Designing nonprofits for impact with Julian Chender
Release Date: 11/04/2025
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In episode 136 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton, Elizabeth Engel, and Jamie Notter talk about their new white paper Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch. Ten years after Engel first explored Lean Startup principles in the nonprofit and association world, she and Notter revisit what’s changed—and what hasn’t. Carol, Elizabeth and Jamie discuss: Why the tools of innovation are accessible, yet the real challenge in adoption lies in organizational culture. how competing commitments, fear of failure, and rigid silos can quietly sabotage innovation efforts ...
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Designing nonprofits for impact with Julian Chender
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In episode 135 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with organizational design consultant Julian Chender about how nonprofits can move beyond simple restructuring to intentional organizational design that aligns strategy, structure, and process. They discuss: how organizational design is not the same as restructuring how design choices impact effectiveness, collaboration, and long-term sustainability. the pitfalls of designing around personalities, the importance of strategic clarity when facing downsizing or merger decisions. The conversation...
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Tribute: Fundraising Without Fear: Building Relationships That Fuel Your Nonprofit Mission with Sabrina Walker-Hernandez
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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...
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From Guilt to Responsibility: A white nonprofit leaders journey into equity work with Cat Lazaroff
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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,...
info_outlineIn episode 135 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with organizational design consultant Julian Chender about how nonprofits can move beyond simple restructuring to intentional organizational design that aligns strategy, structure, and process.
They discuss:
-
how organizational design is not the same as restructuring
-
how design choices impact effectiveness, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
-
the pitfalls of designing around personalities,
-
the importance of strategic clarity when facing downsizing or merger decisions.
The conversation offers nonprofit leaders practical insights into building organizations that are resilient, adaptable, and positioned for impact.
Episode highlights:
The Why Behind the Work - [00:08:08]
Defining Organizational Design - [00:13:53]
Structure, Silos, and Collaboration - [00:14:41]
Common Mistakes in Nonprofit Design - [00:18:23]
Balancing Human-Centered Values and Strategy - [00:20:40]
Downsizing by Design - [00:24:36]
Participation and Ownership - [00:23:32]
Benchmarking vs. Mass Customization - [00:30:01]
Strategic Plans Require Organizational Design - [00:37:40]
Mergers and Strategic Alliances - [00:41:21]
Examples of Successful Mergers - [00:44:16]
The Key Question for Leaders - [00:47:57]
Guest Bio:
Julian Chender is the founder of 11A Collaborative, an organization design firm focused on creating healthy society through healthy organizations. In his early years, Julian was an internal consultant at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) under Tony Fauci during the agency’s response to the global Ebola and Zika crises. From there, he moved to external consulting, eventually joining Accenture’s Operating Model & Organization Design practice shortly after its acquisition of Kates Kesler. Through 11A Collaborative, Julian has consulted to purpose-driven organizations across sectors. He is a Certified Organization Design Practitioner and an ICF-Certified Coach who holds a master’s degree in Organization Development from American University and a B.A. in History from Swarthmore College.
Important Links and Resources:
Downsizing by Design: A Guide for Nonprofits
Candid Social Impact Staff Retention survey
Board Source Purpose Driven Leadership
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