The NonProfit Nook

Wendy Kidd

Welcome to The NonProfit Nook — the podcast for nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, and community champions who want to strengthen their organizations and make a bigger impact... without burning out in the process. I’m Wendy Kidd—business owner for over 20 years and nonprofit leader for just as long. I created this show because I know how overwhelming it can be to lead a nonprofit. Most of us didn’t get into this work thinking we’d be running a business—we just wanted to help people. But the truth is, running a nonprofit *is* running a business, and I’m here to help make that part easier. Each week on The NonProfit Nook, you’ll get real talk and real tools. We’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of nonprofit management—strategic planning, budgeting, board engagement, donor communication, volunteer recruitment, and more. No fluff—just practical advice and conversations that help you work smarter and lead with confidence. You’ll also hear: - Stories from inspiring North Texas nonprofits and the local heroes behind them - Tips from experts on marketing, digital tools, DEI, nonprofit culture, and sustainable leadership - Real conversations about burnout, boundaries, time management, and self-care—because leadership shouldn’t feel lonely Whether you're leading a nonprofit, supporting one, or just passionate about the mission, The NonProfit Nook will give you the tools, encouragement, and inspiration you need to thrive. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review to support the show, and follow us on social media @thenonprofitnook for more nonprofit insights, stories, and resources. Let’s make nonprofit life a little easier—and a lot more impactful.

  1. 4D AGO

    Building a People-First Nonprofit Culture: Practical HR Strategies from Gabriela Norton

    In this insightful interview, Gabriela Norton, a strategic HR expert supporting nonprofits, shares practical strategies for building healthy workplace cultures, managing HR challenges, and implementing effective performance management. Discover how nonprofits can create sustainable, people-first environments with limited resources. keywords Nonprofit HR, workplace culture, performance management, employee engagement, HR policies, leadership, organizational development key topics HR challenges in nonprofitsPerformance management best practicesBuilding a healthy workplace culture resources People Performance Resources - www.pprhr.com Connect with Gabriela - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielanorton/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/people-performance-resources-llc/ https://www.instagram.com/ppr_hr https://www.facebook.com/pprhr Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - https://www.shrm.org/ Dallas HR Chapter - https://dallashr.org/ https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit HR Challenges 02:37 Common HR Issues in Nonprofits 05:46 Establishing Clear Expectations 08:47 The Importance of Job Descriptions 11:51 Creating an Employee Handbook 14:34 Performance Management Best Practices 17:42 The Role of Leadership in HR 20:41 Building a Healthy Workplace Culture 23:47 Resources for Nonprofits 26:37 First Steps for Improvement 29:32 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 39:35 Introduction to Leadership Development Toolkit 40:32 Accessing HR Tools and Templates Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    44 min
  2. APR 28

    Luke Mickelson: Building Beds and Battling Founder’s Syndrome

    summary Luke Mickelson shares his inspiring journey from small-town farm kid to founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, scaling a nonprofit that has delivered over 350,000 beds to children in need. He discusses the origins of his mission, the challenges of scaling, founder syndrome, and practical advice for nonprofit growth and leadership. key topics The origin story of Sleep in Heavenly Peace Scaling a nonprofit from local to global Founder syndrome and leadership challenges The importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in leadership action items Visit shpbeds.org to learn more and find your local chapter Start a chapter or donate to support beds for children in need Take the Founder Syndrome assessment at lukemickelson.com Join the upcoming Founder Syndrome Survival Course resources Sleep in Heavenly Peace Website - https://shpbeds.org Follow Sleep in Heavenly Peace - https://www.linkedin.com/company/shpbeds/posts/?feedView=all Founder Syndrome Survival Course - https://lukemickelson.com/fss-course Connect with Luke - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shpluke/ Follow Luke - https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/ , https://www.facebook.com/SHPLuke Boss Level Engaged Services: https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook Podcast Home: https://thenonprofitnook.com/ The NonProfit Nook on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged keywords Nonprofit, Founder Syndrome, Scaling Nonprofits, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Leadership, Social Impact, Community Service, Nonprofit Growth, Founder Challenges, Leadership Evolution Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    51 min
  3. FEB 24

    How to Build Systems When You Don't Have Time

    In this episode, Wendy Kidd discusses the challenges nonprofit leaders face in establishing systems amidst their busy schedules. She emphasizes that systems are essential for creating time and reducing overwhelm. By starting with simple documentation of existing processes, leaders can gradually build effective systems that enhance organizational efficiency and sustainability. Wendy provides practical steps for tracking tasks, refining processes, and ensuring knowledge transfer within the organization, ultimately advocating for a systematic approach to nonprofit management. Links: Boss Day Sign Up: https://bosslevelengaged.myflodesk.com/bossday2 https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/business-coach https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged takeaways Systems are not something you build when you have time; they create time. Start with documenting what you already do, not perfection. Task management software can help organize your processes. Reserve dedicated time to refine your documented processes. Your brain holds institutional knowledge that needs to be documented. Documenting processes helps in onboarding and offboarding staff. One documented process can lead to another, creating a flow. Start small and build systems gradually over time. These systems free your brain and protect your mission. Nonprofits need stability beyond one heroic leader. Chapters 00:00 Overcoming Overwhelm in Nonprofits 03:19 The Importance of Documentation 06:09 Creating a Systematic Approach 10:02 Building Sustainable Systems keywords nonprofit leadership, systems, documentation, project management, sustainability, workflow, organization, time management, delegation, training Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    15 min
  4. FEB 17

    Spotlight on Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E.: A Structured Approach to Transforming Young Lives

    In this conversation, Wendy Kidd interviews Colleen Mier, the Executive Director of Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E., a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth in North Texas. Colleen shares the origins of the foundation, its structured curriculum aimed at empowering students, and the importance of community engagement and volunteerism. The discussion highlights the transformative power of mentorship and education in shaping the futures of young individuals. Links: Www.foundationforchoice.org linkedin.com/in/colleen-mier-43674131 https://www.instagram.com/foundation_for_c.h.o.i.c.e https://www.facebook.com/FoundationForCHOICE Career Exploration-https://lnkd.in/gYBZS2cv https://www.bosslevelengaged.com/services-for-nonprofits-nonprofitnook https://thenonprofitnook.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@BossLevelEngaged Takeaways: Foundation for Choice was co-founded in 2014 to support at-risk youth. The program matches students with one-on-one mentors for a structured curriculum. Mentorship can significantly change a student's perspective on education and career. The organization is expanding its reach across Texas to serve more students. Community involvement is crucial for the success of nonprofit initiatives. Mentors gain as much from the experience as the students do. The curriculum focuses on growth mindset, goal setting, and soft skills. Volunteers are needed for various roles, including mentoring and career guidance. Education is seen as a pathway to freedom and opportunity. The organization utilizes social media to engage with the community and showcase student achievements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Foundation for Choice 02:55 The Impact of Mentorship on At-Risk Youth 05:53 Building a Structured Curriculum for Success 08:52 Community Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities 11:55 The Importance of Education and Career Exploration Keywords: nonprofit, mentoring, at-risk youth, education, community engagement, Foundation for Choice, career opportunities, volunteer, youth empowerment, structured curriculum Mentioned in this episode: Enji

    17 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to The NonProfit Nook — the podcast for nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, and community champions who want to strengthen their organizations and make a bigger impact... without burning out in the process. I’m Wendy Kidd—business owner for over 20 years and nonprofit leader for just as long. I created this show because I know how overwhelming it can be to lead a nonprofit. Most of us didn’t get into this work thinking we’d be running a business—we just wanted to help people. But the truth is, running a nonprofit *is* running a business, and I’m here to help make that part easier. Each week on The NonProfit Nook, you’ll get real talk and real tools. We’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of nonprofit management—strategic planning, budgeting, board engagement, donor communication, volunteer recruitment, and more. No fluff—just practical advice and conversations that help you work smarter and lead with confidence. You’ll also hear: - Stories from inspiring North Texas nonprofits and the local heroes behind them - Tips from experts on marketing, digital tools, DEI, nonprofit culture, and sustainable leadership - Real conversations about burnout, boundaries, time management, and self-care—because leadership shouldn’t feel lonely Whether you're leading a nonprofit, supporting one, or just passionate about the mission, The NonProfit Nook will give you the tools, encouragement, and inspiration you need to thrive. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review to support the show, and follow us on social media @thenonprofitnook for more nonprofit insights, stories, and resources. Let’s make nonprofit life a little easier—and a lot more impactful.