Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Ep 152: Secrets of a High-Functioning Board of Directors (with Joan Garry)

12 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is no way your nonprofit organization can thrive without one — but do you know what a high-functioning board of directors actually looks like?...

Ep 151: Using Pop Culture for Social Good (with Noelani Pearl Hernandez)

29 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, my colleague, Noelani Pearl Hernandez and I dig into the popular Netflix series, MAID, and how you can use pop culture as a tool for ...

Ep 150: Reflection – How My White Privilege Affects My Leadership

15 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reflect on how racial bias impacts the lack of leadership diversity in the nonprofit sector — and my own position as a nonprofit ...

Ep 149: Can We Fix the Nonprofit Burnout Problem? (with Chris Barlics)

08 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Health Coach and Personal Trainer, Chris Barlics, and I talk about something many nonprofit leaders put last on their to-do lists —...

Ep 148: Why Nonprofits Are Still Messy in 2021 (with Jim Axelrod)

25 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the one-year anniversary of the second edition of my book, Nonprofits Are Messy. Listen in as my friend and neighbor, CBS correspondent Jim Axe...

Ep 147: How Powerful Partnerships Drive Innovative Nonprofit Marketing (with Alison Moore)

11 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the digital age, it is nearly impossible to get the word out about your mission without a strategic nonprofit marketing plan. In this episode, Alis...

Ep 146: Why Unbecoming Is the Key to Innovative Leadership (with Kerri Hoffman)

13 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, my guest Kerri Hoffman (CEO of the nonprofit media company, PRX) and I discuss what innovative leadership really looks like in the po...

Ep 145: How Tiny Habits Create Big Change (with BJ Fogg)

30 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I chat with Stanford professor and author, BJ Fogg about why creating tiny habits is the key to good habit formation and creating cha...

Ep 144: A Fresh Perspective on Inclusive Leadership (with Dr. Ella Bell Smith)

16 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Inclusive leadership requires more than just attending DEI training and then integrating what you learn into your nonprofit org. Listen in as leadersh...

Ep 143: Lollipop Moments and Everyday Leadership Lessons (with Drew Dudley)

02 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, everyday leadership expert and inspirational TED speaker, Drew Dudley joins me to share some of the most dangerous leadership lessons...

Ep 142: How Kindness and Community Empower Today’s Nonprofit Leaders (with John Hoffman)

18 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join me and my friend and six-time Emmy winner, John Hoffman, as we discuss his 2020 documentary film, The Antidote, and the role of kindness in the w...

Ep 141: An Honest Conversation About Donor Stewardship (with Lisa Greer)

04 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I have an honest conversation about donor stewardship with five-star philanthropist, Lisa Greer. Listen in as we discuss some of the ...

Ep 140: How to Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Nonprofit Talent (with Gali Cooks)

22 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Filling positions in a nonprofit org can be a challenge. Here's how to get the right people in the right seats on the bus (not just butts in seats).

Ep 139: Interpersonal Skills are Hard Work (with Carole Robin)

07 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nonprofit executive directors, join Joan Garry and award-winning Stanford professor, Carole Robin to learn how your interpersonal skills impact your o...

Ep 138: Joan’s Favorite Books for Nonprofit Leaders

24 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the tables turn. Cindy Pereira interviews Joan Garry on her favorite books for nonprofit leaders.

Ep 137: Cryptocurrency and the Future of Donor Advised Funds (with Robbie Heeger)

26 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

More and more folks are donating to charity with cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, only a few large nonprofits have any idea what to do with it.

Ep 136: Who’s Afraid to Return to the Office? (with Ellen LaPointe and Nick Turner)

12 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As more and more of us are fully vaccinated, many are getting back into the physical work space. But what do we do when people are afraid to come to w...

Ep 135: Building the Resilience to Withstand a Disaster (with Nina Meehan)

29 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Things were going great for Nina Meehan's theater organization. Then disaster struck. Learn how she overcame huge challenges to emerge stronger than e...

Ep 134: An Alternative to Strategic Planning (with Lindsay Hoffman)

15 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Strategic planning, as a traditional process, can be costly, stressful, and deeply draining. Here’s a better alternative.

Ep 133: Choosing the Right Nonprofit Business Model (with Rinku Sen)

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does it always make sense to organize as a 501c3? How do you decide whether you need a c3, c4 or even a for-profit LLC? What are the pros and cons?

Ep 132: Let’s Make Program Evaluation Simpler (with Chari Smith)

17 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest achilles heels in the nonprofit sector is program evaluation. But it’s critical to funders. Let’s make it simpler.

Ep 131: Becoming a Social Prophet (with Lynne Twist)

03 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re struggling with fundraising or having trouble getting people you know to open their hearts and pockets, listen for tips on how you can ins...

Ep 130: A Powerful Approach to Keeping Remote Staff Motivated (with Dr. Paul White)

20 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do we continue to motivate and appreciate our staff in times of prolonged crisis? It has been over a year since the world shut down due to the pan...

Ep 129: Finding the Right Leader For Your Org (with Melissa Madzel)

06 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

An org is most vulnerable when the CEO decides to move on. In this episode, we discuss the right way to conduct a search for a new leader.

Ep 128: Making Beautiful Music With Community-Driven Partnerships (with Henry Donahue)

20 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how Save the Music Foundation creates long-term renewable relationships that lead to multi-year investments from philanthropic funders.

Ep 127: Building a Grassroots Movement From Scratch (with Donna Dees and Shikha Hamilton)

06 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the year 2000, Donna Dees rallied hundreds of thousands of people to march on Washington. How did she build such a large grassroots movement from s...

Ep 126: Creating 5-Star Special Events in the Virtual Age (with Liz Page and Amanda Harless)

23 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you create a truly successful virtual event? My guests share with us how intimate a virtual event can actually be!

Ep 125: What Will You Carry Into 2021?

09 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we close out a most devastating year, I’d like to offer you my own reflections on the things I am carrying into 2021.

Ep 124: The 5 Giving Trends That Will Define Online Fundraising (with Scot Chisholm)

02 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Where is online fundraising headed post-pandemic? Scot Chisholm, founder of fundraising software platform Classy, looks into his crystal ball and tell...

Ep 123: The Single Best Sign of a Healthy Nonprofit (with Carlos de la Rosa and Rosanne Siino)

19 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know the single best indicator of the health of a nonprofit? There is one KEY ingredient for a healthy nonprofit. And it’s even more importan...

Ep 122: How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Improve Donor Retention (with Allison Fine and Beth Kanter)

05 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about the role that AI is starting to play in transforming philanthropy by reducing rote tasks and fueling donor retention.

Ep 121: Creating a 5-Star Board Retreat (with Dolph Goldenburg)

21 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss why boards matter, when to have a board retreat, how retreats have gone virtual, and what it takes to make a retreat a home run.

Bonus Episode: Turn Your Impatience to Your Heroic Pursuits

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I would like to encourage you to turn your impatience toward your heroic pursuits. After all, there’s a reason you become a nonprofit superhero.

Ep 120: Raising the Next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders (with Charlotte Alter)

24 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Boomers are aging out of nonprofit leadership in droves. Many started organizations post Vietnam and there is a huge impending leadership void in the ...

Ep 119: Your First 90 Days as an Executive Director (with Michael Watkins)

10 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are steps can be taken to ensure success and begin the process of crafting your legacy as a leader, even BEFORE you take on a new role.

Ep. 118: The Growing Charitable Movement That’s Raised a Billion Dollars (with Sara Lomelin)

26 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Giving circles have raised well over a BILLION dollars over the past 20 years. Learn how your org can tap into this growing movement.

Ep 117: The Hunt for Great Board Members (with Robert Acton and Lalita Badinehal)

12 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever had trouble finding great board members, or getting them ready to serve your organizations at a high level, you’ll want to listen ...

Ep 116: The Most Important Piece of Diversity Work: Belonging (with Neha Sampat)

29 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

My journey through the world is highly enriched by the diversity of folks around me.

Ep 115: Taking Nonprofits From Good to Great – Part 2 (with Jim Collins)

15 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jim Collins and I continue to explore the question of why some organizations thrive in uncertainty and chaos and others do not. Quite...

Ep 114: What If Fundraising De-Emphasized the Donor? (with Vu Le and Michelle Muri)

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are those who believe that the donor-centric fundraising model may be perpetuating the very inequity we seek to address in the nonprofit sector.

Ep 113: Taking Nonprofits From Good to Great – Part 1 (with Jim Collins)

18 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

My guest today, best selling author Jim Collins, literally wrote the book on how to navigate a path from good to great and I could not be more excited...

Ep 112: What Foundations Are Thinking Right Now (with Caryl M. Stern)

04 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So many nonprofits are struggling. Facing crises that are existential. I wanted to know what funders, especially foundations, are thinking at this tim...

Ep 111: Once Upon a Time There Was a Fundraiser Who… (with Dan Portnoy)

20 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just for a moment, imagine what it would mean for your organization if you could double your online fundraising next year.

Ep 110: How to Have Difficult Conversations – Part 2 (with Sheila Heen)

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Accepting criticism is an important leadership skill. But how might we exercise that skill when it feels off base, unfair, or poorly delivered?

Ep 109: How to Have Difficult Conversations – Part 1 (with Sheila Heen)

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do you build the muscle to make sure difficult conversations go well? What might you not be aware of that could change everything?

Ep 108: A New CEO Job Starts in the Heat of a Pandemic (with Ellen LaPointe)

09 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine you start a new CEO job at a wonderful nonprofit. And then a pandemic hits. Changes things just a bit, right? That's what happened to my guest...

Ep 107: The Top 20 Attributes of an Outstanding Board

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you are looking to build an outstanding board think of it as a strategic casting call! Here are the top characteristics of an outstanding board a...

Ep 106: Introducing Your Nonprofit Life (with Laura Zielke)

11 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There is nothing like a good spinoff. Some of the best TV shows of all time found their origins in another show. And now there’s a spinoff of this p...

Ep 105: Leadership in the Time of COVID-19

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone contends with pervasive anxiety in different ways. I have five pieces of advice from me to all of you leaders and helpers out there. Stay saf...

Ep 104: Creating a Nonprofit Communications Engine (with Sarah Durham)

14 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Your nonprofit can probably do a better job of communicating to build engagement and inspire action. Sarah Durham is THE expert on this.

Ep 103: Stronger Together: The Power of Cohort Learning (with Darlene Nipper)

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The most valuable kind of leadership development happens in a cohort. And that’s what this episode is all about.

Ep 102: Is Abuse of Power Epidemic in the Nonprofit Sector? (with Sarah Beaulieu and Kim Jones)

15 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I wrote an article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy on this topic and got a tremendous response. It seems abuse of power may be rampant.

Ep 101: Managing the Tension of Change (with Michael DePass)

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

while change can lead to growth, sometimes leaders fail to manage the tensions that growth brings, and this can cripple an organization’s impact.

Ep 100: The Professional Interim Executive Director (with Margo Amgott)

18 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When your Executive Director is actually the “Interim Executive Director,” it means something went wrong… right? Well, maybe not.

Ep 99: What Visionaries Do Best (with Paul Rice)

04 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What kind of person does it take to build a movement? What are the strategies that take something seemingly small and turn it into a global game chang...

Ep 98: Movements are Like Relay Races (with Frances Kunreuther)

07 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I’m thrilled to give voice to a passionate change agent who knows how to build a movement, Frances Kunreuther, Co-Director of the Building Movement ...

Ep 97: The Telltale Signs of Founder Syndrome (Part 2) with Rachael Gibson

16 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The founder of your organization is leaving and you’re coming in as the new leader. How do you follow a founder and be successful?

Ep 96: The Telltale Signs of Founder Syndrome (Part 1) with Rachael Gibson

02 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A fascinating discussion about the remarkable nature of founders, founder syndrome, and how do you get a founder to leave.

Ep 95: How Do We Ignite Our Volunteers? (with Tobi Johnson)

19 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Volunteerism is both noble and necessary in our polarized world. But how do you ignite them and keep them engaged over the long term?

Ep 94: Tales From the Trenches (with Darian Rodriguez Heyman)

05 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

From messes to remarkable victories, boards who step up to those missing in action; from bad days to the days you save someone’s life… we all have...

Ep 93: Why Even a Good Executive Director Needs a Coach

21 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Professional development for nonprofit leaders - luxury or necessity? In this podcast I talk about how maximizing impact requires an investment in sup...

Bonus Episode: Small But Mighty Nonprofits (with Laura Zielke)

14 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Most folks are utterly clueless about the size and scope of the nonprofit sector. In fact it’s not really thought of as a sector.

Ep 92: The Lonely Nonprofit Leader (with Glennda Testone)

07 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve probably heard of “Imposter Syndrome”. But have you heard of “Loneliness Syndrome”?

Ep 91: The Diversity Problem in Our Sector (with Diahann Billings-Burford)

24 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nonprofits have a diversity problem. Big time. And I believe this is one of the most important issues facing the sector today.

Ep 90: Why People Don’t Donate (and What You Can Do About It) (with Phil Buchanan)

10 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

There are so many people who want to make a difference and your nonprofit is a vehicle for them to do just that. So why can it be so hard to get peopl...

Ep 89: Nonprofit Partnerships, Mergers, and Acquisitions (with Wendy Foster)

27 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Find out how partnerships can succeed and when they might fail and learn the origin story of the successful partnership between Uber and Big Brothers ...

Ep 88: Everything You Wanted to Know About Planned Giving (with Judi O’Kelley)

13 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Planned giving can be a fantastic way for nonprofits to raise significant funds and can greatly benefit both the organization and the donor.

Bonus Episode: Nonprofit Workspaces (Joan Garry on the “Dear HBR” Podcast)

01 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Does standard work advice not apply to you because you’re at a nonprofit? In this episode of HBR's advice podcast, Dear HBR:, cohosts Alison Beard a...

Ep 87: True Confessions of a Five Star Board Chair (with Daryl Messinger)

15 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I have met many first rate board chairs and even had a few during my tenure as an Executive Director, but my guest today is the entire package.

Ep 86: An Artful Approach to Social Media (with Robin Cembalest)

01 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how Robin Cembalest has built an enormous social media following and take away lessons that any nonprofit can implement.

Ep 85: Managing Rapid Growth – the Story of charity: water (with Lauren Letta)

18 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

charity: water’s growth and impact has been nothing short of remarkable. Here’s the story of how they scaled their organization.

Ep 84: Passion, Conflict, Diversity, and Leadership (with Parisa Parsa)

04 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you read to develop the skills, and manage the conflict that accompanies passionate and diverse points of view? As a leader, this is critical!

Ep 83: You’re Doing Meetings All Wrong (with Priya Parker)

20 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn from my guest Priya Parker how to create super effective meetings, resolve tough conflicts, and throw killer dinner parties.

Ep 82: Helping the Helpers

06 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I get to work with thousands of amazing nonprofit leaders inside the Nonprofit Leadership Lab. Allow me to introduce a few of them to you.

Ep 81: How to Grow a Movement and an “Army of the Engaged” (with Rashad Robinson)

23 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In a polarized world, power to effect change comes from building an “army of the engaged”. Here's how my guest, Rashad Robinson, did just that.

Ep 80: Why is Change So Hard? (with Lisa Lahey)

09 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nonprofits want to change the world in ways large and small. And yet, when it comes to bringing change into our own orgs, it’s really hard!

Ep 79: How a Film Festival Impacts Community Building (with Evelyn Colbert)

23 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about the birth of a film festival and the superpower of this type of non profit in building community.

Ep 78: What Nonprofits Can Learn from Tech Start-ups (with Ann Mei)

09 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Organizations of all kinds know they must innovate or die out. But this word causes nonprofit leaders to break out in cold sweats. Why?

Ep 77: Navigating the Tension Between Development and Communications (with Steve Ralls)

26 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about common tensions between Development and Communications and whether merging them under one umbrella works or muddies the water.

Ep 76: The 4 Obstacles to a Diverse Board

12 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I believe there are 4 primary obstacles to building a diverse board. In this episode, I explain what they are and I’ll tell you exactly how you can ...

Ep 75: What’s Your One Big 2019 Goal?

29 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Name a big goal you have for the coming year. That’s what I asked more than a dozen nonprofit leaders. Here’s what they told me.

Ep 74: Good People, Hidden Biases, and Navigating Your Blind Spots (with Anthony Greenwald)

15 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

You’re a nonprofit person, so you probably want to change hearts and minds, but your blind spots may be getting in the way.

Ep 73: The Arc of a Successful Capital Campaign (with Eric Javier)

01 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

You need to make a huge leap in your nonprofit. And so you require a significant amount of money in a certain period of time. You may need a capital c...

Ep 72: Successful Year End Fundraising (with Gail Perry)

17 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve reached prime-time giving season, and I have some good news. It’s absolutely not too late to exceed your goals, no matter where you currentl...

Ep 71: A Smart Nonprofit Budgeting Process (with Hilda Polanco)

03 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Is your nonprofit budgeting process a royal pain or a living, breathing plan for your leaders to determine your organization’s priorities?

Ep 70: Unicorns, Superheroes and Nonprofit Leaders (With Vu Le)

20 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a bird, it’s a plane… no, it’s a nonprofit leader. The work you do matters more than you know and more than anyone will ever tell you.

Ep 69: New Power and the Building of Movements (with Henry Timms)

06 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Giving Tuesday, #MeToo, the Ice Bucket Challenge, the out-of-nowhere victories of Obama and Trump… They all have something important in common – t...

Ep 68: No, You Can’t Do It All

22 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How do you take care of yourself and still be responsible to your organization and the people you serve?

Ep 67: Busting the Overhead Myth (with Dan Pallotta)

08 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Donors won’t give to charities with “high overhead.” Right? But what structural problems does this cause? My guest, Dan Pallotta, busts the nonp...

Ep 66: When it’s Time to Leave Your Org (with Kate Kendell)

25 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Why do Executive Directors sometimes overstay their roles? Inertia? Love of the job? A board that doesn’t want them to leave? How do you know when i...

Ep 65: The Case of the Serial Nonprofit Founder (with Robin Steinberg)

11 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Nonprofit founders are superheroes. Robin Steinberg is certainly one. In fact, she keeps on creating new nonprofits! And she has a wealth of knowledge...

Ep 64: Donors Who Know More, Give More (with Roxie Jerde)

28 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How educated do you think most donors are about the organization they support and invest in? Not very. And this is a big problem we must solve.

Ep 63: How To Think About Mergers and Collaborations (with Nadya Shmavonian)

14 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Mergers can help nonprofits increase reach and impact, but they can also become a disaster. Here’s how to decide if you should go for it.

Ep 62: Hiring the Perfect Executive Director (with Dara Klarfeld)

30 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What is the secret sauce to finding and hiring the perfect ED for your organization? How can you become a “rockstar” candidate? Find out in today’...

Ep 61: How to Build a Smart Communications Plan (with Ben Wyskida)

16 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Ben Wyskida, CEO of Fenton Communications explains what you must do to build a successful communications plan for your nonprofit.

Ep 60: Why Nonprofit Journalism Matters (with Christa Scharfenberg)

02 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Nonprofit media fills an important gap. Local and regional newsrooms have been decimated and the expense of investigative journalism is very high. In ...

Ep 59: Scaling Up Your Nonprofit (with Kathleen Kelly Janus)

19 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Your nonprofit has hit a wall and you want to scale up. But how? Why do some organizations grow and others do not? In this episode, Kathleen demystifi...

Ep 58: Is It Time to Leave Facebook? (with Julia Campbell)

05 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook has broken trust with the public. Should your nonprofit think about leaving the platform? Learn how Cambridge Analytics purchased data from p...

Ep 57: You Can Do Hard Things

14 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

How can you run a nonprofit with so little staff? You want to make a difference with that budget? There is so much hard work to be done - surely you c...

Ep 56: Anatomy of a Crisis (with Emily Klehm)

07 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When a major crisis hit – an employee had been mugged at gunpoint and a dog stolen – Emily Klehm stepped up big time as the leader of the South Su...