If you've ever looked at your nonprofit and thought, “Where do I even start?”—this episode is for you. When we notice how much weight we're personally carrying—systems that rely on our memory, gaps in structure—it can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to fix everything overnight. In this episode, I share a clear, low-stress method to start redesigning your organization from the inside out. Using my STRONG Framework, I’ll help you focus on one pillar, ask one smart question, and take o...

You’re juggling a million things and trying to keep your organization running smoothly — but what if the real issues you’re facing aren’t random? In this episode, I introduce you to the STRONG Framework — the six foundational pillars of a resilient nonprofit — and show you how to identify where your organization might be structurally out of sync. If you’ve ever asked, “What’s really going wrong here?” this is the clarity you’ve been looking for. In this episode, you’ll learn: A high-level bre...

You’ve been told to push through. Work harder. Stretch farther. But what if the burnout you're feeling isn’t about motivation, time, or funding? In this episode, I explore a deeper issue: most nonprofit organizations are built on outdated structures that can’t sustain their mission’s scale. I share how to identify these structural mismatches — what I call “design deficits” — and how to begin redesigning your organization for sustainable growth and real resilience. If you're feeling the weight...

If a genie handed you $2 million or five new team members today, would it really solve your organization's biggest challenges—or reveal them? In this episode, I unpack a myth that keeps many nonprofit leaders stuck: that more money or people will automatically fix what's hard. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t. Instead, growth amplifies what’s already fragile. I share real-world examples from organizations that scaled quickly and struggled, and help you ask the right questions to prepare for sustainab...

Funder meetings don't have to be scary or disempowering. Instead of walking into funder meetings feeling like you have to prove your work is worthy of support, what if you flipped the script? What if you went from powerless grantee to empowered strategic partner? In this episode of the Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, I unpack how to show up to these conversations with confidence and strategy — rooted in your role as a thought partner and changemaker. After nearly 30 years in the fie...

If you’re stuck in the weeds, overwhelmed by your to-do list, or wondering why growth still feels unstable, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the two mindset shifts that have changed everything for me and the nonprofit leaders I coach—moving us from burnout and stagnation to thriving teams, sustainable funding, and scaled impact. These aren’t feel-good platitudes. They’re strategic approaches that rewire how you lead, grow, and build. Let’s talk about what it really looks like to lead diff...

If your team is running on empty and your organization feels like it’s constantly behind, you’re not alone—and it’s not a sign that you need to work harder. In this episode, I unpack what’s really driving burnout and internal chaos: a Design Deficit. I’ll show you how to shift from operating in survival mode to building an organization that can sustainably carry your bold mission. You’ll walk away with a clear, simple framework to strengthen your organization from the inside out—so your growt...

If you've ever been frustrated by a team member who should be operating at a high level but just… isn’t, you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down a simple but powerful framework called the Leadership Performance Matrix™—a tool I use to help nonprofit leaders pinpoint exactly why someone is underperforming and what to do about it. Instead of jumping to conclusions about someone’s motivation or competency, I walk you through how to diagnose the real root of the problem—whether it’s about...

I'm bringing this one back because my love of ChatGPT, and my appreciation for everything it can do to help nonprofit leaders, has only grown deeper in the 2 years since I first released this! Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

This is simple—but most nonprofits don’t do it. When you want to persuade donors, board members, funders, or partners to take action, use this four-part framework: 1️⃣ Add good stuff they get for saying yes 2️⃣ Remove bad stuff that goes away when they say yes 3️⃣ Add bad stuff if they do nothing 4️⃣ Take away good stuff if they do nothing Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that ...

Every nonprofit wants to retain more donors. But too many lose support because they let donor questions and concerns sit unanswered. Donors who receive a response to their inquiry within 5 minutes are significantly more likely to stay engaged. And yet, many nonprofits take days—or weeks—to reply to simple donor requests. No bueno. But easily fixable. Here’s how to fix it. Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelera...

Hitting a growth ceiling in your nonprofit? You’re not alone. Many organizations get stuck in the same patterns—underfunding, overextending, or trying to do too much with too little. The good news? There are clear, actionable shifts you can make to move forward. In this episode, I break down the five most common roadblocks nonprofits face and the hard but necessary changes that lead to real, sustainable growth. Fair warning: staying stuck is just as hard, but it keeps your nonprofit underfund...

Many nonprofit leaders think that making their mission sound detailed and sophisticated will make it more compelling. But the opposite is true! Overcomplicated messaging actually pushes donors away. In this episode, I’ll walk you through why clarity is key and how to craft a mission statement that inspires action. When your mission is clear, everything becomes easier—your team knows what needs to be done, hiring and delegation improve, and fundraising becomes more effective. Donors don’t give...

If your board members aren’t showing up, aren’t leveraging their networks, or seem unsure about their role, you’re not alone. Many nonprofit leaders struggle with board engagement, especially in times of uncertainty. In this episode, I break down the most common reasons board disengagement happens and share practical steps to turn things around. Whether it’s a lack of clarity, uninspiring meetings, or misalignment in expectations, there are actionable ways to get your board members leaning in...

Deficit budgets often get a bad rap in the nonprofit world. We’ve been taught that running a deficit signals poor financial management, a lack of planning, or a looming crisis. But what if I told you that a deficit budget, when used strategically, could actually be a powerful tool? In this episode, I break down the difference between an accidental deficit and a strategic one. I’ll explain why a well-planned deficit can help your organization navigate uncertainty, maintain mission-critical wor...

In a world of constant change—economic shifts, political turbulence, and unexpected crises—how can nonprofit leaders ensure their organizations remain stable and strong? In this episode, I share four key questions every nonprofit leader should ask to assess vulnerabilities, prepare for external challenges, and strengthen their organization from the inside out. By focusing on what truly matters and filtering out the noise, you’ll be better equipped to navigate uncertainty with confidence. What...

I love this episode! Every year I ask a group of the most insightful, creative, on the ground, impact-driving social sector experts I know to share their predictions for this coming year. This year, we have a great compilation, covering everything from AI to corporate partnerships, to finance to personal development. Predictons are obviously just that - carefully considered insights into what we think is coming. But these folks are on the ground doing the real work of supporting nonprofits an...

in this episode, I dive into one of the most critical challenges nonprofit leaders face: the growth edge. It’s that pivotal point where your comfort zone meets the potential for transformation—but it’s also where fear and resistance often kick in. If you’ve set bold or new goals for the year, this episode will help you recognize when you’re hitting your growth edge and provide actionable strategies to push through it. Growth edges aren’t roadblocks; they’re signs you’re on the right track. Le...

HR9495 is stirring up concern among nonprofit leaders, particularly those engaged in advocacy, grassroots, and social justice work. This bill has the potential to heighten scrutiny and even revoke tax-exempt status for organizations deemed "dangerous." In this episode, I break down how you can safeguard your nonprofit from this uncertainty by building resilience in four key areas: mission alignment, governance, compliance, and transparency. I’ll guide you through actionable steps and question...

Are you starting next year with a plan or just a list of to-dos? In this episode, I break down why focusing on outcomes—not just activities—can transform your organization’s strategy and impact. Too often, nonprofit leaders get stuck in activity-based planning that leaves them overwhelmed and disconnected from their mission. But when you center your plans around concrete outcomes, everything changes. I’ll explain the power of outcomes-based planning and how it brings focus, prioritizes resour...