Leadership Deep Dive

Janice and Margaret talk with Mike Rucker about his new book The Fun Habit. Mike, an author and organizational psychologist, shares the personal stories that inspired him to write this book and explains how focusing on fun (versus the pursuit of happiness) led him to a more fulfilled and happy life. We explore the importance […]

As we begin the new year, we have a special episode with the entire Leadership Deep Dive team. We each share our personal development origin stories and talk about why we are so passionate about doing this work in the nonprofit sector. It’s important to note that personal development isn’t easy and it can be […]

The nonprofit sector is constantly changing and staying ahead of the curve is essential. Advanced listening is a skill set you can use daily to help your organization grow. In this episode, David and Margaret talk with Mark Vincent, founder of the Design Group International.  Mark shares his expertise in advanced listening as well as process […]

The Holiday season can be a magical time, but it can also be very challenging.  In this mini-episode, David and Margaret chat about saboteurs that can show up to crash your party during the holiday season. They share tips on what to do when the stress and anxiety get overwhelming.  If you want to learn more […]

A culture of accountability is critical to keeping donors happy and growing your organization. What happens when deadlines are missed? In this mini-episode, Janice and Michelle continue their conversation on getting stuff done with a focus on creating a culture of accountability. They share why it is essential, how to create and maintain it, and what […]

In this episode, David and Margaret talk with Lisa Gruenloh, Founder and President of Purpose Journey, Inc. Lisa is passionate about journaling. In this conversation, she shares how it not only helps with creativity and innovation, but also unlocks inner wisdom and self-compassion.   You can read Lisa’s full blog here. Lisa’s challenge for listeners is to start […]

Do you indirectly try to gain acceptance and affection by helping, pleasing, rescuing, or flattering others? Well, you might be suffering from the Pleaser Saboteur.  In this mini-episode, David and Margaret continue their conversation on Positive Intelligence with the Pleaser Saboteur. They discuss some of the causes and impacts of this Saboteur and what leaders can do […]

In this episode, Michelle and Janice talk with return guest Kimberley MacKenzie. This conversation echoes many that are currently happening in the nonprofit sector. What happens when we lose our passion for our work? We talk about the importance of values and Kimberley shares a powerful question that helped her regain her passion.  Kimberley challenges […]

When things go unfinished in a workplace, it can create negativity, blame, and shame.  How can leaders help create accountability without judgment? In this mini-episode, Janice and Michelle discuss three ways leaders can get things done and empower their teams in the process.  Our challenge this week is to utilize the 3 questions during your next […]

It is extremely important that women talk about money, not only to help themselves but for the good of the world. In this episode, Michelle and Margaret talk with Jane Finette, Founder & Executive Director at The Women’s Impact Alliance. She shares why it is important for women to talk about money. She discusses the […]

It’s easy to reward things that are straightforward to document. But how can we reward fundraising metrics that don’t appear in our CRM? In this episode, Janice and Margaret talk with Joe Torres, Executive Director of the Grand Challenges Canada Foundation. Joe shares his thoughts on fundraising metrics and rewards and why we must keep […]

Have you ever been to a meeting, and after it was said and done, it left you feeling like it should have been an email? What makes meetings suck, and how can we improve them? In this mini episode, Janice and Michelle talk about how to make meetings more impactful, engaging and enjoyable. Remember to download […]

It’s no secret that the grant landscape has changed in the last couple of years. But how can you use tech to maximize your efforts? Today, Michelle and Margaret talk with Gauri Manglik, the Co-founder, and CEO of Instrumentl. Gauri has a bird’s eye view of the changing grant space and shares how we can […]

Continuing with our exploration of the Positive Intelligence (PQ) program, we decided to take a break from the negative mind patterns and focus on some positives. David and Margaret discuss the Sage Perspective, which is the mindset that anything can be turned into a gift or opportunity. Now we aren’t going to say it will […]

What is Social Change Philanthropy, and why is it so difficult to fundraise for? Today, Janice and Margaret welcome back returning guest Cathy Mann, Founder, and President of the Fundraising Lab.  We explore social change philanthropy and it’s challenges when compared to traditional fundraising. We also discuss opportunities to engage in the deeper conversations that […]

What is healthy conflict, and why is it important in your organization? Today Janice and Michelle are talking about healthy conflict and why it is vital to have in your organization. They share a new model for healthy conflict and an example of dealing with conflict on your team. If you haven’t listened to their previous […]

You might ask yourself, what does Leadership Deep Dive do, and how can we help your organization? In this special episode of the podcast, the whole team is together to talk about the benefits of coaching and training for nonprofit teams. If you would like to contact us to learn more, you can do that […]

Continuing their conversation on Positive Intelligence, David and Margaret discuss the Victim Saboteur. They explore where it comes from, why it was created, and the negative impact of listening to it. Demonstrating vulnerability, David and Margaret share how it shows up in their lives.  If you want to learn more about the Victim Saboteur, check […]

Mentorship is a powerful tool with cascading effects and lifelong benefits. Today David and Michelle talk with Teddi Tostanoski, the Social Media Manager at UC Davis. Previously, Teddi was mentored by our very own Michelle. Teddie shares how impactful her mentorship was and how she was able to use it to empower her personal and […]

In today’s Mini episode, Janice and Michelle are talking about conflict. What feelings and opinions does that bring up for you? They discuss how journaling can help you explore your relationship with conflict. Janice and Michelle also share their own feelings (spoiler alert: it doesn’t come naturally) and how they have grown their skills in this […]

Michelle and Margaret Discuss the topic of gaslighting ourselves, how we do it, why we do it, and the adverse effects of it. They talk about how we tend to power through difficult problems without acknowledging a need for self-compassion. Margaret shares a story where she gaslighted herself with some potentially dangerous consequences.  You can […]

Avoiding something difficult might seem easier and less painful than dealing with the task at hand, often including difficult conversations. But what’s the price of your avoidance? Continuing their conversation on Positive Intelligence, David and Margaret talk about the Avoider Saboteur.  This one is a sneaky little mind pattern that affects many people a variety […]

If you, or someone you work with, is an introvert, you need to listen to this ASAP. In today’s episode, Janice and Margaret, talk with return guest Emma Lewzey Founder and Lead Consultant at Blue Sky Philanthropy. Emma shares her personal story and some crowdsourced tips and tricks to help you thrive as an introvert […]

Asking good questions is paramount for leaders, not only does it give you insight, but it can empower your team in a way that instructions simply can not.  What are the ingredients for a good question? In today’s Mini episode, Janice and Michelle talk all about questions that can help inspire your team to be […]

We all know playing is fun and it helps pass the time, but did you know it also helps improve productivity in your workplace? In today’s episode, Janice and Margaret, talk with Kaitlyn Corse and Katrin Windsor both certified coaches with a passion for bringing play into organizations. They share why play is important and […]