Gregory Nielsen Podcasty

Hiring, developing, and retaining talent is vital to the success of nonprofits. Nevertheless, this persistent challenge can sometimes feel like an endless ride on the merry-go-round. Teri Beckman joins the podcast for a thoughtful discussion of the strategies, structures, and culture necessary to hire, develop, and retain your amazing staff.…

One of the most challenging transitions for organizations occurs in the period after a new strategic plan has been approved when it is time to move into implementation. Head of School Alison Tyler and Board Chair Mary Stone join the podcast to discuss how organization and Board leaders can work together to ensure that the important work of planning…

As the calendar turns to 2023, nonprofit leaders embrace the opportunities and confront the challenges of a dynamic, changing landscape. Ted Bilich, author of Managing Your Nonprofit For Resilience, joins the podcast to share insights for leaders as the enhance resilience within their organizations. We discuss an innovative approach to creating a r…

Developing and driving strategic growth for your nonprofit requires a delicate balance of vision, programmatic goals, and the resources to attain them. Joshua Borenstein joins the podcast to discuss the importance of integrating funding strategy with your vision and programmatic goals.

While gratitude is best expressed year-round, this time of year serves as a gentle reminder to thank those who have been meaningful in our lives. In this special podcast episode, Greg shares 4 tangible ways in which Board members and others can demonstrate their gratitude for the tremendous talent and value nonprofit leaders bring to the mission. W…

Nonprofits have always been entrepreneurial, identifying and implementing creative ways to address systemic challenges. Increasingly, nonprofits are exploring social enterprises as a means to advance their mission while enhancing their sustainability. Marc Lane joins the podcast to discuss key considerations and effective strategies for nonprofits …

One of the most costly expenses your nonprofit bears doesn't live on the balance sheet. Instead it is the high cost of IDK -- I don't know you. Jane Pfeiffer joins the podcast to discuss actionable ways in which you can better understand and communicate your organization's story to the community.

Does your nonprofit build trust with the community and embody your core values through its financial practices? Alex Romero is a virtual CFO, experienced nonprofit Board member, and highly respected accountant. Alex joins the podcast to discuss sustainable impact for nonprofits through sound financial controls and strategies to promote transparency…

Is self-care a part of your job description as a nonprofit leader? It should be! However you choose to care for yourself, it is important to prioritize this time both for your benefit and that of your team. Joe Duffy joins the podcast to discuss the importance of self-care, tips for integrating it into the culture of your organization, and strategi…

In India, patients must pay upfront for medical treatment but not everyone can afford to do so. The Soondra Foundation believes that everyone deserves to see a doctor and therefore provides direct cash grants to people in India during medical emergencies, ensuring they remain healthy and do not sink deeper into poverty. Soondra Foundation CEO Dr. G…

How many live auction items should you feature at your next gala? How can you develop an often under-utilized moneymaker for your event? What are best practices for building your guest list? Dean Crownover -- My Benefit Auctioneer -- has a track record of raising millions of fundraising dollars for his nonprofit clients with his popular Auctiontain…

A strategic plan provides a critical roadmap for your organization to set goals and strategies to advance your mission. Equally important is the ability to take these high-level goals and strategies and operationalize them, developing concrete action plans for Board and staff members. Claire Crum of Calm Ops joins the podcast to discuss strategic m…

Addressing complex issues begins with a recognition that these issues do not occur in isolation, but rather are often linked to other factors. One innovative nonprofit -- BOMA -- recognized the linkage between gender, extreme poverty, and climate change and sought to reverse the tragic cycle. BOMA’s mission is to provide the people & governments of…

Have you ever felt as though the balance between your work life and home life is out of balance? We all have! Developing a healthy blend between work and home is both an individual challenge as well as an opportunity for leaders to establish an organizational culture that values an appropriate balance. Gilda VanderHeyden joins Greg to share some ap…

Nonprofits often address the most challenging and entrenched issues facing communities. Driving change requires promoting civic engagement and mobilizing supporters in a common vision. Aaron Hamlin of the Center for Election Science joins Greg to discuss approval voting and other tips for increasing civic engagement in communities.…

Communication is the foundation of a healthy, thriving culture in nonprofit organizations. Periods of change can test our communication skills. Lizabeth Wesely-Casella joins Greg to discuss the value of clear communication in driving change, tips for reflecting on your own communication style, and strategies for promoting clear, concise, and though…

Nonprofit organizations continuously evolve and adapt to changing times. One of the most visible evolutions in recent years has included a move to virtual or hybrid fundraising events. Anca Trifan, Founder of Tree-Fan Events, joins the podcast to discuss planning tips and strategies to execute successful virtual and hybrid fundraising events.…

Fiscal sponsorship is growing in recognition and usage, with potential benefits for existing nonprofits as well as those with innovative projects. Andrew Schulman joins Greg to discuss all things fiscal sponsorship, including how to find a fiscal sponsor, the most common models used, and considerations when separating from a fiscal sponsor.…

Continuous learning and curiosity are hallmarks of effective nonprofit leaders. Ensuring that nonprofit leaders have the tools and resources to thrive is essential to the success of the sector and our organizations. Mindy Muller joins Greg to discuss asynchronous learning and other professional development options and trends to benefit nonprofit le…

Board engagement tends to ebb and flow over the course of a year. However, the resource and governance needs of nonprofits don't lessen. Sabrina Walker Hernandez joins Greg to discuss approaches to keep Board members appropriately engaged in governance and resource development throughout the year.

We would all love to think that our data and our information is private and protected. For nonprofits, however, this is increasingly not the case. Charity fraud is on the rise and nonprofits are challenged to be proactive in their security measures. Rob Shavell, CEO and co-founder of DeleteMe, joins the podcast to discuss charity fraud -- who's tar…

Inclusion is a core value for many nonprofit organizations. However, we all continually challenge ourselves to examine how we can ensure our places and events are truly inclusive for all. Dr. Daniela Ferdico of Sensory Access joins the podcast to discuss approaches to bring inclusivity and accessibility to the forefront, both for disabilities and c…

While nonprofits across the country are confronting staffing challenges, opportunities exist to alter the way we approach these challenges and use this moment as an opportunity to fundamentally reimagine the relationship between our organization and our team. Dr. Cristina DiPietropolo and Dr. Vera Alves of Leader Essentials Group join the podcast t…

At one time or another, we have all wondered... why won't our Board members do what we want them to do? Hardy Smith joins the podcast to discuss the common causes of Board member disengagement and how nonprofit and Board leaders can transform the Board experience into a dynamic and healthy partnership.…

If there is one thing we could all use a bit more of right now, it is hope. Amidst countless challenges, there are many reasons for hope for nonprofit leaders. Mazarine Treyz joins Greg to discuss what gives her hope in 2022 and discusses tools to realize the promise that hope provides.

How effectively does your Board manage conflict between and among members? When conflict arises, does your Board have the tools and will to address it? Stephanie Minor of NPO Centric joins Greg to discuss managing conflict at the Board level and tips for promoting healthy relationships between Board and staff members.…

When nonprofits, governments, and businesses come together as a “network” to address the most pressing social issues of the day, they can more easily address root causes and implement effective approaches. Renowned social impact researcher and advisor Dr. Michelle Shumate, Ph.D. joins Greg to discuss strategies for building network and collaborativ…

Nonprofit teams are comprised of leaders with a diverse array of leadership and communication styles. Dr. Jean Latting joins the podcast to share approaches to successfully build positive and productive professional relationships with those whose style is different than your own.

A strategic plan serves as a roadmap to enable an organization to set priorities and measure progress. It informs the direction of the organization, generates heightened engagement and ownership of the mission. Gary Romano, author and creator of Finding Your North Star Tm, joins Greg to discuss a bold, effective, and evidence-based approach to stra…

It starts with a story... As nonprofit leaders, you have many stories to tell. Program accomplishments, a wonderful event, a new offering, a particular challenge you are wrestling with. However, sometimes it can be difficult to get these stories noticed. Jessica Leving Siegel shares tips and strategies for positioning your stories with those likely…

The departure of a key leader can be a difficult time for any nonprofit organization. One approach to ensure organizational stability and momentum is to hire an interim executive for a defined period of time. Jarrett Ransom joins Greg to discuss the ins and outs of hiring an interim leader.

Nonprofit organizations with effective fundraising strategies exhibit 5 key behaviors. Philanthropy expert Sybil Ackerman-Munson joins Greg to discuss these key attributes and empower nonprofit leaders to feel good about their fundraising strategies.

Healthy fundraising strategies begin by focusing on cultivating deep and lasting relationships with those who believe in and support your mission. As Giving Tuesday approaches, Nejeed Kassam -- Founder of Keela -- joins Greg to discuss 5 donor types to engage this Giving Tuesday in order to enhance your fundraising success. Greg and Nejeed also dis…

A capital campaign represents an organization-wide focused effort to generate resources for a specific project or undertaking. Hal Hedley, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana, joins Greg to discuss strategies for successful capital campaigns, from critically important planning efforts to managing the highs and lows of a campaign. …

Healthy nonprofits carefully nurture and cultivate resources from a variety of sources. One of the most important of these are transformational, or major gifts. Brian Wells, a highly successful development professional, joins Greg to discuss approaches to develop or enhance your nonprofit's ability to attract and secure major gifts.…

How connected do you feel to the core values of your nonprofit? This episode features a discussion of values-based leadership for nonprofits. Listen as Greg shares practical tips for developing or revising core values as well as ensuring that values play an integral role in the leadership and culture of your organization.…

A healthy Board-CEO relationship is critical to effective nonprofit leadership. However, these relationships can often be tricky , as issues are complex and the dynamics of the relationship can be challenging. Amy Fass, CEO of the nonprofit Shoes That Fit, joins Greg for a lively and entertaining discussion about cultivating healthy nonprofit Board…

Did you know that while charitable giving grew by 2% last year, online giving grew by nearly 21%, representing more than a 32% increase over the last three years. Tim Kachuriak, founder of NextAfter, a fundraising research lab consultancy, joins Greg to discuss tips and strategies for nonprofits to optimize their online fundraising.…

The term Gold Star Family recognizes the sacrifice that military family members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other loved one dies in service to the nation. As we honor the fallen this week on Memorial Day, Chad Graham of the Woody Williams Foundation joins Greg for a memorable podcast episode. Woody Williams is the…

While we sometimes think of risk in terms of things that may go wrong, risk also encompasses evaluating opportunities for your nonprofit. Ted Bilich joins Greg to discuss effective risk management processes and approaches for nonprofits.

Informing and inspiring Board members to to greater engagement is a challenge shared by nonprofit leaders. We all search for unique and effective ways of fostering Board interaction. Brian Brandt has taken the power of a story and applied it to share important lessons and questions about Board service. Brian joins Greg to discuss his new book "The …

Over the past several years, social entrepreneurship has become a widely discussed concept in nonprofit circles. Social enterprises have the potential to offer many benefits for nonprofits, but as with any change or expansion to one's business model, must be approached thoughtfully and with intentionality. Brian Jenkins, Founder and President of En…

Shaped in her part by her experience in the Peace Corps, Sondra Jenzer believes passionately in the holistic model of nonprofit leadership. Sondra joins Greg to discuss the benefits of a holistic model and the critical role of values such as humility, trust, and empowerment.

Debra Porta is the Executive Director of Pride Northwest. Like many other nonprofit leaders, Debra has led her team through an evolution over the past year, examining many critical questions, but none more vital than "Who does the community need us to be?" Debra joins Greg to discuss this journey.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) encompasses a wide spectrum of activities, from sponsorships/donations to employee volunteerism. Meike Eilert joins Greg to discuss the important differences between CSR and corporate activism, motivations and risks businesses weigh in this area, and tips for developing meaningful partnerships between corporati…

Nneka Allen has inspired philanthropy in the nonprofit sector for 20 years. She honors the spirit of generosity in all people and is passionate about the many contributions of Black Canadian philanthropists and fundraisers. Her recent work entitle "Our Right to Heal" brought together a group of women at various points in their fundraising careers t…

Is a scarcity mindset holding your nonprofit back from reaching its full potential? Nell Edgington joins Greg to share practical and actionable tips for transforming your nonprofit leadership from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Listen as we discuss the potential of one three-letter word to unlock the power of possibility for your nonprofit…

2020 has been a volatile year for nonprofits, and leaders have had to adapt and change at breakneck speed. This accelerated pace of change threatens to create "change fatigue" within organizations and leaders. Ginny Waller joins Greg to discuss how leaders can look for the signs of change fatigue within their organization and take steps to create a…

Increasing numbers of nonprofit organizations are re-examining their space and office needs in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors. Hannah Odell of GreaterSpace and Colleen Susini of Servcorp join Greg to discuss this growing trend, including what nonprofits should look for and pitfalls to avoid. They also discuss the unique and impact…

Gary Romano of Civitas Strategies and Gregory Nielsen of Nielsen Training & Consulting discuss the impact of the potential stimulus bill on nonprofits and small businesses. We discuss what we know now, what we are hearing, and how the potential legislation could impact nonprofits and small businesses.…