of the next generation. He explains the specific geographic locations the foundation focuses on when it comes to the people they serve, and how they decided upon those areas. Paul shares how he himself received philanthropic assistance as a child, and working with WKKF has been a great opportunity for him to give back to others. He believes leadership is a social process and outlines the three important factors to having a successful community leadership network. Speaking of this, Paul describes a program that WKKF started a few years ago, called the Community Leadership Network Cohort, and how it impacts leaders on both a career level and personal level. For nonprofit leaders, Paul outlines important key aspects one needs to include in a leadership development program, which includes mastering self-awareness, encouraging self-care, and establishing trust. Finally, when it comes to measuring and sharing results with your donors, Paul gives his advice to nonprofit leaders who want to improve their process of obtaining this data.
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