Next Era Non-Profit

Katie Spencer
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Hosted by Katie Spencer, a trusted non-profit consultant with over 15 years of non-profit experience, Next Era Non-Profit discusses what keeps the non-profit sector stuck and how to take actionable, doable shifts to advance into a new chapter of increased impact and more results for your hard work all while making your life as a non-profit leader easier.

  1. 06/04/2025

    Board Meeting Agendas That Build Engagement

    One of the biggest problems facing nonprofit boards today is disengaged board meetings that feel like a waste of time to board members. Join us for this week's episode where we will break down why boards are increasingly disengaged and what you can do to change that! With my proven ENGAGE Method we will transform board meetings into your strongest tool for leadership, clarity, and energy. If you have any questions surrounding board engagement or are interested in an in-depth program walking you through building better board practices, reach out at katie@joyofleading.com!

    37 min

  2. 05/20/2025

    Back to Basics: Focusing on Your Core

    In this week's episode, we are joined by Dr. Russell Wigginton, CEO of the National Civil Rights Museum, to explore how nonprofit leaders can cut through the noise and lead with clarity, courage, and conviction by getting back to basics. Drawing on his years of experience in academia, advocacy, and the museum world, Dr. Wigginton brings a unique perspective to our conversation as he speaks to how this approach has impacted his decision-making, team-building, and even the approach he takes to larger issues.

    57 min

  3. 05/06/2025

    The Magic is in the Work You're Avoiding

    What if the task you keep avoiding isn't a burden, but a doorway to clarity and freedom? In this week's episode of Next Era Nonprofit, we're going to liberate you from what's holding you back by addressing the things we've been avoiding. And, in doing so, we will open up the space, time, energy, and possibility to accomplish the goals we have set. I share the Face It. Feel It. Free It. method to help you take action on that lingering task that’s draining your energy and slowing your momentum. Whether you're avoiding a tough board conversation, a strategic decision, or just that pesky email, this episode is a nudge to do the thing — and feel the relief that follows.

    18 min

  4. 04/29/2025

    The Art of Unlearning: Rethinking Nonprofit Leadership

    What do nonprofit leaders need to unlearn to move forward? In this lively and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Ruth Abigail Gardner—Executive Director of AngelStreet Ministries and host of The Unlearnt Podcast—to dig into the habits, beliefs, and expectations that no longer serve us (and maybe never did). We talk about the obvious stuff (like perfectionism and over-functioning), but we also get into some trickier, more taboo territory. It’s a fun, honest conversation full of real talk about what it actually takes to lead well in today’s nonprofit world—and what we might need to let go of to do it. Ruth Abigail brings energy, wisdom, and humor, and she isn’t afraid to think out loud about her own leadership journey and the sector as a whole. You’ll walk away reflecting on your own “unlearning list.” To hear more from Ruth Abigail Gardner, listen to the Unlearnt Podcast! And also, check out the work that Angel Street does by visiting their site or on social media @angelstreetmemphis!

    1h 7m

  5. 04/15/2025

    Managing Stress by Managing Demands

    You’ve probably felt it: the stress of leading a nonprofit where the demands far outweigh the resources. It’s not just frustrating—it’s unsustainable. In this episode, I unpack a powerful definition of stress—“more demands than resources”—and walk you through a 5-step approach to rebalance the equation. We’ll explore how to set boundaries, shift expectations, and reduce the weight of competing priorities so you can lead with clarity and protect your energy. Not every idea or every donation deserves a place on your to-do list. ✨ Ready to reduce the demands and focus your time, energy, and budget on what truly drives impact? That’s exactly what I do with leaders during a Strategic Refresh Intensive—a one-day deep dive to create a clear, adaptive plan for the year ahead. You’ll walk away with a roadmap that ensures your resources go where they matter most. 📩 Email me at katie@ziplineconsulting.com when you’re ready to balance the equation. You don’t need a 6-month planning process—just one powerful day.

    25 min

  6. 04/09/2025

    Fire-Resistant Leadership: Preventing Fires with Strategic Clarity

    Nonprofit leadership often feels like an endless cycle of putting out fires—but what if you could build a future where fewer fires even start? In this episode, we explore how to move beyond crisis response and reclaim your time, energy, and vision for long-term impact. We dive into strategies such as: Triaging the urgent from the importantProtecting your strategic thinking timeBuilding a leadership environment and teamthat will give you the clarity you need to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Resources Contingency Planning Template 🔗: https://katie-s-site-4eb4.thinkific.com/courses/copy-of-succession-planningNon-Profit Leadership Edge Mastermind Group: Email katie@joyofleading.com

    34 min

  7. 04/01/2025

    Activate Your Board When Your Nonprofit Needs It Most

    Nonprofit leaders are navigating one of the most uncertain times we’ve ever seen—funding challenges, shifting policies, and increasing community needs. In times like these, you can’t afford an unengaged board. In this episode of Next Era Nonprofit, I sit down with Hardy Smith, author of Stop the Nonprofit Blame Game, to discuss why now—more than ever—your board must be fully engaged and actively helping you lead. We cover: ✔️ The biggest reasons boards disengage—and how to fix it ✔️ How to create a culture of accountability and shared leadership ✔️ What nonprofit leaders can do to activate their board during uncertain times ✔️ How to get your board to step up, contribute, and help drive strategy forward Your board isn’t just there to approve budgets and attend meetings—it should be a powerful asset in leading your nonprofit through change and uncertainty. Connect with Hardy on LinkedIn, and get his book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game!

    55 min

  8. 03/25/2025

    Courage is a Practice: Leading with Confidence in Uncertain Times

    Courage isn’t something you have—it’s something you practice. Nonprofit leaders face tough decisions, difficult conversations, and high-stakes moments every day. But the real challenge? Stepping into those moments with courage. In this episode, we explore: ✔️ Why courage is a learned skill, not a personality trait ✔️ The common fears that hold nonprofit leaders back ✔️ Practical ways to strengthen your courage muscle in leadership ✔️ How showing up boldly and authentically transforms your board, team, and organization If you’ve ever hesitated to ask for what you need, speak up in a tough moment, or take action despite uncertainty—this episode is for you.

    37 min
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About

Hosted by Katie Spencer, a trusted non-profit consultant with over 15 years of non-profit experience, Next Era Non-Profit discusses what keeps the non-profit sector stuck and how to take actionable, doable shifts to advance into a new chapter of increased impact and more results for your hard work all while making your life as a non-profit leader easier.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Spencer
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 null All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Next Era Non-Profit