Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership Patton McDowell

259: How Do You Know if Nonprofit Leadership is for You? (Alyssia Palacios-Woods)


SUMMARY
Are you a nonprofit leader looking to enhance your strategic networking and professional development skills? In episode 259 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Alyssia Palacios-Wood, CEO of Capital Idea in Austin, TX, shares invaluable insights ranging from strategic networking and fundraising tactics to the significance of professional development and personal growth. Alyssia discusses the transformative power of board service in shaping leadership perspectives and the strategic advantages of pursuing certifications like CFRE. From navigating the complexities of fundraising to mastering calendar management, she offers practical strategies for success. Discover how she leverages strategic networking to forge meaningful connections and drive organizational growth. Through candid discussions on strategic networking, fundraising strategies, professional and personal growth, this podcast offers a wealth of actionable advice for nonprofit leaders navigating the complexities of their roles.


ABOUT ALYSSIA
Alyssia Palacios-Woods is a community builder and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience supporting workforce development initiatives in Central Texas. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) dedicated to best practices in non-profit operations and fundraising. Prior to joining Capital IDEA, Alyssia served as the President & CEO of the Austin Young Chamber, where she championed regional collaboration, entrepreneurship, talent development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has been a member of the Opening Central Texas for Business Task Force for COVID-19 rebuilding, the Austin Homelessness Task Force, and the National YP Week Advisory Council. Alyssia was recognized as an Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power Nominee in 2019 and an Austin Under 40 Finalist in 2023. She received her bachelor's degree from St. Edward's University and her master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.


EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew DesmondLearn more about Alyssia here.Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic SectorCheck out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

258: Creating an Emotional Connection with Your Nonprofit Donors (Haley Cooper)


SUMMARY
Are you tired of traditional fundraising approaches failing to inspire your donors? In episode 258 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we delve into a revolutionary approach to nonprofit leadership with Haley Cooper, a seasoned CFRE and expert in emotional connection strategies. From unraveling the tangled web of internal conflicts to rebuilding a culture of communication, Haley's insights, grounded in neuroscience, are transforming nonprofit dynamics. Discover how her EMC leadership framework is reshaping the way nonprofits approach fundraising by first nurturing internal bonds before venturing into external engagement. Through Haley's guidance, board members become empowered ambassadors, leveraging their unique strengths to drive fundraising success. Learn how understanding the neuroscience behind donor relationships can transform your fundraising efforts, as Haley shares actionable insights to help nonprofit leaders forge deeper, more meaningful connections with donors.


ABOUT HALEY
Caring for others was instilled in Haley Cooper from a young age. She studied Kinesiology because she wanted to teach people how to value their physical health. She dove headfirst into the nonprofit sector after college. From founding a nonprofit organization in Malawi when she was 24 years old (and learning how to build a peanut butter factory!) to being a part of a dozen-person strong development team here in Orange County, CA., Haley’s seen a wide range of nonprofit set ups. While grateful for all the incredible experiences, she’s also experienced an array of factors that lead to burnout. We stay stuck in these problems because we don’t know where to start.


EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Leading Well from Within: A Neuroscience and Mindfulness-Based Framework for Conscious Leadership by Daniel Friedland, MDLearn more about Haley hereWatch for Patton’s appearance on Haley’s Lead with Heart Podcast.Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic SectorCheck out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

257: The Secret to Effective Board/CEO Partnerships (Jonathan Schick)


SUMMARY
Are you a nonprofit leader grappling with the intricacies of the board/CEO relationship? In episode 257 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Jonathan Schick, author of The Nonprofit Secret: Six Principles of Successful Board/CEO Partnerships, shares keys to fostering strong partnerships between boards and CEOs, essential for organizational success. Delving into real-world scenarios, Jonathan highlights governance challenges, emphasizing the pivotal role of clear delineation of responsibilities within boards. He dissects six fundamental principles for effective governance, from committee management to CEO evaluation, offering actionable strategies for nonprofit leaders. Jonathan explores the transformative power of CEO evaluations and board self-appraisals in driving accountability and organizational improvement. From establishing clear goals to implementing effective evaluation processes, this conversation provides invaluable guidance for nonprofit leaders striving to achieve their missions effectively.


ABOUT JONATHAN
Jonathan Schick believes in the power of effective leaders to unify movements and create community impact. He is a dynamic leadership consultant and nationally known speaker who has founded two successful nonprofits and consulted for hundreds of organizations. As president of GOAL Consulting Group with offices in Washington and Dallas, Jonathan’s clients include the Boys and Girls Clubs, University of North Texas, Cancer Support Community, major Independent Schools, and national associations. The author of The Nonprofit Secret: Six Principles of Successful Board/CEO Partnerships, Jonathan earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Boston College, along with a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management.


EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Learn more about Jonathan here.Ready for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector?

256: Managing Conflict as a Nonprofit Leader (Carol Bowser)


SUMMARY
Are unresolved conflicts within your nonprofit causing chronic pain in your organization? In episode 256 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we explore the intricate world of conflict resolution with Carol Bowser, the Founder of Conflict Management Strategies, and an expert in managing workplace dynamics. From navigating power structures to fostering healthy interactions, Carol shares invaluable insights to help nonprofit leaders cultivate environments of open communication and collaboration. She emphasizes the significance of addressing conflicts promptly and offers practical strategies toward creating harmonious and productive workplaces. Learn the art of conflict resolution and discover how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and cohesion within your nonprofit organization.



ABOUT CAROL
Carol Bowser, J.D. is a workplace conflict expert. After practicing Employment Law for several years, Carol founded Conflict Management Strategies when she realized a lawsuit can’t deliver the level of resolution and satisfaction that is gained when people are actively involved in creating solutions to their workplace conflict. Carol’s clients come with a wide range of employers because conflict is universal across all industries and types of organizations. Where there are people, there is conflict. The key is to help people recognize and address conflict before it damages working relationships and creates organizational drag. In her over 20 years of experience, she has discovered some universal themes about workplace conflict and loves to share how people at all levels can strengthen their conflict resolution muscles.


EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, et al.Learn more about Carol here.Ready for a Mastermind? Learn more here!Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic SectorCheck out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com

255: Nurturing Dynamic & High-Performing Teams (Angela Grimes) 


SUMMARY
As a nonprofit leader, what strategies do you need to elevate your team? In episode 255 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll gain valuable insights from Angela Grimes, the CEO of Born Free USA, to help revolutionize your organization. Angela shares strategies for effective hiring, stressing cultural fit and communication styles for cohesive teams. She discusses the CEO's role in professional development and advocates for open communication in conflict resolution. Angela also advises on engaging board members and optimizing fundraising through experimentation. Finally, she shares personal organizational tactics, emphasizing calendars and tidy workspaces for productivity. This episode offers actionable advice for enhancing your nonprofit’s impact.


ABOUT ANGELA
Angela Grimes is Born Free USA’s Chief Executive Officer. She has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Inspired by observing wildlife living freely in their jungle homes while volunteering for a sea turtle project in Costa Rica, Angela moved from arts administration to wildlife protection, where she has served in senior and executive level positions since 2004. She has a degree from Drake University. She has served on the boards of directors of several arts and animal welfare organizations and is currently on the board of EarthShare.


EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES
Circle of the 9 Muses: A Storytelling Field Guide for Innovators and Meaning Makers by David Hutchens Learn more about Angela hereReady for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector Watch for the companion workbook and audio version coming soon!Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

254: Building and Sustaining a Successful International Nonprofit (Leif Cocks)


SUMMARY
How can nonprofit leaders effectively cultivate a culture of selflessness and meaningful collaboration within their organizations, while also navigating the challenges of global expansion and sustaining impactful initiatives across diverse ecosystems? In episode #254 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Leif Cocks, a seasoned nonprofit executive, shares his expertise on fundraising dynamics and effective leadership on a global scale. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and highlights the emotional aspect of giving and the need to simplify messaging to inspire action. He discusses the significance of empowering team members and volunteers, highlighting the role of values-driven leadership in fostering long-term commitment. From managing multiple boards to writing his fourth book, Leif exemplifies a holistic approach to leadership, rooted in humility and a dedication to the cause. 


ABOUT LEIF
Leif Cocks is the founder of Wildlife Conservation International (WCI) which incorporates the International Elephant Project, International Tiger Project, The Orangutan Project and Forests for People. Established in 1998, WCI has raised over $26m for conservation projects across South-East Asia. Beginning his career as a zookeeper, curator and small population biologist, Leif is highly regarded as a world-renowned expert on orangutans. He is the author of a number of books including Finding Our Humanity and Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends. In 2019 Leif was awarded the Order of Australia Medal from the Australian Government for his dedication to species conservation.


EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 
The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset MaughamLearn more about Leif hereReady for a Mastermind?  Learn more here!Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector Watch for the companion workbook and audio version coming soon!Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!