The New For Purpose CEO

Michelle Cutler and Danielle Ballantine

Ever wondered what happens when CEOs of purpose-driven organisations sit down together for a chat? With 30 years’ of combined experience in the for-purpose space, we knew these conversations should be stored and shared!! We tackle the real questions: How do you build and sustain a thriving organisational culture? How do you manage relationships with your board and your chair? How do you preserve your peace of mind while carrying the weight of responsibility of being a for-purpose CEO. For those who are new to the role or eyeing it on the horizon, the importance of a support network cannot be overstated. This is why this podcast was created - to be a valuable source of information and support, offering ideas and insights you can implement in your organisation immediately. We share the stories and challenges CEOs tell each other when we get together - and chat through how to address issues unique to NFP CEOs in every episode. Wherever you are in your NPF CEO journey, there’s something here for you. We are about our community supporting each other. Creating more impact and driving better outcomes for the sector and those that we serve is what we are all about. LINKS Website: https://thenfpceo.com.au/ This podcast is recorded on country of the Cameraygal and Darramuragal Peoples.

  1. 1d ago

    Secrets of Successful Grant Seeking

    How do you move beyond “apply for everything” and build a sustainable funding strategy? In this episode, Michelle and Danielle are joined by Jo Garner, CEO and founder of Strategic Grants, to unpack what it really takes to secure grant funding. Jo brings more than 30 years of experience across the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors and has worked with thousands of organisations across Australia and New Zealand. She shares why successful grant seeking starts long before the application is written — with strategy, planning, strong governance, clear priorities and genuine relationships with funders. In this episodeWe explore: What it means to be “funder ready”Why grant seeking should start with your organisation’s strategic plan and missionHow to avoid the “spray and pray” approach to grant applicationsWhy the best grant application is often determined before the writing beginsHow to identify and package projects that are genuinely fundableWhat funders want to see when assessing need, capability, outcomes and impactHow to build a funding prospect pipelineWhy relationships with funders are critical to sustainable philanthropic supportWhat should stay in-house and what can be outsourcedHow CEOs, boards and fundraising teams can manage funder relationships effectivelyUsing AI to improve grant-writing efficiency without losing your organisation’s voice, authenticity and confidentialityHow the rise of AI-generated applications could change the way funders assess open funding roundsWhy brand, reputation and networking may become increasingly important in getting noticed by fundersWhat happens after you win: acquittal, stewardship and nurturing the funder relationshipWhy organisations need to be careful about growing faster than their capacity to deliver Grant writing is only one part of successful grant seeking. The real work starts much earlier: understanding your mission, identifying your priorities, building evidence around need, developing fundable projects, researching the right funding opportunities and building authentic relationships with potential funders. As Jo puts it, the goal is to become “funder ready” creating a proactive, strategic and repeatable approach to funding rather than relying on last-minute applications. Strategic Grants | Secure Grant Funding for Nonprofits Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

  2. Aug 5

    The Neuroscience of Change Leadership with Clare Edwards

    Change is constant in the NFP sector and it's accelerating. So how can CEOs and leaders help their people navigate uncertainty, change fatigue and organisational transformation? In this episode of The NFP CEO Podcast, we speak with Clare Edwards from Brain Smart People Development about the neuroscience of change leadership and what it means for NFP leaders. We explore: Why change fatigue is becoming a major leadership challengeHow neuroscience explains our response to uncertainty and changeWhy traditional change management approaches aren't always enoughHow leaders can build psychological safety, agency and autonomyPractical tools for managing uncertainty, including the Circle of CertaintyWhy leaders need to create dialogue rather than simply communicateHow empathy, self-awareness and storytelling can improve change leadershipWhy CEOs need to help people become more comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguityThe importance of listening to sceptics and creating genuine employee engagement For NFP CEOs and leaders navigating reform, restructuring, funding uncertainty or organisational transformation, this conversation offers practical insights into leading people through change while keeping the human element at the centre. Guest: Clare Edwards: Human-centred Professional Development Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

  3. Jul 29

    What is Your Reserves Policy?

    How much money should a not-for-profit have in reserve? Is three months of operating expenses enough? Six months? Or should your board be thinking about reserves in a completely different way? In this episode of The NFP CEO Podcast, Michelle and Danielle unpack a misunderstood area of nonprofit financial governance: reserves policies. Many charities and not-for-profits either don't have a reserves policy or rely on outdated rules of thumb that don't reflect today's operating environment. With increasing financial uncertainty, government funding changes, marketisation of services, and growing cash flow pressures, having a clear reserves strategy has never been more important. Rather than focusing only on how much money should sit in the bank, this episode explores why organisations hold reserves, when they should be used, and how boards can make better strategic decisions about their financial sustainability. In this episode you'll learn: What a reserves policy is and why you should have oneHow much money a not-for-profit should keep in reserveWhy "three months' operating costs" isn't always the right answerThe difference between a reserves policy and a minimum reserves policyHow to calculate reserve requirements using organisational wind-up costsWhen it is appropriate to use financial reservesHow reserves can fund growth, innovation, acquisitions and strategic investment to meet purposeWhy reserves improve board governance and CEO decision-makingThe growing importance of reserves as government-funded services move to payment in arrearsHow annual board discussions about reserves strengthen organisational strategy and risk management Whether you're a CEO, board director, CFO or finance manager, this episode will help you rethink what financial resilience looks like in today's nonprofit environment. Listen now to discover how a well-designed reserves policy can become one of your organisation's most powerful governance and strategic planning tools. Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

  4. Jul 22

    From Tension to Trust. The Chair/CEO Relationship

    The relationship between a not-for-profit CEO and their board chair is arguably the most important leadership relationship. When it's working well, it creates trust, clarity and better governance. When it's under strain, it can affect decision-making, organisational culture, executive performance and mission impact. In this episode of The NFP CEO Podcast, Michelle and Danielle unpack the realities of the Chair–CEO relationship, exploring why tension develops, how CEOs can identify early warning signs, and practical strategies for strengthening one of the most critical partnerships in nonprofit leadership. Whether you're a first-time CEO, an experienced executive, a board chair or a director, this episode offers practical advice for creating a productive, respectful and high-performing governance relationship. In this episode you'll learn:Why the Chair–CEO relationship is the foundation of effective nonprofit governance.The common causes of tension between CEOs and board chairs.How unresolved conflict impacts organisational culture, leadership teams and board effectiveness.Why most Chair–CEO challenges are situational rather than personal.How CEOs can identify the real source of conflict before it escalates.The importance of regular communication and structured CEO–Chair check-ins.How to have difficult conversations without damaging the relationship.Why focusing on issues—not personalities—leads to better governance outcomes.Strategies for working with an overcommitted board chair.Practical advice for first-time CEOs building relationships with their board.How experienced CEOs can support first-time board chairs while maintaining good governance.What to do when your board publicly challenges your proposal or business case.Why curiosity and inquiry are more effective than defensiveness in the boardroom.How to receive criticism professionally and move discussions towards constructive outcomes.Why understanding your Chair's communication and leadership style matters.How to build trust over time through consistency, transparency and strategic alignment. The most effective leaders avoid making disagreements personal. Instead, they remain focused on organisational outcomes, ask thoughtful questions and work collaboratively to find solutions that benefit the organisation. When CEOs approach difficult governance conversations with curiosity rather than defensiveness, they strengthen both their leadership and the effectiveness of their board. Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

  5. Jul 15

    Resilience: How to Thrive Under Constant Pressure with Dr Alison Taylor

    What keeps non-profit CEOs going when the pressure never seems to stop? In this episode, we sit down with leadership researcher and resilience expert Dr Alison Taylor to explore one of the most critical capabilities for today's nonprofit leaders: resilience. From funding uncertainty and workforce shortages to regulatory reform, board expectations and growing community demand, not for profit CEOs are leading in an environment where constant change has become the norm. Dr Taylor explains why resilience is something you're born with AND a leadership capability that can be intentionally developed. Together, we unpack the practical habits, mindsets and systems that help leaders remain effective, make better decisions under pressure and sustain their wellbeing over the long term. Whether you're a CEO, executive or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical strategies to move beyond survival mode and build resilience that lasts. In this episode, we discuss:Why resilience is a capability, not just a personality traitThe four pillars of leadership resilienceHow to build and protect your resilience reservesThe role of trust in reducing leadership stressHow to build a strong support network as a leaderMoving from reactive leadership to intentional resilienceWhy the skills that get you into a CEO role aren't always the ones that sustain you Connect with The NFP CEO PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another nonprofit leader who could benefit from the conversation. Strong organisations need resilient leaders—and resilience is something we can all continue to build. LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

  6. Jul 1

    How to Develop an Effective Advocacy Strategy

    Many NFP leaders know they should be influencing government, yet too often advocacy becomes reactive, driven by crises, or focused on raising problems rather than presenting solutions. In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle are joined by advocacy strategist Louise Yablsey to unpack what effective advocacy really looks like and how CEOs can build long-term influence with governments, departments and decision-makers. Whether you're a CEO of a service provider, a peak body or a growing for-purpose organisation, this conversation provides practical advice on creating an advocacy strategy that delivers impact. In this episode, you'll learn: Why advocacy is a core responsibility for many not-for-profit CEOs and not an optional extra.The distinction between advocacy and activism.Why the most effective advocacy strategies focus on influencing a small number of key decision-makers.How to move beyond simply highlighting problems and instead present solutions government can act on.Common advocacy mistakes that limit influence and waste valuable resources.How CEOs can build trusted relationships with ministers, MPs, advisers and senior public servants.Why advocacy should be embedded across your organisation's communications, not treated as a standalone activity.Practical ways boards can support advocacy without becoming involved in day-to-day implementation.Meaningful advocacy metrics that go beyond counting meetings and submissions.How to measure influence, build credibility and strengthen your organisation's reputation over time. Listen if you're: A CEO or executive in the not-for-profit or for-purpose sector.A board director wanting to better understand advocacy governance.Leading an organisation through policy reform or funding change.Building relationships with government or departmental leaders.Looking to develop a more strategic and effective advocacy approach. Subscribe to The NFP CEO for practical conversations on leadership, governance, strategy and the real-world challenges facing today's not-for-profit CEOs. Louise Yabsley - Watt Advocacy & Communications Complimentary Advocacy Template to get you started: So where do we start? Creating an effective advocacy strategy, not just a to do list - Watt Advocacy & Communications Connect with us: LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn Website: thenfpceo.com.au Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

About

Ever wondered what happens when CEOs of purpose-driven organisations sit down together for a chat? With 30 years’ of combined experience in the for-purpose space, we knew these conversations should be stored and shared!! We tackle the real questions: How do you build and sustain a thriving organisational culture? How do you manage relationships with your board and your chair? How do you preserve your peace of mind while carrying the weight of responsibility of being a for-purpose CEO. For those who are new to the role or eyeing it on the horizon, the importance of a support network cannot be overstated. This is why this podcast was created - to be a valuable source of information and support, offering ideas and insights you can implement in your organisation immediately. We share the stories and challenges CEOs tell each other when we get together - and chat through how to address issues unique to NFP CEOs in every episode. Wherever you are in your NPF CEO journey, there’s something here for you. We are about our community supporting each other. Creating more impact and driving better outcomes for the sector and those that we serve is what we are all about. LINKS Website: https://thenfpceo.com.au/ This podcast is recorded on country of the Cameraygal and Darramuragal Peoples.

You Might Also Like