In this episode, we take a closer look at the role of the Executive Director — one of the most demanding and often most isolating positions in the nonprofit world. Drawing from lived experience and the work we do alongside leaders, we unpack the real weight this role carries day-to-day.We talk about the tension of sitting between board and team, the pressure of carrying fundraising responsibility, and the reality that many leaders step into this role without formal training in strategy, fundraising, or operations. It’s a role driven by passion for the mission — but sustained by growth, support, and intentional leadership development.We also explore what actually helps: mentorship, community, and a willingness to stay coachable. From learning how to delegate with empowerment (not just offloading tasks), to navigating shifting leadership styles in a more collaborative and human-centered world, this conversation is about becoming the kind of leader your organization needs as it grows.If you’re an Executive Director — or supporting one — this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to carry it alone. There is a better way to lead: one that is supported, relational, and built for the long term.Visit kaci.io to learn more or connect with us.

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In this episode, we talk with our most recent leadership team member, Gustavo Santos, and spend some time talking about what it really takes to grow well as a nonprofit.We explore three common challenges we see as organizations scale: leadership strain, systems that lag behind growth, and the human realities of staffing, culture, and capacity. Drawing on real experiences from our own team and our work alongside nonprofits, we talk about why these moments aren’t signs of failure — they’re signals that it’s time to pause, reflect, and build support.Using gardening metaphors (yes, including tomatoes), we unpack why pruning, pacing, and strong structures are essential for sustainable impact. Growth doesn’t have to mean burnout or chaos — it can be thoughtful, healthy, and life-giving.If you’re feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or unsure whether your organization is growing in the right way, this conversation is for you. These challenges are normal, solvable, and often full of possibility — and we’d love to walk alongside you as you navigate them.Visit kaci.io to learn more or book a call with us. Let’s build something sustainable—together.

Fall fundraising doesn’t have to feel like chaos. In this episode, we unpack what it looks like to approach the final 60 days of the year with clarity, rhythm, and a little less panic.We share what’s working with our clients right now—from handwritten notes to voicemail drops to segmenting your donors more thoughtfully—and how our Integrated Relational Fundraising Framework helps bring focus to a season that often feels overwhelming. We also reflect on the importance of starting early, building donor relationships year-round, and finding a pace that’s healthy for both your team and your mission.Whether you're already deep in your year-end sprint or still trying to figure out where to begin, we’ve got ideas, encouragement, and a practical roadmap to help you finish strong—without burning out.What we talk about in this episode:What to prioritize if you're 60 days out with no planWhy systems and segmentation make everything easierHow to keep donor relationships from becoming transactionalVisit kaci.io to learn more or book a call with us. Let’s build something sustainable—together.

What does healthy growth actually look like in the nonprofit world? In this episode, we explore what it means to scale well—without burning out our people, chasing unsustainable growth, or losing sight of our mission.

With the help of some truly delightful garden and forest metaphors (think tomato pruning, tree roots, and trellises), we unpack the difference between growth and good growth—and why faster isn’t always better. We also share six principles that help us and our clients grow in a healthy way: mission clarity, team culture, revenue models, program impact, governance, and operational frameworks.

Whether we're deep in the weeds or ready to replant, this conversation is full of encouragement, honest reflection, and practical insight for those of us building something that lasts.

Big questions we ask in this episode:

• When is it time to prune a program?

• What’s draining us—and what’s nourishing our team?

• Are we growing toward our mission, or just growing?

Learn more at kaci.io

Welcome to Growing Good: The Kaci Podcast – where we talk honestly about what it’s like to lead in the nonprofit world.

Hosted by Markku and Nadia—two longtime nonprofit leaders who’ve been through the highs, the heartbreaks, and the “how are we going to make payroll?” moments—we created this space to walk alongside other leaders trying to do good, do it well, and somehow stay sane along the way.

Each episode, we’ll share stories, lessons, and practical tools from our work at Kaci, where we help organizations with fundraising, strategic planning, and leadership development. Sometimes we’ll bring on incredible clients or team members; other times, it’s just us talking about what we’ve learned (usually the hard way).

Visit us at kaci.io

Welcome to Growing Good, the Kaci podcast for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and changemakers. In this brief introduction, host Markku Kostamo shares what you can expect from the show: honest conversations, practical insights, and inspiring stories to help you lead with courage and grow your organization’s impact.

Whether you're navigating funding gaps, leading through complexity, or building something new, Growing Good is here to support your journey. If you’re committed to making a difference and ready to grow, this podcast is for you.