Libsyn Directory

Progress over perfection, slowing down and joy - Envisioning a more humane nonprofit sector - Part 1

Release Date: 08/13/2024

When the Stakes Are High: Centering People in Tough Nonprofit Leadership Moments with Melissa Kessler

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In episode 131 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Melissa Kessler explore the intersection of communications and organization development, particularly in moments of crisis, transition and change. They talk about how internal communications can either reinforce or undermine values, strategy, and humanity within an organization. how to navigate layoffs, restructuring, or organizational shifts with humanity why how we communicate is just as important as what we decide. Episode highlights: 💬 “It’s a Communications Problem” – Or Is It? [00:09:27]...

Nonprofits Under Attack: Defending Democracy, Community, and Innovation with Carol Hamilton

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In episode 130 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol reflects on five years of podcasting and the sobering state of the nonprofit sector in 2025. While celebrating milestones, she also underscores the challenges nonprofits face amidst unprecedented political attacks, funding cuts, and threats to long-standing principles like nonpartisanship. Despite these challenges, Carol highlights the resilience, innovation, and critical role nonprofits play in society—from filling essential gaps to fueling social movements, strengthening democracy, and sparking innovation. She calls on nonprofit leaders to...

Tribute: Fundraising Without Fear: Building Relationships That Fuel Your Nonprofit Mission with Sabrina Walker-Hernandez

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton gives a tribute to nonprofit consulting star and nonprofit governance and fundraising expert Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President & CEO of Building Better Boards, by re-releasing their conversation from 2021. Ms. Hernandez passed away in July 2025 after a long battle with cancer. Episode highlights: [00:06:45] Finding Her Why: From Law to Nonprofit Service [00:13:00] Breaking Down the Fundraising Cycle [00:18:30] A Mantra for Courage: It’s Not About You [00:21:15] Helping Board Members Identify Donors: The List Generator...

Building psychological safety in nonprofit organizations with Michael Randel

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In episode 128 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Michael Randel joins Carol to explore how psychological safety—often dismissed as a “soft” concept—plays a critical role in nonprofit team performance, learning, and innovation. They discuss: The connection between organizational readiness and the deeper human dynamics that shape effective leadership and collaboration. What psychological safety looks like in action, Why it’s vital in today’s polarized climate, How nonprofit leaders can foster inclusive, high-trust environments where people feel safe to...

From Guilt to Responsibility: A white nonprofit leaders journey into equity work with Cat Lazaroff

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In episode 127 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Cat Lazaroff. They talk about her work around engaging white-led and majority-white organizations in meaningful culture change to more inclusive, diverse and equitable cultures. They explore: how nonprofit leaders, especially white leaders, can begin and sustain their own equity learning journeys. Privilege, identity, conflict, organizational culture, and the necessity of holding multiple truths. how culture transformation isn’t about quick fixes, but rather long-term commitments, courageous relationships,...

Navigating Nonprofit Careers with Matt Hugg

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

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

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

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

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

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

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

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

Nonprofit Mission: Impact

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...

More Episodes

In this special episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton celebrates four years of podcasting and reflects on the lessons learned from her 100+ episode journey. The podcast, aimed at nonprofit leaders striving to build a better world without martyrdom, offers practical advice, deep analysis, and engaging conversations. This episode gathers insights from various guest experts, focusing on key themes such as cultivating healthy organizational cultures, prioritizing progress over perfectionism, ensuring work-life balance, and infusing joy and creativity into the nonprofit sector. The discussion underscores the importance of aligning organizational values with actions, fostering inclusive and supportive environments, and advocating for the resources needed to achieve meaningful change.

Episode Highlights

Key Lessons from 100 Episodes & Imagining a Healthier Nonprofit Sector

03:31

Carol shares ten essential lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures, the dangers of overwork, and the value of focusing on relationships and progress over perfection.

Progress Over Perfection

06:28

Pooya Pourak discusses the importance of favoring progress over perfectionism, embracing continuous improvement, and cultivating a growth mindset to drive meaningful social change.

Action Bias

09:15

Susan Kahan highlights why analysis paralysis is common in the sector. She describes the need to make decisions and take action, even if imperfect, and the value of celebrating small wins to foster progress and avoid burnout.

Setting Guardrails and Modeling

13:51

Dr. Orletta Caldwell offers practical steps for leaders to establish clear values in support of your nonprofit mission, support work-life balance, and create a culture where it's okay to be human while striving to do good work.

Planning Realistically 20:42 - 25:40

Sarah Olivieri advises on planning realistically, working within your nonprofit organization’s capacity, and using visual tools to manage workloads and avoid overcommitment.

Infusing Joy and Creativity into Nonprofit Work

25:41 - 33:18

Erin Allgood shares strategies for infusing joy and creativity into the nonprofit workplace, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships and creating a culture of fun and innovation.

Advocating for the Resources Your Team Needs

33:19

Reva Patwardhan calls on nonprofit leaders to advocate for their organizations' needs, ensuring they have the resources necessary to meet goals without sacrificing well-being.

Important Links and Resources:

Erin Allgood - https://www.allgoodstrategies.com/

Dr. Orletta Caldwell - https://beyondexisting.com/

Susan Kahan - https://sapphirefundraisingspecialists.com/

Sarah Olivieri - https://www.pivotground.com/

Reva Patwardhan - https://www.greatergoodcoaching.org/

Pooya Pourak - https://www.matchnice.org/

Liberating Structures - https://www.liberatingstructures.com/

Related Episodes:

Episode 50 - Why more money and more staff isn’t always the answer for nonprofits

Episode 62 - Healthy nonprofit organizational culture highlights, part 1

Episode 63: Healthy nonprofit organizational culture highlights part 2