The Nonprofit Leadership Oasis
The Nonprofit Leadership Oasis podcast helps overloaded nonprofit executives find relief by discovering strategies for optimizing operations, fine-tuning their leadership style, and exploring methods of self-care. Enjoy interviews with industry experts, as well as solo episodes with host Jill Fowler, who share transformative insights and practical tips that can be immediately implemented. Join us and receive actionable guidance to increase your organization's effectiveness, refine your leadership style, and create balance; all while allowing you to reclaim control of your precious time. It's not a mirage--you CAN bring peace of mind back to your work. Find sanctuary at The Nonprofit Leadership Oasis.
Episodes
This episode explores three powerful questions every nonprofit leader should regularly ask to stay focused, intentional, and effective. Instead of getting caught up in external pressures, it shifts the spotlight to personal leadership, including how you show up, how you listen, and how you support others’ growth. These questions can serve as a simple but strong check-in to guide your leadership in a more authentic and impactful dir...
What if your greatest impact as a leader isn’t in directing others — but in coaching them? In this episode, we'll explore how leaders can embrace coaching competencies to build trust, create awareness, and foster real growth within their teams. From active listening to facilitating development, you'll gain practical tools to engage your team more deeply and help them thrive.
Connect with host Jill Fowler on LinkedIn.
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As a nonprofit leader, you’ve likely faced the challenge of well-meaning board members drifting into operational territory. In this episode, we’ll explore the fine line between governance and management and what to do when that line gets blurred. From clarifying roles and strengthening relationships to setting boundaries and leaning on your policies, you’ll walk away with practical tools to navigate board scope creep with professio...
Join us as we tackle one of the most common challenges in nonprofit leadership: keeping board meetings engaging, purposeful, and productive. We’ll share practical strategies to help you rethink how your board comes together, creating space for meaningful dialogue, stronger decision-making, and a renewed connection to your mission. Whether you're leading the meeting or just trying to survive it, this episode will leave you feel...
Values aren't just words on a page, they're the heartbeat of your organization's culture. In this episode, we'll explore practical, creative ways to bring your nonprofit’s core values to life every single day.
Connect with host Jill Fowler on LinkedIn.
This episode was brought to you by Songbird Leadership -- Amplify your organization's mission through outcome-based executive coaching, strategic pl...
Making difficult decisions is part of the job as a nonprofit leader, but that doesn’t make it any less lonely, stressful, or heavy. In this episode, we dive into what it really feels like to carry the responsibility of big choices that affect your team, your mission, and your community, and share some tools for making those tough decisions a little easier.
At the end of the day, there may not be a perfect answer, but there is a thou...
We're honoring self-care needs and taking the week off. See you next time!
Connect with host Jill Fowler on LinkedIn.
This episode was brought to you by Songbird Leadership -- Amplify your organization's mission through outcome-based executive coaching, strategic planning, and capacity building.
Can your board members passionately articulate your organization's mission in the community? Do they readily embrace their fundraising role? Are they present and actively participating in board and committee meetings?
In this first episode in a series on board relations, we’re going to discuss five quick, concrete ideas you can implement in relatively short order to help improve your board’s level of engagement.
How do you properly prepare yourself to truly lead during a time of crisis? In this episode, we cover three types of crises and share tips on how to respond.
Connect with host Jill Fowler on LinkedIn.
This episode was brought to you by Songbird Leadership -- Amplify your organization's mission through outcome-based executive coaching, strategic planning, and capacity building.
Good gut health is valuable for everyone, but it’s especially important if you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. Maintaining your gut is a key component of self-care, as it improves mood and mental health, boosts energy levels, and supports brain and immune system function – all of which are vital for you to be at your best.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Pub Med
- InsightTimer
- Harvard Health<...
A common mindset in the nonprofit sector is that of scarcity. Meaning, there is a preoccupation with a perceived lack of resources. When you focus on limitations, it hinders your success and your organization’s effectiveness. So, if you’re finding yourself in a place of limiting beliefs, here's how you can overcome it.
Connect with host Jill Fowler on LinkedIn.
This episode was brought to you by Songbird Leadership --...
Are you a toxic leader?
On this episode, we'll discuss the common characteristics of a toxic leader and what to do if you have some toxic tendencies in need of attention.
Website mentioned in this episode: NAMI.org
Connect with host Jill Fowler on LinkedIn.
This episode was brought to you by Songbird Leadership -- Amplify your organization's mission through outcome-based executive coaching, st...
“I just want people to like me.” I hear this from time to time from my executive coaching clients, and it makes sense. When you're a well-liked leader, it's easier to inspire and guide your team toward a common goal.
A likable leader possesses a unique blend of qualities that endear them to their team. On this episode, we discuss how can you cultivate them to become a more effective and influential leader.
Nonprofit leaders have a significant, ever-changing workload, lots of personal and professional commitments, and the weight of their organization on their shoulders. Understandably, time is scarce and the need for streamlined productivity is heightened.
On this episode, we'll share a few time management techniques that can help drive your productivity, including:
- Pomodoro Method
- Eisenhower Matrix
- Time Blocking
We're back with more leadership blunders! In this episode, learn from my leadership mistakes so you don't repeat them.
Connect with host Jill Fowler on LinkedIn.
This episode was brought to you by Songbird Leadership -- Amplify your organization's mission through outcome-based executive coaching, strategic planning, and capacity building.
Do you find it challenging to create or honor your boundaries? If so, you're not alone. Self-sacrifice runs rampant in the nonprofit sector and it can be hard to stick to your boundaries when someone is in need. This behavior leads to burnout and it's not really helpful to anyone in the long run. Join us and learn to reduce stress, enhance productivity, and improve your overall well-being by maintaining healthy boundaries...
Drama not only sucks up your time, but also saps your energy and weakens your organization. And, sadly, it's often tolerated because you're too overwhelmed to address it. Today's episode offers tips for stopping or avoiding drama once and for all so you and your team can focus all of your energy on what's truly important.
Connect with host Jill Fowler on LinkedIn.
This episode was brought to you by Song...
Ah, technology. Sometimes, it provides an amazing solution, but it can also be a significant challenge, especially in the nonprofit space.
On today's episode, we're joined by Gayle Boyer of Gayle Boyer & Associates who helps us identify when technology can be helpful and how to proceed when it's not.
Nonprofit-specific technology resources Gayle mentioned:
- TechSoup
- Tech Impact
-...
One of the biggest time sucks in your day is meetings. People in the nonprofit sector love meetings, but is your time being used as effectively as possible? On today’s episode, I share some quick ideas to help you streamline meetings, focus your attention, and accomplish more while saving time.
Topics include:
- The basic components of a successful meeting
- Standing meetings
- Timed agendas
- The talking s...
If you’re feeling overloaded, one surefire way to alleviate some pain is to say no. It sounds so simple – No. Unfortunately, many people have difficulty saying that little word. If you’re one of them, you’re in the right place.
In today's episode, we explore why people are challenged in saying no, steps to take to feel more comfortable saying it, and questions to ask yourself before saying yes.
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