Episode 134: Fix Your Board Meetings: 5 Steps to Increase Engagement

Episode Overview:What separates an exceptional board chair from an ineffective one? In this episode, host Jennifer Drago breaks down the essential traits, responsibilities, and challenges of nonprofit board chairs. She shares a compelling case study of a board chair who unintentionally derailed an organization’s progress and offers practical insights for selecting and developing strong board leadership.Key Topics Discussed:✔️ The Role of a Board Chair – Keeping the organization on track toward its mission and strategic goals.✔️ Facilitating Effective Board Meetings – Structuring agendas, fostering engagement, and managing conflict.✔️ Supporting the CEO – Building a strong partnership and effective communication channels with the executive leader.✔️ Governance & Accountability – Ensuring bylaws, ethics, and strategic oversight are upheld.✔️ Board Succession Planning – Identifying and mentoring future board leaders.✔️ Case Study: The Risks of a Board Chair with a Personal Agenda – A real-world example of how leadership choices can impact an organization.✔️ Key Traits of an Effective Board Chair – Leadership, emotional intelligence, communication, and decision-making skills.✔️ Critical Questions When Selecting a Board Chair – Do they have the time, autonomy, and key skills to handle the job?➡️Get Your Free Resource: Download 20 Generative Questions for Your Nonprofit Board at https://bit.ly/4gzrUwVAbout Our Host:Jennifer Drago is an award-winning strategist, author, speaker and certified business coach. Through Peak to Profit consulting, she helps senior living, healthcare and nonprofit organizations get clear on their vision and strategy so they can identify -- and execute on -- opportunities for growth, revenue and operational efficiencies.Jennifer worked as a strategy and operations executive in the healthcare and senior living industries for 30 years, facilitating strategic plans and developing new programs and service lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University.Visit http://seniorlivingvisionaries.com/ or our sponsor, https://www.peaktoprofit.com, to learn more! You can also follow Jennifer on her LinkedIn: https://linkedin/in/jenniferdrago Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:Have you ever left a board meeting feeling like you checked off every agenda item but didn’t tackle the big-picture questions that shape your organization’s future? In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, host Jennifer Drago dives into the power of generative discussions—a mode of governance that sparks strategic insight, fuels innovation, and enhances board engagement.Learn how to implement generative discussions, why they matter, and how they differ from fiduciary and strategic discussions. Jennifer also shares sample generative questions that can help your board think beyond the present and create meaningful impact.Key Takeaways:✔️ What are generative discussions? How they inspire forward-thinking governance.✔️ The 3 Modes of Governance: Fiduciary, Strategic, and Generative.✔️ Why generative discussions matter: How they improve decision-making, engagement, and future readiness.✔️ How to implement generative discussions in board meetings.✔️ 20 sample generative questions for senior living and nonprofit boards.Quote of the Episode:"The best boards don’t just make decisions—they explore the possibilities that truly shape the future." – Jennifer Drago➡️Get Your Free Resource: Download 20 Generative Questions for Your Nonprofit Board at https://bit.ly/4gzrUwVAbout Our Host:Jennifer Drago is an award-winning strategist, author, speaker and certified business coach. Through Peak to Profit consulting, she helps senior living, healthcare and nonprofit organizations get clear on their vision and strategy so they can identify -- and execute on -- opportunities for growth, revenue and operational efficiencies.Jennifer worked as a strategy and operations executive in the healthcare and senior living industries for 30 years, facilitating strategic plans and developing new programs and service lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University. Visit http://seniorlivingvisionaries.com/ or our sponsor, https://www.peaktoprofit.com/, to learn more!You can also follow Jennifer on her LinkedIn:   / jenniferdrago   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are your board meetings a waste of time or a strategic powerhouse? In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, host Jennifer Drago dives into best practices for making board meetings more engaging, impactful, and strategic. Learn how to create cohesive agendas, leverage generative discussions, and optimize the use of digital tools to enhance board engagement. If you’re ready to transform your board meetings into a catalyst for organizational growth, this episode is for you!Key Takeaways:✅Flip the Agenda: Move strategic discussions to the beginning of the meeting to ensure fresh energy and engagement.✅Utilize Generative Discussions: Dedicate 15–20 minutes to forward-thinking, open-ended discussions to drive innovation.✅Leverage Dashboards: Present key metrics in a clear, visual format to streamline data analysis and decision-making.✅Reduce Reporting Overload: Prioritize decision-making over information sharing by limiting presentation time.✅Board Meeting Assessments: Regularly evaluate board effectiveness through quick surveys and feedback sessions.✅Hybrid & Virtual Board Meetings: Establish norms for participation🎯 FREE Checklist: Spark Generative Discussions with These 20 Questions! – Download now to start implementing generative discussions in your board meetings. https://bit.ly/4gzrUwVEffective board meetings are the #1 driver of board engagement. When meetings are strategic, well-structured, and participatory, board members feel more invested and motivated to contribute. By implementing these techniques, you can elevate the impact of your board and drive meaningful change in your organization.Have questions or feedback? Email Jennifer at [email protected] Our Host:Jennifer Drago is an award-winning strategist, author, speaker and certified business coach. Through Peak to Profit consulting, she helps senior living, healthcare and nonprofit organizations get clear on their vision and strategy so they can identify -- and execute on -- opportunities for growth, revenue and operational efficiencies.Jennifer worked as a strategy and operations executive in the healthcare and senior living industries for 30 years, facilitating strategic plans and developing new programs and service lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University. You can follow Jennifer on her LinkedIn. About the Show:Senior Living Visionaries is a podcast that brings together innovative leaders and forward-thinkers in senior living to share insights, strategies, and inspiring stories that shape the future of the senior living industry. The show regularly features best practices in the boardroom to strengthen nonprofit governance, offering practical advice and bold ideas to empower professionals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.Subscribe to be notified of new episodes of Senior Living Visionaries as they are published! https://www.peaktoprofit.com/p.......Know someone who would make a great guest on the Senior Living Visionaries podcast? Apply here: https://airtable.com/appCRz6ks....... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Jennifer Drago wraps up her series on nonprofit board orientations with a deep dive into the underutilized practice of annual board reorientations. She explains how this simple yet impactful strategy can ensure nonprofit boards remain engaged, aligned, and committed to their roles. With practical tips and insights, Jennifer highlights how reorientations can help nonprofits avoid governance gaps and misaligned priorities, setting the stage for a successful year.Key Topics Covered:1. Why Annual Board Reorientations Matter:Ensures alignment on the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.Reinforces individual and collective board member responsibilities.Addresses disengagement, misaligned priorities, and governance gaps.2. Key Components of a Board Reorientation:Roles and Responsibilities: Reminder of the three legal duties (care, loyalty, obedience) and key board responsibilities.Governance Policies: Conflict of interest, whistleblower protections, confidentiality agreements, and board code of conduct.Strategic Priorities: Updates on progress toward goals and upcoming year’s priorities.Financial Oversight: Budget review, fundraising goals, and stewardship expectations.Board Effectiveness Assessment: Review of performance survey results and strategies for improvement.3. Practical Steps to Implement Reorientations:Keep the session concise: 30-60 minutes before or during a board meeting.Incorporate document reviews (bylaws, committee charters) and annual sign-offs.Engage the governance committee in planning and execution.4. Benefits of Reorientation:Maintains focus and engagement of board members.Fosters accountability and strengthens team cohesion.Ensures clarity, accountability, and alignment for a successful year.Ready to strengthen your board? ✅Download our free Board Orientation Checklist, "Onboarding for Impact: The Essential Checklist for Nonprofit Board Orientation," at https://bit.ly/4adTGxK.Have questions or feedback? Email Jennifer at [email protected] the Show:*Senior Living Visionaries* is a podcast that brings together innovative leaders and forward-thinkers in senior living to share insights, strategies, and inspiring stories that shape the future of the senior living industry. The show regularly features best practices in the boardroom to strengthen nonprofit governance, offering practical advice and bold ideas to empower professionals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.Subscribe to be notified of new episodes of Senior Living Visionaries as they are published! https://www.peaktoprofit.com/podcast-subscribe.Know someone who would make a great guest on the Senior Living Visionaries podcast? Apply here: https://airtable.com/appCRz6ksoivW5dzI/shrH2VSWVCXg4KMeH. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, host Jennifer Drago dives into the transformative power of board mentorship programs. As part of our series on board orientation, Jennifer shares practical tips on how assigning experienced board members as mentors can elevate new board member success. From fostering engagement to promoting effective governance, learn why board mentorship is a game-changer for nonprofit boards. Plus, discover actionable strategies for implementing a mentorship program that supports both mentors and mentees.[1:30] - The importance of board mentors for new board members o Helps new members feel comfortable and engaged quicklyo Provides one-on-one support for questions and clarification[3:15] - Key responsibilities of an effective board mentor: o Attend orientation with new membero Check in after first few board meetings o Meet for lunch/coffee to discuss board dynamicso Be available to answer questions[5:45] - Recommended timeline for mentorship: 6-12 months [7:00] - Best practices for board mentor programs: o Only assign willing mentorso Intentionally match mentors and menteeso Provide clear expectations and structureo Avoid creating cliques or "meetings outside meetings"[9:30] - Benefits of strong board mentor programs: o Transforms onboarding experienceo Drives better board performanceo Fosters culture of inclusion and support[11:00] - Key takeaways and encouragement to implement board mentors [12:15] - Closing remarks and information on free board orientation checklist resourceReady to strengthen your board? ✅Download our free Board Orientation Checklist, "Onboarding for Impact: The Essential Checklist for Nonprofit Board Orientation," at https://bit.ly/4adTGxK.Have questions or feedback? Email Jennifer at [email protected] Our Host:Jennifer Drago is an award-winning strategist, author, speaker and certified business coach. At Peak to Profit consulting, she helps senior living, healthcare and nonprofit organizations get clear on their vision and strategy so they can identify -- and execute on -- opportunities for growth, revenue and operational efficiencies.Jennifer worked as a strategy and operations executive in the healthcare and senior living industries for 35+ years, facilitating strategic plans and developing new programs and service lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University. Visit http://seniorlivingvisionaries.com/ or our sponsor, https://www.peaktoprofit.com/, to learn more!You can also follow Jennifer on her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdrago/About the Show:*Senior Living Visionaries* is a podcast that brings together innovative leaders and forward-thinkers in senior living to share insights, strategies, and inspiring stories that shape the future of the senior living industry. The show regularly features best practices in the boardroom to strengthen nonprofit governance, offering practical advice and bold ideas to empower professionals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.Subscribe to be notified of new episodes of Senior Living Visionaries as they are published! https://www.peaktoprofit.com/podcast-subscribe.Know someone who would make a great guest on the Senior Living Visionaries podcast? Apply here: https://airtable.com/appCRz6ksoivW5dzI/shrH2VSWVCXg4KMeH. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jennifer Drago dives into the essential components of a successful board orientation with a focus on crafting effective board handbooks. Jennifer emphasizes why a robust orientation process sets the stage for new board members to engage quickly, align with organizational goals, and deliver meaningful contributions.Introduction and Why Board Orientation Matters (0:00)The importance of providing a strong foundation for new board members.How intentional onboarding fosters alignment and effectiveness.The Role of the Board Handbook (5:00)Defined as the "reference guide" or "dictionary" for board members.Supports board members with clear expectations, key policies, and historical documents.Essential Components of a Board Handbook (8:30)Welcome Materials, Organizational Overview, Board Member Responsibilities, Governance Documents, Operational Details, Financial Overview, Evaluation and Training Resources.Best Practices for Implementation (18:45)A handbook should be part of a larger orientation process—not a standalone document. Digital and physical options cater to diverse board member preferences.Annual reviews by the Governance Committee ensure up-to-date content.Incorporate feedback loops to refine and improve the handbook over time.Actionable Tips for Getting Started (25:00)Ready to strengthen your board?✅Download our free Board Orientation Checklist, "Onboarding for Impact: The Essential Checklist for Nonprofit Board Orientation," at https://bit.ly/4adTGxK.Have questions or feedback? Email Jennifer at [email protected] Our Host:Jennifer Drago is an award-winning strategist, author, speaker and certified business coach. Through Peak to Profit consulting, she helps senior living, healthcare and nonprofit organizations get clear on their vision and strategy so they can identify -- and execute on -- opportunities for growth, revenue and operational efficiencies.Jennifer worked as a strategy and operations executive in the healthcare and senior living industries for 30 years, facilitating strategic plans and developing new programs and service lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University.Visit http://seniorlivingvisionaries.com/ or our sponsor, https://www.peaktoprofit.com/, to learn more!You can also follow Jennifer on her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdrago/About the Show:*Senior Living Visionaries* is a podcast that brings together innovative leaders and forward-thinkers in senior living to share insights, strategies, and inspiring stories that shape the future of the senior living industry. The show regularly features best practices in the boardroom to strengthen nonprofit governance, offering practical advice and bold ideas to empower professionals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.Subscribe to be notified of new episodes of Senior Living Visionaries as they are published! https://www.peaktoprofit.com/podcast-subscribe.Know someone who would make a great guest on the Senior Living Visionaries podcast? Apply here: https://airtable.com/appCRz6ksoivW5dzI/shrH2VSWVCXg4KMeH. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are your new board members set up for success from day one? In this episode, Jennifer Drago, host of the Senior Living Visionaries podcast, discusses the importance of proper board orientation for new members. She emphasizes that a well-structured orientation process provides a solid foundation, enhances board member engagement, and retains them longer. Drago cites a 2017 study by George Mason University and Heidrich and Struggles, revealing only 45% of organizations have a defined onboarding process and only 46% feel prepared for their roles. Key components of effective orientation include sharing the mission, vision, and strategic plans; defining roles and responsibilities; and addressing governance vs. management distinctions. Drago also highlights the importance of understanding financial and legal obligations, fundraising expectations, and building relationships. She suggests ongoing education and engagement through site visits, volunteer opportunities, and social events to maintain board members' involvement and effectiveness.Ready to strengthen your board? ✅Download the free Board Orientation Checklist, "Onboarding for Impact: The Essential Checklist for Nonprofit Board Orientation," at https://bit.ly/4adTGxK.Have questions or feedback? Email Jennifer at [email protected] Our Host:Jennifer Drago is an award-winning strategist, author, speaker and certified business coach. Through Peak to Profit consulting, she helps senior living, healthcare and nonprofit organizations get clear on their vision and strategy so they can identify -- and execute on -- opportunities for growth, revenue and operational efficiencies.Jennifer worked as a strategy and operations executive in the healthcare and senior living industries for 30 years, facilitating strategic plans and developing new programs and service lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University.Visit http://seniorlivingvisionaries.com/ or our sponsor, https://www.peaktoprofit.com/, to learn more!You can also follow Jennifer on her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdrago/About the Show:Senior Living Visionaries is a podcast that brings together innovative leaders and forward-thinkers in senior living to share insights, strategies, and inspiring stories that shape the future of the industry. The show regularly features best practices in the boardroom to strengthen nonprofit governance, offering practical advice and bold ideas to empower professionals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.👍Subscribe to be notified of new episodes of Senior Living Visionaries as they are published! https://www.peaktoprofit.com/podcast-subscribe.🎤Know someone who would make a great guest on the Senior Living Visionaries podcast? Apply here: https://airtable.com/appCRz6ksoivW5dzI/shrH2VSWVCXg4KMeH. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, host Jennifer Drago interviews two guests about an innovative middle market senior living product they have under development: Matt Thornhill, leader of Cozy Home Community, and Jim Pieffer, CEO of Presbyterian Senior Care Network.Cozy Home Community, also known as pocket neighborhoods or cottage communities, feature 12 homes built around a community center. Generally, four of these neighborhoods are combined on one parcel for a total of 48 homes and up to 96 residents. This co-housing model requires seniors to volunteer a certain number of hours per month using their strengths for the benefit of their community and have a true desire to be social and active with their neighbors. Cozy Home Community uses modular-built homes that have consistent quality and can be developed more quickly than traditional construction.Presbyterian SeniorCare Network and the Slippery Rock University Foundation have joint ventured to create the first Cozy Home Community in Slippery Rock, PA. Jim and Matt discuss the benefits of integrating university resources and creating an intergenerational community. They emphasize the importance of partnerships, zoning considerations, and creative financing in developing such communities.Matt and Jim offer advice for senior living organizations interested in serving the middle market, stressing the need for collaboration and keeping operating costs low. The episode concludes with optimism for the future of senior living and the potential for expanding the Cozy Home Community model in other locations. This episode highlights a forward-thinking approach to meeting the needs of the aging population through innovative community design and strategic partnerships.Visit https://www.peaktoprofit.com/blog/pieffer-thornhill for Jim & Matt's bio and contact information as well as a PDF of the Cozy Home concept.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features Bob Roth, Managing Partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions, discussing the trends in home care including workforce challenges, technology options and opportunities for collaboration and partnership in the senior care industry.Connect with Bob:Email: [email protected]: linkedin.com/in/bobrothchs***Want to learn proven strategies to unlock the hidden revenue potential in your senior living organization? Hear the curated advice from industry experts in the free white paper "13 Secrets to Increase Profitability in Senior Living"! Download it now at www.peaktoprofit.com/f/secrets ***About Our Guest:Bob Roth is the Managing Partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions. Bob assisted in creating Cypress HomeCare Solutions with his family in 1994. With nearly 40 years of consumer products, health care and technology experience, Bob has successfully brought the depth and breadth of his experience to the home care trade and in doing so, Cypress HomeCare Solutions has been honored to receive a number of awards over the years, including Bob being chosen as the January 2014 CEO of the Month and was a finalist for the 2015, 2022 and 2023 Phoenix Business Journal’s Healthcare Heroes award.About the Show:Subscribe to be notified of new episodes of Senior Living Visionaries as they are published! www.peaktoprofit.com/podcast-subscribe.Know someone who would make a great guest on the Senior Living Visionaries podcast? Apply here: https://airtable.com/appCRz6ksoivW5dzI/shrH2VSWVCXg4KMeH. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, hosted by Jennifer Drago, strategy consultant and CEO of Peak to Profit, we delve into the crucial topic of board governance, focusing specifically on board engagement. The discussion begins with an introduction to a valuable free resource available on the Peak to Profit website (www.peaktoprofit.com): the Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment, which helps organizations evaluate their governance processes and identify areas for improvement.Jennifer outlines ten key practices for enhancing board engagement, starting with an effective board orientation. This includes providing a comprehensive overview of the organization's history, strategic plan, current financial status, and future vision. She also emphasizes the value of mentoring, where a seasoned board member supports and guides a new board member, ensuring they feel comfortable and well-informed.***Maximize your board's potential! Grab a copy of Nonprofit Governance Self-Assessment workbook to identify areas where your board excels and where it can improve. ➡️ https://www.peaktoprofit.com/f/board ***About Our Host:Jennifer Drago is an award-winning strategist, author, speaker and certified business coach. Through Peak to Profit consulting, she helps senior living, healthcare and nonprofit organizations get clear on their vision and strategy so they can identify -- and execute on -- opportunities for growth, revenue and operational efficiencies.Jennifer worked as a strategy and operations executive in the healthcare and senior living industries for 30 years, facilitating strategic plans and developing new programs and service lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Arizona State University. Visit www.seniorlivingvisionaries.com/ or our sponsor, www.peaktoprofit.com, to learn more!You can also follow Jennifer on her LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdragoAbout the Show:Subscribe to be notified of new episodes of Senior Living Visionaries as they are published! www.peaktoprofit.com/podcast-subscribe.Know someone who would make a great guest on the Senior Living Visionaries podcast? Apply here: www.airtable.com/appCRz6ksoivW5dzI/shrH2VSWVCXg4KMeH. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.