Social Good Instigators Podcast
Looking for inspiration and encouragement geared towards leaders of social good organizations? Join your host Kirsten Bullock on the Social Good Instigators Podcast to hear about what's working. You'll be learning from other leaders who will provide helpful tips related to social entrepreneurship, growing successful organizations and more. Leaders will be sharing about ways they helped their organizations excel (as well as things that didn't work out so well). Formerly known as the Nonprofit Leaders Network Podcast.
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SGI64: Communication is the Cure with Lynn O’Connor Vos
04/30/2018
SGI64: Communication is the Cure with Lynn O’Connor Vos
Communication is at the heart of work in the nonprofit sector. Whether in our relationships with donors, sponsors, staff, or those we serve, clear communication, with information the recipient sees as useful is essential. In this episode, Lynn O’Connor Vos, the new CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association will be sharing more about communication – and about ways the MDA is better serving it’s clients.
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SGI63: Investing in Your Organization’s Future with Travis Laws
04/16/2018
SGI63: Investing in Your Organization’s Future with Travis Laws
We’re told to do more with less, but sometimes, it pays to invest in the infrastructure of our organizations. On this episode, Travis Laws, President and chief Executive of WIN Warehouse, based in St. Louis Missouri, will be sharing with us about the value of investing in your organization and the importance of telling your story.
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SGI62: Nonprofit Leadership Challenges – and Opportunities with Marc A. Pitman
04/02/2018
SGI62: Nonprofit Leadership Challenges – and Opportunities with Marc A. Pitman
What do you think about leadership in the nonprofit sector? In this episode, we’ll be talking with Marc A. Pitman about a report he just commissioned called ‘The Wake-Up Call.’ He’ll share a few of the highlights from the report, information about benefits and risks for different styles of nonprofit leadership, as well as suggestions about what nonprofit leaders can do next.
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SGI61: A New Way of Giving with Sharna Goldseker
03/19/2018
SGI61: A New Way of Giving with Sharna Goldseker
Do you ever wonder what the next generation is interested in and how they choose to be involved with, and give to, different charities? Listen in as Sharna Goldseker, co-author of How Next Gen Donors are Revolutionizing Giving shares some insights into this topic – and about her personal giving journey.
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SGI60: Accelerating Your Fundraising with Sandy Rees
03/05/2018
SGI60: Accelerating Your Fundraising with Sandy Rees
If you’re running a small and growing nonprofit, this show is definitely for you. Sandy Rees will be sharing all sorts of tips and ideas about fundraising, time management, and communicating clearly with your core audiences. She also mentions in the interview a free upcoming webinar where she’ll go more in-depth about this.
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SGI59: Starting Smart with Tim Scott
02/12/2018
SGI59: Starting Smart with Tim Scott
Sometimes an idea starts small and grows into something much, much bigger. That was the case for Tim and Agata Scott and Mitscoots Outfitters. What started with manufacturing socks to sell – and give away – is now an outfitter company that employs transitioning homeless, manufactures a full line of products, serves agencies that help the homeless and ships their products around the world. In this episode, we talk about the process of starting a social good venture and how messaging needs have changed.
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SGI58: Successful Social StartUps with Kathleen Kelly Janus
01/29/2018
SGI58: Successful Social StartUps with Kathleen Kelly Janus
Have you ever wondered what successful social enterprises do differently? On this call, Kathleen Kelly Janus shares about many aspects of social entrepreneurship. These findings are a result of hundreds of conversations Kathleen had with social entrepreneurs over the last few years.
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SGI57: A New Era for Nonprofits with Wayne Elsey
01/08/2018
SGI57: A New Era for Nonprofits with Wayne Elsey
The nonprofit sector is going through some pretty significant shifts right now. These include a focus on sustainability, measuring impact, and developing more strong leaders. In this episode, Wayne Elsey shares about these, as well as suggestions for managing critics and leading a full (but not too busy) life.
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SGI56: Overcoming Biases, Embracing Diversity, and Building Strong Businesses and Nonprofits with Tamar Kedar Harris
12/18/2017
SGI56: Overcoming Biases, Embracing Diversity, and Building Strong Businesses and Nonprofits with Tamar Kedar Harris
Starting a nonprofit or entrepreneurial endeavor requires people, commitment, ideas, and possibly a little bit of luck. Tamar Kedar Harris, from NGT3 based in Nazareth, Israel, shares about her experiences working with startups in a tech incubator with a social mission. We talk about some of the unique dynamics of working in Israel, the value of diversity, and some of the key components of founding a successful organization.
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SGI55: Program Impact, Relationships and Trust with Caleb Belanger
11/27/2017
SGI55: Program Impact, Relationships and Trust with Caleb Belanger
It can be extremely difficult to start a new venture that is successful, and much more so when it’s in a different culture. In this episode, Caleb Belanger, with New Leaf Development, shares about how they have built trusting relationships that have already, in a pilot test, resulted in 11 new jobs in a community in South Africa.
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SGI54: Sharing About What You Do with Adam Walker
11/13/2017
SGI54: Sharing About What You Do with Adam Walker
Sharing about what we do is at the core of every endeavor. That’s even more true for the nonprofit and social entrepreneurial space. In this episode, Adam Walker shares tips for sharing about what you do, as well as some things to think about as you develop your online presence. He’s recently launched a podcast about nonprofit digital marketing, so if you’re looking for more about that, be sure to visit sideways8.com to listen in.
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SGI53: Consistent Growth and Changing Careers with Diane Nelson
10/30/2017
SGI53: Consistent Growth and Changing Careers with Diane Nelson
Changing careers can be difficult for anyone. When you’re a corporate, number-focused person transitioning to the nonprofit world it can probably go either way. For Diane Nelson and for VIPS, where she serves as executive director, it’s been a perfect match. In this episode Diane shares a bit about the transition, as well as ways they increased their budget from $1.1 to about 2.6 million.
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SGI52: Recruiting Board Members with Nathan Webster
10/16/2017
SGI52: Recruiting Board Members with Nathan Webster
For a nonprofit, having a high performing board is essential. Unfortunately, many nonprofits struggle with this issue. In this episode. Nathan Webster with Dream Big Community Center in Vancouver Washington shares about a board challenge, what he learned from it, and how he’s approaching board members now.
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SGI51: The New Economy with Godelieve Spaas
10/03/2017
SGI51: The New Economy with Godelieve Spaas
You may have noticed a shift that is happening among businesses and the nonprofit / NGO sector. Individuals, companies and organizations are becoming much more cognizant of their impact on the world. Our guest today, Godelieve Spaas, will be sharing some insights into this shift that she gained while working on a report entitled Research New Economy. That report is available on her website at creatingchange.nl
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SGI50: Managing Change in an Unpredictable Environment with Jason Steinberg
09/18/2017
SGI50: Managing Change in an Unpredictable Environment with Jason Steinberg
Most of us work in environments that are in constant flux. It’s a sign of our times right? In this episode, Jason Steinberg shares some stories – and advice – from the unpredictable environment of a refugee camp.
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SGI49: Creative Problem Solving (or Design Thinking) With Randy ‘Salz’ Salzman
09/05/2017
SGI49: Creative Problem Solving (or Design Thinking) With Randy ‘Salz’ Salzman
Have you ever felt that your organization could achieve better results if they just faced problems differently? If so, this interview is for you. Randy Salzman shares some background about thinking through and addressing problems more comprehensively, or design thinking, and how to help your organization shift to that approach. He is a co-author of Design Thinking for the Greater Good: Innovation in the Social Sector, which covers this topic in more detail.
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SGI48: Creating an Environment That Encourages Risk Taking With Dominique Callimanopulos
08/22/2017
SGI48: Creating an Environment That Encourages Risk Taking With Dominique Callimanopulos
Travel sometimes sounds really glamorous, but the behind the scenes work can be crazy. In this interview, you’ll hear from Dominique Callimanopulos who is giving back through her travel business. She’ll be sharing about creating an environment that encourages risk taking and how building a network and being a thought leader can make your job easier.
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SGI47: Impact, Community and Tech Partnerships with Scott Reichenbach
08/08/2017
SGI47: Impact, Community and Tech Partnerships with Scott Reichenbach
In this interview with Scott Reichenbach, we explore ways Cure Clubfoot has learned to extend their reach through various partnerships.
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SGI46: Partnerships that Bring Lasting Impact with Stacie Freeman
07/18/2017
SGI46: Partnerships that Bring Lasting Impact with Stacie Freeman
Partnerships are best developed when two (or more) people or entities realize they can make a bigger impact by working together. This partnership, between Bethel University and Bright Light Volunteers is one of those. Stacie Freeman, shares her perspective on what's gone well, as well as a couple of learning experiences. Key points include: Relationships Can Lead to Partnership Opportunities; Volunteers Pay Their Own Way – and Contribute to Project Costs; Avoiding Band-Aids and Striving for Lasting Impact; More Than a Feel-Good Trip, It’s About Building Understanding of Complex Issues; The Importance of Learning to Let Go to Let it Grow; Recognizing Complementary Strengths in Your Partners; Universities Can Be a Source for Volunteers and Other Help; Define Your Dreams – and Follow Them.
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NLN45: Leadership Transitions as an Opportunity with Jennifer Aronson
06/27/2017
NLN45: Leadership Transitions as an Opportunity with Jennifer Aronson
Jennifer Aronson explores key issues from the Boston Foundation’s recently published report, “Opportunity in Change.” Key points include: • Leadership Changes are Happening Across Generations • Transition Times Can Be an Opportunity to Make Structural Changes • The Importance of Avoiding the Temptations of the Frankenstein Model of Nonprofits • Seeing Transition Times as an Opportunity to Address Diversity, Equity and Inclusion • Deciding to Make Time for Long-Term Thinking and Planning Jennifer Aronson leads key initiatives at The Boston Foundation to enhance the impact of the Massachusetts non-profit sector. Her portfolio includes capacity building, leadership development, structural innovation strategies, and programs for guarantee and non-guarantee organizations, collaborations, and networks. She's done a lot of work in this area and was a big part of a recent report that came out from the Boston Foundation called "Opportunity In Change." Visit www.socialgoodinstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every 2-3 weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN44: Creating an Environment for Controlled Growth & Happy, Committed Staff with Nick Arquette
06/06/2017
NLN44: Creating an Environment for Controlled Growth & Happy, Committed Staff with Nick Arquette
In this podcast, we are talking with Nick Arquette, Founder and Executive Director of Walk With Sally. We discuss topics relating to integrating your mission into a fundraising event, how to grow your board and staff at the right pace for your organization, how to recruit and keep a strong core team, and more. After attending both the American Conservatory Theater and Boise State University, Nick moved to Manhattan Beach, California, 25 years ago to pursue a career in the film industry. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Nick created and founded a series of companies. In 2006 with a new passion for aiding the aging population, he co-founded Adia In-Home Care, support services which enhance the quality of life for the aging, and recently started Assisted Preferred, a local information site and customer support service for placement services, quality senior care referrals and ongoing support. Walk With Sally was founded by Nick Arquette in 2005, naming it for his mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer and after many years of treatment, died when Nick was sixteen. He never forgot how challenging and isolating the years of his mother’s illness and loss had been for him as a child. Nick searched for mentoring opportunities in the community only to discover that no organization was filling this critical support gap. Walk With Sally’s core mentoring program has expanded, having served hundreds of families throughout the South Bay over the past 10+ years and today is actively serving 63 children, boys and girls ages 7-17, with trained volunteer mentors. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: 1. Integrating Your Mission into a Fundraising Event 2. From Volunteer-Run to Staff Organization: Growth as Needed 3. Intentional Board Growth 4. Recruiting and Keeping a Strong Core Team 5. Avoiding What You Don’t Understand Could Be a Recipe for Disaster Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and full guest bio. Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN43: Formalizing A Foundation – Finding Focus & Building A Strategy with Sherrie Deans
05/16/2017
NLN43: Formalizing A Foundation – Finding Focus & Building A Strategy with Sherrie Deans
In our podcast discussion this week, we are chatting with Sherrie Deans, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation, the charitable arm of the NBPA – the Union for the nearly 450 current professional basketball players in the NBA. We discuss topics relating to her challenges as the first executive director for a foundation that had been in existence for 20 years. There was no real focus or funding priorities before she was hired so this had to be developed. She also had the not-so-common challenge of dealing with the non-monetary assets of the star power and influence of the players and the fact that these players were very young with little to no charitable experience. Deans brings highly regarded C-Level expertise in celebrity philanthropic engagement as well as global financial services, having held posts with Living Cities, AIG, MBNA, and American Express. She holds a B.A. in economics and political science from Columbia University. Currently, she lives in the Bronx with her husband and son. The NBPA Foundation provides strategic funding and support for players' community engagement while also communicating their work to the world in order to accelerate and maximize its impact. The players' work is global and collectively spans a wide range, from critical charitable initiatives to social entrepreneurship. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: 1. Formalizing a Foundation: Shifting Funding to Priorities and Focus 2. Recognizing – and Making the Most of – Non-Monetary Assets 3. Changing the Conversation: #EverydayDad 4. A Recurring Question: What Difference are You Making? 5. Never Get Comfortable: The Value of Innovation Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and full guest bio. Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN42: Small Steps Add Up to a Big Impact with Lauralee Lindholm
04/27/2017
NLN42: Small Steps Add Up to a Big Impact with Lauralee Lindholm
Welcome to Episode 42 of the Nonprofit Leaders Network podcast series. Our guest is Lauralee Lindholm who, along with her husband, have been involved with rural community development in Ethiopia for over 28 years. In this podcast interview, we discuss topics relating to starting small, letting the experts direct program direction, connecting your board to your program, and striving for self-sufficiency so your cause can go on and grow without you. Lauralee spent 18 years in Africa with her husband doing rural community development as a missionary. When they returned to the United States, they were overwhelmed with how much is wasted in the U.S. and how much is needed there. Ten years ago, they organized Heart for Ethiopia as a nonprofit, started selling donated books on their Heart for Ethiopia eBay store, and soon needed help with shipping as the sales rolled in. From their bookstore proceeds, they have sent over half a million dollars to Ethiopia for rural development in the last ten years. Heart for Ethiopia focuses on helping rural education and development through churches out in the countryside, where there's almost no other type of help. There, with a little money, they make a big impact. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: • Funding a Ministry: Starting Small • Letting the Experts be in the Driver’s Seat • Connecting Your Board to Your Program • Striving for Self-Sufficiency – and Putting Yourself Out of Business • Find a Cause You Can Believe In Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and full guest bio. Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN41: Leading – and Managing – a Board Through Change with Susan Warshaw
04/04/2017
NLN41: Leading – and Managing – a Board Through Change with Susan Warshaw
In our podcast this week with Susan Warshaw, Executive Director of Grades of Green, we discuss the importance of preparation for a smooth leadership transisiton, not rushing into making changes, making the most of a failure, keeping donor goals realistic, and important traits of nonprofit leaders. Susan is an experienced leader in the education non-profit sector. She previously held the position of Executive Director at the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, where she raised millions of dollars annually. She recently raised funds for the El Camino College Foundation. Her career began in Washington, DC, consulting to EPA and state environmental agencies. Warshaw holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She is the Vice President of Philanthropy at the Neptunian Women’s Club in Manhattan Beach. Grades of Green began in 2008 at Grand View Elementary in California by four moms wanting a better world for their children. The founders created a non-profit so other schools would have free and easy access to the tools and information they have developed to empower and inspire students to care for the environment. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: The Importance of Preparation for a Smooth Leadership Transition Take Time Before Rushing into Changes Leaders Learn to Turn Lemons into Lemonade A Realistic Assessment of Board Relationship Bandwidth Important Traits for Nonprofit Leaders: Persuader, Motivator and Consensus Builder Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every two weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN40: Leveraging Partnerships to Create Successful Programs with John Marshall
03/14/2017
NLN40: Leveraging Partnerships to Create Successful Programs with John Marshall
Welcome to Episode 40 of the Nonprofit Leaders Network podcast series. Our guest today is John Marshall, President and Chairman of the Board of the Johnny Mercer Foundation. Our conversation includes topics relating to a shift in focus, overcoming pushback to change, the evolution and development of a program, and using partnerships to extend the impact of your nonprofit. The mission of The Johnny Mercer Foundation is to support the discipline of songwriting in the tradition of the Great American Songbook as exemplified by the life and work of Johnny Mercer: lyricist, composer, performer, collaborator and producer. The Foundation continues Johnny’s legacy by partnering with individuals and organizations dedicated to celebrating and nourishing the disciplines he mastered, and the causes he and Ginger Mercer championed. The key points covered in this discussion are: Deciding on a Shift in Focus Overcoming Pushback to Change The Evolution of a Program: From Site-Based to Equipping Extending Nonprofit Impact Through Partnerships Letting Go, and Growing Impact Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, full guest bio, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every two weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN39: Equipping and Empowering Board Members and Community Leaders to Make a Difference with Megha Desai
02/22/2017
NLN39: Equipping and Empowering Board Members and Community Leaders to Make a Difference with Megha Desai
Welcome to Episode 39 of the Nonprofit Leaders Network podcast with our guest Megha Desai who is the Director of the Desai Foundation. Topics we discuss include the transition from a family foundation to a public foundation, an innovative way to effectively get the word out about your nonprofit, connecting your board members to the mission, and building trust and long-term relationships with those you serve. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: Raising Visibility through Targeted Events The Evolution of a Board: From Family to Formal Connecting Board Members to the Mission Accomplishing Goals by Staying Behind the Scenes Overcoming Distrust by Getting to Work Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every two weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN38: Maximizing Your Budget & Staff by Applying Lean Concepts to Your Nonprofit with Paddy O’Brien
01/30/2017
NLN38: Maximizing Your Budget & Staff by Applying Lean Concepts to Your Nonprofit with Paddy O’Brien
In our podcast this week with Paddy O’Brien, author of “Lean for the Nonprofit: What You Don't Know Can Cost You,” we are discussing how applying Lean concepts can greatly benefit your nonprofit organization by streamlining processes, maximizing use of funds, and even increasing income as was done with one zoo. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: Using Lean to Improve Customer Experience at a Zoo Adopting Lean Concepts to Fit the Nonprofit Sector Benefits of Analyzing Processes: Reducing Wait Times Thinking Through – and Mapping Out - Processes Believe in the Process Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released. Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN37: How to Build an Outstanding Board Through Mentoring & Staff Involvement with Lisa Woll
01/09/2017
NLN37: How to Build an Outstanding Board Through Mentoring & Staff Involvement with Lisa Woll
In our podcast discussion this week, we are chatting with Lisa Woll, CEO of The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment and the US SIF Foundation. We discuss topics relating to building an effective board by doing such things as changing how you evaluate your candidates, changing bylaws as needed, and methods for developing good board members including helping them build self confidence. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: Adding Board Members – Expertise vs. Proven Traits The Crucial Role of a Board Chair Changing the Bylaws to Better Meet Current Needs of the Organization Building the Board as a Partnership Between Board and Staff Ways to Develop Good Board Members (and Build Self-Confidence) Trust Your Gut Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every two weeks). Episodes are available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN36: Developing as a Leader with Charles A. Archer
11/07/2016
NLN36: Developing as a Leader with Charles A. Archer
Today we’re talking with Charles Archer, Co-Founder and CEO of the THRIVE Network. We discuss topics relating to ways to develop as a leader including how to invest in yourself, how to lead through consensus, the differences between older and younger staff members, and when it is necessary to make staff changes. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: Ways to Develop as a Leader Leadership Through Consensus: Being Present, Messaging and Accountability Don’t Wait to Make Necessary Staff Changes Generational Conflict: Immediacy vs. Intentionality It’s Your Responsibility to Invest in Your Learning Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every two weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, GooglePlay, and iHeartRadio.
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NLN35: Managing Program Expansion in a Nonprofit with Mark Eddy
10/24/2016
NLN35: Managing Program Expansion in a Nonprofit with Mark Eddy
In our podcast discussion this week, we are chatting with Mark Eddy, Executive Director of Leadership Southern Indiana. Topics discussed include knowing when it is time to expand, handling those who oppose change, funding an expansion, and personal growth as a leader to facilitate growth in your organization. The key points covered in this podcast discussion are: Knowing When It’s Time to Expand Your Biggest Detractor Can Become a Great Advocate Growing Funding Doesn’t Always Mean a New Approach to Raising Funds Failure = Learning, And That’s a Good Thing Letting Go Allows Others the Room to Grow Visit www.SocialGoodInstigators.com to find the podcast, transcript, and to sign up to receive notifications as new episodes are released (every two weeks). Episodes are also available via Stitcher, iTunes, and GooglePlay.
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