Episodes

72: What Can a Mastermind Do for Your Nonprofit Leadership? (Patton McDowell) SUMMARY What is a mastermind, and how could it help you on your nonprofit leadership journey? In episode #72 of the Path Podcast, Patton provides some history on the mastermind concept, and explains how PMA has adapted th…

71: Bringing A Global Perspective to Nonprofit Leadership (Jennifer Garner) SUMMARY How do you incorporate all of your previous nonprofit leadership experiences in a way that strengthens your current work? Jennifer Garner has built an impressive resume on the way to her current position at the Univ…

70: 7 Strategies to Drive Sustainable Change (Dyisha Reliford) SUMMARY The ability to manage change must be part of your toolkit as a nonprofit leader. After starting her career with Teach for America in Chicago, Dyisha Reliford continued to learn from her successful corporate, community and nonpro…

069: National Philanthropy Day: 3 Lessons for Every Nonprofit Leader (Penny Hawkins) SUMMARY While National Philanthropy day provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate charitable giving, volunteer engagement and community spirit, but it also offers an opportunity for nonprofit leaders to strateg…

68: The 3 “C’s” of Nonprofit Leadership (Mike Smith) SUMMARY Nonprofit organizations add value to communities around the world, and Mike Smith has had the opportunity to see outstanding leadership in the charitable sector in dozens of different countries as well as across the United States. His ins…

067: Leveraging Technology as a Nonprofit Leader (Kim Lanphear) SUMMARY While technology may or may not be your area of expertise as a nonprofit leader, current conditions certainly force you to be more proficient. Whether you’re navigating virtual board and staff meetings, trying to deliver your p…

66: Maximizing Partnerships for Nonprofit Success (Sabrina Dawson) SUMMARY How can you create lasting partnerships that not only establish your nonprofit but help it accelerate its growth? That’s exactly what Sabrina Dawson and I discussed in episode #66 of the Path Podcast. An educator throughout …

65: Why You Shouldn’t Start a Charity (Matthew Zachary) SUMMARY As a cancer survivor and marketing expert, Matthew Zachary approaches most things in life with a very different perspective, including nonprofit leadership. This approach is provocative and thought-provoking, and is sure to make you th…

64: How Can We Address Compensation Gaps in the Nonprofit Sector? (Sally Loftis) SUMMARY It’s a cliché to say no one gets into nonprofit work to get rich. However, if leaders in our sector do not take steps to address the compensation gaps that exist, all of the important work being done will be fu…

63: Confronting Wicked Problems as a Nonprofit Leader (Lynn Fick-Cooper) SUMMARY As a nonprofit leader, you are likely trying to address “Wicked Problems” every day, social challenges that are systemic in nature and incredibly complex. To help us better address these types of problems, Lynn Fick-Co…

62: What Should We Learn from the Giving USA Report? (Melissa Brown) SUMMARY You’ve likely seen the numbers each year that represent philanthropic support in the United States through the Giving USA report. The question is, do you really understand what the numbers mean, and how they apply to you a…

61: 4 Ways to Advance Your Nonprofit Career (Jay Dowd) SUMMARY What are some practical ways you can advance your nonprofit leadership career? In episode #61 of the Path, South Carolina native Dr. Jay Dowd brings experience from leading four different university fundraising teams to answer that ques…

60: Maximizing The Leadership Trio for Fundraising Success (Theresa Lee) SUMMARY Theresa Lee has enjoyed an exceptional fundraising career, doing some of her best work in the greater Boston area for institutions like MIT, Boston College and Holy Cross. Her advice on the critical “leadership trio” (…

59: 5 Keys to Leading Dynamic Virtual Meetings (Lea Williams) SUMMARY Even before the pandemic, the lack of effective meetings was one of the biggest productivity challenges for many nonprofit organizations. As a leader, you cannot afford to waste the collective time and talent of your staff, board…

58: How to Make Nonprofit Leadership Your Dream Job (Carson Tate) SUMMARY Given the uncertainty we all face right now, it is reassuring to speak with someone like Carson Tate who understands the challenges of maintaining personal and professional balance, as well as the nuances of productivity. Car…

57: Bringing Authenticity to Nonprofit Leadership (Lisa Baxter) SUMMARY Like many in the nonprofit sector, Lisa Baxter did not seek a role in philanthropy; the sector quite literally sought her out. And while the path to nonprofit leadership has not always been accommodating to her, the lessons lea…

56: 10 Essential Skills & Experiences for Nonprofit Leadership (Patton McDowell) SUMMARY This episode of the Path Podcast, #56, includes a top-10 list of the most important skills and experiences necessary for successful nonprofit leadership: Lifelong Learning PlanPersonal OrganizationLeadershi…

55: Recalibrating Your Fundraising Strategy as a Nonprofit Leader (Alison Singer) SUMMARY Like most nonprofit leaders, you are likely driven by passion for a cause that is meaningful to you. Alison Singer is certainly a great...

54: Building a Leadership Gift Culture at Your Nonprofit Organization (Chris McLeod) SUMMARY How do you assure your nonprofit is in a position to receive Leadership Gifts ? Many nonprofit organizations dream of that type tra...

53: Building A Legacy Organization Through Nonprofit Leadership (Jeff Michael) SUMMARY Every nonprofit organization has an upcoming anniversary, whether it’s their first, their 150th, or somewhere in between. While simply ce...

52: Celebrating Black Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (Valaida Fullwood) SUMMARY What can your nonprofit do to better engage Black philanthropists? There is no one better suited to answer the question than Valaida Full...

51: Is a Merger Right for Your Nonprofit? (Laura Belcher) SUMMARY As uncertain conditions continue to challenge nonprofit leaders and their ability to plan strategically, the need for effective collaboration is greater than e...

50: Elevating A Cause Through Nonprofit Leadership (Curtis Drafton) SUMMARY Not many nonprofit leaders have actually experienced the personal and professional challenges facing the individuals their organization serves. Afte...

049: 4 Tips for Effective & Efficient Fundraising ( Patton McDowell ) SUMMARY Patton had an opportunity to be a guest on Dolph Goldenburg’s great podcast and discuss four key tips he’s found to help nonprofit organizations or...