The Podcast
Nonprofits are messy
Answering the most pressing questions faced by nonprofit leaders around the world, my podcast is created for the heroic leaders in our society who commit themselves to public service – executive directors, senior staff, heads of school, development professionals, board leaders, and many more who provide service to the nonprofit sector.
Our goal is simple. We aim to find just the right expert to answer the questions on the minds of our listeners. And in so doing, we offer a conversational forum that will inform, entertain and inspire.
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Ep 222: The Joys and Challenges of Leading A Small Nonprofit
Three fearless nonprofit leaders share what drives them, how they navigate burnout, and the vision that keeps them going. Tomik Dash, Laura Carmichael, and Adrienne McCue are breaking barriers and sharing their stories that prove that small but mighty nonprofits are changing lives every day.
Ep 221: Building Organizational Capacity For Rapid Response
From the Atlanta spa shootings to ongoing challenges, Deepa Iyer highlights the critical need for infrastructure, relationship-building, and centering the voices of affected communities in times of crisis.
Ep 220: 5 Strategies for Leading Nonprofits in 2025
Whether you’re grappling with turbulent times or striving for greater impact, these strategies will help you navigate 2025 with clarity and purpose. Join me for a conversation that will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to take on the year ahead. Let’s buckle up and face this journey together.
Ep 219: Simplifying Success: How Project Management Can Transform Nonprofit Leadership
Nonprofit leaders often feel overwhelmed by endless tasks, but project management guru, Christie Machorek, shares insights about how to transform chaos into clarity. With simple strategies like celebrating wins and debriefing after projects, she shows how to create systems that free up time to focus on what truly matters.
Ep. 218: 2024 In Review: A Heartfelt Reflection on Leadership and What Lies Ahead
I sit down with Glennda Testone, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, to unpack personal and professional lessons from 2024. Together, we discuss navigating change, embracing resilience, and how nonprofit leaders can strengthen their organizations for the challenges ahead.
Ep 217: Why We Must Reframe The Narrative Around Gen Z
Bianca Anderson and Lamisa Mustafa join me in a conversation about shifting the stereotypes and misconceptions about Gen Z. Whether you’re grappling with workforce challenges or striving to lead inclusively, this episode will equip you with insights and tools to turn generational differences into an asset.
Ep 216: Just Fund Me!
Iara Peng guest appears on the podcast to discuss redefining philanthropy, what her company Just Fund is doing to equalize and simplify giving, and the one word that moves money.
Ep 215: The Worst Headline Just Hit The New York Times. Now What?
Seth Chalmer’s insights on crisis management will help you navigate today’s challenging social landscape as a nonprofit leader. This conversation gives tools to spark valuable conversations that can create clarity and confidence the next time your organization faces a hot-button topic and needs to respond.
Ep 214: Productive Conversations in Polarizing Conflicts
Nonprofit Leadership Lab CEO, Glennda Testone, and Parisa Parsa explore how nonprofit leaders can have productive conversations amidst polarization and division. Parisa shares practical strategies for addressing power dynamics and leading productive conversations across differences.
Ep 213: Racial Dynamics in Nonprofit Fundraising
Jamila Hodge and Mikaela Levons from Equal Justice USA join the podcast to discuss the challenges and strengths of fundraisers of color. We explore how race, white supremacy power dynamics, and lived experiences shape their approach to fundraising and leadership.
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Required Listening
– JENWATLEYNELSON
“No one should attempt to work at or lead a nonprofit (or maybe any company) without Joan! Always timely and relevant.”
Thank You!
– MICHTORG
“I run a national nonprofit, large in reach and impact, but small on budget. I’ve been gobbling up resources and at times feel like I’m boing an ocean as I click through the hyperlinks on Google docs, looking for the answer on how to lead and do the right thing in a global pandemic! Joan kindly reminds the listener that the answers are within us and are core to our leadership attributes, and coaches the listener on how to focus and pivot with great suggestions and resources. Thank you!”
Best Thing Ever!
– CARLAP44
“This is my new favorite podcast! Joan knows her stuff and she had a great guest who also knows their stuff! Every episode is interesting and informative. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone working in the nonprofit!”
Best Nonprofit Podcast!
– ABRAANNES
“Real, in-depth interviews that provide tangible steps and tools to nonprofits!”
So Informative!
– MARIESTJAMES
“I just started listening to this podcast and I have already learned so much that I can immediately apply to my job and my organization. Thank you for the extremely relevant and practical information and discussion. It has already made me see my job in a new light!”
Nonprofits Are Messy is typically listed as #1 in the nonprofit category on Apple Podcasts!
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The Nonprofit Leadership Lab
With more than 5,000 active members, the Nonprofit Leadership Lab is the world’s most effective
and supportive online membership program for board and staff leaders of smaller nonprofits.