Productivity Episodes

282: How Can Strategic Planning Transform Your Nonprofit? (Nikki Stewart) SUMMARY This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates. Check them out for your next career opportunity OR for help finding an interim executive or your next leader. How do you transform a strategic plan from a daunting task into a powerful tool for leading your nonprofit? In episode 282 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the transformative power of strategic planni...

279: Digital Transformation: A New Era for Nonprofit Leaders (Beth Kanter) SUMMARY How can nonprofit leaders embrace the opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) while navigating the ethical challenges it presents, all without losing sight of the human-centered mission at the heart of their work? In episode 279 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Beth Kanter, a seasoned expert in nonprofit technology, delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. She offers a nuanced ...

266: Managing Overload as a Nonprofit Leader (Anton Skornyakov) SUMMARY How do you lessen your load and effectively delegate while also fostering an environment of continuous learning and creativity at your nonprofit? In episode 266 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we dive into effective delegation strategies for nonprofit leaders with Anton Skornyakov, author of "The Art of Slicing Work." Anton shares invaluable insights on how to delegate results rather than activities, fostering both...

264: Navigating Nonprofit Change: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid (Michael Randel) SUMMARY How can nonprofit leaders effectively navigate resistance and foster genuine support for change initiatives? In episode 264 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Michael Randel delves into the complexities of leading change in a nonprofit organization. He outlines five common mistakes leaders make, emphasizing the importance of fostering two-way communication and understanding the true nature of resistan...

263: Tech-Forward Strategies for Nonprofit Success (David Blyer) SUMMARY How can your nonprofit leverage the latest technological advancements to elevate its fundraising, donor engagement, and mission impact? In episode 263 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, technology expert David Blyer explores cutting-edge tools and strategies shaping the future of the nonprofit sector. From the imperative of leveraging technology to drive social change to the practical applications of AI and machine ...

253: Building Capacity as a Nonprofit Leader (Witnie Martinez) SUMMARY Are you ready to take your nonprofit organization to the next level of impact and sustainability? In episode 253 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Witnie Martinez, founder of Absolute Impact Consulting, explores the critical elements of capacity building and strategic leadership in the nonprofit sector. From defining capacity building beyond just finances and fundraising to the importance of strategic collaboration a...

250: Scaling Altruism as a Nonprofit Leader (Donald Summers) SUMMARY As a nonprofit leader, do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities of scaling your organization's impact? In episode #250 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore practical strategies for scaling altruism in the nonprofit sector with Donald Summers, a seasoned nonprofit consultant. From demystifying finance to optimizing fundraising efforts and managing disruptive influences, we'll uncover the essential tools an...

249: Maximizing Video to Tell Your Nonprofit Story (Diane Strand) SUMMARY Ever wondered how harnessing the power of video storytelling could revolutionize your nonprofit's outreach efforts? In episode #249 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Diane Strand, a seasoned entrepreneur and nonprofit founder, shares invaluable insights into maximizing the impact of video to convey your organization's narrative. Diane explores how leveraging video storytelling resonates with individual donors and ...

242: How to Design a Personal Planning Retreat (Patton McDowell) SUMMARY In this solo episode #242, Patton McDowell discusses the process of designing a structured personal strategy retreat. The episode highlights why it's critical for nonprofit leaders to invest time in their own strategic planning, a practice often overlooked. He shares valuable strategies and insights on planning and executing a personal retreat for meaningful professional and personal development. 12 STEPS TO DESIGN Y...

241: The Power of Strategic Planning for Nonprofits (Marie Palacios) SUMMARY Did you know that a well-crafted strategic plan is statistically proven to double an organization’s chance of long-term success? In episode #241 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, strategic planning expert Marie Palacios provides clarity around the strategic planning process and how to create a powerful final written product. You’ll gain insider tips on questions like “How do we level the playing field so both i...

238: Is It Time to Redesign Your Nonprofit’s Website? (David Pisarek) SUMMARY Is your website as effective as it needs to be for your nonprofit? In episode #238 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, digital marketing expert David Pisarek shares how you can dramatically improve your website and digital marketing efforts and why you should invest in that effort right now. Learn what a redesign process looks like, the typical costs, and how to find a great agency with which to work. David’s ex...

225: Bridging the Gap: Technology’s Role in Nonprofit Success (Jack Fanous) SUMMARY Are you using today’s technology to further advance your mission and better serve your community? In episode #225 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Jack Fanous, founder and leader of two successful, shares how technology can both increase your fundraising and better connect your mission with those you serve. Understand how having a better knowledge of software options can help nonprofit leaders better na...

216: How Your Nonprofit Can Benefit from a Digital Transformation (Bob Green) SUMMARY What does digital transformation mean for nonprofits? In episode #216 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, strategic IT expert Bob Green explains how digital transformation is a pathway for nonprofit organizations to succeed by increasing overall efficiency, facilitating donor and volunteer relationships, and improving communications to reach wider audiences. He shares how incorporating new technologies i...

204: How Can Nonprofit Leaders Bring Innovation to Their Organization? (Leah Kral) SUMMARY How can you foster sustainable innovation within your nonprofit? Between the pandemic and workforce shortages, many nonprofit leaders today are likely exhausted and running out of actionable ideas. It’s said that adversity drives innovation, but for many, that well is drying up too soon. So where are all the good ideas? In episode #204 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit strategist and aut...

175: How Can Nonprofit Leaders Succeed in the Attention Economy? (Eric Ressler) SUMMARY With the distractions of instant access to information, are you effectively capturing the attention of the right people in a sustained, authentic, and meaningful way to move your mission forward? Eric Ressler explains what the attention economy means and how it has affected nonprofit organizations in episode #176 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Eric shares why organizations struggle to find, grow a...

173: Can You Manage the Finances as a Nonprofit Leader? (Alex Romero) SUMMARY As a nonprofit leader, are you well versed in the management of budgets and financials for your organization? Can you forecast cash flow and establish internal controls to keep donors and board members happy? In episode #173 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the fundamental financial skills you must master to excel at nonprofit leadership. Virtual CFO Alex Romero identifies some of the biggest financi...

149: Navigating Data for Nonprofit Leaders (Stu Manewith) SUMMARY Is your organization overwhelmed by data? Do you have fresh, error free, current and comprehensive data in one easy to access system or has confidence in your communications faltered because you recently noticed something simple like a donor’s name misspelled? Today’s guest, Stu Manewith discusses why nonprofit leaders should be paying more attention to their data. In episode #149 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Stu...

146: 5 Key Productivity Moves for Nonprofit Leaders (Mike St. Pierre) SUMMARY Has navigating the shifts in remote work only exacerbated gaps in your productivity? Or, maybe it didn’t take a global pandemic to realize staying organized in the nonprofit sector can exhaust even the most dedicated leaders. This fatigue and sense of exhaustion is real. However, in episode #146 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we have the founder of Nonprofit Productive, Mike St. Pierre, to equip y...

141: Nonprofit Success in an Age of Disruption (Dave Lenox) SUMMARY Many nonprofits experience periods of volitivity as a result of leadership turnover. Covid has accelerated some nonprofit leaders to leave an organization after many years of service. In episode #141 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Dave Lenox, a former nonprofit executive director and current managing partner at The Valtas Group, explains the numerous resources available to organizations during these transitions. ...

#012: 7 Professional Development Books for Your 2020 Reading List (Patton McDowell) This is the second episode in a three-part series focused on an effective year-end review and an actionable personal strategic plan for the year ahead. Many goal setting exercises include an effort to read more on professional development topics, and this episode recommends seven books that correspond with each “stop” on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Listen to hear summaries of the following outstanding reso...

#011: Planning for 2020? Start With These 4 Year-End Exercises to Close Out 2019 First (Patton McDowell) Summary While it’s hard not to look ahead to a new year (and a new decade) in 2020, this episode of the Path reminds us that a good annual review process helps clarify and sharpen your focus for the year ahead. Patton outlines four distinct exercises that will help guide your review in a way that goes further than simply answering whether you achieved your goals or not. This special episode -...