THRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next Normal

Ever wondered how to transform grand strategic visions into concrete tasks for your team? Or how a strategic plan should play a part in the day-to-day?

The hard part isn’t setting these objectives (okay, maybe a little). It’s in the journey from idea to implementation and not getting lost along the way.

In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah get into the details of a workshop sequence designed to bridge the gap between strategy and action. This workshop ensures lofty goals don't remain just on paper. It promotes co-creation, ensures team collaboration, and most importantly, translates visions into actionable tasks.

It isn't just about tasks and tactics, though. Sarah and Tucker take a holistic approach, emphasizing:

• The interconnected nature of goals and the need for frequent communication, ensuring clarity and minimizing redundancy.
• Overcoming the human tendency to silo tasks and the importance of collective reflection.
• The thrill of discovering untapped energy sources within the team that can foster excitement and motivation for everyone.

With the combination of special resources and templates and the focus on transparency, inclusivity, and breaking down silos, this workshop is a game-changer for teams looking to breathe life into their strategies.

Join Sarah and Tucker on this episode of THRIVERS to gain insight into how strategy can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily tasks, with every team member feeling valued, involved, and clear about their role.

Listener Links/Resources:

Visitor link to our detailed agenda - https://app.sessionlab.com/sessions/KoMv5r/?t=NKtjAl1GW_jY_Sce-h4EGA

Easy Retro Board template - https://easyretro.io/publicboard/bN5nMqb1ZuORY1YvkPOcC7ScC6L2/85690111-e81e-4a20-8e72-926ce3898b9d

Looking for ways to increase your impact in your communities and causes?
We've created a modular series of workshops focused on creating impact from the inside out. Explore details and schedule a discovery session at thriveimpact.org/insideout

"How do I steer my nonprofit through the uncertainty?"

Nonprofit leadership often resembles navigating through uncharted territories. With shifting power dynamics, potential declines in philanthropy, and a persistent undercurrent of uncertainty, leaders grapple with a myriad of challenges while striving to keep their mission afloat.

In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker Wannamaker engages in a candid conversation with Nisha Anand, an activist, mom of two, and CEO of Dream.Org. They unravel the multifaceted nature of nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the power of authenticity, reflective practices, and collaborative decision-making.

In their conversation, they uncover a wealth of insights for fellow nonprofit leaders:

• Grappling with the complex power dynamics with funders, Nisha highlights the significance of authenticity and clear communication in sustaining and nurturing these relationships.
• Reflecting on her personal practices, Nisha underscores the potency of daily reflective journaling, which offers a grounding respite amidst the chaos, enabling decisive and empathetic leadership.
• Acknowledging the loneliness inherent in leadership, Nisha stresses the value of fostering a community of supportive peers to share experiences, insights, and challenges.

They explore the ripple effects of leadership decisions on the staff, highlighting the delicate balance between firmness and empathy that underpins effective leadership. Throughout the discussion, they offer practical steps that nonprofit leaders can take to tackle challenges head-on.

Join in on this engaging discussion as Nisha shares her journey through the labyrinth of nonprofit leadership. Her experiences and insights shed light on the tools and mindset required to navigate the uncertainties and foster a thriving, mission-focused organization.

Listener Links/Resources:

Nisha's Weekly Schedule Planner Print Out

Looking for ways to increase your impact in your communities and causes?
We've created a modular series of workshops focused on creating impact from the inside out. Explore details and schedule a discovery session at thriveimpact.org/insideout

The demands of leadership in the nonprofit sector are overwhelming right now.

The need to scale, serve, and make real impact can all too easily lead to neglecting personal wellbeing.

Oftentimes we seem to be faced with the difficult decision of choosing between investing in program development or investing in our staff.

It’s time to consider the powerful shift that occurs when your staff becomes a central part of your transformative journey.

In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker, Sarah, and their guest Jason Janz, the co-founder of the nonprofit organization CrossPurpose, propose a bold shift in focus — investing more in leaders and less in programs.

Throughout the discussion, they explore the profound impact this shift can have on the health of an organization and the potential for transformational outcomes.

They delve into the idea of nurturing a leadership team that embodies the transformative values of an organization and prioritizes their own growth and development as a path to achieving greater impact.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

• The significance of letting go of a scarcity mindset that inhibits investment in leadership growth
• Recognizing the potential that lies in prioritizing your leaders over expanding program activities
• Challenging the conventional wisdom with a radical idea: "Your staff matters more than those you serve"
• Realizing the power of orienting your team towards your transformative outcome, rather than being consumed by everyday activities
• The profound impact of personal transformation on your leadership style and overall team dynamics

Join us for this insightful episode as we navigate the challenging but rewarding landscape of transformative leadership in the nonprofit sector.

Looking for ways to increase your impact in your communities and causes?
We've created a modular series of workshops focused on creating impact from the inside out. Explore details and schedule a discovery session at thriveimpact.org/insideout

Having difficult conversations feels like walking a tightrope. Balancing between saying too much and not saying enough. Worried that saying the wrong thing can cause everything to come tumbling down or create even bigger problems.

Sarah and Tucker broach this exact topic with youth development and training experts Tabitha May-Tolub and Janai Smith and explore the art of meaningful dialogue. It's a conversation about conversations—the ones that challenge us, push our boundaries, and ultimately lead to greater understanding and growth.

Throughout this discussion, our guests share their insights on how recognizing and valuing different perspectives can transform potential conflicts into pathways of mutual growth. They discuss the significance of creating regular spaces and structures for tough talks, emphasizing the role of active listening and empathy. Their conversation sheds light on the necessity of balancing authenticity with sensitivity in communication, and the impact of establishing and maintaining cultural norms for effective conversation within organizations.

Difficult conversations, though daunting, can lead to profound personal growth and stronger team connections. For impact-driven leaders, cultivating the skills to facilitate these talks is a necessity. It's about more than getting through a tough chat; it's about fostering an environment where every voice is valued and every perspective can contribute to collective success.

Tune in and arm yourself with the knowledge to transform every challenging conversation into a step towards personal growth and stronger, more connected teams.

Looking for ways to increase your impact in your communities and causes?
We've created a modular series of workshops focused on creating impact from the inside out. Explore details and schedule a discovery session at thriveimpact.org/insideout

How can you ensure your nonprofit is genuinely creating positive change rather than unintentionally causing harm?

Nonprofit leaders should aim to “do no harm”, and evaluating programs is a crucial step in ensuring that nonprofits are making a positive impact instead of causing unintended negative consequences.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to evaluate your programs effectively, especially with limited resources and expertise.

It's time to shift from charity to change.

In our latest episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah dive deep into the challenges of evaluation and how to overcome them. They discuss the importance of understanding the pains of evaluation, such as:

• The lack of proper training in conducting evaluations
• Balancing necessary resources
• Making evaluations accessible for community-based nonprofits
• Aligning good intentions with good science

They also highlight the importance of avoiding common pitfalls in program evaluation:

• It's essential not to expand programs without evaluating the existing ones, and
• Always resist generalizing impact from one segment to another (e.g., assuming success with high schoolers translates to middle schoolers).

Join us for an insightful discussion on overcoming evaluation challenges and embracing practical advice on how to transform your nonprofit's approach to evaluation.

Looking for ways to increase your impact in your communities and causes?
We've created a modular series of workshops focused on creating impact from the inside out. Explore details and schedule a discovery session at thriveimpact.org/insideout