Ep 222: The Joys and Challenges of Leading A Small Nonprofit (with members of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab)

Attracting top talent to your nonprofit isn’t about luck—it’s about alignment. Talent search expert, Omar Lopez shares what it takes to find (and keep) the right people in today’s competitive hiring landscape.

What if a capital campaign could be your nonprofit’s ticket to long-term growth? Fundraising expert Amy Eisenstein joins the podcast to bust common myths and share practical insights from decades of experience. From feasibility studies to board engagement, she lays out what it really takes to run a successful campaign—no wealthy board members required.

Many nonprofit leaders feel like they’re just one mistake away from being “found out.” Even experienced executives, including myself, wrestle with that nagging voice of doubt, especially in moments of high visibility or pressure. But instead of letting imposter syndrome win, here are 6 tangible strategies.

Nonprofits are under attack in 2025—from hostile federal policies, harmful public misconceptions, and risk-averse boards. Glennda Testone and I urge nonprofit leaders to push back, speak up, and lead with boldness and creativity. Despite the challenges, we spotlight moments of hope and courage from organizations stepping up to protect communities and sustain impact.

What if challenging times are invitations to redefine what matters most? Michael Hyatt shares what helped him redefine success, and find a fulfilling way to live and lead.

The nonprofit sector is under attack. But, there’s hope. In this episode, Glennda Testone and I talk with Amol Sinha about the unique harms facing nonprofits and how we can all take action to protect our missions.

Nonprofit leadership can be deeply meaningful—and deeply exhausting. In this powerful conversation, Glennda Testone and trauma specialist Mariam Habib explore what it takes to sustain yourself while serving others. From setting boundaries to building resilience, this episode is a roadmap for leading with purpose and preserving your well-being.

Work can be a source of joy and fulfillment—but only if we feel connected. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Brower unpacks why we’re feeling more isolated than ever—and what leaders can do to build workplaces where people actually feel like they belong.

Disability is not a niche issue—it’s a reality for 60 million Americans. Yet, systemic bias and stereotypes continue to exclude people with disabilities from conversations about inclusion. In this episode, Nancy Smith of Activating Change shares practical steps nonprofits can take to build truly accessible and equitable spaces.

Three fearless nonprofit leaders share what drives them, how they navigate burnout, and the vision that keeps them going. Tomik Dash, Laura Carmichael, and Adrienne McCue are breaking barriers and sharing their stories that prove that small but mighty nonprofits are changing lives every day.