Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Joan Garry: Nonprofit Leader and former Executive Director of GLAAD helps fellow CEOs, Boards and Board Chairs, Fundraisers, and Nonprofit Marketers
Episodes
November 22, 2025 • 31 mins
Your budget isn’t just rows on a spreadsheet–it tells a story. I’ll explain how a goals-first budgeting process reduces friction, fuels creativity, and helps everyone in your organization pull in the same direction.
Mark as Played
November 8, 2025 • 46 mins
We say we “know” our neighbors, but do we really talk to them? Army vet and civic entrepreneur Garrett Cathcart joins Joan to share a hopeful, doable model for bringing people together across differences. If you’ve been craving belonging (and a practical path forward), this episode will give you tools and hope.
Mark as Played
October 25, 2025 • 50 mins
Erica Fortescue joins Glennda to debunk the myth that ADHD is a flaw at work. With simple, brain-based tools and strategies nonprofit leaders can turn friction into flow and build high-functioning, neuroinclusive teams.
Mark as Played
October 11, 2025 • 39 mins
People-powered fundraising isn't rocket-science, but it does take intention, bandwidth, and smart systems. Listen in as Vivian Chang shares how your grassroots, small-donor dollars can stabilize your revenue, build ambassadors for your organization, and align your funding with your mission.
Mark as Played
September 27, 2025 • 51 mins
AI can feel overwhelming until you make it practical. Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Cheryle Contee join me to discuss their new tactical field guide, AI for Nonprofits. Discover how your organization can adopt AI responsibly and free your staff to do more human work.
Mark as Played
September 13, 2025 • 25 mins
Too many Development Directors feel like failures if they don't hit their revenue numbers — even when circumstances are beyond their control. In this episode, I explore why this mindset is harmful and what nonprofits can do to redefine success.
Mark as Played
August 30, 2025 • 48 mins
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are booming—but most nonprofit leaders still find them confusing or inaccessible. In this episode, Mitch Stein from Chariot joins Glennda Testone to bust common myths, explain how DAFs work, and share how both donors and nonprofits can make the most of them.
Mark as Played
Succession planning gets treated like a worst-case scenario when it should be a regular part of nonprofit leadership. In this episode, Glennda and I get candid about our own transitions—and what we wish we’d known sooner.
Mark as Played
August 2, 2025 • 44 mins
Whiplash. That’s how it feels to lead a nonprofit right now. Executive coach, Alex Love and Glennda Testone explore how leaders can stay grounded, care for their teams, and hold onto their mission through constant change.
Mark as Played
July 19, 2025 • 36 mins
In a time when many nonprofits fear losing that very status, we are celebrating wins as a reminder that progress and possibility still exist. Glennda Testone and I share the stories and sparks that are refueling our own leadership and hopefully, yours too.
Mark as Played
June 21, 2025 • 55 mins
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.
Mark as Played
June 7, 2025 • 49 mins
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.
Mark as Played
May 24, 2025 • 26 mins
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.
Mark as Played
May 10, 2025 • 42 mins
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.
Mark as Played
April 26, 2025 • 45 mins
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.
Mark as Played
April 12, 2025 • 49 mins
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.
Mark as Played
March 29, 2025 • 48 mins
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.
Mark as Played
March 15, 2025 • 47 mins
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.
Mark as Played
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.
Mark as Played
February 15, 2025 • 60 mins
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.
Mark as Played
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