The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership

Tim Barnes and Nathan Ruby
  • 4.9 (9)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership was designed for Executive Directors of small to medium sized nonprofits.  If you are currently an Executive Director or hope to be one someday this is your spot.  Leading an organization can be one of the most fun, exhilarating, rewarding, scary, thankless jobs in the universe.  Using a mixture of encouragement, information, stories, and practical tools, hosts Tim Barnes and Nathan Ruby will use their years of nonprofit leadership experience to make your journey a little easier,  more fun, and ultimately help you be more effective in leading your organization.  

  1. 03/12/2025

    Beyond Board Reports: What Your Nonprofit Board Really Wants

    Send us a text Every nonprofit leader knows the scenario: Board meetings that consist of reviewing reports, nodding politely, and adjourning without meaningful engagement. But what if there's a better way? What if your board members are craving something beyond those financial statements and program updates? The truth is, your board represents your organization's most valuable leadership asset—when properly engaged. They're not just there to fulfill a legal requirement; they're strategic partners who can propel your mission forward. On today's episode, Nathan explores four essential elements board members truly want from nonprofit leadership: community, decision-making opportunities, confidence in leadership, and yes—even fun. Shift your focus from reports to relationships, and watch your board transform from obligatory oversight to enthusiastic partnership in advancing your mission. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

    25 min

  2. 02/26/2025

    Vision Leaks: Keeping Your Nonprofit Focused

    Send us a text In the dynamic world of nonprofit leadership, maintaining focus on your organization's vision is more crucial than ever, especially in times of uncertainty and challenges. This episode explores the phenomenon of "vision leakage," a subtle yet significant issue where organizations lose sight of their core mission amid everyday operational demands. Throughout the conversation, Tim and Nathan share practical strategies that nonprofit leaders can implement to counteract vision leakage effectively. From creating "mission moments" at meetings to sharing compelling stories that illustrate your organization's impact, these action items serve as powerful reminders of your purpose. Also emphasized is the importance of engaging stakeholders by offering them opportunities to experience your mission firsthand, reinforcing their connection to your work. The need for visual reminders and integrating mission-driven language into all organizational communications, ensuring that the core message is consistently shared is also discussed. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

    32 min

  3. 02/19/2025

    Optimizing Your Donor Database for Greater Impact

    Send us a text In this episode, Nathan discusses the vital role of donor relationship management systems in enhancing nonprofit fundraising efforts. Providing some practical insights and tips, Nathan explores key features such as donor management, fundraising tools, and data analytics, we emphasize the importance of selecting the right database tailored to an organization's needs. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

    24 min

  4. 02/12/2025

    Unlocking Effective Nonprofit Leadership Through One-on-One Meetings and Transparent Communication

    Send us a text Establishing regular one-on-one meetings is essential for fostering strong connections within nonprofit teams. These check-ins enhance accountability, ensure transparent communication, prevent conflicts from escalating, and provide support for professional development. Here are some of the points discussed on today's episode: • Creating a culture of consistency and accountability through regular meetings  • Fostering transparent communication for open dialogue  • Preventing conflicts by addressing small issues early  • Supporting team members' professional growth and development  • Highlighting the connection between individual roles and the organization’s mission Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

    31 min

  5. 02/05/2025

    Crafting Attention-Grabbing Email Subjects for Nonprofit Growth

    Send us a text Effective email communication is crucial for nonprofit leaders aiming to engage stakeholders. This episode explores five key strategies to craft subject lines that enhance email open rates and promote responsiveness.  • Be clear and specific in subject lines  • Create a sense of urgency without overdoing it  • Personalize when possible to foster connection  • Keep it short and sweet to ensure readability  • Make it actionable to prompt responses  If you've gotten any benefit from this podcast, would you take time to share a review on the platform in which you're listening? Let us know how the podcast is benefiting you, and if you could leave us a five-star review, that would be great. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

    22 min

  6. 01/29/2025

    Breaking Free from Groupthink: Strategies for Effective Nonprofit Leadership

    Send us a text Ever found yourself nodding along in a meeting, even when you disagree, just to keep the peace? You're not alone. Join Nathan Ruby on a journey through the intricate world of groupthink within nonprofit organizations. Drawing from personal highs and lows, we'll uncover how the quest for consensus sometimes leads us astray from our missions. Together, we'll dissect how the desire for harmony can cloud judgment, leaving well-meaning nonprofits with decisions that don’t serve their true purpose. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

    20 min

  7. 01/22/2025

    How to Solve Nonprofit Problems Without Doing It All Yourself

    Send us a text Struggling with staff who dump problems on your desk?  Join Tim and Nathan as they share a game-changing leadership strategy: asking the right questions.  Learn how clarifying open-ended, reflective, exploratory, and empowering questions can train your nonprofit team to solve their own challenges.   Boost critical thinking, build trust, and free up your time to focus on what matters most--leading your organization to success.   Perfect of new executive directors easy to empower their staff and transform their leadership.  Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

    27 min

  8. 01/15/2025

    Our 3 Words - Setting A Compass For 2025

    Send us a text This episode dives into the transformative practice of choosing three guiding words for the new year, offering nonprofit leaders a unique alternative to traditional resolutions. Through shared insights and personal experiences, Tim and Nathan share their 3 Words for 2025 and highlight the power of intention, accountability, and community in nonprofit leadership. Support the show The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership: Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR) Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH) They can be reached at info@practicenpleader.com All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

    28 min
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4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership was designed for Executive Directors of small to medium sized nonprofits.  If you are currently an Executive Director or hope to be one someday this is your spot.  Leading an organization can be one of the most fun, exhilarating, rewarding, scary, thankless jobs in the universe.  Using a mixture of encouragement, information, stories, and practical tools, hosts Tim Barnes and Nathan Ruby will use their years of nonprofit leadership experience to make your journey a little easier,  more fun, and ultimately help you be more effective in leading your organization.  

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Barnes and Nathan Ruby
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership
  • Show Website
    The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership