Libsyn Directory

The Nonprofit board's duty of foresight with Jeff De Cagna

Release Date: 07/16/2024

Navigating Nonprofit Careers with Matt Hugg

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In episode 126 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Matt Hugg discuss the unique landscape of nonprofit careers. Together, they explore: what makes nonprofit work meaningful and distinctive, including the opportunities and challenges for those transitioning into or advancing within the sector. how nonprofit professionals can align their skills and passions, how to navigate career shifts, and maintain their connection to mission-driven work. This conversation offers nonprofit leaders practical wisdom on supporting their teams and nurturing their...

Beyond the Ask: Building nonprofit board champions with Michele Walls

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In episode 125, of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Michele Walls. Michele shares her deep well of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and strategic development. They explore: the importance of thoughtful relationship-building, patience, and team collaboration in securing sustainable funding. how fundraising is a team effort and a long game. how to move from reactive panic to strategic action—even amid uncertainty and funding contractions. Episode highlights: 🤝 Fundraising is a Team Sport [08:45] Top fundraising tips: People...

Embodied leadership for nonprofits with LeeAnn Mallorie

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In episode 124 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and LeeAnn Mallorie discuss about navigating leadership from a place of embodiment, resilience, and grace. They explore: how tuning into the body can help leaders make better choices, weather organizational turbulence, and come through crisis with renewed purpose. How our effectiveness and influence are deeply tied to how we relate to ourselves—and that honoring our inner wisdom is not a luxury, but a necessity in today’s climate of uncertainty and change. Episode highlights: What Is Embodiment and Why It...

Using AI for better nonprofit fundraising with Josh Hirsch

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In episode 123 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Josh Hirsch discuss using AI in fundraising and donor engagement. They explore: The evolution of AI, and its potential to enhance how organizations connect with donors. How to train AI tools effectively, leveraging data responsibly, and using AI to enhance—rather than replace—human-driven strategy. Why nonprofit leaders who embrace AI thoughtfully do not need to fear the technology EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: The Evolution and Role of AI in Nonprofits - [00:010:00] How Nonprofits Can Use AI...

Building community through nonprofits with James Young

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In episode 122 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and James Young discuss the role of community, social innovation, and problem-solving in nonprofit leadership. They explore how organizations can foster meaningful collaboration, move beyond traditional silos, and embrace an interdisciplinary approach to tackling complex challenges. the importance of balancing expertise with curiosity, strengthening both bonding and bridging social capital, and designing intentional community experiences that drive impact. Together, they reflect on how associations and...

Ethical video storytelling for nonprofits with Rachel Jellinek

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In episode 121 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Rachel Jellinek discuss the power of video storytelling for nonprofits. They talk about: how nonprofits can use video effectively to connect with their audiences, How to maintain ethical storytelling practices. the importance of focusing on strengths rather than deficits, ensuring those sharing their stories have agency, and balancing emotional impact with authenticity. The conversation also explores common mistakes nonprofits make when creating videos and best practices for incorporating video...

Innovation for nonprofits with Leah Kral

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In episode 120 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Leah Kral discuss how to foster innovation within nonprofits. They discuss six key practices for driving meaningful change: uncovering hidden needs, asking courageous questions, empowering collaboration, embracing experimentation, committing to continuous learning, and building a culture of persuasion. Through relatable stories and actionable advice, together they emphasize the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, and creating space for bold ideas to thrive...

Scenario planning for nonprofits + Podcastathon with Carol Hamilton

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In this solo episode of Nonprofit Mission Impact, Carol Hamilton delves into scenario planning and its value for nonprofits navigating an era of heightened uncertainty. She emphasizes how scenario planning moves organizations from a state of overwhelm to proactive action, outlines a step-by-step approach and shares a recent client story to illustrate its usefulness. Podcastathon 2025: She also highlights The Arc of Montgomery County and its important role in supporting people with developmental disabilities through local programming and national advocacy as part of...

Holistic communications for nonprofits with Meghan Speer

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In episode 118 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Meghan Speer about the concept of holistic communication within nonprofit organizations. They discuss: the importance of ensuring consistency and clarity across all communication channels to enhance donor engagement and confidence. insights into breaking down silos, fostering collaboration among internal teams, and how to map out donor touchpoints to deliver a seamless and human-centered experience. The conversation highlights the need for nonprofits to align their messaging with donor expectations,...

Grounded presence for nonprofit leaders in chaotic times with Danielle Marshall

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In episode 117 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Danielle Marshall collaborate on another “learning out loud” episode. They discuss the challenges nonprofit leaders face in these chaotic, uncertain and threatening times. They explore: strategies for resilience, intentionality, and community building, the importance of grounding oneself in mission and values. how to filter out the noise, maintain agency, and support collective action. the significance of strategic focus, how to be mindful about your information consumption steps to...

More Episodes

In episode 102 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Jeff De Cagna discuss the concept of the "duty of foresight," stressing the need for boards to prepare for future challenges. They critique traditional leadership paradigms and promote stewardship as a more inclusive and effective approach. The conversation covers various topics, including the evolution from VUCA to BANI and the need to challenge orthodox beliefs to create resilient and forward-thinking organizations.

Episode highlights:

Duty of Foresight

[00:07:00] - [00:010:00]

- the concept of the "duty of foresight."

- the importance of boards anticipating future challenges and preparing accordingly.

Evolution from VUCA to BANI

[00:14:00] - [00:17:30]

- the shift from VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) to BANI (brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible).

Challenging Orthodox Beliefs

[00:19:00] - [00:24:00]

-The need for nonprofit leaders to question and confront orthodox beliefs.

- examples of outdated beliefs and suggests alternative approaches to foster innovation and resilience.

Leadership vs. Stewardship

[00:30:00] - [00:37:00]

- Critique of traditional leadership models, arguing that they often emphasize winning and greatness in unproductive ways.

- Stewardship as a more collaborative and sustainable approach to governance.

Preparing for Future Challenges

[00:37:00] - [00:23:00]

the importance of collective responsibility on nonprofit boards and shared vulnerability in addressing complex issues.

Guest Bio:

Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia is an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder/successor advocate, and stewardship catalyst. In August 2019, Jeff became the 32nd recipient of ASAE’s Academy of Leaders Award, the association’s highest individual honor given to consultants or industry partners in recognition of their support of ASAE and the association community.

Important Links and Resources:

Jeff De Cagna

Foresight First LLC

VUCA https://www.mindtools.com/asnydwg/managing-in-a-vuca-world

BANI https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeroenkraaijenbrink/2022/06/22/what-bani-really-means-and-how-it-corrects-your-world-view/

Reasons to be cheerful newsletter: https://reasonstobecheerful.world/

Threatening Thirties series:

https://www.naylor.com/associationadviser/the-threatening-thirties-part-i/

https://www.naylor.com/associationadviser/the-threatening-thirties-part-ii/

https://www.naylor.com/associationadviser/the-threatening-thirties-part-iii/

Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture: https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/characteristics.html

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