Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

324: Building the Foundation for Nonprofit Success (Patricia Glass) SUMMARY This episode is brought to you by our friends at Armstrong McGuire & Associates [https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/]. Whether you’re looking for your next leadership opportunity, or your organization needs an interim or permanent leader, they can help. Learn more at armstrongmcguire.com. Are you building your nonprofit on passion alone, only to find yourself overwhelmed, under-resourced, and unsure how to move forward? In episode #324 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership [https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/], Patricia Glass [https://flourish.foundation/] shares her deeply personal journey from grief to grassroots leadership, revealing the hard-won lessons behind starting and sustaining a nonprofit. Drawing from her own missteps and her work with other founders at Flourish Nonprofits [https://flourishnonprofits.com/], she outlines the critical elements every startup nonprofit needs: clear community alignment, operational structure, and the right board—not just friends and family. She challenges listeners to replace competition with collaboration and offers practical guidance on evaluating need, communicating expectations, and building a culture of accountability. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to grow with purpose, this episode is a powerful reminder that heart alone isn’t enough—strategy and community are essential. ABOUT PATRICIA Patricia Glass [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-glass-cnp-76575047/] has been a cornerstone in community development in Tyler, Texas. Growing up in a background marked by poverty, she learned early the transformative power of community aid, which ignited her passion for advocacy and led to the creation of Flourish—a hub designed to empower nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Holding certifications in Nonprofit Management and Advance Nonprofit Management from UT Tyler and being recognized as a Certified Nonprofit Professional, Patricia’s involvement extends beyond leadership. She actively serves on various boards and committees and is a nonprofit founder. She dedicates herself to building a space where individuals and organizations can connect, grow, and find the resources to succeed.  EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES  * The Art of Gathering [https://www.amazon.com/Art-Gathering-How-Meet-Matters/dp/1594634939/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JYDGJ2RL0RMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KOZgG4amY1T_96qqiy_Yi-Xb8vpJpniTa9H_SMZZyh4nhBwTbKH3obCrha4jLgqhxAtCxISFv9c1ynWq7sN8uFacv2c279oeqHal_skTEWmus0VR1T37wtu90VTOcTFhfQc9v32VjN0mvWPqatrt0shNOTwL6ORU0jx-kEe1e-8GipNqv9lUkjAFeShReLiT.OVkC_UN2JCQkSOKfv-wD4uHZQe93VX7G_F8PF3r-w_k&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Art+of+Gathering+by+Priya+Parker&qid=1751812232&sprefix=the+art+of+gathering+by+priya+parker%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1]by Priya Parker * Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell [https://www.delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell] * Ready for a Mastermind?  Check it out at PMAnonprofit.com/Mastermind [https://www.pmanonprofit.com/mastermind] * Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens [https://www.pmanonprofit.com/newsletter] for the latest on nonprofit leadership

323: Unlock the Unrestricted Gifts You Deserve (Sherry Quam Taylor) SUMMARY Special thanks to Armstrong McGuire for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening leadership throughout nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at ArmstrongMcGuire.com [https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/].  If your organization is stuck chasing small, restricted gifts through events, sponsorships, or appeals, it’s time for a mindset shift. In episode #323 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership [https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/], Sherry Quam Taylor [https://www.quamtaylor.com/about-sherry-quam-taylor] reveals why general operating support isn’t as elusive as many believe, and how fundraisers can confidently lead donors to their best, most flexible gifts. She breaks down how to stop defaulting to transactional fundraising, how to engage board members and CEOs in authentic donor relationships, and why knowing your numbers is essential to making a compelling case. You’ll learn how to move donors from “project-only” thinking to true investment in your mission. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders ready to align their time with transformational fundraising and finally unlock the unrestricted gifts they deserve. ABOUT SHERRY Sherry Quam Taylor [https://www.quamtaylor.com/] works with business-minded Nonprofit CEOs whose Strategic Plans require expansive budgets and larger amounts of unrestricted revenue for growth and infrastructure. As a result of learning her methodology, Sherry’s clients become sustainable, diversify revenue, and know how to add significant amounts gen-ops revenue to their budgets. But mostly, their development departments and boards transform into high-ROI revenue generators – aligning their hours with relational dollars and are set free from time-consuming transactional activities like events, appeals, and campaigns. Sherry attributes the success of her business to her passion for modeling radical confidence to the future CEOs in her house - her two college-aged daughters. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES * The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings [https://www.amazon.com/2-Hour-Cocktail-Party-Relationships-Gatherings/dp/1544530072/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NFXCWC7HV2XY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4-CNIrcwg_Os4trdKvolKQ.dnVIIY8HIcw1PyvTm3bL7X0aRJCa-MxpbI9RB19JZVs&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+2-Hour+Cocktail+Party%3A+How+to+Build+Big+Relationships+with+Small+Gatherings+by+Nick+Gray&qid=1750962268&sprefix=the+2-hour+cocktail+party+how+to+build+big+relationships+with+small+gatherings+by+nick+gray%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1]by Nick Gray * Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell [https://www.delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell] * Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Path-Nonprofit-Leadership-Philanthropic/dp/1642251976/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1OXZF1MBHX88U&keywords=your+path+to+nonprofit+leadership&qid=1644697029&sprefix=Your+path+to+non%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-3] – Now available on Audible * Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens [https://www.pmanonprofit.com/newsletter] for the latest on nonprofit leadership

322: How Can You Make Your Nonprofit’s Message Stick? (Salvatore Manzi) SUMMARY Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. [http://townebank.com/NonprofitBanking] Why do even the most passionate nonprofit leaders struggle to cut through the noise and communicate a message that truly inspires action, and what can they do to make it stick? In episode 322 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership [https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/], leadership communication coach Salvatore Manzi shares powerful, practical strategies to help leaders develop presence, inspire trust, and communicate with impact. He introduces key frameworks including “project confidence, command attention, inspire trust,” the “You-Then-Me” approach for difficult conversations, and the “humble brag” formula for sharing accomplishments without sounding boastful. Learn how to build a shared story vault to unify your team’s messaging, prepare for crisis communication with clarity, and transform your storytelling into a tool for deeper engagement and fundraising success. Whether you're an introvert or an experienced public speaker, this episode offers essential communication tools every nonprofit leader can use to rise above the noise and make their message truly resonate. ABOUT SALVATORE Salvatore Manzi is a leadership communications coach, speaker, and facilitator helping nonprofit leaders amplify their message and impact. With over 20 years of experience coaching executives, scientists, and investment officers, he brings research-driven strategies to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and REDF. Studying the psychology and neuroscience of communication, Salvatore has developed proven frameworks to help leaders inspire action, build trust, and engage donors, teams, and boards with greater clarity and confidence. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES  * How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from the Moth [about:blank] by The Moth, et al.  * Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell [https://www.delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell] * Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Path-Nonprofit-Leadership-Philanthropic/dp/1642251976/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1OXZF1MBHX88U&keywords=your+path+to+nonprofit+leadership&qid=1644697029&sprefix=Your+path+to+non%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-3] – Now available on Audible * Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens [https://www.pmanonprofit.com/newsletter] for the latest on nonprofit leadership

321: How to be an Adaptive Leader in Turbulent Times (Theo Ellington & Genevieve Leighton-Armah) SUMMARY Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. [http://townebank.com/NonprofitBanking] What does it take to lead with purpose when resources are stretched, burnout is high, and the future feels uncertain? In episode #321 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership [https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/], Genevieve Leighton-Armah [https://www.blackcitizen.org/] and Theo Ellington [https://www.blackcitizen.org/] share how Black Citizen [https://www.blackcitizen.org/] is redefining leadership development through trust-based philanthropy, flexible funding, and deep community engagement. Grounded in their lived experience and commitment to equity, they describe how their cohort model supports Black change makers with grants, coaching, and media tools to amplify impact and avoid isolation.  ABOUT THEO Theo Ellington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/theo-ellington/] has extensive public and private sector organizing experience. As co-founder of Black Young Democrats of SF, he successfully fought against Stop-and-Frisk and later led The Salvation Army’s efforts to double its impact on homelessness, modernize its real estate, and respond to COVID-19—generating $10M in new revenue. As a city commissioner, he helped create over 1,200 affordable housing units. At the Golden State Warriors, Theo secured approvals for a $1B arena across 14 agencies. He holds a BA in Political Science from Notre Dame de Namur University and an MA in Urban Affairs from the University of San Francisco. ABOUT GENEVIEVE Genevieve Leighton-Armah [https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-leighton-armah-09b320118/] is a first-generation Dominican and Ghanaian changemaker working with BIPOC youth and elders in criminal justice reform, violence prevention, and advocacy. For over 12 years, she’s led nonprofit initiatives connecting young people to tech/media careers and advancing equity across Northern California. She designs trauma-informed programs for healthcare settings and launched Bay Area Black Leaders in response to George Floyd’s death, centering restorative rest and equity planning for Black leaders. She earned a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Ethnic Studies from San Francisco State University. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES  * The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves [https://www.amazon.com/Four-Pivots-Reimagining-Justice-Ourselves-ebook/dp/B093G8MD3G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3U9R43XJW5SDT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P8Jd41ShzAsBTjYjbfrGcQ.Fmh-GEIioLRyiYuagNOuunOfBNv3xN1eDzMjwK_AqvY&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Four+Pivots+by+Dr.+Shawn+Ginwright&qid=1749489946&sprefix=the+four+pivots+by+dr.+shawn+ginwright+%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1] by Dr. Shawn Ginwright * Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell [https://www.delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell] * Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens [https://www.pmanonprofit.com/newsletter] for the latest on nonprofit leadership * Looking for your next leadership opportunity?  Check out our partners Armstrong McGuire [https://www.armstrongmcguire.com/]

320: From Paper to Progress: 4 Steps to Actionable Strategy (Rebecca White) SUMMARY Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking. [http://townebank.com/NonprofitBanking] Why do so many strategic plans gather dust instead of driving impact? In episode #320 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership [https://www.podpage.com/your-path-to-nonprofit-leadership/], nonprofit strategist Rebecca White [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawhitefornonprofits/] unpacks why well-intentioned plans often fail, and what to do about it. She offers a practical, four-step approach to move strategy from paper to progress: audit your existing plan, define decision filters, align capacity with goals, and build weekly accountability into your implementation. Rebecca also shares how to identify interdependencies, avoid burnout through realistic resource planning, and maintain momentum through continuous monitoring. Whether you lead a small shop or a growing organization, you'll find clear tools to turn lofty goals into manageable actions. Plus, get an insight into her popular capacity calendar and strategy-to-action funnel, frameworks designed to make your planning process more grounded, realistic, and effective. ABOUT REBECCA With over two decades of experience leading teams and developing resources in the nonprofit sector, Rebecca White [https://thecontentcove.com/] brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges mission-driven organizations face. Now a consultant, Rebecca helps nonprofit organizations effectively action their strategic plan, within currently available resources. A Standards for Excellence© Licensed Consultant through Maryland Nonprofits, Rebecca works to be a catalyst for positive change. Rebecca lives in the Texas Hill Country, serving on two local nonprofit boards. Rebecca enjoys pickleball, hiking, and reading. And is a fierce defender of the Oxford comma. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES  * Check out Rebecca’s resources at The Content Cove [https://thecontentcove.com/] * The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right [https://www.amazon.com/Checklist-Manifesto-How-Things-Right-ebook/dp/B0030V0PEW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NE4JXO8XVOZG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TlD6cC9nUPPVwfQivSdotaPnJuUBa_kp1ODcyfcnyj9Q2pEfAKbxz6cZPHg29lJslQ3Th-Ic9wAf2grfrQsy8mX75X85pzo1NTLpyqMNRZl4tW6ymtuNiSlqEnb4EQKZ5oClPW3FUJUCGFrqC470fJ-1WMCbisnDXWtB6tZ6S-nnZLr1L-62GtpfkvVN3GjCjwN09oQEr4AZQol1dyK2hmVOtgqR-5DqK9cHnS_aZgs.Hq_O0wGCQWWPh3MjkbWNmVIuLBFeMpNFcOxg9n1yeQE&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Checklist+Manifesto+by+Atul+Gawande&qid=1748883113&sprefix=the+checklist+manifesto+by+atul+gawande%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1] by Atul Gawande * Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter [https://www.amazon.com/Multipliers-Revised-Updated-Leaders-Everyone-ebook/dp/B01KT18416/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KBM8DHH0BQ1A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CwhFyMejqCvKAe4-aNyC_jlEBYjGqoKcnJ4KDlpsW4YCN8pSFeKlCYqjYIWAtxCxzL8LZ-rwOTcUhXAVbIbT8Bf6cUjNHV5CrOTFJDtl0AeAmu456dO4woeG2s5ekwqjdfUAbjbuijw-e-loKo63P2ogearbx2OxKAXFnpvlsSQ8ePdv_ZSaaLXhm7v1BLSsdqUtbpmifG3bkhnE2o0ZueUjdnEWIUkiWLFOypC8bsA.MR5BUbouH0XRW0I-YJF09D4prZ7CG9iXNjUX3DgrF_s&dib_tag=se&keywords=Multipliers+by+Liz+Wiseman&qid=1748883200&sprefix=multipliers+by+liz+wiseman%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1] by Liz Wiseman * Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell [https://www.delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell] * Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens [https://www.pmanonprofit.com/newsletter] for the latest on nonprofit leadership