Transforming Not-for-Profit Governance: From Boardroom Innovation to Sustainable Impact

Join host John Kundtz, a veteran with over 35 years of nonprofit board experience, as he shares invaluable insights from his journey in transforming nonprofit governance.

Drawing from his extensive experience serving on multiple boards and his latest book, "The Board Builder's Blueprint," John reveals the essential elements of building and maintaining high-performance nonprofit boards.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover why passion is paramount in board recruitment and how to identify truly committed board members
• Learn strategies for cultivating a collaborative board culture that drives mission success
• Understand the importance of continuous learning and development in board leadership
• Explore how to transform your board from a compliance body into a driving force for innovation

Episode Highlights:

• John's journey from IBM executive to nonprofit board leader
• Lessons learned from serving on diverse boards, including Cleveland Sight Center, Fieldstone Farm, and Boy Scouts of America
• Practical insights on building sustainable, mission-driven board cultures
• Strategies for recruiting and retaining passionate board members
• The importance of long-term commitment and continuous learning in board leadership

Featured Resource:

The Board Builder's Blueprint: A Strategic Guide to Creating Exceptional Nonprofit Leadership - Now available on Amazon

This book is perfect for board members, chairs, executive directors, and aspiring nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their organization's governance and impact.

Get Connected:

Connect with John Kundtz on LinkedIn

This episode is part of The Disruptor Podcast's new Board Room Bound series, focusing on innovative nonprofit leadership and governance approaches.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Crafting Expertise in Not-for-Profit Governance.
Welcome back to Boardroom Bound, a special sub-series here on
the Disruptor Podcast.
I'm your host, john Kuntz, andI've spent over 35 years
immersed in the world ofnot-for-profit boards immersed

(00:27):
in the world of not-for-profitboards.
Today we're diving deep into atopic close to my heart crafting
expertise in not-for-profitgovernance.
My journey in this field beganin the corporate world at IBM, a
company that instilled thevalues of community service and
volunteering into its employees.
These early experiences pavedthe way for my extensive
involvement in non-for-profitgovernments.

(00:47):
From my first board position atthe Cleveland Site Center in
1995, to serving on multipleboards like Fieldstone Farm,
three Corner Round and the BoyScouts of America, to my current
role as president of the boardof the Horses and Humans
Research Foundation, I've gainedfirsthand insights into the
complexities, the nuances, ofeffective governance.

(01:08):
So much so that I have writtentwo books.
The most recent is called theBoard Builder's Blueprint, a
strategic guide to creatingexceptional not-for-profit
leadership.
In this book I talk about threekey takeaways for any new board
president.
Number one passion is paramount.

(01:31):
Building a high-performanceboard starts with recruiting
genuinely passionate individualsabout your organization's
mission.
It's not just about fillingseats, it's about finding
dedicated champions to yourcause.
Two cultivate a culture ofcollaboration.
Foster an environment whereopen communication,

(01:52):
collaboration and a sharedvision thrive.
A mission-driven board cultureis essential for a success.
Three commitment to continuouslearning.
The journey of not-for-profitgovernance is one of continuous
learning and development.
Stay engaged, seek growthopportunities and never stop

(02:12):
refining your leadership skills.
Remember, a high-performanceboard isn't just a compliance
body.
It's a driving force forinnovation, growth and
sustainable impact.
By investing in your board'sdevelopment, you're investing in
the future of your organizationand the community you serve.
I encourage you to reflect onyour own board structure and

(02:36):
dynamics.
Are you fostering a culture ofpassion, collaboration,
continuous learning?
If not, it's time to disruptthe status quo and embrace a new
approach to governance.
Thank you for joining me on thisepisode of Boardroom Bound.
Remember, your journey as anot-for-profit leader is an
ongoing one.
Embrace the challenges,celebrate the successes and

(02:58):
never lose sight of your mission.
Remember, this podcast isdesigned to spark conversation
and provide actionable insights.
Share this episode with yourfellow.
Remember this podcast isdesigned to spark conversation
and provide actionable insights.
Share this episode with yourfellow board members, executive
directors or anyone elsepassionate about not-for-profit
leaderships.
Let's build a stronger,impactful not-for-profit sector.
And, of course, you can alwaysreach out on LinkedIn or you can

(03:22):
buy my book on Amazon.
I'll include the links in theshow notes.
Stay tuned for more insightsand inspiration on the Disruptor
podcast.
Until next time, keepdisrupting.
Thanks again for listening.
Have a great day.