The Nonprofit Exchange: Leadership Tools & Strategies

In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Crystal Gibson, the founder of The Authentic Alliance. Crystal is a leadership catalyst dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations foster cultures of courage, belonging, and sustainable impact. Our conversation centered around her core philosophy that authenticity, rather than perfection, is a leader’s greatest asset.

We explored the challenges leaders face in being their true selves, particularly in mission-driven organizations where conformity can often overshadow individuality. Crystal shared insights on how leaders can practice vulnerability while maintaining confidence, emphasizing the importance of learning out loud and being present with their teams.

Crystal introduced her book, “Authentic Alliance: Empowering Sustainable Change in Complex Organizations,” which serves as a practical guide for leaders navigating the complexities of organizational life. We discussed the alarming statistic that 74% of nonprofit staff report hiding parts of themselves at work, and how this pervasive issue stems from a fear of not aligning with the expected norms.

Throughout our discussion, we highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive environment where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures. Crystal shared her CHARM Method, which encourages co-creation, honoring existing processes, assessing situations, reflecting, and measuring what truly matters.

We also touched on the concept of “mask leadership,” where leaders present a false persona, which can undermine team performance and well-being. Crystal emphasized the need for leaders to remove their masks and lead authentically, fostering a culture of collaboration over competition.

As we wrapped up, Crystal provided practical steps for nonprofit leaders to empower their teams, such as celebrating progress, sharing knowledge freely, rewarding collaboration, and normalizing the act of asking for help. She encouraged leaders to regularly revisit their goals and expectations to maintain alignment and clarity within their organizations.

For those interested in diving deeper into Crystal’s work, I encourage you to visit her website, theauthenticaliance.com, where you can find resources, schedule a conversation, and learn more about her book. This episode is a valuable resource for any leader looking to navigate the complexities of organizational life while staying grounded in authenticity.

More about Crystal Gibson at https://theauthenticalliance.com

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Gander, a seasoned expert in cultural transformation and leadership development. With over four decades of experience, Steve has worked with a diverse range of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits, helping them build high-performance, values-driven cultures.

We delved into the critical role of culture in organizational success, emphasizing that culture drives everything. Steve shared insights on how beliefs govern behavior, both individually and collectively, and highlighted the importance of understanding and measuring culture to foster excellence. He explained that many leaders unknowingly create barriers to a positive culture, often leading to defensive behaviors among their teams.

Steve also discussed the concept of “culture engineering,” which involves a structured process to create and sustain high-performing cultures. He provided practical advice for nonprofit leaders, stressing the need for self-awareness and the importance of confronting the reality of their organizational culture.

As a takeaway, Steve encouraged listeners to utilize the resources available on his website, excellentcultures.com, particularly the MRI tool that helps organizations assess their current culture against desired benchmarks. This episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable steps for leaders looking to transform their organizations and create a thriving culture.

I invite you to reflect on your own beliefs and behaviors as a leader and consider how you can take that first step toward cultural transformation. Thank you for joining us, and I hope you find this conversation as enlightening as I did!

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Pierre Berestrain, the incoming CEO of Safe Alliance in Austin, Texas. Safe Alliance is a leading organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as sex trafficking. Pierre’s journey from being an undocumented immigrant from Peru to a prominent leader in the nonprofit sector has profoundly shaped his understanding of systems, power, and community care.

We delved into the concept of “Leading Beyond the Buzzwords,” exploring what real systems change looks like in the nonprofit sector. Pierre emphasized that while program improvements address symptoms of social issues, true systems change requires a deeper examination of the root causes and the policies that perpetuate these problems. He highlighted the importance of integrating community wisdom into our approaches and the need for a mindset shift in how we view prevention and intervention.

Pierre also discussed the significance of dignity-centered and collective leadership, stressing that effective leadership is about creating conditions where staff can thrive and feel joy in their work. He shared insights on the power of storytelling in shaping cultural narratives around issues like gender-based violence and immigration, illustrating how narratives can either reinforce or disrupt harmful systems.

Collaboration emerged as a key theme, with Pierre noting that successful partnerships between nonprofits, government, and communities are built on trust, humility, and shared stewardship. He provided a compelling example of how Safe Alliance is working with the city of Austin to transform a hotel into an emergency shelter for survivors, showcasing the potential for civic engagement and investment in community well-being.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Pierre expressed his hope for the future, highlighting a shift in community perspectives towards safety and belonging. He believes that by focusing on building a supportive ecosystem, we can create conditions where individuals can live full, connected, and flourishing lives.

This episode is a call to action for leaders in the nonprofit sector to engage deeply, listen intentionally, and lead with courage, as we work together to transform lives and communities.

#NonprofitExchange #SystemsChange #Storytelling #Collaboration #Leadership #SafeAlliance

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Keith Dorsey, a leading expert in board governance, leadership readiness, and organizational strategy. Dr. Dorsey shared invaluable insights on the concept that board service is a journey rather than a mere checklist, emphasizing the importance of understanding the roles of management, advisory, and oversight within nonprofit boards.

We discussed common pitfalls that nonprofit leaders encounter when recruiting and onboarding board members, particularly the tendency to surround themselves with familiar faces rather than seeking individuals with the necessary skills and experience. Dr. Dorsey highlighted the need for leaders to ask the right questions and to be willing to make tough decisions about board composition to ensure strategic alignment.

A significant part of our conversation revolved around Dr. Dorsey’s five forms of capital: human, social, cultural, directoral, and commitment capital. He explained how these capitals can be leveraged to enhance board effectiveness and drive organizational success. We also explored the concept of optimal diversity, which combines observable diversity with intentional diversity of thought, fostering richer discussions and better decision-making within boards.

Dr. Dorsey encouraged listeners to reflect on their personal “why” and to identify their unique strengths and values as they navigate their board journeys. He emphasized the importance of slowing down to think critically about board dynamics and strategic goals, rather than operating on autopilot.

As we wrapped up, Dr. Dorsey shared details about his book, “The Boardroom Journey,” and the resources available on his website, boardroomjourney.com. I invited him to return for a follow-up discussion, as there is so much more to explore in the realm of effective board governance.

This episode is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking concepts that nonprofit leaders can apply immediately to strengthen their boards and enhance their organizations’ impact. Be sure to check out the full episode for all the insights!

More about Dr. Dorsey at – https://www.boardroomjourney.com

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Terry Modica, co-founder and executive leader of Good News Ministries, a global organization dedicated to digital content creation and mission-driven outreach. Terry shared her inspiring journey of how Good News Ministries was born out of a deep passion for evangelization and education, sparked by her experiences in adult education and transformative workshops.

Terry recounted the pivotal moment when she and her husband felt called to move from New Jersey to Florida, where they encountered a community eager for the same mission they had envisioned. This led to the establishment of Good News Ministries of Tampa Bay, highlighting the importance of stepping up to a calling and taking risks in the pursuit of a greater purpose.

Throughout our conversation, we explored the challenges Terry faced in transitioning her vision into reality, including the need to adapt to new leadership styles and the importance of building a strong organizational culture. Terry emphasized the significance of treating people with respect and responding to their needs, drawing from her own experiences of frustration with unresponsive organizations.

We also discussed the role of technology in expanding their reach, as Terry embraced digital platforms early on, recognizing the potential of the internet to connect with a broader audience. She shared insights on measuring impact, not just through statistics but also by listening to the feedback from those they serve.

Terry’s commitment to continuous self-improvement and her guiding principles as a servant leader were evident throughout our discussion. She underscored the importance of being adaptable and responsive to the needs of the community, which has been crucial for the sustainability of Good News Ministries.

As we wrapped up the episode, I encouraged listeners to reflect on their own visions, establish effective systems, and engage their communities to bring their missions to life. Terry’s experiences and insights serve as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we are dedicated to serving others.

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In this episode of The Non-Profit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Corey Poirier, an award-winning speaker, author, and founder of Blue Talks. Corey shared his journey and the inspiration behind Blue Talks, a global platform that merges business, life, and the universe, allowing individuals to discover their authentic voice and expand their influence.

We delved into the importance of authenticity in leadership, especially for nonprofit and faith-based leaders. Corey emphasized that authenticity is the new currency in leadership, as people crave genuine connections and transparency. He discussed how leaders can overcome the tendency to hide behind titles and instead foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

Corey also highlighted the significance of storytelling in effective communication. He addressed the common fear of public speaking, explaining that it often stems from the fear of the unknown. By preparing thoroughly and focusing on the audience rather than oneself, leaders can become more comfortable and impactful speakers.

We explored practical strategies for improving public speaking skills, such as joining organizations like Toastmasters or offering no-fee talks to local chambers of commerce. Corey shared his personal experiences and insights on how to build confidence and competence in public speaking.

As we wrapped up, Corey offered valuable advice on staying grounded and aligned with one’s purpose, including the creation of a personal mission statement. This episode is packed with wisdom for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their influence and create lasting change in their organizations.

I encourage you to check out Corey’s website, coreyporeamedia.com, and explore the resources available through Blue Talks. Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to our next conversation!

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Wayne Light Brown, the founder of Avoid Being Average. We delved into the theme of authentic leadership and purpose-driven success, exploring Dr. Brown’s remarkable journey from artist to creative entrepreneur and leadership strategist.

Dr. Brown shared his roots in Harlem and the Bronx, emphasizing the importance of community and service in his life. He discussed how his experiences with graffiti and art therapy shaped his understanding of healing and transformation, leading him to create programs that support young entrepreneurs through his nonprofit, URISE.

A key focus of our conversation was Dr. Brown’s principle of “reviewing results over reasons,” which challenges nonprofit leaders to prioritize tangible outcomes over excuses. He highlighted the importance of revenue in sustaining nonprofit missions, urging leaders to embrace a mindset shift that recognizes the necessity of financial health for creating real impact.

We also explored the concept of living your true expression, which Dr. Brown defined as being authentic and transparent in leadership. He emphasized that authenticity is crucial for shaping organizational culture and fostering trust within teams.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Brown shared valuable insights on overcoming systemic barriers and unlocking potential in underserved communities. He encouraged leaders to practice vulnerability and transparency, reminding us that these qualities are essential for effective leadership.

As we wrapped up, Dr. Brown offered practical daily practices for aligning purpose with results, including the transformative exercise of morning pages, inspired by Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.”

I encourage our listeners to visit avoidbeingaverage.com to learn more about Dr. Brown’s coaching and resources. Remember, the journey of leadership is an art form that blends structure, purpose, and authenticity. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, let’s continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

More about Dr. Brown at – https://www.avoidbeingaverage.com

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Schreifels, a seasoned expert in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. Jeff, the principal of Veritas Group and co-author of “It’s Not Just About the Money,” shared his journey into the world of philanthropy, which was deeply influenced by his father’s commitment to giving, even during tough times.

We explored the misconception that fundraising is solely about money. Jeff emphasized that true philanthropy is about building authentic relationships with donors and understanding their passions and interests. He highlighted the importance of viewing donors as key stakeholders in the mission of a nonprofit, rather than just sources of funding.

Jeff also addressed the challenges many nonprofits face with their boards and the need for clear expectations and training around fundraising. He pointed out that while board members may have passion, they often require guidance to effectively contribute to fundraising efforts.

Throughout our conversation, we discussed the shift from transactional to transformational fundraising, stressing that successful fundraising is about creating meaningful connections with donors. Jeff shared practical steps for nonprofit leaders to foster a donor-centered culture, including embracing the idea that staff and donors are integral to the mission.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that fundraising is not just about chasing dollars; it’s about inspiring generosity and building lasting relationships. For those interested in learning more about Jeff’s work and accessing valuable resources, I encourage you to visit Veritas Group’s website at veritasgroup.com.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of transforming vision into reality in the nonprofit sector!

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In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Tom Collins, a physician, educator, and leadership scholar who has developed a transformational framework called the “Four Stars of Leadership.” Drawing from his extensive interviews with America’s top four-star generals and admirals, Dr. Collins identified four essential dimensions of leadership: character, competence, caring, and communication.

We explored how these principles can be applied not only in the military but also in the nonprofit and faith-based sectors, where leaders often face unique challenges such as limited resources and high accountability. Dr. Collins emphasized the importance of setting clear expectations and building trust through character, which is foundational for effective leadership. He also highlighted the distinction between professional competence and leadership competence, noting that excelling in one area does not automatically translate to success in the other.

Throughout our conversation, we discussed common mistakes leaders make, such as relying too heavily on positional authority, and the impact of blind spots on leadership effectiveness. Dr. Collins underscored the value of humility as a strength and the need for leaders to be self-aware and authentic.

As we wrapped up, Dr. Collins shared insights about his website, FourStarLeaders.com, where listeners can find resources, his podcast, and information about his book, “The Four Stars of Leadership.” This episode serves as a reminder that effective leadership is about influencing others to achieve mutually beneficial goals, and that the principles of character, competence, caring, and communication are vital for success in any organization.

More information at – https://www.fourstarleaders.com

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