Because We've Been In Your Shoes

Nonprofits tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. If you work for a nonprofit, you know it’s hard work, and at times it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Yet, knowing you’re not alone and hearing from others who have faced similar obstacles can make a world of difference! Join Deniz and Tom as they share experiences, stories, and learn from nonprofit colleagues, discuss emerging issues in the sector, and provide you with key takeaways and useful tips to support you in all you do for our world!

Ep. 27 Career Changes Part 2 09/26/2023

Ep. 26 Career Changes Part 1 09/19/2023

Ep. 26 Career Changes Part 1 🎙️ Ch ch ch ch....changes: Career changes whether they are involuntary exits or self-directed pivots to a happier you can stir up a lot of mixed emotions and we often don't talk about what that looks like or feels like. Welcome to the episode of "Career Changes - Transitions and the Emotions that Follow." In this conversation, Deniz and Tom dive headfirst into sharing personal expereinces with career changes for nonprofit leaders and unpack the emotions that follow from transitions. 🌟 Shattering the Myths: Career Change Defined! First things first, let's obliterate the misconception that career change only means waving goodbye to your current gig. It's not just about quitting or getting handed the pink slip. A career change can be a tantalizing promotion, an exhilarating break, or the daring quest to explore uncharted territories as you map out your future. And, believe us, it's not just your job that's impacted; your family, emotions, and finances are all part of the thrilling equation we'll explore in this episode. 🛤️ Nail That Exit Strategy! Join us as we explore how and why you may want to have an exit strategy ready on the fly. Tune in as we reveal the secrets to planning for those "what if" moments. What happens when the opportunity doesn't quite click with your dreams? Are you ready to embark on an epic journey, even if it means starting at the bottom? 👩‍👧‍👦 The Family Factor with Career Changes! Many of us have faced this situation - being laid off while having a growing family to consider and household expenses to cover. The lesson here? Never forget the incredible power of your network and the relationships you've fostered. They might just have the treasure map to your next adventure, or even introduce you to someone in dire need of your heroic skills! 🌟 The Identity Dilemma: Who Am I Without the Title? Hold on tight as we plummet into the abyss of identity crisis! For so many of us, our positions and projects become our very essence, our identity. We pour our hearts and souls into these noble quests only to, at some point, leave them behind. Brace yourself for the emotional roller coaster that follows when your core beliefs and identity are thrust into having to make decisions about your career path. 🎉 Join Us for This Timely Conversation! We're unraveling the intense emotions, the nail-biting transitions, and the tips to thriving in the face of change. Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/28088171

Ep. 25 Campaigns Part 2 09/12/2023

Ep. 25 Campaigns Part 2 🎙️ Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Campaigns - Featuring Expert Insights! 🌟 Dive deep into the captivating world of campaign strategies with our latest podcast episode. We've got some thrilling insights to share that you won't want to miss! 💡 Consultants: Your Guiding Stars 🌠 One golden nugget we uncovered in our continued campaign conversation is the power of consultants. Don't be afraid to ask for help - bring in a partner to help you such as an experienced consultant to offer guidance and expertise. And even after the campaign consulting is done - keep that consultant on as a coach! Regular meetings, whether weekly or monthly, will keep you on the path to success, ensuring you're always making the right moves. 🚀 The Journey from Start to Finish 🌄 Ever wondered what it takes to embark on a successful campaign journey? Here are the campaign steps from start to finish. Pre-Campaign - Plan your campaign and secure approximately 65% of your overall goal, usually from 5-10 key donors. And don't forget about your alumni; they can be your secret weapon! Capacity Assessment and Feasibility Study - Is your organization truly ready for the campaign? This step, whether it's a yes or no, will equip you with invaluable insights. Is your community, staff, and board prepared for the adventure ahead? Active Campaign Planning - Announce your lead gift with a bang! Let the world know you mean business. Campaign Launch - Celebrate the groundbreaking moment with detailed communication about your campaign. Let the world know you're taking the plunge! Active Campaign Planning - Get those proposals out the door. The more you send, the more chances of success! Home Stretch - Close out campaign gifts and revel in the joy of accomplishment. It's time to celebrate the journey! 🌟 Frequently Asked Questions Unveiled! 🧐 Deniz wraps up the episode with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about campaigns. 🌍💼 #CampaignStrategies #RoadmapToSuccess #ExpertAdvice Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27920157

Ep. 24 Campaigns Part 1 08/29/2023

Ep. 24 Campaigns Part 1 🚀 Mastering the Art of Nonprofit Campaigns: A Roadmap to Success! 🌟 🎙️ If you're eager to run a campaign that's not only effective but also keeps a vigilant eye on your annual funds to stay on course, this is an episode you absolutely cannot afford to miss. 🎯 🔍 The Campaign Blueprint: Vision, Lead, Develop, Build 🗺️ Join us as we dissect the anatomy of a successful campaign, breaking it down into four essential components: Vision, where it all begins; Lead, the guiding force; Develop, the strategic evolution; and Build, the foundation for lasting impact. Together, they form the roadmap to campaign triumph! 🚀 🌐 Communication & Education: The Vital Threads 📢 Communication and education are the lifeblood of your campaign. From staff to board, community to donors, knowledge empowers understanding and fuels the mission's protection. We'll explore the power of cohesive, collaborative fundraising and the ripple effect it creates. 💡💪 📚 Best Practices: The Blueprint for Success 📖 Every step of your campaign journey should be documented with best practices. From where the money has gone to why more is needed, our episode unveils the secrets to keeping your campaign shipshape. Keep marketing your campaign as you hit milestones, ensuring the momentum never falters! 🏆📈 🧭 Navigate the Uncharted Waters of Campaigns 🌊 If you're new to the world of campaigns or looking to sharpen your skills, this episode will transform you into a seasoned campaign maestro. We'll provide the compass to guide you through uncharted waters, making sure you emerge with newfound confidence and expertise! 🚢 Don't miss out on this incredible journey into the heart of nonprofit campaigns, and discover the secrets to running an impactful, efficient, and highly successful campaign. 🌠🎙️ Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27883809

Ep. 23 Prioritizing Wellness at Work Part 2 08/21/2023

Ep. 23 Prioritizing Wellness at Work Part 2 "Balancing Act in Nonprofits - Achieving Harmony and Avoiding Burnout" was the heart of our discussion in Part 2 conversation on Prioritizing Wellness at Work with our special guest Pradnya Haldipur. In this episode, Pradnya joins co-hosts Deniz and Tom as we delve into the challenges and aspirations of fundraising professionals in the nonprofit sector. These dedicated leaders are striving to create harmony within the workplace, nurture relationships with donors, collaborate effectively with boards, and foster unity within their teams, all while working tirelessly to raise vital funds for their organizations. 🔍 The Struggle for Recognition: Despite the tremendous efforts made within the nonprofit world, it's often disheartening to observe that the broader public may not fully appreciate the value and dedication of those working in this sector. The external perspective doesn't always align with the passion and dedication that drives nonprofit professionals. 🔥 Burnout and Turnover: This misalignment between internal dedication and external recognition contributes to the prevalent issues of burnout and high turnover rates in the nonprofit sector. With a staggering 29% turnover rate in nonprofits, compared to just 8% in the corporate world, it's clear that something needs to change. 💪 Creating Supportive and Inclusive Environments: Our conversation also touches on the importance of cultivating supportive and inclusive environments within nonprofits. We discussed setting examples and commending individuals who establish healthy boundaries. However, we also explored the challenges of securing buy-in from boards and the compromises that might be necessary in this process. 🌱 The Path to Preventative Care: At the end of the day, we all agreed that self-reflection on your personal and professional goals - taking a life-work balance mindset thin the nonprofit space can be a powerful form of preventative care to combat burnout. It's essential to consider whether you're content with who you've become amidst your nonprofit endeavors. Have you been pushing yourself to the limit with excessively long workdays? Perhaps it's time to prioritize self-care. 🌞 Experience Yields Wisdom: An invaluable perspective shared on this episode encourages intentionality in planning your weekends. - taking the key steps to unplug from work. By dedicating time to recharge, you can return to work on "Monday Monday" with a refreshed mindset, ready to take on the challenges of the nonprofit world. This episode explores the realities of working in nonprofits, the struggles faced, and the potential paths to a healthier, more balanced future for the sector. Join us in the conversation on achieving harmony, preventing burnout, and making a lasting impact in the nonprofit space. Tune in to the full episode and remember nonprofit friends, you're not alone Because We've Been In Your Shoes. 🎧📌 Subscribe to Because We've Been In Your Shoes and reach out if you'd like to share a topic impacting the nonprofit sector. #NonprofitLife #BurnoutPrevention #Inclusivity #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCare #Podcast #NonprofitSector #HarmonyAtWork Connect with Pradnya Haldipur: Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27812262

Ep. 22 Prioritizing Wellness at Work 08/15/2023

Ep 21 Reframing the Arts Sector Part 2 08/08/2023

Ep 21 Reframing the Arts Sector Part 2 In Part 2 of Reframing the Arts Sector, guests Calida Jones and Doug Clayton point out that the Arts are not just commodities and oftentimes are overlooked as vital cultural resources that enhance and enrich communities. Another way to look at how many arts organizations are not prioritized either through community engagement or philanthropic resources is subjective and misplaced notions of what is and who defines something as of 'quality'. The exploration and community-centered arts organizations by design are to be inclusive and accessible, so who's standards say when that "quality" has been achieved? Tune in to this conclusion to our conversation on how to innovate and reframe the arts sector toward achieving and prioritizing equitable, accessible, and inclusive models and approaches to have the broader reach and social impact many in the Arts sector strive to attain. Funders also should rethink how they prioritize the Arts in their grantmaking approaches to also be equitable in other areas of funding that align with arts education, arts as an economic driver, and arts as a vehicle for healing and wellness. Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on for new episodes. Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our or and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Calida Jones and Doug Clayton: https://www.creativeevolutions.com/ Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and Connect with Calida Jones and Doug Clayton: https://www.creativeevolutions.com/ Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27601932

Ep. 20 Reframing The Arts Sector Part 1 08/01/2023

Ep. 20 Reframing The Arts Sector Part 1 Empowering the Arts: A Conversation on Innovation and Inclusivity The 2023 Giving Report has highlighted a crucial issue - a nearly 15% decline in giving. Among the organizations feeling the impact the most are our beloved arts and cultural institutions, which have been hit hard by the pandemic. Join us on "Because We've Been In Your Shoes" as we dive deep into this matter with Calida Jones and Doug Clayton, renowned national arts consultants, and co-founders of Creative Evolutions. Their mission is clear: infuse innovation, new models, and inclusive, equitable approaches to revitalize the arts sector. Their collaboration was recently recognized with first place at the Yale Innovation Summit. Rethinking the Mission: Calida and Doug challenge the conventional understanding of the word "mission." They believe it can create unnecessary stress for nonprofit staff, who should not feel obligated to sacrifice everything for their organization's mission. They advocate for healthy boundaries, where roles are defined and the burden doesn't fall solely on one person's shoulders. A Fresh Perspective: Creative Evolutions is all about doing things differently. They prioritize innovation and human-centered work, exploring various angles to determine what's best for their clients and the arts sector as a whole. Building a More Inclusive Future: Tune in to this timely podcast episode as we focus on the arts sector, diving deep into the work needed to create more inclusive and diverse arts and cultural organizations. Subscribe to our podcast and stay updated on Spotify and your favorite podcast platforms. Follow us on Instagram at "Because We've Been In Your Shoes" for the latest episodes. Interested in being a guest on our show, discussing a compelling topic in the nonprofit world, or nominating a nonprofit leader for our podcast? Reach out to us via our Instagram or LinkedIn – we'd love to hear from you! Tune in to this timely podcast episode as we hone in on the arts sector and how deepen the work to build for more inclusive and diverse arts and cultural organizations. Let's come together to drive change in the arts sector and uplift the vital work of cultural organizations. #ArtsInnovation #InclusiveArts #PodcastDiscussion #NonprofitLeadership #CreativeEvolutions #BecauseWeveBeenInYourShoes Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on for new episodes. Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our or and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Calida Jones and Doug Clayton: Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27601872

Ep. 19 Brand Strategy for Impact Part 2 07/25/2023

Ep. 19 Brand Strategy for Impact Part 2 In part two of our discussion with Shilpa Gadhok, we touched on the fundamentals that she starts with to see where an organization is on branding for impact. Brand purpose Brand vision Brand mission Brand belief POD - point of difference Know your audience Personalized messaging Barrier you solve Benefits you offer In this captivating two episodes, we dive deep into the world of brand building for nonprofit organizations and explore the remarkable ways strong brands can drive positive social impact. Discover how strong nonprofit brands create a ripple effect that extends beyond their immediate goals. Our conversation unfolds into a fascinating exploration of how effective branding can generate awareness and empathy among the general public, inspiring them to join the movement and contribute to the cause. We discuss with Shilpa the best practices behind building a philanthropic brand that resonates with supporters and she shares practical insights on leveraging storytelling, authenticity, and transparency to engage with audiences on an emotional level. Moreover, we discuss the role of digital media and social platforms in amplifying a nonprofit's message, igniting enthusiasm, and fostering a sense of belonging among supporters. Tune in to this thought-provoking episodes, and embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover the true significance of brand building for nonprofits and its profound impact on society. Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on for new episodes. Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our or and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Shilpa Gadhok: Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on for new episodes. Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our or and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Shilpa Gadhok: Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27455622

Ep. 18 Brand Building for Impact Part 1 07/18/2023

Ep. 18 Brand Building for Impact Part 1 Name 3 long-standing brands. Brands that have been around since you were little. Now...how do we do that for our non-profits? Shilpa Gadhok, founder and CEO of See Good Strategy Group, joined us to dig into this topic of marketing but marketing with a big purpose...to build an iconic, long-standing brand for impact. Shilpa offered six questions to ask yourself to evaluate how strong your brand is. How big of an impact are you making currently? Can you answer these six questions correctly? In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the world of brand building for nonprofit organizations and explore the remarkable ways strong brands can drive positive social impact. Discover how strong nonprofit brands create a ripple effect that extends beyond their immediate goals. Our conversation unfolds into a fascinating exploration of how effective branding can generate awareness and empathy among the general public, inspiring them to join the movement and contribute to the cause. We discuss with Shilpa the best practices behind building a philanthropic brand that resonates with supporters and she shares practical insights on leveraging storytelling, authenticity, and transparency to engage with audiences on an emotional level. Moreover, we discuss the role of digital media and social platforms in amplifying a nonprofit's message, igniting enthusiasm, and fostering a sense of belonging among supporters. Tune in to this thought-provoking podcast episode, and embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover the true significance of brand building for nonprofits and its profound impact on society. Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on for new episodes. Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our or and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Shilpa Gadhok: Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27392163

Ep. 17 Building and Managing Multigenerational Teams Part 2 07/11/2023

Ep. 17 Building and Managing Multigenerational Teams Part 2 In this enlightening podcast discussion, we spoke with Joanne Wilson, an experienced VP of Development Systems, about the significance of building and working on multigenerational teams and the benefits they bring to nonprofit organization cultures and missions. We also delved into the urgent need to combat ageism in the hiring process and advocate for a more inclusive approach that values the unique contributions of individuals from all generations and age groups. Join us as we highlight the diverse perspectives and skills that different generations bring to the table. Experience, innovation, and collaboration exist across all generations and by harnessing the collective strengths of multigenerational teams, nonprofits can unlock untapped potential and drive their missions forward with renewed vigor. We discussed some preconceived biases often associated with ageism during the hiring process and the stereotypes that exist with various generations and we debunk those preconceived notions. Instead, the emphasis is on the importance of recognizing each individual's unique capabilities, talents, and lived experiences irrespective of their age. Overcoming age-related biases is crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment, allowing nonprofits to benefit from the full spectrum of talents present in multigenerational teams. Implementing mentorship programs that facilitate knowledge exchange between generations can prove invaluable. Moreover, the podcast highlights the significance of nurturing an organizational culture that values diversity and promotes collaboration across generations. We share real-life success stories from nonprofits that have embraced multigenerational teams and underscore the transformative impact of dismantling age-related biases. By adopting an inclusive hiring process, these organizations have strengthened their teams and reaped the rewards of increased creativity, improved decision-making, and enhanced problem-solving. Embracing a multigenerational workforce is not just the right thing to do—it is a strategic choice that leads to long-term success and sustainable growth for nonprofits. Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on for new episodes. Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our or and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on for new episodes. Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our or and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27175962

Ep. 16 Building and Managing Multigenerational Teams Part 1 06/20/2023

Ep. 16 Building and Managing Multigenerational Teams Part 1 In this enlightening podcast discussion, we spoke with Joanne Wilson, an experienced VP of Development Systems, about the significance of building and working on multigenerational teams and the benefits they bring to nonprofit organization cultures and missions. We also delved into the urgent need to combat ageism in the hiring process and advocate for a more inclusive approach that values the unique contributions of individuals from all generations and age groups. Join us as we highlight the diverse perspectives and skills that different generations bring to the table. Experience, innovation, and collaboration exist across all generations and by harnessing the collective strengths of multigenerational teams, nonprofits can unlock untapped potential and drive their missions forward with renewed vigor. We discussed some preconceived biases often associated with ageism during the hiring process and the stereotypes that exist with various generations and we debunk those preconceived notions. Instead, the emphasis is on the importance of recognizing each individual's unique capabilities, talents, and lived experiences irrespective of their age. Overcoming age-related biases is crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment, allowing nonprofits to benefit from the full spectrum of talents present in multigenerational teams. Implementing mentorship programs that facilitate knowledge exchange between generations can prove invaluable. Moreover, the podcast highlights the significance of nurturing an organizational culture that values diversity and promotes collaboration across generations. We share real-life success stories from nonprofits that have embraced multigenerational teams and underscore the transformative impact of dismantling age-related biases. By adopting an inclusive hiring process, these organizations have strengthened their teams and reaped the rewards of increased creativity, improved decision-making, and enhanced problem-solving. Embracing a multigenerational workforce is not just the right thing to do—it is a strategic choice that leads to long-term success and sustainable growth for nonprofits. Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on for new episodes. Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our or and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on Connect with Tom Bull on Visit the podcast online at and at and on You can also find the podcast on , , , and /episode/index/show/beeninyourshoes/id/27175923