Your Business Greatness

Simone Sloan

Hot Tips You Cannot Miss! Simone Sloan hosts business experts who share their business knowledge to help your business grow.

  1. MAR 20

    Innovation, Impact, and Accountability: Rethinking the Nonprofit Model in Times of Crisis

    In this episode, Host Simone Sloan speaks with Yuriy Boyechko, Founder and CEO of Hope for Ukraine  (HFU), about how his organization is redefining what it means to run a nonprofit. Rather than following a traditional charity model, HFU operates with the discipline and strategy of a business, focused on measurable outcomes and efficiency. After a decade in media and entertainment, YB launched HFU in 2016 with a clear goal: maximize impact for every dollar donated. When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the organization rapidly expanded by building on existing infrastructure, introducing a humanitarian aid app, and maintaining consistent, transparent communication with supporters through frequent social media updates. Today, HFU provides weekly food kits to 1,600+ families, supports 600+ children through educational programs and has provided housing to nearly 2,600+ internally displaced people. At the heart of its approach are three guiding principles innovation, impact, and communication. Yuriy explains how these pillars challenge traditional fundraising models and government dependent systems, offering a new blueprint for nonprofit effectiveness. Episode Highlights 00:02:15: Yuriy's transition from 10-year media career to founding Hope for Ukraine, driven by desire for tangible impact and knowing exactly how donations are used   00:05:30: HFU's primary feeding program reaches 1,600 families weekly with food kits supporting families of four for up to 10 days, plus educational programs serving 600 children   00:08:45: Launch of the Hope App—a "DoorDash for humanitarian aid"—that enables beneficiaries to request assistance, reducing administrative burden and increasing transparency and distribution speed   00:12:20: Operational challenges of responding to constantly changing conflict zones with limited resources, requiring rapid pivoting to new areas affected by daily drone and missile attacks   00:15:40: Long-term vision extends beyond crisis relief to rebuilding families, providing job training, mental health support, and permanent housing for 3 million internally displaced persons   00:18:50: Three pillars for nonprofit success: innovation, impact, and communication—rejecting legacy gala fundraising models in favor of online, donor-centric engagement   00:21:15: Operational discipline: balanced budgets, weekly financial reviews, avoiding programs without secured funding, and eliminating unnecessary expenses to maximize dollars reaching beneficiaries   Key Takeaways Run nonprofits like publicly traded companiesDiversify funding sources away from single government grantsAdopt technology and innovation Maintain disciplined financial managementCommunication is competitive advantage

    33 min
  2. Culture Is Collapsing at the Middle

    MAR 10

    Culture Is Collapsing at the Middle

    Hosts Simone Sloan and Rich Batchelor explore the growing strain on people managers in a workplace defined by nonstop change, hiring pauses, and competing priorities that stretch capacity beyond what is sustainable. They unpack how constant operational demands crowd out time for reflection and planning, leaving managers to make reactive decisions that often compromise quality. The episode highlights the pivotal role managers play as shapers of team culture and outlines practical ways to better support them. From clearer strategic communication and protected thinking time to thoughtful workload reviews and purposeful delegation, the conversation offers concrete steps to help managers succeed while strengthening inclusion, engagement, and team growth.   Episode Highlights 00:02:15: Introduction of the core challenge—people managers facing pressure from performance targets while lacking capacity to think strategically or plan ahead  00:05:30: Discussion of the "fishbowl effect" where managers are so immersed in immediate tasks they cannot see the broader context of their situation 00:08:45: Exploration of how overload directly impacts decision quality and introduces the concept of "stretching" rather than "stress" to describe constant demands 00:12:00: Analysis of managers as the "sandwich filling,” squeezed between senior leadership expectations and direct report needs 00:15:30: Emphasis on senior leadership's responsibility to provide clear strategic priorities so managers can focus efforts rather than constantly reprioritizing 00:20:15: Deep dive into delegation myths and the importance of recognizing individual team member aspirations 00:28:00: Three key recommendations: prioritize active listening and communication, conduct a time-drain inventory, and establish non-negotiable calendar blocks for strategic thinking Key Takeaways Managers need protected time for reflection and planningClear strategic priorities from senior leadership are essentialEffective delegation requires understanding each team member's individual aspirationsInclusive leadership means intentionally seeking all voices, not just the loudest ones Managers must model the behaviour they expect; their stress and overwhelm directly influence team culture

    18 min

  3. FEB 12

    The Art of Honest Feedback

    In this episode of Your Business Greatness, host Simone Sloan focuses on the critical skill of giving effective feedback in the workplace. She shares a three-step framework for delivering feedback that focuses on observable behaviours, explaining their impact, and collaboratively discussing solutions. Through a detailed case study,  Simone illustrates how avoiding feedback can escalate small problems into major crises. The episode emphasizes that feedback should be treated as a normal, human conversation focused on growth rather than punishment, and that delivering it early and often creates a culture of trust and continuous improvement.   "When feedback is delivered with respect and curiosity, it strengthens trust, it helps teams learn faster, and it creates a culture where people feel safe improving instead of hiding mistakes."   Key Takeaways Effective feedback starts with clear intentionUse the three-step feedback framework: describe observable behaviours, explain their effects on work and team, and discuss potential changes while inviting collaborationFeedback delivered with respect and curiosity strengthens trustAvoiding difficult feedback conversations allows small issues to grow into bigger problems that hurtMake feedback a normal, human conversation that happens often When feedback is delayed, employees continue problematic patterns without awareness of their impact

    8 min

  4. JAN 9

    Serving the Mission Without Losing the Plot

    In this episode of Your Business Greatness, host Simone Sloan and co-host Rich Bachelor welcome Christina Van Sickle, Director of Professional Practice at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. The conversation explores the world of nonprofit board governance, discussing the motivations for joining boards, the crucial differences between operational and strategic roles, and the importance of trust and communication between boards and executive directors. Christina shares her journey from joining her first nonprofit board to gain professional insight to now serving on boards aligned with her personal passions, while all three speakers emphasize the need for proper governance training, strategic focus, and realistic time commitments when serving on nonprofit boards. This is a real conversation for anyone thinking about joining a non-profit board.   Key Takeaways Board governance requires a fundamentally different mindset than operational work – it is about strategic oversight ("noses in, fingers out") rather than hands-on implementation Trust between the board and executive director is built through transparency, clear communication, probing questions, and mutual understanding of respective roles and responsibilitiesNew board members need proper orientation, mentoring, and governance training to understand the unique culture and processes of board work, which is not intuitive Strategic plans are essential guardrails that prevent "shiny ball syndrome" and scope creep, helping organizations focus limited resources on agreed-upon priorities aligned with their missionBoard service requires realistic time commitment including preparation before meetings, and board members should be personally passionate about the organization's mission to contribute meaningfullyProspective board members should spend time with the organization and its staff before joining to understand what drives their work and build authentic connection to the mission and community servedBoard members must remember to apply their professional skills (strategy, finance, entrepreneurship) to board work while maintaining the discipline to stay at the strategic level rather than getting into operational weeds

    31 min

  5. 11/21/2025

    Turning Broadcast Passion into a Production Powerhouse

    In this episode, host Simone Sloan welcomes Mike Perlow, Founder of Perlow Productions (www.PerlowProductions.com). He is a self-described "unintentional entrepreneur," who shares his journey from a 17-year career in TV Sportscasting to launching his company. He discusses how his broadcasting background, including shooting, writing, editing, and interviewing thousands of people, laid the foundation for his corporate video production and animation company. Mike emphasizes the importance of storytelling, being present during shoots, and building collaborative teams that prioritize both technical excellence and attention to detail. He also reflects on balancing professional responsibilities with family life, encouraging others to pursue their dreams and staying ahead of industry trends while maintaining authentic client relationships.   Key Takeaways: Storytelling is Universal: Whether in sports broadcasting or corporate video production, the core skill is telling compelling stories that help audiences connect with the human element.  Stay Present and Flexible: Arriving on location without preconceived narratives allows you to discover authentic stories and creative directions you wouldn't have imagined in advance. Embrace What Makes You Different: Organizations should showcase their unique qualities rather than trying to appear like everyone else the right clients will appreciate authenticity. Never Stop Learning: Being open to new technology, feedback, and unfamiliar challenges (like aerial video) creates opportunities for business growth and innovation. Culture and Talent and Equally Important:  Technical skills are essential, but attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and ego-free teamwork are equally critical for long-term success. Prioritize What Matters: Building a successful business does not require sacrificing family time, modeling work-life balance creates a healthier culture for everyone. Go After Your Dreams: Do not play it safe or wait for the "right time,” pursue what you are passionate about before looking back with regret years later. Care About Your People: Being personally invested in team members and clients builds loyalty, trust, and the willingness to go above and beyond.

    32 min

  6. 10/31/2025

    Donor Metrics That Matter for Non-profits

    “If non-profits cannot figure out why their important, just like pack up, go home, and do something else”   In this episode, host Simone Sloan and co-host Rich Bachelor from Your Choice Coach welcome Peter Heller, Founder of Heller Fundraising Group, to discuss nonprofit fundraising strategies and capital campaigns. Peter shares insights from over 30 years of experience and 20 years leading his firm.    The conversation explores the importance of relationship-building over technology, the power of community- focused storytelling, and the six essential elements of successful capital campaigns. Peter emphasizes that effective fundraising requires overcoming limiting beliefs, understanding donor metrics, and crafting narratives that focus on the community's future rather than the organization itself.   Key Takeaways Successful capital campaigns require six aligned elements: dollar goal, story, donors, committee/leadership, staffing and systems, and timingThe most powerful fundraising stories focus on the community served and its future, not on the organization or the donor Relationship-building remains the cornerstone of fundraising success, regardless of economic conditions or technological advances like AIMetrics matter: tracking one-on-one donor meetings per month can generate significant fundraising results when combined with proper follow-upLimiting beliefs and organizational low self-esteem are the biggest pitfalls in fundraising - nonprofits must clearly articulate why they are important to succeedFeasibility studies serve as essential on-ramps for campaigns, taking about five months to train staff, interview donors, and establish campaign foundationsEffective fundraising is about teaching organizations to "fish” build their own capacity, rather than doing the work for themEven well-connected leaders in membership organizations must intentionally deepen relationships through focused conversations about mission and donor interests

    31 min
  7. Plan to Prosper: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits

    09/26/2025

    Plan to Prosper: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits

    In this episode, host Simone Sloan, Founder of Your Choice Coach, engages guests John Cororan, Managing Director at Merritt Walsh Associates, LLC and Rich Bachelor, Change Management Consultant, in a deep discussion on optimizing business strategies within nonprofit organizations. John, with his decades of experience, emphasizes the importance of treating nonprofits as businesses to maximize impact and revenue. Rich brings insight into effective change management and the significance of connecting nonprofit missions with strategic approaches. Together, they explore how nonprofits can align their narratives with potential donors' interests to cultivate meaningful relationships and secure sustainable funding. In this episode, Simone, Rich, and John explore The need to take a business-like strategy to ensure sustainability and impactDiversifying funding streams through private sector engagement is crucial for financial stabilityEffective storytelling and donor alignment are key components in differentiation and attracting fundingUtilizing technology to streamline targeted donor identification, aiding in efficient fund allocationBuilding strong, genuine relationships with donors through personalized approaches can amplify support

    44 min
  8. Find Your Voice & Lead with It

    07/22/2025

    Find Your Voice & Lead with It

    In this engaging episode of "Your Business, Greatness," host Simone Sloan converses with communications catalyst, Dia Bondi. The discussion touches on the importance of finding one's voice and leading with it, as well as how Dia helps individuals such as CEOs and founders develop and enhance their leadership voices through workshops and programs. Dia also shares her journey from the fitness industry to becoming an executive coach and communication strategist, highlighting her desire for deeply connected experiences and adventure. The episode emphasizes the  importance of having a strategic approach to communication, particularly in high-stress, high-stakes situations.

    27 min
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About

Hot Tips You Cannot Miss! Simone Sloan hosts business experts who share their business knowledge to help your business grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Simone Sloan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Simone Sloan
  • Show Website
    Your Business Greatness