Learning for Good | L&D Solutions and Leadership Development for Nonprofit Organizations

Heather Burright, Learning and Development Leader, Leadership Development Consultant, Instructional Designer.

As nonprofit learning and development leaders, we want a seat at the table. We want to be viewed as true business partners who can help solve problems. We want to create meaningful learning solutions that fit in the flow of work and yield real results for the organization and for the staff.That's why in this podcast, we will not only explore instructional design and leadership development best practices, but we will also explore change management, belonging, and influence - helping you build the case for the solutions your organization needs so you can show up confidently in conversations with other senior leaders, subject matter experts, staff, and partners.If we haven't met yet, I'm Heather, and I’ve been in your shoes. I'm a learning and development consultant and the founder and principal consultant at Skill Masters Market. Before starting Skill Masters Market, I worked for a large national nonprofit where I led learning and development leadership initiatives. I know what it’s like to need to develop your staff quickly and effectively, and to build the relationships and cut through the organizational layers to be successful. With an eye for the larger strategy and the creative design process, I've created hundreds of learning experiences - in-person, self-paced, and virtual classroom - and have worked with dozens of leaders and their staff to help them achieve their organization’s professional development goals. So if you're ready to bust through the barriers and start creating behavior change in your nonprofit, this podcast is for you. Let's dive in. It's Learning for Good. Nonprofit Management | Leadership Training | Leadership Development | Staff Management | Change Management | Instructional Design | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Learn more: www.skillmastersmarket.comConnect with me: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burrightSchedule a call: https://bit.ly/3GQT6Yg

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    8 Major Accessibility Insights for Your Nonprofit Learning Strategy with Nicole L'Etoile

    Designing a learning experience for the average learner is a thing of the past, we must now design for everyone. So, in this episode of Learning for Good, I am joined by accessibility expert Dr. Nicole L'Etoile. We're diving deep into how we can design learning strategies in our organizations that work for ALL learners. You'll understand why accessibility is a foundational part of L&D, discover barriers your learners might be facing, and learn how to start being more inclusive today. ▶️ 8 Major Accessibility Insights for Your Nonprofit Learning Strategy with Nicole L'Etoile  ▶️ Key Points: 01:20 What it feels like when accessibility and inclusion are missing 03:38 Meet Nicole L'Etoile and her path to accessibility work 07:30 Why accessibility is important for nonprofit L&D leaders 09:41 Two examples of barriers that learners might be facing 13:29 Steps for more inclusive and accessible design 16:33 The most common accessibility shortcomings found in audits 20:34 A sneak peek into our upcoming webinar: Roadmap to Accessibility 23:14 First steps you can take now toward accessibility Resources from this episode: Join our Roadmap to Accessibility: How to Shift Mindsets, Culture, and Workflows webinar on September 23, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Central Time. Learn more about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Check out Nicole L'Etoile's Making Online Content Accessible For All Course. Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇 Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Guest LinkedIn: Nicole L'Etoile Website: letoile-education.com Connect with Heather LinkedIn: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.com Book an interest call with Heather here. Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations. Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization. Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions! Produced by Ideablossoms

    28 min
  2. 18 AUG

    Stretched Thin? Three Capacity Building Strategies Every Nonprofit Leader Can Use Today

    In this episode of Learning for Good, we’re exploring how nonprofit leaders can take actionable steps to maintain performance and build capacity even during stressful seasons. If your team is feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck in reactive mode, this episode offers timely advice rooted in real-world nonprofit experience. ▶️ Stretched Thin? Three Capacity Building Strategies Every Nonprofit Leader Can Use Today  ▶️ Key Points: 01:20 Stress is impacting your nonprofit more than you think 02:50 Three capacity building strategies in times of stress 07:44 What these capacity building strategies can do for your organization Resources from this episode: Episode 140: Building a Learning Strategy to Support Your Succession Plan with Naomi Hattaway Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇 Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather LinkedIn: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.com Book an interest call with Heather here. Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations. Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization. Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions! Produced by Ideablossoms

    9 min
  3. 11 AUG

    How to Design Realistic Training Scenarios that Actually Work with Srividya Kumar

    Get ready to change the way you think about designing training scenarios in this episode of Learning for Good. I have used scenarios myself, and I really do think this is a skillset that we all need to get better at because scenarios are such a helpful tool in learning. That's why today I'm talking to Srividya Kumar, a learning design leader and co-founder of Learnnovators. She makes designing scenarios approachable and shares what we need to know to create training scenarios that truly engage and allow the learner to navigate the situation and learn from their own decisions and judgments. Whether you're just starting out with scenario design or you have some experience under your belt, this episode will give you the tools you need to up your scenario-based training game. ▶️ How to Design Realistic Training Scenarios that Actually Work with Srividya Kumar ▶️ Key Points: 03:07 Srividya's career in L&D and her passion for learning design 05:59 Defining what a training scenario is 07:45 When scenarios are helpful and when they're not 11:01  How to create scenarios that are realistic and relevant 18:12 Four things to avoid when creating scenarios 20:36 What brings scenarios to life and what gets in the way 25:42 Expert advice for those starting out with scenario design Resources from this episode: Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇 Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Srividya LinkedIn: Srividya Kumar Website: learnnovators.com Podcast: The Learning+ Podcast Connect with Heather LinkedIn: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.com Book an interest call with Heather here. Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations. Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization. Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions! Produced by Ideablossoms

    31 min
  4. 4 AUG

    How to Make Learning Part of Your Nonprofit's DNA with Yogi Mueller

    Creating a strong learning culture is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity for nonprofit leadership development and sustainable mission impact. In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach and author Yogi Mueller to explore how nonprofits can foster curiosity, promote vulnerability, and embed learning into their everyday operations. Whether you're facing high turnover, stagnant performance, or disengaged teams, building a learning culture can be the catalyst for change.  ▶️ How to Make Learning Part of Your Nonprofit's DNA with Yogi Mueller  ▶️ Key Points: [03:14] Introducing Yogi Mueller and his leadership journey [06:01] Defining a learning culture [09:25] Creating a desire to learn [12:26] Building a strategic learning culture from the top down and bottom up [19:25] Shifting leader mindsets around learning [22:28] The challenges organizations face when building a learning culture [27:43] Advice for L&D professionals building learning cultures Resources from this episode: The Great Slapping: The Power of Mentorship by Yogi Mueller Episode 103: 5 Low Cost Leadership Development Activities Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇 Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Yogi LinkedIn: Yogi Mueller Website: craftleadership.net  Connect with Heather LinkedIn: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.com Book an interest call with Heather here. Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations. Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization. Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions! Produced by Ideablossoms

    32 min
  5. 28 JUL

    From Manager to Leader: Nonprofit Leadership Development Strategies

    Are your nonprofit’s people managers equipped to lead with clarity and confidence, or just left to figure it out on their own? In this episode, I take a deep dive into how to develop nonprofit people managers using proven learning and development strategies. With a focus on building leadership through competency models, coaching, enablement, and accountability, you’ll discover how to build confident, capable staff who can lead, not just execute.  ▶️ Key Points: 02:58 Identifying competencies with a needs analysis 06:51 Training options 09:05 The role of coaching in nonprofit leadership development 10:59 Enablement & accountability 12:40 Preventing burnout 14:05 Planning for staff transitions Resources: Workshop: How to Diagnose Learning Needs That Drive Action August 6, 11:00–12:30 CT, Zoom $49 (free for Nonprofit L&D Collective Catalysts)Needs Analysis Episodes: 129: Designing for Behavior Change? Your Training Needs Analysis Blueprint128: Three Ways to Identify Training Audience Needs89: One Needs Analysis Method That Can Improve Your Nonprofit Training109: How to Develop Your People Managers with Off-the-Shelf Courses & Customized Conversations 105: 5 Keys to Great Nonprofit Leadership 133: The Surprising Power of Cross-Sector Coaching with Bob Tiede 120: People Manager Development: How to Transfer Skills Beyond the Classroom with Kamaria Scott 118: How to Create Belonging and Connection at Work with Abigail Finck 140: The Role of L&D in Succession Planning with Naomi Hattaway Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective LinkedIn: Heather Burright Book an interest call with Heather here. Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations. Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization. Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions! Produced by Ideablossoms

    16 min
  6. 21 JUL

    Leading Across Borders? How to Build High-Performing Nonprofit Teams Anywhere in the World with Dr. Lori Beyar

    In this episode of Learning for Good, we explore how nonprofit leaders can navigate the complexities of global teams with guest Dr. Lori Beyar, Global VP of Strategy & Organizational Development at Cru. If your nonprofit is scaling across borders, or even just managing diverse teams, you’ll want to hear this conversation on nonprofit leadership development, building trust, and creating high-performing multicultural teams. We dive deep into how to build a foundation for consistent performance across teams by cultivating awareness, acceptance, and appreciation.  ▶️ Leading Across Borders? How to Build High-Performing Nonprofit Teams Anywhere in the World  ▶️ Key Points: 01:20 Miscommunication at work often starts with mismatched expectations 03:18 Meet Dr. Lori Beyar and her global leadership development work 05:52 Lori’s unexpected path to executive coaching 08:35 Key principles for building trust across cultures 12:30 The 3 A’s: Awareness, Acceptance, Appreciation 21:08  Identifying the difference between the result and the path to result 26:05 Advice for nonprofit leaders working across cultures Resources from this episode: The Culture Map by Erin Meyer Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇 Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Lori LinkedIn: Dr. Lori Beyar Website: cru.org Connect with Heather LinkedIn: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.com Book an interest call with Heather here. Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations. Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization. Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions! Produced by Ideablossoms

    34 min
  7. 14 JUL

    Collaboration Without Chaos: 10 Inclusive Decision Making Practices for Nonprofit Leaders

    Nonprofit leadership development hinges on the ability to bring people together while still moving projects forward. In this episode of Learning for Good, I dive into how inclusive decision making can elevate your training and leadership initiatives without stalling progress. Using real-life examples, I share ten practical strategies to lead collaborative projects while staying focused on outcomes. You’ll learn how to clarify roles, create psychological safety, and ensure that every voice is heard, especially when implementing learning and development strategies across teams. ▶️ Collaboration Without Chaos: 10 Inclusive Decision Making Practices for Nonprofit Leaders  ▶️ Key Points: [01:20] How working with nonprofits differs from working with other industries [01:55] The challenges of collaboration [02:53] 10 Ways to  facilitate inclusive decision making in learning and leadership development projects. Resources from this episode: Episode 95: 5 Things to Include in Your Training Project Kickoff Episode 126: How to Conduct a Training Project Debrief Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇 Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather LinkedIn: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.com Book an interest call with Heather here. Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations. Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization. Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions! Produced by Ideablossoms

    13 min
  8. 7 JUL

    Scale Smarter, Not Harder: A Better Way to Grow Nonprofit Programs

    When nonprofits scale programs too quickly without the right foundation, teams experience burnout, confusion, and inconsistent outcomes. In this episode of Learning for Good, I unpack the role of learning and development strategies in sustainable growth - and why scaling success starts with your people, not just your program. You’ll learn how to build infrastructure and clarity, develop staff capacity through behavior-based training, and ensure long-term success through continuous improvement strategies. ▶️ Scale Smarter, Not Harder: A Better Way to Grow Nonprofit Programs  ▶️ Key Points: 01:19 Common breakdowns in scaling nonprofit programs 03:56 Why clarity is the foundation of effective scaling 05:01 What capacity really means and why training is key 07:55 Continuous improvement through data and communication Resources from this episode: Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇 Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗 Connect with Heather LinkedIn: Heather Burright Website: skillmastersmarket.com Book an interest call with Heather here. Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations. Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization. Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions! Produced by Ideablossoms

    11 min

About

As nonprofit learning and development leaders, we want a seat at the table. We want to be viewed as true business partners who can help solve problems. We want to create meaningful learning solutions that fit in the flow of work and yield real results for the organization and for the staff.That's why in this podcast, we will not only explore instructional design and leadership development best practices, but we will also explore change management, belonging, and influence - helping you build the case for the solutions your organization needs so you can show up confidently in conversations with other senior leaders, subject matter experts, staff, and partners.If we haven't met yet, I'm Heather, and I’ve been in your shoes. I'm a learning and development consultant and the founder and principal consultant at Skill Masters Market. Before starting Skill Masters Market, I worked for a large national nonprofit where I led learning and development leadership initiatives. I know what it’s like to need to develop your staff quickly and effectively, and to build the relationships and cut through the organizational layers to be successful. With an eye for the larger strategy and the creative design process, I've created hundreds of learning experiences - in-person, self-paced, and virtual classroom - and have worked with dozens of leaders and their staff to help them achieve their organization’s professional development goals. So if you're ready to bust through the barriers and start creating behavior change in your nonprofit, this podcast is for you. Let's dive in. It's Learning for Good. Nonprofit Management | Leadership Training | Leadership Development | Staff Management | Change Management | Instructional Design | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Learn more: www.skillmastersmarket.comConnect with me: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burrightSchedule a call: https://bit.ly/3GQT6Yg

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