Lead for Good

LeadforGood
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Welcome to the ”Lead for Good” podcast, designed for nonprofit leaders at every level. Join us as we connect with top nonprofit professionals, diving deep into the traits, strategies, and actions that drive successful leadership in the sector. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to elevate your leadership skills and maximize your impact. In each episode, our host, Chris Looney, interviews an inspiring leader committed to making a difference. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to lead for good! Don’t forget to like and share this video with fellow nonprofit leaders! #nonprofitleadership #leadershipdevelopment #nonprofitpodcast #inspiration #leadforgood

  1. Lead for Good: A Conversation with Tom West - Episode 28

    24 MAR

    Lead for Good: A Conversation with Tom West - Episode 28

    Every leader will face a moment when the ground shifts. A financial shortfall. A reputational threat. An external shock no one saw coming. The question is never if a crisis will come. It is how you will lead when it does. In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Tom West, Executive Director of Atlanta Ballet, to explore what it truly means to manage through crisis when the stakes are real and the responsibility rests squarely on your shoulders. Tom shares a candid account of navigating a post-pandemic financial crisis that threatened payroll, stability, and long term sustainability. From a seven figure revenue shortfall to a pulled line of credit, he opens up about the weight leaders carry when livelihoods and mission are on the line. In this conversation, you will learn: • How to define a true crisis versus normal turbulence • What leaders must do in the first 24 to 72 hours • Why “work the problem” is more powerful than panic • How transparency builds trust during uncertainty • The critical role of boards in crisis recovery • Why building a strong network may be your best preparation • How crisis can sharpen mission and strengthen strategy Tom offers practical wisdom drawn from decades in arts leadership, including lessons from 9/11, the 2008 recession, COVID, and a multi year cash flow crisis where making payroll came down to days. This is a masterclass in calm, clarity, communication, and courage. If you are leading a nonprofit organization, serving on a board, or preparing for the inevitable storm ahead, this episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to lead with steadiness when it matters most. Listen now and learn how to lead for good, even in the hardest seasons.

    51 min
  2. Lead for Good: A Conversation with Steve Delgado - Episode 27

    24 FEB

    Lead for Good: A Conversation with Steve Delgado - Episode 27

    Can two CEOs really lead one of the most complex nonprofits in the country? In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Steve Delgado, Co-CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and re-entry organization in the world. With 10,000 people walking through their doors each year, 16 social enterprises, 300 staff members, and a powerful mission rooted in radical kinship, Homeboy Industries is no small operation. Yet instead of one executive at the top, they chose a shared leadership model. In this conversation, you will discover: Why Homeboy adopted the co-CEO structure as part of intentional succession planning How shared leadership actually works in a large, complex organization The role of humility, patience, and trust in co-leadership Why values alignment is the foundation of independent decision-making How the model strengthens fundraising through a blend of soul and strategy What boards must consider before embracing a co-CEO structure Why Steve believes the nonprofit sector may see a major shift in executive leadership models over the next five years One of the most compelling takeaways? Scaling love and tenderness is at the heart of Homeboy’s next strategic vision. If you are a nonprofit executive, board member, or emerging leader navigating complexity, growth, or succession planning, this episode will challenge the way you think about the CEO role. 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership conversations shaping the future of mission-driven organizations.

    49 min
  3. Lead for Good: A Conversation with Robin Sinclair - Episode 26

    19 FEB

    Lead for Good: A Conversation with Robin Sinclair - Episode 26

    Leadership Is Not Meant to Be Lonely with Robin Sinclair In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney welcomes Robin Sinclair, Executive Director of the Fieldstone Leadership Network, for a powerful conversation about camaraderie and connection in nonprofit leadership. Robin reflects on: The moment she was told to “get your running shoes on” and step into leadership Leading during the Great Recession and learning to “act as if” The early loneliness of becoming the boss of former peers How imposter syndrome followed her into her first peer cohort They discuss why nonprofit leaders often feel isolated: You cannot fully confide in your board You protect your staff You may compete for the same funding Revenue is unpredictable Burnout is common but rarely admitted Robin explains how trusted peer cohorts create something different from networking or training. In these spaces, leaders feel validated, heard, refreshed, and supported. Vulnerability happens organically when trust is built intentionally. You will hear why: Culture matters more than control Curiosity is stronger than quick fixes Coaching reduces isolation Camaraderie multiplies impact across entire communities If you are a nonprofit leader searching for clarity, resilience, and connection, this episode offers both encouragement and practical direction. Leadership is not meant to be endured alone.

    48 min
  4. Lead for Good: A Conversation with Art Groeneveld - Episode 25

    17 FEB

    Lead for Good: A Conversation with Art Groeneveld - Episode 25

    In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney interviews Art Groeneveld, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley, about culture, values, and leadership growth. After years of investing in staff development and rebuilding post COVID, BGCHV formalized a new organizational values framework developed by its management team. Art explains how the organization identified four cultural pillars, engaged staff through a values exercise, and is now rolling the framework out across 300 employees. Key themes include: • Leadership growth and self awareness • Connecting personal values to organizational culture • Building trust after crisis • Financial stewardship and donor partnership • Creating career pathways within nonprofit teams • Sustaining culture beyond the initial rollout Art also shares powerful stories about mentorship, humility, service, and why leaders must “not believe their own press releases” while still confidently telling their story. A thoughtful and practical conversation for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders seeking to build strong, values aligned organizations.

    52 min
  5. Lead for Good: A Conversation with Jennifer Wise - Episode 24

    5 FEB

    Lead for Good: A Conversation with Jennifer Wise - Episode 24

    In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney speaks with Jennifer Wise, Vice President for Regional Development in the Southeast for the National MS Society. Jennifer brings more than twenty years of experience in fundraising, volunteer leadership, and organizational development, and she shares a thoughtful look at what it takes to build strong boards and activate them in meaningful ways. Jennifer begins by reflecting on her leadership journey across higher education, Habitat for Humanity, and the MS Society. She highlights the mentors who shaped her, the importance of being both a learner and a teacher, and her commitment to building people centered teams. The conversation then turns to board recruitment, board engagement, and the growing role of boards in corporate relations. Jennifer outlines practical tools and strategies that any nonprofit can adopt, including the use of board matrices, mentorship programs, clear expectations, and intentional systems that help trustees feel confident, connected, and ready to lead. Listeners will hear how her chapters strengthened their work with corporate partners by breaking the process into simple steps, providing clear templates and support, and creating space during board retreats for trustees to take action together. These efforts produced new connections, new partnerships, and a more engaged board culture. Topics include • What strong, balanced boards look like in practice • How to use a board matrix to guide intentional recruitment • The power of mentorship, retreat time, and peer engagement • How mission moments strengthen trustees’ connection to the cause • Why small, specific action steps lead to better board involvement • Building board supported corporate relationships that actually work • How regional collaboration can reduce silos and expand opportunities • Practical advice for organizations hesitant to involve trustees in corporate outreach A grounded and practical episode for any nonprofit aiming to build a stronger, more engaged board and deepen its partnership work with the corporate sector. Listen and subscribe for more conversations on leadership, strategy, and the future of nonprofit work.

    52 min
  6. Lead for Good: A Conversation with Christy Ward - Episode 23

    28 JAN

    Lead for Good: A Conversation with Christy Ward - Episode 23

    This episode of Lead for Good features a thoughtful conversation with Christy Ward, CEO of Share Ourselves, on what it truly takes to develop people inside a nonprofit organization. Christy talks with host Chris Looney about the importance of creating a culture where staff have room to grow, how leaders can provide honest and supportive feedback, and what it looks like when someone is in the right role versus when they may thrive somewhere else. Christy discusses her own leadership journey, the mentors who helped shape her path, and the intentional practices she uses to build strong teams. The conversation covers recruitment and retention, succession planning, career ladders, and the role of leaders in creating an environment where exploration and growth feel possible. Key themes • Developing people as a core responsibility of leadership • Recognizing potential and guiding staff toward roles where they succeed • Addressing performance challenges with clarity and compassion • Creating organizational systems that support long term stability • The positive impact on culture and morale when leaders invest in their teams A great episode for nonprofit executives, managers, emerging leaders, and anyone committed to building healthy organizations.

    49 min
  7. Lead for Good: A Conversation with Lacey Huszcza - Episode 22

    15/12/2025

    Lead for Good: A Conversation with Lacey Huszcza - Episode 22

    What does it take to lead a creative organization where artistry, business discipline, and community impact must all coexist? In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney is joined by Lacey Huszcza, President and CEO of the Richmond Symphony, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on leading creative teams. Drawing from her experience as both a musician and nonprofit executive, Lacey shares how effective leadership in the arts requires fluency in both artistic and business languages, deep respect for creative professionals, and a clear commitment to alignment over consensus. Throughout the episode, Lacey explores how leaders can navigate the tension between artistic ambition and financial reality, make difficult decisions when resources are limited, and build organizational alignment without requiring universal agreement. She also discusses the importance of authentic community connection, from commissioning locally rooted works to meeting audiences where they are, both inside and outside the concert hall. Listeners will gain insight into: Balancing artistic integrity with financial sustainability Building alignment without stifling creativity or healthy conflict Engaging communities in meaningful, non performative ways Leading highly skilled, independently minded professionals with clarity and trust Creating space for creativity alongside systems and processes This episode offers valuable lessons not only for arts leaders, but for any nonprofit or mission driven leader guiding talented teams whose work is deeply personal and purpose driven.

    55 min
  8. Lead for Good: A Conversation with Nancy Batterman - Episode 21

    09/12/2025

    Lead for Good: A Conversation with Nancy Batterman - Episode 21

    In this episode of Lead for Good, nonprofit strategist and executive coach Nancy Batterman shares a rich set of lessons shaped by more than three decades as a CEO and six years of coaching leaders across the sector. Nancy reflects on her early journey in special education, her unexpected rise to leading a large nonprofit organization, and the mentors who shaped her approach to leadership. She emphasizes how confidence, curiosity, and a strong commitment to personal development help leaders grow over time. A major theme throughout the episode is the role of self awareness. Nancy explains how blind spots often hold leaders back more than any external obstacle, and she describes practical ways to identify and address these areas through assessments, coaching, honest conversations, and inviting feedback. She also explores how affirmations, reflection habits, and peer support systems help leaders overcome imposter feelings and build resilience. Nancy also discusses culture building, decision making, and employee engagement. She shares stories from her own leadership tenure, including navigating the 2008 economic crisis, keeping teams aligned during high pressure seasons, and creating environments where staff feel recognized and valued. Her insights highlight that great leadership is both people centered and growth minded, and that leaders must stay grounded in curiosity, care, and consistent learning. If this conversation resonates with you, or if you are looking for a place where nonprofit leaders learn from one another and share real life experience, check out Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership. Fulcrum brings executives together for peer learning, leadership development, and practical support that helps leaders thrive in their roles and strengthen their organizations.

    53 min
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About

Welcome to the ”Lead for Good” podcast, designed for nonprofit leaders at every level. Join us as we connect with top nonprofit professionals, diving deep into the traits, strategies, and actions that drive successful leadership in the sector. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to elevate your leadership skills and maximize your impact. In each episode, our host, Chris Looney, interviews an inspiring leader committed to making a difference. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to lead for good! Don’t forget to like and share this video with fellow nonprofit leaders! #nonprofitleadership #leadershipdevelopment #nonprofitpodcast #inspiration #leadforgood

Information

  • Creator
    LeadforGood
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Lead for Good