The NonProfit Nook

Wendy Kidd

Welcome to The NonProfit Nook — the podcast for nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, and community champions who want to strengthen their organizations and make a bigger impact... without burning out in the process. I’m Wendy Kidd—business owner for over 20 years and nonprofit leader for just as long. I created this show because I know how overwhelming it can be to lead a nonprofit. Most of us didn’t get into this work thinking we’d be running a business—we just wanted to help people. But the truth is, running a nonprofit *is* running a business, and I’m here to help make that part easier. Each week on The NonProfit Nook, you’ll get real talk and real tools. We’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of nonprofit management—strategic planning, budgeting, board engagement, donor communication, volunteer recruitment, and more. No fluff—just practical advice and conversations that help you work smarter and lead with confidence. You’ll also hear: - Stories from inspiring North Texas nonprofits and the local heroes behind them - Tips from experts on marketing, digital tools, DEI, nonprofit culture, and sustainable leadership - Real conversations about burnout, boundaries, time management, and self-care—because leadership shouldn’t feel lonely Whether you're leading a nonprofit, supporting one, or just passionate about the mission, The NonProfit Nook will give you the tools, encouragement, and inspiration you need to thrive. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review to support the show, and follow us on social media @thenonprofitnook for more nonprofit insights, stories, and resources. Let’s make nonprofit life a little easier—and a lot more impactful.

  1. 3d ago

    Perception Matters: Insights with Kendria Taylor

    In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd welcomes back Kendria Taylor, a learning and development expert with over 20 years of experience. Kendria shares her insights on the importance of perception for nonprofit leaders, particularly focusing on the perceptions of Executive Directors by the public, board members, and staff. The discussion covers strategies for aligning personal behavior with organizational mission, improving communication, and developing empathy. Kendria also offers practical advice for Executive Directors and boards facing conflicts, emphasizing the need for honest self-assessment and structured communication. Listeners are encouraged to consider how they are perceived and to address any issues with a proactive and empathetic approach. Wendy also notes that the podcast will take a brief hiatus over the holidays, returning on January 6th. https://www.tg8solutions.com https://www.instagram.com/thekendriataylor/ https://www.instagram.com/tg8solutionsinsight/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged 00:00 Introduction to the Rumor Mill 00:30 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:18 Meet Kendria Taylor: Learning and Development Powerhouse 02:23 Discussing Feedback and Generational Workforce 03:38 Diving into Perception in Nonprofits 08:54 Empathy and Leadership in Nonprofits 12:19 Balancing Frontline and Office Work 15:29 Effective Board Management 19:11 Addressing Perception Issues 20:14 Naming and Taming Emotions 21:16 Empathy in the Workplace 22:23 Addressing Board and ED Conflicts 25:21 Communication and Generational Differences 27:51 Assessing Board Impact and Engagement 30:11 Perception and Public Image 35:05 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement 35:36 Holiday Announcement and Sign-Off Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    40 min
  2. Jun 23

    Decoding Nonprofit Finances: Hiring a Bookkeeper, Collaborating and Key Metrics with Kelsey Gleason

    Navigating Bookkeeping for Nonprofits: Tips, Tools, and Best Practices In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd is joined by Kelsey Gleason, co-owner of Educated Bookkeeping, to explore the distinct challenges and strategies of bookkeeping for nonprofits versus for-profit businesses. They discuss the importance of understanding financial reports, customizing chart of accounts, and the significance of training and quality control for volunteer bookkeepers. They also cover practical tips on selecting a professional bookkeeper, using QuickBooks features like classes and projects, and highlight a crucial financial metric every nonprofit board should monitor. The episode aims to provide real tools and strategies to help nonprofit leaders and boards manage their finances more effectively. Links: https://www.educatedbookkeeping.com https://www.instagram.com/educatedbookkeeping/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitnook/ 00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Bookkeeping 01:28 Meet Kelsey Gleason: From Teacher to Bookkeeper 02:05 Challenges of Nonprofit Bookkeeping 05:03 Advice for Small Nonprofits Without a Bookkeeper 05:49 Training and Software Recommendations 10:27 Hiring a Professional Bookkeeper 18:59 Understanding Financial Reports 22:08 QuickBooks Tips and Tricks 26:33 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 30:37 Conclusion and Farewell Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    35 min
  3. Jun 16

    REPLAY: Creating a Feedback-Friendly Environment: Tools for Team Success and Retention

    In this episode of 'The NonProfit Nook,' host Wendy Kidd and guest Kendria Taylor, a learning and development expert, delve into the importance of creating a culture of feedback within nonprofit organizations. They discuss the definition and the significance of providing various types of feedback: reinforcing, redirecting, impact, and reflective. Kendria shares practical models such as the 'GOOD' model for effective feedback and provides strategies for personalizing feedback based on communication styles. The episode emphasizes that consistent, thoughtful feedback can build trust, enhance morale, and boost organizational performance. Kendria also offers listeners free tools to improve their feedback approaches, making this episode an invaluable resource for nonprofit leaders aiming to strengthen their teams and retain top talent. Links: https://www.tg8solutions.com https://www.instagram.com/thekendriataylor/ https://www.instagram.com/tg8solutionsinsight/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged 00:00 Introduction to Active Listening 00:23 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:09 Meet Kendria Taylor 02:45 The Importance of Feedback 09:21 Types of Feedback 13:40 Developing Your Team with Feedback 19:14 The Importance of Ongoing Feedback 19:49 Creating a Culture of Feedback 20:25 Introducing the Good Model 21:54 Breaking Down the Good Model 24:21 Giving Feedback to Leaders 27:34 Understanding Communication Styles 30:31 Reflective and Empathetic Listening 33:16 Free Resources and Conclusion Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    40 min
  4. Jun 9

    REPLAY: Spotlight: Communities Foundation of Texas & North Texas Giving Day

    Maximizing Impact: Inside the Communities Foundation of Texas and North Texas Giving Day In this episode of The NonProfit Nook, host Wendy Kidd converses with Heather Lothes, Donor Relations Officer at the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). The discussion focuses on the role and impact of CFT in North Texas, emphasizing its efforts to support local nonprofits and philanthropic activities. They delve into the details of North Texas Giving Day, a significant regional initiative designed to boost donations and awareness for local nonprofits. Heather shares insights on how nonprofits can maximize their success on this day and the ongoing support CFT provides throughout the year. Listeners are encouraged to participate and spread the word to enhance community support and philanthropy. Links: CFT Website: https://www.cftexas.org/ North Texas Giving Day website: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/ Social Handles - CFT: communitiesfoundationoftexas, NTGD: northtexasgivingday https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged 00:00 Introduction to Community Foundations 00:58 Welcome to The NonProfit Nook 01:42 Meet Heather Lothes 02:43 Understanding Communities Foundation of Texas 05:18 North Texas Giving Day: Origins and Impact 08:03 Maximizing North Texas Giving Day 11:44 Upcoming Events and How to Get Involved 14:05 The Broader Impact of North Texas Giving Day 15:22 Riding the Wave of North Texas Giving Day 16:34 Maximizing Success on Giving Day 17:41 Leveraging Your Network and Resources 19:38 The Power of Follow-Up 22:29 Beyond North Texas Giving Day: CFT's Year-Round Impact 22:40 CFT's Multifaceted Support for Nonprofits 25:28 CFT's Role in Community Crises 25:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    31 min
  5. May 19

    Building a People-First Nonprofit Culture: Practical HR Strategies from Gabriela Norton

    In this insightful interview, Gabriela Norton, a strategic HR expert supporting nonprofits, shares practical strategies for building healthy workplace cultures, managing HR challenges, and implementing effective performance management. Discover how nonprofits can create sustainable, people-first environments with limited resources. keywords Nonprofit HR, workplace culture, performance management, employee engagement, HR policies, leadership, organizational development key topics HR challenges in nonprofitsPerformance management best practicesBuilding a healthy workplace culture resources People Performance Resources - www.pprhr.com Connect with Gabriela - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielanorton/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-performance-resources-llc/ https://www.instagram.com/ppr_hr https://www.facebook.com/pprhr Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - https://www.shrm.org/ Dallas HR Chapter - https://dallashr.org/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit HR Challenges 02:37 Common HR Issues in Nonprofits 05:46 Establishing Clear Expectations 08:47 The Importance of Job Descriptions 11:51 Creating an Employee Handbook 14:34 Performance Management Best Practices 17:42 The Role of Leadership in HR 20:41 Building a Healthy Workplace Culture 23:47 Resources for Nonprofits 26:37 First Steps for Improvement 29:32 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 39:35 Introduction to Leadership Development Toolkit 40:32 Accessing HR Tools and Templates Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    44 min
  6. Apr 28

    Luke Mickelson: Building Beds and Battling Founder’s Syndrome

    summary Luke Mickelson shares his inspiring journey from small-town farm kid to founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, scaling a nonprofit that has delivered over 350,000 beds to children in need. He discusses the origins of his mission, the challenges of scaling, founder syndrome, and practical advice for nonprofit growth and leadership. key topics The origin story of Sleep in Heavenly Peace Scaling a nonprofit from local to global Founder syndrome and leadership challenges The importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in leadership action items Visit shpbeds.org to learn more and find your local chapter Start a chapter or donate to support beds for children in need Take the Founder Syndrome assessment at lukemickelson.com Join the upcoming Founder Syndrome Survival Course resources Sleep in Heavenly Peace Website - https://shpbeds.org Follow Sleep in Heavenly Peace - https://www.linkedin.com/company/shpbeds/posts/?feedView=all Founder Syndrome Survival Course - https://lukemickelson.com/fss-course Connect with Luke - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shpluke/ Follow Luke - https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/ , https://www.facebook.com/SHPLuke Boss Level Engaged Services: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook Podcast Home: https://thenonprofitnook.com/ The NonProfit Nook on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged keywords Nonprofit, Founder Syndrome, Scaling Nonprofits, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Leadership, Social Impact, Community Service, Nonprofit Growth, Founder Challenges, Leadership Evolution Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    51 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to The NonProfit Nook — the podcast for nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, and community champions who want to strengthen their organizations and make a bigger impact... without burning out in the process. I’m Wendy Kidd—business owner for over 20 years and nonprofit leader for just as long. I created this show because I know how overwhelming it can be to lead a nonprofit. Most of us didn’t get into this work thinking we’d be running a business—we just wanted to help people. But the truth is, running a nonprofit *is* running a business, and I’m here to help make that part easier. Each week on The NonProfit Nook, you’ll get real talk and real tools. We’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of nonprofit management—strategic planning, budgeting, board engagement, donor communication, volunteer recruitment, and more. No fluff—just practical advice and conversations that help you work smarter and lead with confidence. You’ll also hear: - Stories from inspiring North Texas nonprofits and the local heroes behind them - Tips from experts on marketing, digital tools, DEI, nonprofit culture, and sustainable leadership - Real conversations about burnout, boundaries, time management, and self-care—because leadership shouldn’t feel lonely Whether you're leading a nonprofit, supporting one, or just passionate about the mission, The NonProfit Nook will give you the tools, encouragement, and inspiration you need to thrive. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review to support the show, and follow us on social media @thenonprofitnook for more nonprofit insights, stories, and resources. Let’s make nonprofit life a little easier—and a lot more impactful.