Leading with purpose: Practical tips for purpose-driven work

Diligent
  • 5.0 (5)
  • NON-PROFIT

Strong and adaptable leadership is essential for nonprofits and public sector organizations to thrive. Each episode of our limited podcast series brings you in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders in nonprofit governance and public service, focusing on different topics. These conversations will bring you actionable insights, fresh perspectives and proven strategies to strengthen board leadership and tackle the challenges your board faces. 

  1. 12/16/2025

    The why behind the policy: Navigating regulations in education

    John Thomsen is Director of Engagement and Policy at NEOLA, working with school districts across multiple states to support legally compliant policies and governance frameworks that reflect community values. John unpacks the “why” behind policy for public sector boards — especially K‑12 school districts — and how leaders can navigate changing regulations without losing sight of student success. He explains why boards must stay anchored in mission, vision and values while scanning the horizon for potential and actual regulation, so they’re ready to respond quickly and confidently when change arrives. The discussion also covered the big challenges for the year ahead, from the sheer pace and volume of new rules to funding constraints and rising expectations for real‑time transparency through live‑streamed and more accessible board meetings. We also talked about policy in practice: how to tell the story behind a policy change, articulate the “why” before the “how,” and proactively review and update policies rather than scrambling reactively when mandates hit. We also touch on the role of technology in governance, from using tools to manage policies, track legislation and increase transparency, to supporting accessible, compliant meetings without replacing the essential work of elected officials. Stay tuned to the end as John shares his recommendation for how boards can embrace the change process, respond to evolving regulations and continuously improve outcomes for students year after year. Further resources on regulations for public facing boards You can find the guide mentioned on the podcast along with other useful resources at www.diligent.com/leadingwithpurpose.

    26 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    From compliance to resilience: Building smarter nonprofit governance

    Dale Waterman is a Solution Designer and regulatory expert at Diligent, with deep experience translating evolving mandates into practical governance requirements for organizations. In this episode, we look at how today’s shifting risk universe is reshaping the regulatory landscape for nonprofits and what boards need to do now to move from basic compliance to true resilience. We explore why diverging global regulations on issues like AI, cybersecurity and operational resilience make life more complex for mission‑driven organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions, and how boards can adapt to a “tsunami” of change without losing sight of their purpose. Dale explains the shift from rules‑based to risk‑based regulation, what “appropriate and proportionate” controls really mean in practice, and why documenting risk decisions is now just as important as the policies themselves. We discuss how boards can build a continuous‑learning mindset, ask better questions of management, and embed resilience into strategy rather than treating it as a standalone risk function. We explore operational resilience as a source of advantage, not just recovery: anticipating “grey rhino” risks, using scenario planning and stress tests, and turning crises into opportunities to better serve beneficiaries, donors and communities. Stick around to the end for Dale’s key recommendation for how to strengthen resilience and future‑proof nonprofit governance for 2026 and beyond. Further resources on regulations for nonprofit boards You can find the guide mentioned on the podcast along with other useful resources at www.boardeffect.com/leadingwithpurpose.

    31 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    A compliance view on AI, cyber risk and governance for public boards

    Kristy Grant-Hart is Vice President for Compliance Services at Diligent, advising organizations on how to build effective, modern compliance programs in an era of rapid regulatory change.  In this episode, Kristy shares a compliance expert’s view on AI, cyber risk and governance for public-facing boards — from school districts and education boards to municipalities and local councils.  We explore the core responsibilities of public sector boards today: staying on top of current and upcoming regulation, keeping risk assessments up to date, and tailoring regulatory requirements to the size, structure and context of each organization. Kristy explains why “application” of a rule often matters more than the rule itself and how boards can balance rising expectations for transparency and accountability with the realities of politics, elections and competing community opinions.  We also discuss what it takes to build a proactive compliance culture, including understanding skills gaps on the board, bringing in external experts on topics like cyber and AI, and making smart use of associations and umbrella bodies for guidance and training.  And we also speak about operational and organizational resilience, looking at how reputation, school and community ratings, and regulatory scrutiny intersect — and why boards should be using tabletop exercises and crisis simulations to expose vulnerabilities before a privacy breach, ransomware attack or system outage hits.  Stay tuned to the end as Kristy shares her advice for leaders on future‑proofing their organizations amid regulatory uncertainty. Further resources on regulations for public facing boards You can find the guide mentioned on the podcast along with other useful resources at www.diligent.com/leadingwithpurpose.

    19 min

  4. 12/15/2025

    Proactive compliance for nonprofit boards for 2026

    Kira Ciccarelli is Senior Research and Programs Manager at the Diligent Institute, where she leads research into how boards and governance professionals are navigating today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape. In this episode, we explore what nonprofit boards can learn from emerging trends in the corporate world — and how they can apply those insights to strengthen compliance, oversight and stakeholder trust. We discuss why regulatory risk is climbing so sharply and which areas are set to demand even more attention in 2026, from policy and procedure updates to targeted ethics and compliance training and more robust internal monitoring. Kira shares fresh data from the Diligent Institute’s GC Risk Index and explains what it signals for charities, foundations and other mission-driven organizations that are already stretched thin. We also talk through practical steps boards can take to put the right governance around AI, even as they experiment with new technology. We also dig into the fundamentals of future‑ready governance for nonprofits: building and maintaining a clear board skills matrix, planning succession at both board and C‑suite level, leveraging board management platforms like BoardEffect as a single source of truth, and using scenario planning and tabletop exercises to prepare for regulatory shocks before they hit. Throughout, Kira offers concrete advice on fostering a culture of proactive compliance and communicating clearly with donors, regulators and the public to protect and grow stakeholder trust. Stay tuned to the end as Kira shares her best advice for board chairs and governance professionals on future‑proofing their organizations against regulatory uncertainty and staying one step ahead of emerging risks. Further resources on regulations for nonprofit boards You can find the guide mentioned on the podcast along with other useful resources at www.boardeffect.com/leadingwithpurpose.

    17 min

  5. 10/15/2025

    Technology and AI for governance: Interview with Dottie Schindlinger & Nithya Das

    Dottie Schindlinger is Executive Director of the Diligent Institute and a founding member of BoardEffect and Nithya Das is General Manager of Diligent’s Governance Business Unit and Chief Legal Officer. Together, Dottie and Nithya bring deep expertise on how purpose-driven organizations can strategically harness technology and AI to transform their impact. We discussed why the urgency to modernize governance is greater than ever for nonprofits, foundations, school boards and local governments. Dottie and Nithya share how economic pressures and shifting regulations make nimble, tech-enabled governance absolutely critical — and how AI is moving mission-driven boards toward more efficient, transparent and equitable practices. We also talk about what practical impact looks like, discussing real examples from boards using tools like Diligent Community and BoardEffect to streamline meetings, track strategic goals, boost community engagement and improve decision-making with AI-powered features. Listen in as we explore the ethical side of AI adoption, touching on data privacy, bias and the importance of thoughtful policies. Dottie and Nithya offer actionable advice for leaders starting their digital transformation journeys, including the value of pilot programs, upskilling and collaborative change. Plus, they share bold predictions about the future of governance that you’ll want to hear. And do stick around to the end for their great advice to help boards future-proof their governance and embrace technology confidently. Further resources on technology and AI for governance for public facing boards You can find the guides mentioned on the podcast along with other useful resources at www.diligent.com/leadingwithpurpose.

    27 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    Technology and AI for Governance: Interview with James Page and Jay Worona

    James Page is Chief Information Officer at the New York State School Boards Association, and Jay Worona is a partner at Jasper Schlesinger & Narendra and former Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel for NYSSBA. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in school board governance, legal policy and technology strategy. In this episode, James and Jay share their insights on how AI and digital tools are reshaping governance in school districts. From streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing board decision-making to improving transparency and equity. We explore the opportunities AI presents for strategic planning, risk management and community trust, while also addressing the ethical and practical challenges that come with rapid technological change. We discuss the importance of human oversight, professional development and creating clear policies to guide responsible AI adoption. Jay and James offer thoughtful advice on how school boards can foster innovation while safeguarding student data, ensuring equitable access and maintaining accountability. Listen now as we explore how school boards can move from reactive to proactive governance, what skills board members need to develop, and why curiosity, courage and critical thinking are essential in the age of AI. Stick around to the end for their top tips on future-proofing governance in K-12 education with technology. Further resources on technology and AI for governance for public facing boards You can find the guide mentioned on the podcast along with other useful resources at www.diligent.com/leadingwithpurpose.

    26 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    Technology and AI for governance: Interview with Nonie Dalton and Phil Lim

    Nonie Dalton is Vice President of Product Management and Phil Lim is Director of Product Management at Diligent. Together, they bring deep expertise in how mission-driven organizations like nonprofits, school boards and local governments can harness emerging technologies such as AI while keeping ethical governance at the core of their mission. Nonie and Phil share their perspectives on how AI is transforming governance from a reactive function to a proactive, insights-driven practice. We explore the opportunities AI presents for efficiency, transparency and impact measurement, while also addressing the ethical challenges around accountability, bias and data security. Listen in as we find out how Diligent is building cool AI tools with privacy and control in mind, and how features like Smart Prep, AI Search and risk management tools are helping boards make better decisions with less effort. From community engagement to multilingual access, they share exciting developments that are shaping the future of governance for mission-driven boards. Stick around to the end to hear their excellent advice for how boards can future-proof their governance and why human judgment remains essential. Further resources on technology and AI for governance Our technology and AI guide for nonprofit boards mentioned on the podcast along with other useful resources can be found at www.boardeffect.com/leadingwithpurpose while the technology and AI guide for public facing boards can be found at www.diligent.com/leadingwithpurpose.

    29 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    Technology and AI for Governance: Interview with Darien Rodriguez Hayman

    Darian Rodriguez Heyman, a speaker, consultant and best-selling author with deep expertise in fundraising, governance and AI. Darian has worked with mission-driven organizations around the world and recently released his latest book, “AI for Nonprofits”. In this episode, Darian shares practical insights on how AI is transforming nonprofit governance, from streamlining board recruitment and engagement to enhancing meeting efficiency and impact measurement. He emphasizes the importance of intentional adoption, data security and creating clear policies to guide responsible use of AI. We explore how leaders can overcome skepticism, build trust and use AI as a thought partner to unlock efficiencies and improve effectiveness. Darian also offers actionable best practices for board development, orientation, and strategic oversight, all while keeping the human element front and center. Listen now as we discuss how to future-proof governance structures, the role of co-intelligence and why mission-driven leaders must embrace AI with thoughtfulness and purpose. Stick around to the end for Darian’s one piece of advice every nonprofit board should hear when it comes to using technology and AI for governance.  Further resources on technology and AI for governance for nonprofit boards You can find the guide mentioned on the podcast along with other useful resources at www.boardeffect.com/leadingwithpurpose.

    26 min
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Strong and adaptable leadership is essential for nonprofits and public sector organizations to thrive. Each episode of our limited podcast series brings you in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders in nonprofit governance and public service, focusing on different topics. These conversations will bring you actionable insights, fresh perspectives and proven strategies to strengthen board leadership and tackle the challenges your board faces. 

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