Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

What if your CEO, ED, or key board member walked out tomorrow? Leadership transitions can shake nonprofits to the core—but they don't have to. In this episode, I reveal why traditional org charts make you fragile, the simple shift that keeps your nonprofit steady, and practical steps you can take today to turn any leadership change into an opportunity instead of a crisis. Episode Highlights 01:16...

Sometimes the bravest move a nonprofit can make is to change course. Caroline Boudreaux and Leslie Beasley of Miracle Foundation share how they pivoted from supporting orphanages to reuniting children with families—creating a model that's transforming child welfare and proving that the best place for every child is a loving home.   Episode Highlights 05:55 The Miracle Foundation's Mission and Evol...

Are you tired of pouring time and money into marketing tactics that don't deliver results? In this episode, I break down why a strategy-first approach is the key to making your nonprofit marketing actually work. You'll learn how to stop wasting resources, focus on what really matters, and create a simple but powerful roadmap to grow donors, programs, and impact. Episode Highlights 00:00 - Why Stra...

Join Sarah Olivieri, nonprofit leadership expert, in this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she delves into the power of coaching and strategic thought partnership for nonprofit leaders. Discover why lacking coaching support contributes to burnout, the cultural differences between nonprofit and for-profit sectors in seeking coaching, and the immense return on investment coaching can offe...

In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri addresses the critical issue of burnout among nonprofit leaders and its detrimental effects on their teams and organizations. Sarah discusses how pushing through burnout leads to poor decision-making and overall reduced effectiveness. She highlights the importance of self-care, mental and physical wellness, and setting a positive exa...

What does it really mean to be brave—and how can you build courage like a muscle? In this episode, I talk with US Marine Corps veteran and positive psychology expert Jill Schulman about the science of bravery, overcoming fear, and taking bold steps toward meaningful goals.   Episode Highlights 00:00 The Bravery Effect: An Introduction 00:04 Transforming Through Bravery 00:15 The Journey to Accompl...

Join Sarah Olivieri in this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she addresses the chronic issue of overloaded plates within the nonprofit sector. Sarah explains how overloading yourself and your staff can lead to decreased productivity, loss of expertise, and long-term burnout. Discover practical strategies for streamlining tasks, prioritizing effectively, and empowering your team to impro...

What does it really take to lead a nonprofit like a business—without losing sight of mission? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Ulbrich, CEO of Goodwill of Western New York, to unpack the balance between vision and execution, the triple bottom line, and why your team is your greatest asset. If you've ever wondered how to innovate, grow, and avoid organizational "whiplash," this conversation is...

Join Sarah Olivieri on Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she delves into phased budgeting strategies tailored for nonprofit organizations in growth mode. Learn how to shift from annual budgets to phase-based budgeting, ensuring sustainable expansion and confident financial planning. Sarah shares practical steps for tracking revenue and managing expenses through different growth phases. Get tips on...

What makes a truly great nonprofit CFO? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, I'm joined by Neil Shah—seasoned CFO and founder of  Altruva.ai —to talk about the difference between tracking numbers and driving strategy. We explore the role of fractional CFOs, the power of financial storytelling, and how AI is transforming nonprofit finance. Whether you're managing a budget or presenting...

Join Sarah Olivieri, Inspired Nonprofit Leadership host, as she explores the importance of breaking down departmental silos in nonprofit organizations. Learn why effective communication is crucial, discover strategies to foster collaboration, and gain practical tips on using cross-departmental meetings, shared goals, and modern collaboration tools. Find out how to create a cohesive team that drive...

What happens when a former investment banker, turned educator, launches a nonprofit that matches Ukrainian English learners with global volunteers—just before a war breaks out? Meet Katerina Manoff, founder of Engin, who scaled her organization from an idea to serving 50,000+ people in just five years. In this episode, we unpack how she matched unmet demand with innovative volunteer solutions, nav...

Join host Sarah Olivieri as she explores tips to make nonprofit meetings more effective and efficient. Learn the importance of structured agendas, why meetings should focus on discussions rather than announcements, and how to address issues in priority order. Discover practical tips for respecting time limits and creating a collaborative culture that drives your mission forward. Episode Highlights...

Is your nonprofit still buried in paper forms and outdated systems? In this episode, I sit down with Patrick Waldo—AI and SaaS innovator and CEO of Unicorn Forms—to talk about the real risks and opportunities around e-signatures, data security, and going digital. From board agreements to grant paperwork and beyond, we explore how even small nonprofits can make a big leap into smarter, safer, and m...

Join your host Sarah Olivieri as she addresses the pervasive issue of board micromanagement in nonprofit organizations. Learn how to establish clear boundaries between board members and staff, empowering your organization to operate more effectively. Discover the four key decisions that an oversight board should focus on, and explore the available resources to further enhance your nonprofit's lead...

What happens when a Hollywood producer steps into the nonprofit world during a global shutdown—with no prior nonprofit experience—and is handed an organization on the brink? Meet Sheri Stilson, Executive Director of Student Television Network, who went from feeling like a fish out of water to leading STN through a remarkable 490% revenue growth. In this powerful episode, Sheri shares the real, mes...

Are you feeling the pressure to raise more funds—especially with shrinking federal grants or looming financial uncertainty? In this episode, I walk you through a step-by-step framework to inspire your existing donors and warm audience to actually take action. You'll learn what your donors really want, why your ask is actually a gift, and the exact script I use to craft high-impact fundraising stor...

Is bigger always better? Not so fast. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Bennett—former hospital exec turned consultant and coach—to talk about what happens when growth leads to burnout, how boards can shift from control to connection, and why slowing down might be the smartest move your nonprofit ever makes. We explore strategy, leadership transitions, and the power of authentic relationsh...

Are you ghosting your donors between campaigns? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri tackles one of the biggest fundraising mistakes nonprofits make—treating donor communication as a one-time transaction instead of an ongoing relationship. You'll learn how regular, authentic updates can increase giving, build trust, and make asking for money feel less awkward. Plus, Sar...

What does it really mean to have a sustainable funding model? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri is joined by Yani San Luis, founder and CEO of The Win Woman, to talk about what most nonprofits get wrong about fundraising. They unpack the hidden risks of grant funding, why galas may not be worth the effort, and how to build a smarter donor stewardship pipeline. If you...

Is your nonprofit facing a financial crunch? Before you panic or start slashing your budget, it's critical to know: Are you dealing with a budget crisis or a cash flow crisis? In this solo episode, Sarah Olivieri breaks down the difference, explains why that distinction matters, and offers practical solutions for both. You'll also learn how to avoid these crises in the first place—and what to do i...

In this powerful episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri is joined by Leroy Roberts—speaker, strategist, and leadership expert with roots in Jamaica and a global impact. Leroy shares his personal journey from dreaming of high school to influencing C-suite leaders and nonprofits around the world. Together, they dive into what it really means to lead with courage, why cultural conte...

Celebrating wins isn't just a feel-good moment—it's a strategic tool. In this episode, Sarah Olivieri explains why taking time to acknowledge progress, joy, and even the disasters that didn't happen can transform your team's mindset and performance. She shares the three big benefits of regular celebration, what truly counts as a "win," and how this simple habit can help uncover issues before they...

Is your nonprofit putting all its fundraising eggs in one shaky basket? In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri talks with fundraising strategist Katherine Lacefield about what true revenue diversification actually looks like—and why it's not about doing everything all at once. Katherine shares practical advice on building sustainable donor relationships, especially in the...

Think you can fill a staffing gap with volunteers? Think again. In this episode, nonprofit expert Sarah Olivieri unpacks the hidden costs of relying on volunteers when what you really need is paid staff—and how this well-meaning move often slows down your growth. I'll show you how to break the cycle by investing in your revenue engine first (spoiler: that's fundraising), and how to use volunteers...