ALC ChangeMakers Podcast

Episode 13 - Miranda Walton - Transforming Mental Health Care in Rural Ohio

EPISODE OVERVIEW Miranda Walton, Founder and Executive Director of Restorative Pathways Counseling in Zanesville, Ohio, shares her journey of building a behavioral health practice that prioritizes quality over quantity. She discusses navigating rural healthcare challenges, surviving difficult seasons as a business owner, and maintaining sustainable mental health services in an underserved Appalachian community. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED Background & Journey into Behavioral Health * Transition from nursing to psychology and counseling * The divine intertwining of entrepreneurial spirit, helping others, and faith * Decision to pursue private practice over community behavioral health Business Model & Philosophy * Quality over quantity approach to mental health care * Focus on sustainable caseloads and consistent client contact * Navigating insurance requirements while maintaining care standards * For-profit model with sliding scale and pro bono services * The importance of boundaries and client accountability Serving Rural Appalachia * Addressing cultural stigmas around mental health * Creating welcoming, non-clinical physical spaces * Working with community coalitions and health initiatives * Meeting needs in an underserved area with provider shortages Navigating Crisis & Growth * Adopting a medically complex daughter in 2022 * Leading remotely during 8-month hospital stays * Managing team transitions and cultural challenges * The "pruning season" philosophy * Growing from 8 to 11 team members through organizational phases Key Insights * Business growth cycles: infancy, toddlerhood, adolescence, and adulthood * Importance of clarifying mission, vision, and values during hard times * Building the strongest team through intentional culture alignment * The practice of "being where your feet are" for grounding and presence GUEST INFORMATION Miranda Walton Founder & Executive Director, Restorative Pathways Counseling * Website: restorativepathways.com [https://www.restorative-pathways.com/] * Facebook & Instagram: @restorativepathways [https://www.facebook.com/restorativepathwayscounseling] * Location: Zanesville, Ohio MEMORABLE QUOTES "We just think that behavioral health can be done differently than the way it's been done in the past, and that there's a lot of opportunity for change and shift there." "What we're trying to emphasize is quality over quantity." "I cannot say that there were not days that I just wanted to burn it all to ground... But it really challenged me to kind of get deeply rooted in what my vision is and why I am doing this." "Our team is the smallest that it's been in five years, but it is one of the strongest teams that we've ever had." "Be where your feet are... this is where we can make the most change, is where we're actually present." KEY TIMESTAMPS & TOPICS [00:00:00] - Introduction and background [00:01:00] - Why Miranda chose behavioral health over nursing [00:03:00] - The entrepreneurial path to private practice [00:05:00] - Quality vs. quantity in mental health care [00:07:00] - Navigating insurance and business model challenges [00:11:00] - Serving rural Appalachia and cultural barriers [00:15:00] - The two-and-a-half-year crisis period begins [00:16:00] - Adopting a medically complex child while running a business [00:18:00] - Accreditation, billing challenges, and near burnout [00:20:00] - The "pruning season" philosophy [00:22:00] - Current team size and organizational stability [00:24:00] - Business growth phases explained [00:25:00] - Where to find Restorative Pathways Counseling [00:26:00] - Final wisdom: "Be where your feet are"   ABOUT THE ALC CHANGEMAKERS PODCAST The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast, [https://www.jennifersconyers.com/podcasts/alc-changemakers-podcast] hosted by Jennifer Sconyers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sconyers-0776955/], features conversations with social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and community change-makers who are creating positive impact. Each episode explores the real challenges and victories of building mission-driven organizations. Learn more about Abundance Leadership Consulting at jennifersconyers.com [http://jennifersconyers.com]

Episode 12 - Leading Through Change with Agility, Community, and Heart

EPISODE OVERVIEW In this Thanksgiving special episode of the ALC Changemakers Podcast, host Jennifer Sconyers shares the personal journey of founding Abundance Leadership Consulting and how the organization is evolving to meet current challenges facing mission-driven leaders. From organizational change and leadership coaching to nonprofit mergers and acquisitions, discover how ALC is helping communities navigate tough conversations about race, equity, and belonging while taking meaningful action. Listen to the full episode: https://www.jennifersconyers.com/podcasts/alc-changemakers-podcast [https://www.jennifersconyers.com/podcasts/alc-changemakers-podcast] KEY TOPICS COVERED * Leadership and Organizational Change – How to build organizational systems that support real change and equity initiatives * Justice-Centered Leadership – Integrating fairness, belonging, and justice into daily organizational operations * Nonprofit Leadership Challenges – Managing budget cuts, community pressure, and doing more with less * Coaching and Team Interventions – Supporting leaders through difficult conversations about race, class, and identity * Nonprofit Mergers and Acquisitions – Strategic approaches to organizational transitions and mission continuity * Community-Centered Values – Building cultures where relationships and people come first * Organizational Agility – Responding to movement moments and external pressures while staying true to your mission ABOUT JENNIFER SCONYERS & ABUNDANCE LEADERSHIP CONSULTING (ALC) Jennifer Sconyers is the President and Founder of Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC) [https://www.jennifersconyers.com/], an organizational consulting firm specializing in leadership development, equity work, and organizational change. With a passion for justice-centered leadership, Jennifer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sconyers-0776955/] founded ALC after witnessing organizations struggle to move from rhetoric to action on creating real, lasting change. Abundance Leadership Consulting works with mission-driven organizations across the nonprofit, public sector, educational, and small business spaces. ALC partners with organizations committed to improving their communities through: * Leadership Coaching – Supporting executives and managers through equity work and organizational transformation * Team Interventions – Facilitating difficult conversations and resolving value misalignment * Organizational Consulting – Creating systems and structures that support justice, belonging, and community impact * Nonprofit Mission Continuity – Guiding organizations through mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transitions HIGHLIGHTS & TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction & Welcome - Jennifer introduces the ALC Changemakers Podcast and sets the stage for a personal conversation about her entrepreneurial journey and the founding of ALC. [00:01:00] Why Jennifer Started ALC - Jennifer shares her motivation for starting Abundance Leadership Consulting—frustration with organizations that talk about change but lack the tools, systems, and courage to implement it. She explains ALC's mission to be a vehicle for change that combines justice, fairness, and belonging with strategy and action. [00:02:00] Core Values & Client Work - Learn about ALC's foundational values of community, relationships, and people. Hear about the diverse range of mission-driven organizations ALC serves—including environmental groups, legal service organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and advocacy coalitions. [00:03:00] Leadership During Movement Moments - Jennifer discusses how ALC evolved during a period of heightened social and racial justice conversations. She explains the shift from talk to action and introduces ALC's coaching and intervention services for leaders navigating uncomfortable topics. [00:04:00] Human-Centered Organizational Work - Discover how ALC approaches conflict not as something to avoid, but as an opportunity for clarity and healing. Jennifer emphasizes the combination of courage and compassion that guides organizational transformation. [00:05:00] Current Challenges for Mission-Driven Organizations - Jennifer addresses the pressing challenges facing nonprofits and community organizations today—budget cuts, government shutdowns, and the pressure to do more with less while maintaining core values. [00:06:00] ALC Changemakers Membership Program - Learn about the new ALC Changemakers Membership Program, designed for leaders who want ongoing support, training, and community connection. Membership starts at $47/month for inaugural members and includes access to community conversations, training, and networking opportunities. [00:07:00] Nonprofit Mergers & Acquisitions - Through the Fabric Framework Jennifer introduces ALC's strategic move into mission continuity and organizational transitions. She explains the Fabric Framework—a trademark approach to guiding nonprofit mergers and acquisitions through a lens of fairness, accountability, relationships, and inclusion. [00:08:00] Closing & Call to Action - Jennifer wraps up with a reminder of ALC's core mission and invites listeners to learn more about ALC's services, membership program, and organizational transition work. RESOURCES & LINKS ALC SERVICES * Organizational Coaching & Consulting – Leadership development and team interventions for mission-driven organizations * ALC Changemakers Membership Program – Community, training, and development for leaders on a budget * Starting at $47/month for inaugural members * Access to community conversations on emerging leadership topics * Ongoing training and coaching opportunities * Network of mission-driven leaders * Mission Continuity & Organizational Transitions – Strategic guidance for nonprofit mergers, acquisitions, and transitions * The Fabric Framework – Fairness-centered Accountability through Relationships, Inclusion, and Collaboration LEARN MORE * Website: jennifersconyers.com [https://www.jennifersconyers.com/] * Organization: Abundance Leadership Consulting (ALC) Podcast: ALC ChangeMakers Podcast [https://www.jennifersconyers.com/podcasts/alc-changemakers-podcast]

Episode 11 - Empowering Women's Career Development: Inclusive Leadership and Holistic Support with Ayanna Jordan from New Directions Career Center

Join host Jennifer Sconyers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sconyers-0776955/] for an inspiring conversation with Ayanna Jordan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayannajordan/], Assistant Program Director at New Directions Career Center [https://www.newdirectionscc.org/] in Columbus, Ohio. This episode explores women's career development, workplace inclusion, and innovative career coaching strategies that support women of color in today's challenging job market. Learn about holistic career services, inclusive leadership practices, and practical career transition advice from a leading career development expert.   What You'll Learn About Women's Career Development Career Development Strategies: * Holistic approach to career coaching for women * Four core areas of career development: self-assessment, exploration, goal setting, and personal branding * Career transition support for women 55 and older through Mature Works programming * One-on-one career counseling techniques that address individual barriers Workplace Inclusion and Belonging: * How to create inclusive career development programs * The importance of belonging in professional development * Cultural consciousness in career services * Supporting diverse populations in career transitions Women's Employment Challenges: * Addressing the impact of job loss on women of color (300,000+ Black women lost jobs in 2025) * Career support during economic uncertainty * Overcoming employment barriers through comprehensive services * Building financial sustainability and career resilience Guest Expert: Ayanna Jordan Ayanna Jordan serves as Assistant Programs Director at New Directions Career Center, a comprehensive career services organization in Columbus, Ohio. With extensive experience in women's empowerment, workshop facilitation, and professional development, Ayanna specializes in creating inclusive career development programs that meet women where they are in their professional journey. Ayanna's Expertise: * Women's career development and empowerment * Inclusive leadership and workplace belonging * Career counseling and coaching * Program development for diverse populations * Professional development and skill building Key Topics Covered in This Episode 1. Holistic Career Development Approach * Understanding career development beyond job placement * Incorporating personal values and identity into career planning * Creating safe spaces for career exploration and growth * Comprehensive support including career education, counseling, and coaching 2. Workplace Inclusion and Belonging * Why belonging matters in career development * Creating culturally conscious career services * Supporting diverse women in professional settings * Building community and connection through career programs 3. Adapting Career Services for Modern Challenges * Pivoting programs to serve emerging needs * Mature Works: Career development for women 55+ * Responding to current employment statistics and trends * Meeting diverse populations with targeted programming 4. Practical Career Development Programs * Your Employment Success signature course breakdown * LEAD symposium on inclusive leadership * Career counseling and coaching methodologies * Personal branding and self-marketing strategies Featured Programs and Services New Directions Career Center Programs: * Your Employment Success Course - Comprehensive career development program covering self-assessment, exploration, goal setting, and personal branding * Mature Works Initiative - Specialized career services for women 55 and older * LEAD Symposium - Two-day inclusive leadership training program * One-on-One Career Counseling - Personalized support addressing individual career challenges * Career Education and Skill Building - Comprehensive professional development offerings Actionable Career Development Tips From Ayanna Jordan: 1. Practice Self-Compassion: Approach career development with patience and kindness toward yourself 2. Think in Increments: Break down career goals into manageable, time-based steps 3. Focus on Values: Align career decisions with your core personal and professional values 4. Seek Holistic Support: Look beyond job placement to comprehensive career development 5. Embrace Your Journey: Remember that career development is ongoing, regardless of age or stage Career Development Resources * Connect with New Directions Career Center: * Website: newdirectionscc.org * Location: Columbus, Ohio * Services: Career counseling, coaching, education, job search support * Opportunities: Volunteer positions and giving opportunities available Upcoming Events: * Your Employment Success Course (starts October 14th) * LEAD Inclusive Leadership Symposium (October 24th & 31st) * Annual Fundraiser and Woman of Promise Celebration (October 2nd)  Guest Quote Highlights "Belonging is everything. It creates community, it creates connection. It allows for us to be very conscious about our role and what we do for our clients and for each other." - Ayanna Jordan "We want to meet you where you are. There is no judgment. It is a safe space for you to learn, grow, to really tap into what you want personally and professionally." - Ayanna Jordan "Be patient with yourself. Doing things in increments of time with self-compassion, patience, and increments of time—that's always helpful to your pathway to anything that you want to achieve." - Ayanna Jordan Connect with Ayanna!   * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newdirectionscc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/newdirectionscc/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16y6FfB58D/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/16y6FfB58D/] * IG: https://www.instagram.com/newdirectionscc?igsh=MTlsa2IxZW4waGdpaQ== [https://www.instagram.com/newdirectionscc?igsh=MTlsa2IxZW4waGdpaQ==]   About ALC ChangeMakers Podcast The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast [https://www.jennifersconyers.com/podcasts/alc-changemakers-podcast] features conversations with leaders, innovators, and change agents who are making a difference in their communities and industries. Hosted by Jennifer Sconyers [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sconyers-0776955/], each episode explores leadership development, professional growth, and social impact through engaging interviews with experts and practitioners. Subscribe and Connect: Listen to more episodes about leadership development, women's empowerment, career development, and social change. Available on Spotify. Episode Timestamps  * [00:01:00] Introduction to Ayanna Jordan and New Directions Career Center mission * [00:03:00] The importance of belonging and inclusion in career development * [00:05:00] Program adaptations and the Mature Works initiative * [00:08:00] Supporting women of color in challenging employment conditions * [00:10:00] Upcoming programs: Your Employment Success and LEAD symposium * [00:13:00] New Directions culture of relationship and community * [00:15:00] Words of wisdom: self-compassion and incremental progress

Episode 10 - Cheryl Contee on Ethical AI Adoption for Nonprofits: Beyond the "Not Using AI" Myth

Episode Description: Discover why there's no such thing as "not using AI" in 2025 and learn how nonprofits can adopt artificial intelligence ethically and responsibly. Cheryl Contee, co-author of "AI for Nonprofits" and co-founder of Change Agent AI, shares practical strategies for mission-driven organizations navigating the AI revolution. Key Topics Covered: 🤖 AI Reality Check * Why nonprofits are already using AI (classifier AI, predictive analytics, email platforms) * The myth of AI avoidance in modern organizations * How AI has been integrated into everyday tools for 10-15 years 🌍 Environmental Considerations * Addressing environmental concerns about AI energy consumption * Clean energy adoption trends globally (California: 2/3 clean energy, Netherlands: 50%, Saudi Arabia: 100% by 2030) * Sustainable AI alternatives for environmentally conscious organizations 📚 AI for Nonprofits Book Insights * 600-page comprehensive field guide with 57 contributors * Practical how-to approach vs. theoretical frameworks * Table of contents strategy for targeted learning 🛠️ Types of AI for Nonprofits * Classifier AI: Behind-the-scenes personalization and routing * Predictive Analytics: Campaign optimization and audience targeting * Content Development: Draft generation, video editing, presentation creation * Human-in-the-Loop: Maintaining quality and organizational voice ⚡ Practical AI Tools Mentioned * Change Agent AI: Values-aligned alternative to ChatGPT/Claude * Opus AI: Video snippet creation for social media * Pop AI: Automated slide deck generation * Grammarly: Predictive text assistance 💡 Best Practices for Ethical AI Adoption * Maintaining human oversight and quality control * Using AI for augmentation, not replacement * Focusing on tedious, repetitive tasks to free up human creativity * Keeping organizational values and context central Guest Bio: Cheryl Contee is a technology leader and social impact advocate with a unique background combining ethics, politics, economics (Yale University) and hands-on tech experience. As co-author of "AI for Nonprofits" and co-founder of Change Agent AI, she helps mission-driven organizations adopt AI responsibly while maintaining their values and environmental consciousness. Resources Mentioned: * Book: "AI for Nonprofits" by Cheryl Contee and Darien Rodriguez Haman * Website: ai4np.org * Platform: Change Agent AI (change.ai) * Tools: Opus AI, Pop AI, Action Network * Contributors: Beth Cantor, Brian Young (Action Network founder) Key Quotes: "AI's not gonna take your job, but someone who knows how to use AI well is gonna take your job." "There's no not using AI. AI's using you, so why not get into the driver's seat?" "AI is like a really smart intern—it can do a lot of things, but it doesn't have the experience, sophistication, context, meaning, and passion that you have." Episode Timestamps: * [00:00] Introduction and background * [01:00] Cheryl's leadership journey: ethics meets technology * [03:00] The "not using AI" myth debunked * [06:00] Environmental concerns and clean energy solutions * [12:00] Types of AI: classifier, predictive, generative * [16:00] Practical content development tools * [19:00] Human-in-the-loop best practices * [20:00] Book availability and resources Connect with Cheryl Contee: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylcontee [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylcontee] * Website: ai4np.org [ai4np.org] * Company: Change Agent [https://thechange.ai/] Connect with Jennifer Sconyers and Abundance Leadership Consulting, LLC: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abundance-leadership-consulting-llc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/abundance-leadership-consulting-llc/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jennifersconyers5709 [https://www.youtube.com/@jennifersconyers5709] * Website: https://www.jennifersconyers.com/ [https://www.jennifersconyers.com/] #AIForNonprofits #EthicalAI #NonprofitTechnology #DigitalTransformation #SocialImpact #EnvironmentalAI #ResponsibleTech #MissionDriven #ChangeAgent #TechForGood

Episode 9 - SEO for Small Business: Expert Amanda Kern Reveals AI Integration Strategies and 3-Month Success Timeline

About Amanda Kern Amanda Kern is the founder and CEO of Emerald Creative Content, a marketing agency that specializes in search engine optimization (SEO) for small to mid-size businesses. Starting as a copywriter, Amanda discovered her passion for SEO when working with keyword briefs from SEO agencies. She was mentored by a woman-owned SEO agency and combined her creative content skills with technical SEO knowledge to create a unique approach to digital marketing. Key Topics Discussed * The SEO Landscape for Small Businesses * Why SEO is particularly powerful for businesses with limited marketing budgets * The myth that SEO is purely technical and expensive * Building EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) as the foundation of good SEO AI and SEO Integration * Smart, ethical ways to use AI for SEO purposes Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) - optimizing for AI search engines * Using AI for research, ideation, and breaking down complex data * Where to draw the line: avoiding AI for final content creation and original thinking Practical SEO Tips for Beginners * Focus on demonstrating expertise through consistent, original content * Build content clusters around your services or products * Start with one SEO-focused activity per week * Expect to see initial movement at 3 months, business impact at 6 months Business Evolution and Market Changes * How Emerald Creative Content has adapted to AI disruption * Emphasizing the human touch in creative work * Why SEO isn't dead - it's evolving alongside AI tools Actionable Takeaways * Start with EEAT: Focus on showcasing your expertise consistently across all content platforms * Use AI as a Tool; Not a Replacement: Leverage AI for research and ideation, but maintain your original voice and ideas * Be Patient but Consistent: Commit to weekly SEO activities for at least 3-6 months to see results * Think Beyond Google: Optimize for both traditional search engines and AI-powered search tools * Quality Over Quantity: Original, authoritative content will naturally appear in AI search results Timeline for SEO Results * 3 months: Start seeing movement in organic traffic * 6 months: Begin seeing business impact and revenue growth * Long-term: Compound growth as authority builds over time Resources Mentioned * Free SEO Audit: Available through Emerald Creative Content * Strategy: Focus on building content clusters around your expertise * AI Tools: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude for research and ideation Connect with Amanda Kern * Website: emeraldcontent.com [http://www.emeraldcontent.com] * Instagram: @emeraldcreativecontent [https://www.instagram.com/emeraldcontentco/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kern-a96ba2224/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kern-a96ba2224/] * Free SEO Audit: Available via website booking Connect with Jennifer Sconyers and Abundance Leadership Consulting Website: https://www.jennifersconyers.com/ Jennifer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sconyers-0776955/ Abundance Leadership Consulting’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abundance-leadership-consulting-llc About the Host Jennifer Sconyers hosts the ALC Changemakers Podcast, featuring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Both Jennifer and Amanda participated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and are members of the Haven Collective coworking space in Columbus, Ohio. This episode is perfect for small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to understand how SEO and AI can work together to grow their online presence and reach their target audiences more effectively.