Nonprofit Mission: Impact

In episode 128 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Michael Randel joins Carol to explore how psychological safety—often dismissed as a "soft" concept—plays a critical role in nonprofit team performance, learning, and innovation.  They discuss:  The connection between organizational readiness and the deeper human dynamics that shape effective leadership and collaboration.  What psychological safety looks...

In episode 127 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Cat Lazaroff. They talk about her work around engaging white-led and majority-white organizations in meaningful culture change to more inclusive, diverse and equitable cultures.  They explore: how nonprofit leaders, especially white leaders, can begin and sustain their own equity learning journeys.  Privilege, identity, conflict, organi...

In episode 126 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Matt Hugg discuss the unique landscape of nonprofit careers.  Together, they explore:  what makes nonprofit work meaningful and distinctive, including the opportunities and challenges for those transitioning into or advancing within the sector.  how nonprofit professionals can align their skills and passions,  how to navigate career s...

In episode 125, of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Michele Walls. Michele shares her deep well of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and strategic development. They explore:  the importance of thoughtful relationship-building, patience, and team collaboration in securing sustainable funding.  how fundraising is a team effort and a long game.  how to move from...

In episode 124 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and LeeAnn Mallorie discuss about navigating leadership from a place of embodiment, resilience, and grace. They explore: how tuning into the body can help leaders make better choices, weather organizational turbulence, and come through crisis with renewed purpose.  How our effectiveness and influence are deeply tied to how we relate to ou...

In episode 123 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Josh Hirsch discuss using AI in fundraising and donor engagement.  They explore: The evolution of AI, and its potential to enhance how organizations connect with donors.  How to train AI tools effectively, leveraging data responsibly, and using AI to enhance—rather than replace—human-driven strategy.  Why nonprofit leaders who embrace...

In episode 122 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and James Young discuss the role of community, social innovation, and problem-solving in nonprofit leadership. They explore  how organizations can foster meaningful collaboration,  move beyond traditional silos, and embrace an interdisciplinary approach to tackling complex challenges.  the importance of balancing expertise with curiosity,  strength...

In episode 121 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Rachel Jellinek discuss the power of video storytelling for nonprofits. They talk about: how nonprofits can use video effectively to connect with their audiences,  How to maintain ethical storytelling practices.  the importance of focusing on strengths rather than deficits, ensuring those sharing their stories have agency, and balanci...

In episode 120 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Leah Kral discuss how to foster innovation within nonprofits.  They discuss six key practices for driving meaningful change:  uncovering hidden needs,  asking courageous questions,  empowering collaboration,  embracing experimentation,  committing to continuous learning, and  building a culture of persuasion.  Through relatable storie...

In this solo episode of Nonprofit Mission Impact, Carol Hamilton delves into scenario planning and its value for nonprofits navigating an era of heightened uncertainty. She emphasizes how scenario planning moves organizations from a state of overwhelm to proactive action,  outlines a step-by-step approach and  shares a recent client story to illustrate its usefulness.  Podcastathon 2025: She also...

In episode 118 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Meghan Speer about the concept of holistic communication within nonprofit organizations. They discuss: the importance of ensuring consistency and clarity across all communication channels to enhance donor engagement and confidence.  insights into breaking down silos, fostering collaboration among internal teams, and  how to map...

In episode 117 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Danielle Marshall collaborate on another "learning out loud" episode. They discuss the challenges nonprofit leaders face in these chaotic, uncertain and threatening times. They explore: strategies for resilience, intentionality, and community building,  the importance of grounding oneself in mission and values.  how  to filter out the...

In episode 116 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton interviews Jami Yazdani, a nonprofit project management expert specializing in helping organizations achieve their goals effectively. The conversation: Focuses on the nuances of project management in mission-driven organizations,  Offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders to balance strategic vision and operational execution.  Empha...

In episode 115 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Michael Butera dive into the challenges and opportunities facing associations as they adapt to 21st-century realities.  They talk about: The difference between strategic thinking and strategic planning Why acting like a three year old can be good for you (ask why five times in a row) How adaptability will be a key differentiator as to...

In episode 114 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton is re-releasing a favorite from last year. It includes: What strategic planning is and is not The five steps to a comprehensive strategic planning process The Keys to ensuring your plan gets put into action and stays relevant The five steps are 1. kick off, 2. discovery or listening tour, 3. explore, 4. decide, 5. plan & act Strategic pla...

In this reflective episode 113 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton curates and shares a collection of "permission slips" for nonprofit leaders. These invitations, offered by previous guests, encourage leaders to: embrace self-awareness, humility, and the value of collaboration recognize that cultivating healthy organizational cultures and effective leadership requires intentionality, grac...

In episode 112 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton shares several guests perspectives on the question: "what permission slip they would give to nonprofit leaders or what they would invite them to consider, to avoid being a martyr to the cause and as they work towards cultivating a healthier organizational culture." Together they: Provide thoughtful, actionable advice to foster healthier,...

In episode 111 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Asila Calhoun explore:  The challenges nonprofit staff face when transitioning into leadership roles Managing difficult conversations: a key leadership skill Effective leadership in remote environments.    Episode Highlights: [00:06:15] Common Challenges of New Leaders New leaders often struggle with delegation, managing former peers,...

In episode 110 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton discusses who should be involved in a nonprofit strategic planning process. She: Explores How a more inclusive approach that leverages diverse perspectives from both internal and external stakeholders  Challenges the traditional top-down approach,  Describes the role of each group of stakeholders in the process   Episode highlights: Inclu...

In episode 109 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton discusses the critical components of nonprofit strategic planning, emphasizing that it's much more than just a retreat. She highlights the importance of preparation, comprehensive stakeholder involvement, and continuous adaptation to ensure the strategic plan remains relevant and actionable. Hamilton underscores that nonprofits should con...

In episode 108 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton explores how nonprofit leaders can measure and map their organization's impact through building out their theory of change and program logic models. I explain: That you already have a theory of change, even if it hasn't been formalized.  how making these models explicit not only helps funders and stakeholders understand the value of an or...

In episode 107 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Kim Romain discuss the intricacies of leadership in nonprofit organizations, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by executive teams. Romain emphasizes the importance of cultivating a collaborative, mission-driven leadership culture that avoids burnout and fosters a sense of belonging among team members. She highl...

In episode 106 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Julia Patrick, a seasoned nonprofit leader and philanthropist. On the episode, Patrick shares her perspectives on the evolving challenges and opportunities in nonprofit board governance, emphasizing the importance of strategic board management, the integration of younger leaders, and the need for continuous training to foster b...

In episode 105 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton continues to celebrate her four year podiversary by reflecting on how nonprofits can create healthier and more sustainable organizational cultures. Through a series of guest responses, the episode explores the necessity of fair compensation, flexible work environments, and the importance of mental and physical health for nonprofit staff....

In this special episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton celebrates four years of podcasting and reflects on the lessons learned from her 100+ episode journey. The podcast, aimed at nonprofit leaders striving to build a better world without martyrdom, offers practical advice, deep analysis, and engaging conversations. This episode gathers insights from various guest experts, focus...