Ep 209: Finding the Courage to Say No

Nonprofits aren’t “less than” – they’re labs for modern leadership. I’ll share 8 nonprofit lessons corporate leaders need now.

Your budget isn’t just rows on a spreadsheet–it tells a story. I’ll explain how a goals-first budgeting process reduces friction, fuels creativity, and helps everyone in your organization pull in the same direction.

We say we “know” our neighbors, but do we really talk to them? Army vet and civic entrepreneur Garrett Cathcart joins Joan to share a hopeful, doable model for bringing people together across differences. If you’ve been craving belonging (and a practical path forward), this episode will give you tools and hope.

Erica Fortescue joins Glennda to debunk the myth that ADHD is a flaw at work. With simple, brain-based tools and strategies nonprofit leaders can turn friction into flow and build high-functioning, neuroinclusive teams.

People-powered fundraising isn't rocket-science, but it does take intention, bandwidth, and smart systems. Listen in as Vivian Chang shares how your grassroots, small-donor dollars can stabilize your revenue, build ambassadors for your organization, and align your funding with your mission.

AI can feel overwhelming until you make it practical. Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryle Contee join me to discuss their new tactical field guide, AI for Nonprofits. Discover how your organization can adopt AI responsibly and free your staff to do more human work.

Too many Development Directors feel like failures if they don't hit their revenue numbers — even when circumstances are beyond their control. In this episode, I explore why this mindset is harmful and what nonprofits can do to redefine success.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are booming—but most nonprofit leaders still find them confusing or inaccessible. In this episode, Mitch Stein from Chariot joins Glennda Testone to bust common myths, explain how DAFs work, and share how both donors and nonprofits can make the most of them.

Succession planning gets treated like a worst-case scenario when it should be a regular part of nonprofit leadership. In this episode, Glennda and I get candid about our own transitions—and what we wish we’d known sooner.

Whiplash. That’s how it feels to lead a nonprofit right now. Executive coach, Alex Love and Glennda Testone explore how leaders can stay grounded, care for their teams, and hold onto their mission through constant change.