We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits 684. The Courage to Disappoint: Trust-Based Leadership for Nonprofits - Glennda Testone
What does it really take to lead with courage in the nonprofit sector—especially when growth, complexity, and crisis collide?
In this powerful conversation, Jon and Becky sit down with Glennda Testone, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and co-host of Nonprofits Are Messy, to explore what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, and heart. With more than 14 years as Executive Director of New York City’s LGBT Community Center—where she tripled the budget, led a $9M capital campaign, and guided the organization through transformational change—Glennda brings lived experience and hard-earned wisdom to the mic.
Together, they unpack:
- How trust is built through transparency, vulnerability, and doing what you say you’ll do
- Why accountability isn’t about fear management—but about strengthening mission and relationships
- The mindset shift from “trying not to disappoint anyone” to deciding who you’re willing to disappoint
- Practical tools for prioritizing when everything feels urgent
- The power of community—and why going it alone is a leadership trap
If you’re navigating growth, wrestling with hard decisions, or feeling the weight of leadership, this episode is a reminder: you don’t have to do this alone. Trust is the work. Community is everything. And sometimes the most meaningful wins come from getting it right according to the right people.
Episode Highlights:
- Glennda’s origin story and path to nonprofit leadership (2:41)
- Leading through growth, complexity, and making mistakes (6:27)
- Building trust and centering justice and connection (10:59)
- Reframing accountability to build trust (16:58)
- How to prioritize when everything feels urgent (21:23)
- Learning to say no and let go of people-pleasing (25:47)
- A powerful moment of philanthropy in Glennda's career (28:15)
- Playing the long game in fundraising relationships (32:31)
- One Good Thing: Don’t go it alone in leadership (34:43)
Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/684
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