What Works: Conversations on Nonprofit Leadership with Marla Moody

Marla Moody
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  • Non-Profit

What Works by Marla Moody is a bold, insightful podcast for nonprofit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Each episode dives into the operational heart of mission-driven work - exploring leadership, management, systems, and scaling impact. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive, this show uncovers what truly drives success in nonprofits, featuring strategies, stories, and best practices from real leaders making a difference.

  1. 15h ago

    SE01E47 The Loneliness Epidemic: Why We Need a Third Place | Farah Eck

    Farah shares practical insights on building stronger relationships, creating a sense of belonging and making space for people to feel comfortable being themselves. She also discusses the value of third places, active listening, vulnerability, authenticity and empathy in both professional and personal life. 🎯 How can leaders build stronger connections?🎯 What makes a third place meaningful?🎯 How can vulnerability support better leadership?🎯 How can empathy improve the way we work together? The conversation also explores loneliness, identity, stress, decision making, community building and the importance of creating environments where people can connect, contribute and thrive. Connect with Farah Salim Eck:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faraheck/Website: https://unfoundation.org/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works! - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.  Connect with me:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/ #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutpreventionWhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

  2. Sep 8

    SE01E46 The People Closest to the Problem Already Know the Solution| Karrah R. Lompa

    Trust is the currency most nonprofit leaders never learn how to spend, and Karrah Lompa built an entire career learning how to earn it. As Managing Director of the UCLA Social Justice Research Partnership and Co-Founder of the Watts Leadership Institute, Karrah has spent over a decade proving that grassroots community leaders already hold the real solutions to their neighborhood's hardest problems, they just need partners bold enough to trust them.  In this episode of What Works, Karrah breaks down trust based philanthropy, unrestricted funding, nonprofit sustainability, and why chasing grants can quietly destroy a mission. 02:53 Why do grassroots leaders already hold the real community solutions08:58 How do you build trust across different community subcultures17:55 Why unrestricted funding changes everything for nonprofit sustainability27:08 What happens when nonprofits start chasing dollars over mission41:58 Why should every nonprofit leader finally learn to pay themselves52:47 Is infrastructure the missing piece behind passion driven nonprofit work If you are a philanthropist, funder, program officer, or nonprofit leader ready to build real community trust and sustainable impact, this conversation will reshape how you give and lead. Connect with Karrah Lompa here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karrah-r-lompa/Website: https://luskin.ucla.edu/ The future of philanthropy will not be written in grant applications, it will be built in trust, and that future starts now. #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutpreventionWhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

  3. Sep 1

    SE01E45 The 'yes-and' philosophy: Creativity & data are non-negotiables in nonprofit | Anna Mottice

    Anna Mottice learned long before she ever stepped into a boardroom that the best performances never happen by accident, they happen by design. Today she leads alumni engagement at OHSU Foundation, quietly rewriting what nonprofit leadership looks like by proving that creativity and data are not rivals fighting for attention, but partners building trust, loyalty and community impact that lasts.  This conversation is a masterclass in leadership psychology, organizational culture and intentional growth for anyone building a mission driven brand. Connect with Anna Mottice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amottice/Learn more about OHSU Foundation: https://ohsufoundation.org/ The future belongs to leaders brave enough to hold both. We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works! - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.  Connect with me:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/ #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutpreventionWhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

  4. Aug 25

    SE01E44 Beyond the Data: Why Great Leaders Listen to the Story | Sharon Attipoe-Dorcoo

    Sharon Attipoe-Dorcoo, MPH, Ph.D. of TERSHA LLC brings a powerful human centered leadership perspective that challenges transactional thinking and reconnects leadership with culture, relationships, storytelling, humility, and meaningful community impact. 🎯 Storytelling Beyond Data: Turning evidence into experiences people remember🎯 Culture Shapes Leadership: The narratives leaders carry into every decision🎯 Ego Meets Humility: The tension every serious leader must navigate🎯 Leading Through Change: Finding clarity, creativity and purpose in uncertainty You can get in touch with Sharon Attipoe-Dorcoo here on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonattipoe-dorcoo/Website:https://tershallc.com/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works! - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.  Connect with me:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/ #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutpreventionWhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

  5. Aug 11

    SE01E43 From Grassroots to Growth expanding your nonprofit | Heather Caillier

    Nonprofit growth demands more than funding. Heather Collier, founder and president of Ascend Consulting, brings 18 years of experience helping nonprofits build strategic capacity, strengthen internal systems, and create sustainable community impact. Heather challenges the idea that bigger is always better. Growth should follow community need, mission alignment, organizational capacity, and the ability to actually deliver. She explains why visibility is not sustainability, why grant chasing can create serious operational strain, and why strategic planning must connect fundraising, communications, programs, staff, and the board. 00:00 Building Nonprofit Growth Around Real Community Needs10:43 Growth Without Mission Drift Or Resource Strain12:36 Aligning Strategy Fundraising Communications And Programs22:59 Building Stronger Teams Through Humble Leadership26:10 Staff Investment That Prevents Burnout And Turnover37:20 Preparing Infrastructure Before Nonprofit Growth Accelerates44:09 Using Organizational Life Cycles To Prioritize Growth You can get in touch with Heather Collier here on LinkedIn: LinkedIn profile not supplied Website: http://Ascendconsultingmn.com We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works! - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.  Connect with me:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/ #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutpreventionWhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

  6. Aug 4

    SE01E42 The Room You Haven't Walked Into Yet | Joe Darago

    Joe Darago left the pulpit to fight a four and a half billion dollar problem: well meaning donors funding orphanages that hurt the very children they want to save. As Executive Director of The Hope Effect, Joe reveals how his organisation moves children out of institutions into real families, and why the nonprofit world needs an abundance mindset paired with fierce stewardship.  🎬 What you will explore:🎬 The four and a half billion dollar orphanage funding problem🎬 Building trust with an interpreter across government meetings🎬 Why clarity took Joe years of failed communication to learn🎬 What his wife's new business exposed about his own leadership Built for nonprofit founders, missions minded entrepreneurs, and leaders working across language and culture. You can get in touch with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedarago/Website: https://www.hopeeffect.com/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works! - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.  Connect with me:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/ #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutpreventionWhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

  7. Jul 28

    SE01E41 - Listening Is the Political Skill Saving Modern Democracy | Kamy Akhavan

    Kamy Akhavan spent over two decades walking into the most divided rooms in America and leaving with something nobody else could, proof that listening is the most radical act of civic leadership alive today. Managing Director of the USC Center for Political Future, Kamy has trained elected officials, legislators, and the next generation of civic leaders to navigate political polarization, bipartisanship, and civil discourse with curiosity over combat. 🎙 The Exhausted Majority: America's Silenced Political Middle Ground🧠 Oxytocin Politics: The Neuroscience That Unlocks Real Listening🏛 Civic Leadership Built From Radical Discomfort and Growth💡 Curiosity as Strategy: Bridging Political Divides That Feel Impossible You can get in touch with Kamy Akhavan here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamyakhavan/Website: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-political-future/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works! - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.  Connect with me:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/ #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutpreventionWhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

  8. Jul 21

    SE01E40 - The Courage to Change a 200-Year Legacy | Matthew Stephens

    Matthew Stephens stepped into a nearly 200 year old institution and chose to reimagine what it truly means to serve the living. As President and CEO of Mount Auburn Cemetery, America's first garden cemetery, he is rewriting the rules of legacy nonprofit leadership, nature rooted community healing, and purposeful organisational change one green acre at a time. 🏛 The 200 Year Vision That Quietly Transformed American Public Space⚖ Shepherding Change Inside a Legacy Nonprofit Under Real Pressure🌿 Nature as the Most Underrated Leadership Strategy Nobody Is Talking About🕯 The Invisible Cost of Driving Culture Without Celebrating the Journey You can get in touch with Matthew Stephens here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-r-stephens/Website: https://mountauburn.org We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works! - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.  Connect with me:LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/ #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutpreventionWhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

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What Works by Marla Moody is a bold, insightful podcast for nonprofit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Each episode dives into the operational heart of mission-driven work - exploring leadership, management, systems, and scaling impact. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive, this show uncovers what truly drives success in nonprofits, featuring strategies, stories, and best practices from real leaders making a difference.

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