Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

322: How Can You Make Your Nonprofit’s Message Stick? (Salvatore Manzi)SUMMARYSpecial 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.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, 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 SALVATORESalvatore 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 by The Moth, et al. Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

321: How to be an Adaptive Leader in Turbulent Times (Theo Ellington & Genevieve Leighton-Armah)SUMMARYSpecial thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more at 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, Genevieve Leighton-Armah and Theo Ellington share how Black Citizen 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 THEOTheo 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 GENEVIEVEGenevieve Leighton-Armah 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 by Dr. Shawn GinwrightWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadershipLooking for your next leadership opportunity?  Check out our partners Armstrong McGuire

In this engaging conversation, nonprofit strategist Rebecca White, known for her expertise in actionable strategic planning, shares insights on transforming static plans into impactful actions. She discusses her four-step approach: auditing existing plans, defining decision filters, aligning capacities with goals, and ensuring weekly accountability. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of avoiding burnout through realistic planning and introduces tools like the capacity calendar and strategy-to-action funnel, designed to make nonprofit planning both grounded and effective.

319: Become Fireproof: Negotiate Your Salary, Severance & Sanity (Sean Kosofsky)SUMMARYSpecial 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.Are you protecting yourself as well as your nonprofit’s mission? In episode #319 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit leader and consultant Sean Kosofsky breaks down the critical, but too often overlooked, topics of executive compensation, board accountability, and employment protection. Drawing from decades of experience across advocacy, political campaigns, and executive leadership, he offers a no-nonsense approach to overcoming the sector’s toxic “poverty mindset.” Kosofsky lays out practical steps nonprofit leaders can take to negotiate fair compensation, demand severance protections, and rebalance the power dynamics between boards and executives. You’ll learn how to implement board agreements, hold board members accountable, and use contracts to ensure job security, all without compromising your mission. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a first-time ED, this conversation provides the tools you need to lead with confidence, clarity, and sustainability.ABOUT SEANSean Kosofsky is the Nonprofit Fixer! He is a coach, consultant, trainer, speaker, author, and strategic advisor. For the past 33+ years, he has helped causes, campaigns and candidates raise millions of dollars and transformed nonprofit organizations and leaders. He has served in a wide variety of roles in nonprofits, including policy, communications, development, grassroots organizing, direct service, board leadership, and executive director. He has worked on a wide range of issues, including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. His work has been covered in media outlets internationally and he has received many awards and recognitions from the sector. His work and advice has been featured by AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, TechSoup, and more. He is an author and the owner of Mind the Gap Consulting. Sean is a proud Detroit native but lives with his husband and dog in New York City.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESThe Prosperous Coach by Steve Chandler and Rich LitvinWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

318: AI for Nonprofit Leaders – Beyond the Hype (Andrew Gossen & Stamie Despo)SUMMARYSpecial thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.How can nonprofit leaders cut through the noise and start using AI to strengthen relationships, increase efficiency, and stay mission-driven? AI is reshaping how nonprofits engage donors, manage data, and build relationships. In episode #318 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit marketing and fundraising experts Andrew Gossen and Stamie Despo share why nonprofit leaders can’t afford to ignore AI.ABOUT ANDREWAndrew is executive director for communications, marketing, and participation at Cornell University's Division of Alumni Affairs and Development. Since joining Cornell in 2010, he has integrated emerging digital technologies, including social media and crowdfunding, into the division’s strategy. Previously, he spent eight years in various roles at the Alumni Association of Princeton University. Gossen focuses on using digital tools to build audiences and mobilize support for causes and organizations. A frequent speaker to domestic and international audiences, he has served on the CASE Commission on Alumni Relations, co-chaired the CASE Joint Commission Task Force on Social Media, and received a CASE Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton and a doctorate in social anthropology from Harvard.ABOUT STAMIEStamie brings over 20 years of experience in philanthropy to Cornell University. Previously she served as the Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for the greater Charlotte, NC, area. Stamie was a 2019 honoree for the Charlotte Athena Leadership Award for Service. Her focus in philanthropy is engaging donors in a meaningful and authentic way, creating a culture of philanthropy, building relationships and providing strategic leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics, Cum Laude, from Smith College, a Masters in Teaching degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Monmouth University, a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Duke University, and an Event Planning Certificate from UNC Charlotte.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESYour Path to Nonprofit Leadership is FeedSpot’s #1 podcast in Philanthropy!The Filter Bubble by Eli Pariser and AI for Good by Gaius ChinanuDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership LensWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell

317: Crisis-Proof Your Leadership (Mary Kelly)SUMMARYSpecial thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.Why do so many nonprofit leaders feel unprepared when crisis strikes and what can they do today to ensure they’re ready to lead with confidence when it inevitably does? In episode 317 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Mary Kelly offers a masterclass in crisis-ready leadership for nonprofit executives. Drawing from her 25-year naval career and deep experience with mission-driven organizations, she unpacks how to prepare for the inevitable disruptions that challenge even the strongest leaders. She introduces the PIVOT model—Purpose, Influence, Volatility, Opportunity, and Tools—as a practical framework for guiding your team through uncertainty. Learn how to balance emotional resilience with decisive action, how to keep teams focused during volatility, and why preparation, not panic, is the true hallmark of great leadership. Mary also shares productivity tools and planning habits to strengthen daily performance and long-term strategy. This is an essential listen for nonprofit leaders seeking to crisis-proof their organizations while building trust, clarity, and confidence.ABOUT MARYMary Kelly is a leadership expert and Hall of Fame speaker who helps leaders and teams navigate crises, challenges, and change with clarity and confidence. A retired Navy Commander with a PhD in economics, she brings 21 years of military service and decades of teaching and consulting experience to her work. Mary is the author of 15 books, including How to Lead Yourself and Your Teams Through Crises and FutureNomics. She delivers keynotes, trainings, and coaching that improve leadership, boost productivity, and drive profit growth. Based in Denver, Dallas, and Nashville, she’s also a board member, dog mom, wine enthusiast, and lover of all things strategy. Access her tools at www.ProductiveLeaders.com/free-resources.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES The Competent Leader by Peter Stark Want to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

316: Building a Mission-Driven Nonprofit That Pays the Bills (Maggie Kane)SUMMARYSpecial 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.How do you stay true to your mission while keeping the lights on? In episode 316 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we dive into that question and others with Maggie Kane, who shares the story behind A Place at the Table, a nonprofit café in Raleigh, NC, where good food and community go hand in hand through a pay-what-you-can model. You’ll hear candid lessons about sustaining a powerful mission with sound financial strategy, balancing fundraising, revenue generation, and creative pivots when the economy shifts. From developing a board from hands-on to strategic, to hiring for mission alignment, to introducing catering and curbside services, this conversation offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders navigating growth. It’s a masterclass in inclusive leadership, strategic planning, and building a culture where staff, volunteers, and diners feel seen, heard, and valued.ABOUT MAGGIEMaggie is the Founder and Executive Director of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe. She graduated from NC State University in 2013 and began working for a nonprofit with people experiencing homelessness. By befriending many people living on the margins, she saw the challenges of food insecurity as well as providing dignity to those in need. In February 2015, A Place at the Table was born and Maggie never looked back. Opening in January 2018, Table has served thousands of people in Raleigh with a dignified and an affordable meal, together. Maggie has a heart to serve, a desire to always be inclusive, and a passion for loving people. She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains, and all things sunflowers.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Maggie’s book: Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Dr. Vivek Murthy Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership

315: Lessons Nonprofit Leaders Can Teach the Business World (Nick Grono)SUMMARYSpecial 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.Let’s flip the usual script! Rather than learning from business practices, what if the business world learned from you? In episode #315 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Nick Grono shares powerful insights on why purpose-driven leadership is nonprofits' greatest strength, and why corporations are striving to replicate it. Drawing from his work leading the Freedom Fund, he explores how nonprofit leaders master the art of stakeholder balance, measure complex impact, foster true collaboration without competition, and build resilient, mission-aligned teams. Nick offers candid advice on strategic planning, board relationships, fundraising with authenticity, and navigating tough leadership decisions. Grounded in optimism and hard-won experience, this conversation reminds nonprofit leaders of the transformational role they play, and how the world needs their example now more than ever.ABOUT NICKNick Grono is an Australian human rights campaigner and author. His book “How to Lead Nonprofits” was published in July 2024. Nick has been the CEO of the Freedom Fund, a collaborative fund dedicated to ending modern slavery and human trafficking around the world, since its founding in 2014. He has twenty years of leadership experience of US and international nonprofits, and another decade working in corporate law, government, and investment banking. He was CEO of the Walk Free Foundation, Deputy President of the International Crisis Group, and Chief of Staff and National Security Adviser to the Australian Attorney-General. He is a member of the advisory council of Global Witness. Nick has briefed the United Nations Security Council and testified before parliamentary committees in the UK, Australia and the Netherlands. He has appeared on national and international tv and radio shows, and written for international publications including the New York Times, The Guardian and the Stanford Social Innovation Review. EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireJames: A Novel by Percival Everett Have you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens newsletter!

314: It’s Time to Rethink How Your Nonprofit Does Marketing (Lou Kotsinis)SUMMARYSpecial 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.Many nonprofits treat marketing as a luxury or an afterthought, but doing so limits their impact. In episode #314 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, digital strategist Lou Kotsinis challenges nonprofit leaders to rethink their approach, emphasizing that marketing must be mission-critical, not secondary. Lou breaks down why an authentic story, a strong digital presence, and consistent audience engagement are essential for growth. He shares how to simplify data tracking, leverage free tools like Google Analytics, and start using AI platforms to better understand and expand reach. For organizations with tight budgets, Lou offers practical tips to build momentum without needing massive resources. If you want to increase awareness, grow fundraising success, and fulfill your mission more effectively, it’s time to rethink not just how you market, but how you prioritize marketing across your organization.ABOUT LOULou Kotsinis is CEO and Co-Founder of BCS Interactive, a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on the nonprofit and educational communities. Since co-founding BCS in 2011, Lou leads a team of designers, technologists, and strategists that have helped organizations such as The World Childhood Foundation, The Seeing Eye and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories, showcase their impact, and grow their causes. Prior to co-founding BCS Interactive, Lou was marketing manager at Time Warner Trade Publishing, the book-publishing arm of Time Warner. Lou graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a B.A. in English and History. His interests include hiking, reading, and practicing yoga. He’s deeply passionate about political reform and pro-democracy efforts and is an advocate of initiatives such as FairVote and the Institute for Political Innovation.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireAtomic Habits by James ClearHave you gotten Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadershipWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell

313: What They Don’t Tell You About Being a Nonprofit Leader (Kevin Dean)SUMMARYSpecial thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.What happens when your first day as an executive director ends in tears - and your second day requires laying off most of the staff? In episode #313 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Kevin Dean shares the raw truths about the loneliness, imposter syndrome, and burnout that often accompany nonprofit leadership. From leading a turnaround at Literacy Mid-South to scaling the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, Kevin reveals how he built his support system, learned to fundraise as an introvert, and developed a long-term career plan grounded in both lived experience and education. He offers hard-won lessons on board engagement, strategic risk-taking, and authentic mentorship - urging seasoned leaders to guide the next generation. A must-listen for navigating the highs and lows of leadership in the nonprofit sector.ABOUT KEVINKevin Dean is President & CEO of the Tennessee Nonprofit Network and a nationally recognized leader in nonprofit capacity building. His previous roles include Executive Director of Literacy Mid-South, Director of Development at Hope House, and Community Services Director at Volunteer Memphis. He holds a BA in Communications from the University of Memphis, an MA in Executive Leadership from Christian Brothers University, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Learning from Vanderbilt University. A licensed Standards for Excellence consultant and BoardSource-certified in board education, Kevin has earned numerous honors, including Memphis’ Top 40 Under 40, the ProLiteracy Award for Community-Based Adult Literacy, and Memphis Magazine’s CEO of the Year. He currently serves on the National Council of Nonprofits board and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Development Advisory Council.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to www.delphi.ai/pattonmcdowellStart with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon SinekHave you gotten Patton’s book? Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – also available on AudibleDon’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership