What Works: Conversations on Nonprofit Leadership with Marla Moody

The nonprofit fundraising playbook is broken and most organizations are still running on outdated strategies that quietly drain donor trust, stall growth, and limit real impact. In a world driven by data, digital engagement, and rising donor expectations, the uncomfortable reality is this: relationship driven fundraising beats transactional tactics every time. Global nonprofits, development leader...

In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody speaks with Burt Rosen, co-founder of Hold On To Hope, about his journey through personal loss and how it shaped his leadership in the nonprofit sector. They discuss the importance of planned transitions in leadership, the impact of grief on purpose, and the role of transparency in healing. Bert shares his experiences of navigating the pain of having a missi...

In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody speaks with Vanessa Volz, the president and CEO of Sojourner House, about the complexities and challenges of leading a nonprofit organization. They discuss the importance of sustainability, the growth journey of Sojourner House, the impact of COVID-19 on service demand, and the significance of self-care for nonprofit leaders. Vanessa shares insights on build...

The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and connection at conferences, highlighting that while online education is valuable, the real benefits come from personal interactions and relationships formed during informal settings. We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!  - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leader...

In this conversation, Edward Amey , CEO of Jay Nolan Community Services , discusses the organization's mission to create inclusive communities for individuals with neurodiversity. He shares insights on the importance of changing societal language around neurodiversity, the challenges faced by nonprofits, and the need for community engagement and contribution. Edward emphasizes the value of relatio...

In this conversation, Coach Marla and Scott Schubert discuss the complexities of nonprofit leadership, focusing on the challenges faced by leaders, the importance of creating a joyful workplace, and the need for effective talent management. Scott shares his experiences transitioning from a nonprofit CEO to a for-profit venture, emphasizing the significance of collective decision-making and empower...

The conversation explores the grant writing process as a means to reframe the narrative around charity work, emphasizing the importance of agency and leadership among community members. It discusses how negotiating with grantors can lead to social change and larger impacts within communities. We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!  - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :) Are you a Lead...

In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody and Stacey Efaw, director of Sailor Freedom, discuss the challenges and strategies of nonprofit leadership, particularly in the context of emotional health and self-care. They explore the mission of Sailor Freedom in combating sex trafficking, the importance of prevention, and the need for gratitude and celebration of successes within the organization. The d...

In this conversation, Coach Marla and Megan Steckly discuss the mission and impact of CompuDopt, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the digital divide. They explore the organization's innovative approach to providing technology access, digital literacy, and technology education to underserved communities. Megan shares insights on the challenges and growth experienced during the pandemic...

In this conversation, Marla Moody interviews Mark Dhooge, the President and CEO of Kids in Distress, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting families. Mark shares his journey from law enforcement to child advocacy, emphasizing the importance of an upstream approach to child welfare. He discusses the challenges of shifting organizational focus, the significance o...

In this conversation, Coach Marla and Denise Spivak discuss the importance of building community and supporting individuals within the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on LGBTQ centers. Denise shares her journey with CenterLink, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, the balance of leadership roles, and the significance of fair compensation for nonprofit workers. They also explore th...

In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody speaks with Justus Zimmerman , the CEO of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by nonprofit leaders, particularly in the arts sector. Justice shares his journey from a background in acting and entrepreneurship to leading a historic organization. They discuss the profound impact of the arts on society, the importa...

In this conversation, Coach Marla and Roberto Viramontes discuss the complexities and challenges of merging two nonprofit organizations into one. Airplex Learning and Development Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that, in partnership with Fairplex, provides a wide spectrum of innovative and enriching educational experiences that bring learning to life, benefit our diverse communities,...

In this conversation, Kimberly Lewis, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries in Texas, shares her journey into nonprofit leadership and the mission of Goodwill as a social enterprise. She discusses the importance of fiscal sustainability, innovative community programs, and the value of investing in employees. Kimberly emphasizes the need for effective communication of organizational values, stra...

In this episode of What Works, host Marla Moody speaks with Scott Sabin, executive director of Plant with Purpose, about the transformative power of nonprofit leadership. Scott shares insights from over three decades of experience in community development, emphasizing the importance of local partnerships, cultural sensitivity, and the need for sustainable change. He discusses the impact of savings...

In this episode of 'What Works', host Marla Moody speaks with Craig Rice, CEO of Manna Food Center, about the intersection of public service and nonprofit leadership. They discuss Craig Rice's journey from politics to nonprofit work, the challenges faced in managing a nonprofit, and the importance of developing talent within the organization. The conversation also touches on addressing burnout, th...

In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody interviews Paula Del Giudice, the executive director of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. They discuss the transformative power of equine therapy, the evolution of nonprofit leadership, and the challenges of talent acquisition and retention in the nonprofit sector. Paula shares insights on creating a supportive work environment, the importance of communi...

In this conversation, Coach Marla and Rich Schaus discuss the importance of listening to those served in nonprofit work, the unique challenges of rural homelessness, and the significance of building trust and relationships. Rich shares his journey into nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the need for self-care among leaders and the power of collaboration with other organizations. They explore the im...

In this episode of What Works, host Marla Moody speaks with Paul Robinson, the president and CEO of Home of the Innocents, about the intersection of business practices and nonprofit leadership. They discuss the importance of core values, integrity, and creating a trauma-informed environment within organizations. Paul shares insights from his journey transitioning from the business world to leading...

Meeting the Hunger Crisis Together - special edition of WhatWorks Find a food bank in your community:  feedingamerica.org Craig Rice with Manna Food Center : https://www.mannafood.org/ Cathy Kanefsky with Food Bank of Delaware : https://www.fbd.org/ “Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Meeting the Hunger Crisis Together: Rising demand, shrinking resources—but endless compassion. I’m [Your Nam...

In this conversation, Coach Marla and Chris Jahrman discuss the mission of At Work, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities find meaningful employment. Chris shares insights on the evolution of employment practices for individuals with disabilities, the importance of inclusion in the workplace, and effective messaging strategies to raise awareness. They also explore...

In this episode of What Works, host Marla Moody speaks with Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance, about the importance of clean water and the organization's mission to protect waterways globally. They discuss the challenges faced by communities in accessing clean water, the power of local action, and the significance of building strong teams within nonprofits. Marc shares inspiring stories of c...

In this conversation, Shane Woods, the executive director of Girl Start, discusses the organization's mission to empower girls in STEM fields. She emphasizes the importance of removing barriers for girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The conversation also touches on leadership challenges, including recognizing and preventing burnout, creating a supportive work e...