Grounded presence for nonprofit leaders in chaotic times with Danielle Marshall
Release Date: 02/18/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
info_outlineIn 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:
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strategies for resilience, intentionality, and community building,
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the importance of grounding oneself in mission and values.
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how to filter out the noise, maintain agency, and support collective action.
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the significance of strategic focus,
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how to be mindful about your information consumption
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steps to sustaining personal and organizational well-being.
Episode highlights:
[00:07:25] Navigating Leadership in Uncertain Times
[00:010:25] Embracing Imperfect Resilience Practices
[00:13:25] Shutting Out Noise vs. Making Space for Thought
[00:16:25] Finding Agency Amidst Chaos
[00:18:25] Trusting Experts and Strategic Organizers
[00:20:25] Centering Mission and Values
[00:24:25] Navigating Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindsets
[00:29:25] The Power of Local Action
[00:35:25] Holding Space for Complexity
[00:40:25] Emotional Contagion and Leadership Presence
[00:44:25] Boundaries, Community, and Self-Care
[00:49:25] Looking Ahead: Holding Values Firmly
Guest Bio:
Danielle Marshall is an equity strategist and executive coach committed to helping organizations and leaders embed inclusive practices into their operations in meaningful and sustainable ways. As the founder of Culture Principles, she designs tailored strategies that strengthen team dynamics, enhance problem-solving, and cultivate inclusive leadership. Danielle also coaches senior executives to deepen their cultural competencies, fostering greater empathy, effective communication, and equitable decision-making. An ICF-certified Executive Coach and engaging speaker, she brings extensive experience in organizational development, equipping leaders with the skills and confidence to navigate diverse work places with impact and integrity.
Important Links and Resources:
Draw Together with Wendy MacNaughton
Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American on Substack
How to survive the end of the world podcast with adrienne and Autumn Brown
The feminist survival project 2025 podcast
Dear White Women podcast
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder which is available in a video series
The Sum of Us by Heather McGee
Decluttering Your Leadership by Judy Oyedele
Be in Touch:
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📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact
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