The Nonprofit Leader's Guide

Boundless
  • 5.0 (7)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

We want to bring you the thoughts of some of the most impactful leaders in health and human services. Their real-world experience in driving growth and impact and leading in hard times might be just the extra dose of motivation and common sense you need to bring to your organization whether you are an Executive Team member or the Board President. We think that leading the conversation about the nonprofit business sector and what nonprofits should think about now is part of our mission, “Building A World that realizes the boundless potential of all people.”   Our purpose in this podcast is to make your mission, our mission. 

  1. 5D AGO

    Why Strategy Means Choosing Capabilities, Not Projects

    Strategy should feel like motion, not maintenance. We sat down with two chief strategy officers—Jennifer Riha of I Am Boundless and Ravi Dahiya of YAI—to explore how nonprofits serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs can make disciplined choices amid shifting regulations, payer demands, workforce shortages, and rapid technology change. We dig into what separates firefighting from future-shaping and why “strategic hibernation” rarely fits health and human services. Jennifer walks us through Boundless’s Vision 2030 process—9,000-plus stakeholder inputs, market scans, and benchmarking—and explains why the organization chose capabilities over project lists: integrated care, resilient teams, data fluency, and operational reliability. Ravi shares how culture and middle management stabilize YAI through leadership transitions, and how pilots, tele-crisis services, and proactive advocacy can convert unmet needs into reimbursable models that scale across states. You’ll hear concrete tactics for navigating political volatility with scenario planning, reading early policy signals, and protecting assets that matter no matter who’s in office. We also tackle the toughest questions leaders avoid: Can this program become financially sustainable? Are we uniquely positioned to do it well? What will we stop so we can invest where demand and impact are strongest? Along the way, we highlight workforce design moves—flexibility, supportive supervision, and career pathways—that matter as much as wages in a tight labor market. If you lead a nonprofit and feel stuck in reaction mode, this conversation offers a clear path to regain focus, align teams, and build services that endure. Follow the show, share this episode with a colleague or your board chair, and leave a review to help more leaders find it. Send us a text

    47 min

  2. OCT 29

    When Science Whispers And Headlines Shout:  The Facts on Tylenol and Autism

    Recent headlines suggested a link between acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism or ADHD, sparking fear and second-guessing. We dig into what the studies actually say, why association is not causation, and how large sibling-based analyses change the picture.  Boundless Medical Director Dr. Cynthia Ripsin and State Director of Behavioral Health and Education Services Kendra Hill join host, Scott Light, to talk plainly about fever risk in pregnancy, the role of safe treatment, and how sensational messaging and media coverage can backfire when it pushes parents away from evidence-based care. Our conversation walks through how we answer one of if not the hardest question we hear as of late: Did Tylenol cause my child’s autism? The short answer is no. The fuller answer starts with listening. We trace how people heard the news, clarify the language used in studies, and rebuild trust by explaining methods and what robust population data can and cannot prove. Along the way, we confront confirmation bias, the pull of social media, and the lasting shadow of long debunked vaccine-autism claim. This episode also explores identity and support: why some people embrace difference over disability, why others face real disability from co-occurring intellectual or language challenges.  Plus, how to respect both realities. Then we examine new treatment chatter around folinic acid, separating legitimate uses from overhyped generalizations. Our goal is practical and compassionate: help families make safer choices, understand study quality, and navigate care without shame or blame. If clear, steady guidance is what you need amid the noise, you’re in the right place with Boundless. Subscribe, share this with someone who’s worried, and leave a review to help more families find credible, compassionate advice grounded in evidence. Send us a text

    23 min

  3. OCT 21

    Build Trust with Bold Branding and Sincere Storytelling

    Rebranding a nonprofit isn’t about swapping logos or picking trendier colors— it’s about removing friction between people and the help they need. We sit down with three dynamic marketing leaders who have guided large behavioral health and human services organizations through bold transformations, unifying dozens of legacy brands, clarifying their promise, and building trust where it counts: at the front door to care. Your team can learn so much from this team of experts:  Renee Stein, VP of Marketing and Communications at Boundless, Jana Greig, EVP of Administration at Brightli, and Whitney McChane, Chief Marketing Officer at Clarvida.   These vastly accomplished executives explore the practical “fourth leg” of brand beyond positioning, identity, and message: consistency. You’ll hear how disciplined, research‑driven choices led one team to retire 27 names in favor of a single, bilingual brand designed to feel warm, human, and memorable in a sea of clinical lookalikes. Another guest shares the path to becoming the nation’s largest nonprofit behavioral health provider under one name, and why internal alignment—across leaders, clinicians, and support staff—made the difference between a clever concept and a living, breathing brand. Storytelling sits at the center of the work. We dig into employee‑generated content that outperforms polished videos, including the tools and prompts that make it scalable. We highlight a traveling portrait exhibit that invites people to tell their own mental health stories, reducing stigma and sparking action. Along the way, we connect data to human impact, reframing marketing as part of the continuum of care: informed campaigns raise awareness, lower barriers, and turn curiosity into contact. Plus, don’t miss our 'Mission Moment' on inclusive outreach roles that unlock new revenue and representation in the community. If this conversation gave you a useful idea or two, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more nonprofit leaders find it. Send us a text

    37 min

  4. SEP 17

    Beyond Good Intentions: Building Sustainable Nonprofit Organizations

    "Criticism is the cost of entry to success. Most people aren't willing to pay it." This powerful quote sets the stage for a compelling conversation about why nonprofits must embrace business principles to thrive in today's complex landscape. Our expert panel features Chris Wolf (COO at I Am Boundless), Rich Yanoski (Corporate VP at Merakey), and James Button (President/CEO of Citizens Advocates) – seasoned leaders who've navigated both for-profit and nonprofit worlds. Together, they dismantle the persistent myth that compassion and business acumen can't coexist in mission-driven organizations. The conversation tackles head-on why nonprofits are sometimes perceived as "well-intentioned but not well-equipped" to operate with rigor. Our guests argue that effective leadership requires holding tension between passion and pragmatism, making tough calls while staying true to mission. They share practical frameworks for evaluating opportunities, knowing when to invest resources, and recognizing when to walk away from initiatives that aren't creating sufficient impact. Marketing emerges as a particularly crucial yet undervalued function in the nonprofit world. As James notes, "There are people who think marketing is an added expense or perhaps a perk or frill, and it really isn't. It's foundational to what we're doing."  Whether you're an executive director, board member, or emerging nonprofit leader, you'll gain valuable insights about developing stronger business cases, leveraging data effectively, and building organizations that combine passionate advocacy with disciplined operations. As Chris reminds us, "Mission impact is our profit" – and maximizing that impact requires both heart and business savvy. Subscribe now and join us next month when we explore the power of storytelling to achieve better visibility and attract donors, clients, and partners to your cause. Send us a text

    54 min

  5. AUG 18

    Either at the Table or on the Menu: Survival Tactics for Nonprofits

    Nonprofit organizations face unprecedented challenges in today's uncertain environment. With financial pressures mounting and workforce shortages continuing, many organizations are exploring strategic partnerships as a path forward. But what separates successful nonprofit mergers from failed ones? The answer lies in mission alignment. The most effective mergers begin not from financial desperation but from a shared vision of expanding impact and improving service quality. As one expert puts it, these partnerships create situations where "one plus one equals three" - allowing organizations to serve more people, improve quality, expand reach, and innovate in ways they couldn't accomplish alone. Take the case of three small IDD providers in Maine who recently merged to become the state's largest provider organization. By combining forces, they've retained their local community presence while upgrading technology, improving benefits, and enhancing service consistency. This exemplifies how thoughtful mergers can preserve and strengthen an organization's mission rather than diminish it. Getting there requires navigating complex human dynamics. Boards must transition from routine oversight to strategic leadership, which means creating focused task forces, providing education about the merger process, and ensuring members don't let personal fears derail progress. Staff communication presents equally delicate challenges – share information too early, and you risk unnecessary anxiety; share too late, and you undermine trust essential for successful integration. Outside expertise proves invaluable throughout this journey. Beyond technical specialists in legal, financial, and HR matters, strategic advisors who understand nonprofit culture can keep everyone focused on the mission when tensions rise. They serve as both architects and confidants, providing CEOs a safe space to express concerns they can't share with their teams. As we navigate this challenging landscape, remember: "You're either at the table or you're on the menu." Having a growth strategy isn't optional anymore. The most successful organizations proactively seek partnerships that allow their missions to flourish beyond any individual leader's tenure. Join us to learn how your organization can approach mergers as strategic evolution rather than surrender. Send us a text

    26 min

  6. JUL 23

    When Two Missions Become One: How Mergers Expand Services for People with Disabilities

    Navigating nonprofit mergers requires strategic vision, cultural alignment, and unwavering focus on mission. Diane Beastrom, consultant and former CEO of Koinonia, takes us behind the scenes of a successful merger that dramatically expanded services for people with developmental disabilities. After leading Koinonia for decades and orchestrating several acquisitions, Diane faced a pivotal decision: despite emerging from COVID in a position of strength, the organization needed to expand behavioral health and mental health services. "Going alone was not going to be the best way for the people we support or for our employees," she explains. This realization led to seeking a larger partner already delivering these specialized services. The merger between Koinonia and Boundless demonstrates how thoughtful integration can benefit everyone involved. All Koinonia employees were retained and immediately received enhanced benefits and compensation. Clients gained access to expanded behavioral health supports and a beautiful new day center. Behind these successes were careful attention to cultural compatibility, transparent communication about leadership transitions, and early resolution of potential sticking points like board composition and organizational naming. Diane offers invaluable guidance for nonprofit executives contemplating similar moves: engage specialized consultants early, prepare your Board thoroughly, and shift perspective from "what are we giving up?" to the expanded mission impact possible through strategic partnerships. Her refreshing take on legacy reminds us that organizational names and buildings matter less than sustainable services to those who need it most.  Whether you're leading a nonprofit considering strategic partnerships or simply interested in how mission-driven organizations evolve to meet changing needs, this conversation offers practical wisdom from someone who's successfully navigated the complex terrain of nonprofit mergers. Send us a text

    22 min

  7. JUN 17

    The Strategic Power of Nonprofit Mergers & Acquisitions

    Nonprofit mergers and partnerships aren't just survival tactics—they're strategic opportunities to multiply impact and secure long-term sustainability. This compelling conversation with Jennifer Riha, Chief Strategy Officer, and Trent Stechschulte, Chief Legal Officer at Boundless, unveils how strategic growth has transformed their organization's ability to fulfill its mission of realizing the boundless potential of all people. Today's health and human services organizations face a perfect storm: skyrocketing demand for services while resources and qualified staff become increasingly scarce. Against this backdrop, Boundless has pioneered a proactive approach to partnerships that challenges traditional nonprofit thinking. As Trent memorably states, "not-for-profit is a tax status with the IRS—not a business plan." Jennifer shares how strategic mergers have expanded Boundless from serving specific populations in limited areas to reaching over 6,000 individuals annually across Ohio. Their sophisticated partnership toolkit—including scoring systems for potential partners and comprehensive integration planning—ensures these unions truly amplify impact rather than simply combining assets. The results speak volumes: when Koinonia joined Boundless in 2023, staff immediately received higher wages and better benefits, while clients gained access to specialized services previously unavailable in their region. Perhaps most compelling is how these partnerships create the financial leverage needed for innovation. With nonprofit margins typically under 5%, organic growth alone can't generate sufficient resources for technological advancement or program expansion. Strategic partnerships create the scale necessary to invest in the future.    Curious how your organization might benefit from strategic partnerships? Listen now to discover practical insights on building a more sustainable, impactful future for your nonprofit mission. Send us a text

    37 min

  8. MAY 27

    Autism: Myths, Facts, and Future Pathways

    The autism conversation in America is at a critical turning point. As public figures make sweeping statements about vaccines, research quality, and the capabilities of autistic individuals, our experts step in to separate fact from fiction with clarity and compassion. Dr. Karen Lindgren and Dr. Cynthia Ripsin bring over 50 years of combined clinical experience to dismantle persistent myths—most notably the thoroughly debunked vaccine-autism connection that originated from a fraudulent 12-person study. They explain why studies of over two million children have conclusively found no link, yet misinformation continues to influence healthcare decisions. The conversation dives into the remarkable diversity within autism, challenging simplistic characterizations that paint all autistic individuals with the same brush. From individuals requiring 24-hour support to those independently building careers and relationships, the spectrum defies easy generalizations. This variance extends to healthcare needs, where standard medical environments can create barriers through sensory overload, communication challenges, and rigid procedures. Particularly enlightening is the discussion of "profound autism"—a term describing individuals with significant support needs who represent over 30% of the autistic population yet receive less than 6% of research attention.  The experts also unpack the reported five-fold increase in autism rates since 2000, explaining how improved screening, broader diagnostic criteria, and increased awareness—particularly among previously overlooked populations like girls and women—have dramatically shaped these statistics. What emerges is a call for nuanced understanding, targeted research that addresses the full spectrum of needs, and healthcare systems designed with neurodiversity in mind. Rather than focusing on causes or cures, our experts advocate for practical improvements that enhance quality of life for autistic individuals and their families today. Join us for this essential conversation that moves beyond headlines to explore what meaningful support really looks like for autistic individuals across their lifespan. Send us a text

    36 min
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About

We want to bring you the thoughts of some of the most impactful leaders in health and human services. Their real-world experience in driving growth and impact and leading in hard times might be just the extra dose of motivation and common sense you need to bring to your organization whether you are an Executive Team member or the Board President. We think that leading the conversation about the nonprofit business sector and what nonprofits should think about now is part of our mission, “Building A World that realizes the boundless potential of all people.”   Our purpose in this podcast is to make your mission, our mission. 

Information

  • Creator
    Boundless
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Nonprofit Leader's Guide
  • Show Website
    The Nonprofit Leader's Guide