I Was Told There Would Be Snacks: A Nonprofit Podcast

We all know our childhood shapes us, but what if the worst experiences actually make us better leaders? Dr. Sydne Taylor of Community Alliance for the Homeless shares the fascinating, counter-intuitive findings from her dissertation: that trauma and adverse experiences can actually  strengthen a leader's moral foundation. We dive into what this means for developing stronger, more ethical leaders w...

You know the type: a well-meaning visionary with ideas that fly out faster than they can be implemented—the notorious "Tornado Boss." Our very own Kevin Dean is one, and his Operations Director/Chaos Coordinator Kate Moss from Tennessee Nonprofit Network is here to dish. Kate breaks down her survival guide for managing the  big ideas, zero precision leader. Tune in for practical tips on grounding...

Why does the word "merger" trigger immediate panic and whispered office rumors? Is it fear of losing our beloved letterhead? Is it ego? This week, we talk about why nonprofits run screaming from consolidation. But here's the shocker: mergers can be healthy! Kristen Davis and Rikki Harris of TN Voices share the honest, messy, and ultimately successful journey of their organizations becoming one. Pr...

Your new favorite coworker might be a robot or maybe it's just trying to steal your job. This week, we dive into the most anxiety-inducing topic of the decade: AI. Expert Kela Jones explains how nonprofits can genuinely harness AI to make life  more bearable (think less data entry, more mission time) while keeping the ethics in check. We promise to address the Terminator question, but mostly, we'l...

The moment the ED leaves, the board panics and immediately yells, "START THE SEARCH!" (Usually before updating their bylaws.) Stop! Before you invite a bunch of strangers into your house, you need to clean it first. Tanya Frey of Terra Firma Consulting is here to give you the "skinny" on the pre-search chaos you absolutely must tame. Learn why rushing the process is the fastest way to hire someone...

They have a gatekeeper, they have quirks, and they often hold the purse strings: Family Foundations. They're not like institutional funders, and you're probably making their relationship a lot harder than it needs to be. Jonathan Scoonover of 1010 Strategies and Daniel Watson (formerly of Restoration House) dive deep into the unique cultures and unwritten rules. Learn how to stop getting in your o...

We're finally tackling that buzzword-heavy concept of intentional fellowship, and yes, we promise not to be too snarky about it. Join Jen Bailey from the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund as we move beyond awkward trust falls and mandatory, micromanaged fun to build genuine community. Learn how to create authentic connection among stakeholders without requiring everyone to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya"...

Stop trying to make one report work for everyone! We know you love your data, but what makes your donor swoon might make your foundation frown. Amy Merritt Campbell and Jessica Gibbons of Elevate Consulting are here to help you translate your world-changing work into a language that actually gets results. It's time to ditch the jargon and master the art of the custom-fit story. Because sometimes,...

It's time to talk to power, and no, you can't just slide into their DMs. Sabeen Perwaiz of Florida Nonprofit Alliance joins us to demystify the dark arts of legislative advocacy. We cover everything from how to get the meeting (without resorting to begging) to the crucial dos and don'ts once you're face-to-face. Learn how to be persuasive, professional, and — most importantly — how to avoid accide...

Is your organization really ready for the three-ring circus known as strategic planning? Don't worry, we're not starting yet. Before you burn through the coffee and your board's patience, consultant John Bazzanella drops in to reveal the embarrassing, foundational homework you need to do first . Spoiler: it's more than just creating a bunch of bullet points and to do lists. Get ready to put the "p...

We sit down with GoFundMe's Amanda Brown Lierman (VP for Policy, Engagement, and Impact) for a no-holds-barred conversation that begins with the nonprofit sector's recent frustration: the unauthorized creation of over a million fundraising pages that cost organizations time and lots of anxiety. Amanda addresses this controversy head-on, answering tough questions submitted by our members. While acc...

In our final episode, we're delivering a direct and inspiring call to action for board members everywhere. It's no secret that times are turbulent, and while we might feel like we're just using duct tape to hold everything together, board members play a more vital role than ever. We'll outline the crucial responsibilities and unique contributions that board members bring during periods of uncertai...

Tired of the political division? We are too. It feels like everyone's shouting at each other, and your important mission is getting lost in the noise. This episode shows you how to rise above the fray and create a powerful, nonpartisan public policy agenda that can unite your board. Learn how to bridge diverse perspectives and build consensus to ensure your mission's voice is heard loud and clear...

In a world full of "what-ifs" and "let's play it safe," we're here to tell you that sometimes, playing it safe is the riskiest move of all. This year, don't let risk aversion hold your organization back from seizing opportunities that could lead to growth and greater impact. We're tackling this common challenge head-on by offering practical advice to help you encourage courageous decision-making f...

A new administration is on the horizon, and with it comes a sea of political, financial, and cultural shifts. So how do you make sure your board doesn't get lost at sea? This episode is all about equipping your board members to be well-informed partners in advocacy and strategic decision-making. We'll share strategies to help your board understand the potential implications of a new administration...

Ever feel like your nonprofit is a runaway train heading for a cliff, and you're just holding on for dear life? We get it. Change is hard, especially when you're trying to get a whole board of directors on the same page. In this first episode of our special series, we're giving you a guide to navigate those tricky transitions using Kotter's 8-Step Process. Think of it as a roadmap to get everyone...

Tired of tiptoeing around your boss or dreading feedback sessions? Join us for a hilarious and insightful discussion on the art of giving and receiving feedback in the nonprofit world. Our expert guests, Elle Benson and Noah Spiegel, will share their secrets for transforming feedback sessions from awkward encounters into productive conversations. Learn how to deliver constructive criticism without...

Ever wondered how those nonprofit superheroes keep saving the world year after year? Well, it's not just caffeine and sheer willpower. They take sabbaticals! In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the magical world of nonprofit sabbaticals. Join us as we chat with Abby Hyman of Healing Trust and Laurie Wolf of Foraker Group. These two nonprofit wizards will share why sabbaticals are no...

Tired of board meetings that feel like a snoozefest? Want to transform your board from a rubber-stamp club into a strategic powerhouse? Join us as we dive into the exciting world of board governance with two dynamic experts, T.D. Smyers of BoardBuild and Kim James of Young Leaders Council. In this episode, we'll debunk the myth that board governance is all about picking the color scheme for the an...

Why does it seem like every billionaire wants to colonize space, but they're far less interested in feeding the hungry or providing period products? We'll chat with the incredible Tina Doninger from Community Resource Center and C.J. Sentell from Nashville Food Project. They'll share the real challenges of funding basic needs, like food and hygiene products. We'll explore how providing these essen...

Ever walked into an office and thought, "This place screams  misaligned ?" Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of workspace design with the dynamic duo of Kate Haywood from Daily Design Group and Kesha Ivy from Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. These design gurus and mission-driven leaders give pointers on how your office space can be more than just a place to clock in. We...

Ever felt like you're banging your head against a brick wall trying to break into the nonprofit world or get something new and different accomplished? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the murky waters of nonprofit gatekeeping. Join us as we chat with Sunny Bray from Catalyst Collective and Wendy Wand from United Way of Blount County. These two powerhouses spill the tea on how t...

Ever had a volunteer who seemed to have a mind of their own? One who shows up when they want, does what they want, and can be downright unpredictable? Well, you're not alone! Join us as we dive into the world of "feral volunteers" with expert guests Angela Meekins from the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and Natalie Patric from the United Way of Greater Chattanooga. We'll discuss how to tame these wil...

Ever dreamed of winning the lottery? Well, imagine your nonprofit winning the equivalent! Join us as we delve into the exciting (and sometimes daunting) world of big donations. Our guests, nonprofit fundraising experts Joshua Ireland from Jefferson Bridge Capital and Phil Trammell of Nonprofit Resource Center, share their invaluable insights. They'll guide you through the process of preparing your...

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the exciting world of public policy with our dynamic duo of expert guests: Arnetta Macklin from MIFA and Natalie Jones from Tennessee Nonprofit Network. Get ready to trade boring boardroom meetings for some serious policy wonkery! We'll unravel the mystery of how nonprofits can take their advocacy game to the next level by crafting a killer public policy age...