Successful Nonprofits Podcast The Goldenburg Group, LLC

Whether you're grappling with salary negotiations, seeking to enhance donor engagement, or aiming to motivate your team more effectively, Uri's expert analysis provides actionable advice tailored for the unique challenges you face as nonprofit leaders.
In this episode, renowned behavioral economist Uri Gneezy and our podcast host Dolph Goldenburg explore the world of incentives and their profound implications for nonprofit leaders. We dive into Gneezy's groundbreaking book, "Mixed Signals – How Incentives Really Work" and uncover the often-overlooked complexities of incentive strategies within the nonprofit sector. From dismantling the overhead myth to harnessing the power of pro-social incentives and understanding the unintended consequences of well-meaning initiatives, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights.
This episode answers the following questions:
How do incentives impact nonprofit management? What are the most effective incentives for fundraising and donor engagement? What is the overhead myth, and how can my nonprofit navigate it? How can I effectively use incentives to motivate staff and volunteers? What is the best way to negotiate my salary? Links mentioned in this episode:
Mixed Signals: How Incentives Really Work  Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes:
Ep 302: Maximize Your Employee Engagement and Retention with Rob Woronoff (Apple | Spotify | Our Home Page) Ep 307: Empower Your Team: Unleashing Leadership Potential with Luis Velasquez & Kristin Gleitsman (Apple | Spotify | Our Home Page)

In this transformative conversation with Bobby Herrera, author of "The Gift of Struggle," Bobby shares his journey from growing up in a large family where struggle was a constant companion, to becoming a leader who views every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
Through personal anecdotes and profound insights, Bobby explores how struggles can be our most valuable teachers, guiding us towards empathy, leadership, and success. He helps us discover the profound impact of embracing struggle, not as a burden, but as a gift that shapes our character and destiny.
In this episode, Bobby also delves into his leadership philosophy, illustrating through his life's work and stories how one act of kindness can set off a ripple effect, transforming not just individual lives but entire communities. Whether you're a leader seeking to inspire your team, or a single contributor navigating the ups and downs of life, this episode is packed wisdom on turning adversity into advantage.
This episode answers the following questions:
How can personal struggles serve as a catalyst for leadership growth? What role does empathy play in leadership? How can leaders foster a culture of giving within their organizations? How can I build resilience? What should I do when a key employee leaves? Links mentioned in this episode:
Populus Group  Bobby’s Website The Gift of Struggle  Looking for more? Check out these amazing episodes:
Bonus Break #34: Ten Toxic Trump Traits Every Leader and Manager Should Avoid (Apple Podcast | Spotify | Our Home Page) Ep 169: The Ripple Effect with Natasha Wallace (Apple Podcast | Spotify | Our Home Page)

Russ Finkelstein is a seasoned career coach, social entrepreneur, and advisor to founding executive directors. Together we dive deep into the fears that hold leaders back, the importance of authenticity, and the courage required to lead impactful organizations. Whether you're a new executive director, a seasoned founder, or someone passionate about making a difference in the nonprofit sector, Russ's advice is both practical and profound, offering a roadmap to leadership that's not only effective but deeply fulfilling.
 This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to inspire change, overcome challenges, and lead with authenticity. 
This episode answers the following questions:
How can leaders overcome fear and embrace courage in their roles? What does it mean to lead authentically in the nonprofit sector? How can founders and executive directors set realistic and impactful goals? What strategies can help nonprofit leaders navigate challenges and inspire change? Links mentioned in this episode:
Russ’ LinkedIn  Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes:
Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders with Deb Stallings (Our Home Page) Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Transitions with Dhivya O'Connor (Apple | Spotify | Our Home Page)

Today’s guest, Darren Isom, doesn’t love diversity just for the sake of diversity, but because honoring and celebrating diversity is how we all win. BIPOC leaders bring invaluable lived experiences that offer unique perspectives and insights to our world’s and sector’s problems. By amplifying these voices, we strengthen our teams, our nonprofits, our sector, and ultimately the world.
Darren joins us today to share what he has learned about amplifying and honoring diverse voices from his own personal experiences and work in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
This episode answers the following questions:
What does winning look like? How are BIPOC leaders navigating the world? How can BIPOC leaders’ own experiences inform others’ leadership journeys?  How can your nonprofit make meaningful change? Links mentioned in this episode:
Dreaming in Color Podcast The Bridgespan Group Harvard Business Review Stanford Social Innovation Review The Space Beyond Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes:
6 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Be More Trans-Inclusive with Andy Marra on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website with show notes Gender Matters in Philanthropy with Jeannie Sager on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our website with show notes

It doesn’t take much to build an effective brand. Yet many nonprofits struggle and end up investing a lot of time, energy, and money for little return. Today’s guests, Thom and Jason, specialize in helping nonprofits fortify their brand. Together, we delve into practical steps you can take to make sure your brand resonates with your audience and that your logo is an effective reminder of your new, awesome brand.
This episode answers the following questions:
What is the purpose of a logo? What are examples of great logos? How can I make my logo great? How can I consolidate my nonprofit’s brands? Links mentioned in this episode:
The M Network Website Nonprofits Have The Worst Logos A Word About Logos Looking for more? Check out these other amazing episodes:
Crafting Your Brand with Amanda Ross on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes Content Marketing Gold with Rick Smith on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes

In this episode, Dolph and Lexie dig into some of the most commonly asked questions they receive from listeners and clients. Listen in for expert advice on staffing, podcasting, and partnerships.
This episode answers the following questions:
Can a paid staff member join the Board? How do I handle a staff member with a bad attitude? What equipment do you recommend I purchase to start a podcast? How can I build and maintain partnerships with other nonprofits? Links mentioned in this episode:
Discipline Without Punishment Blue Yeti Microphone Audio Hijack Looking for more? Check out this other amazing episode:
Dolph and Lexie's Mailbag Extravaganza: Launching your Nonprofit, Navigating Career Transitions, & Engaging Your Board in Fundraising on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website with show notes