Episodi

  • The Power of 3: Lessons in Leadership

    The Power of 3: Lessons in Leadership
    Jan 20 2026
    In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stephen Mays, a leadership strategist, speaker, and author, about his innovative framework known as the Power of Three. Stephen's journey into leadership began at the Naval Academy, where he learned the importance of clarity and effective leadership through his experiences in military and civilian roles. We discussed the common misconception that leadership is solely about personality and style, highlighting that true leadership is about influencing others to achieve more collectively than they could individually. Stephen emphasized the critical foundation of leadership, which consists of honesty, courage, and talent. He explained that catastrophic leadership failures often stem from a lack of these foundational elements rather than a deficiency in talent. Stephen also addressed the challenges leaders face, particularly in the nonprofit sector, where unmet expectations can lead to significant issues. He stressed the importance of clear communication and providing the necessary resources for team members to succeed. As we wrapped up our conversation, Stephen shared insights on the achievement level of leadership, which involves assisting, inspiring, and depending on others. He underscored that effective leadership is about making others successful and recognizing that credit and blame are part of the leader's responsibility. For those interested in exploring Stephen's Power of Three Leadership Framework further, I encourage you to visit his website at powerof3leadership.com. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in their organizations. Thank you for joining us on The Nonprofit Exchange Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 min
  • Empathy is a Soft Skill with Hard Results

    Empathy is a Soft Skill with Hard Results
    Jan 13 2026
    In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, host Hugh Ballou sits down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, founder of EQ via Empathy, to explore why empathy is not a soft leadership trait—but a strategic necessity for effective, sustainable leadership. Melissa shares her journey from musician and educator to leadership coach, explaining how her background shaped her understanding of emotional intelligence and human connection. Together, Hugh and Melissa unpack the critical role empathy plays in nonprofit leadership, especially in mission-driven organizations where people, purpose, and performance must align. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about empathy, reframing it as a practical leadership skill that strengthens trust, accountability, and organizational culture. Melissa explains how leaders can balance empathy with high expectations, make difficult decisions without losing humanity, and foster environments where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to contribute their best work. Listeners will gain insights into: How empathy directly impacts engagement, innovation, and results Why self-empathy is foundational for healthy leadership Practical ways nonprofit leaders can embed empathy into daily operations How empathy supports sustainability in resource-constrained organizations This episode offers thoughtful, actionable wisdom for nonprofit leaders, board members, and executives who want to lead with clarity, compassion, and effectiveness—without sacrificing results. Learn more about Melissa Robinson-Winemiller and her work at https://eqviaempathy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 min
  • The Nonprofit Exchange 2025 Highlights

    The Nonprofit Exchange 2025 Highlights
    Jan 6 2026
    Inspiring Leadership Voices from The Nonprofit Exchange from 2025 Each episode of The Nonprofit Exchange highlights ideas that move leaders beyond management and into meaningful influence. The following curated insights are drawn from recent episodes of The Nonprofit Exchange, hosted by Hugh Ballou. These voices reflect diverse leadership contexts—nonprofit, entrepreneurial, servant, and transformational—yet each offers a timely reminder of what effective leadership requires today. “Servant leadership is about aligning the heart and mind – true leadership comes from influence, not authority.” — Kevin Wayne Johnson, “Leadership with a Servant’s Heart” “Whether you’re making music or running a nonprofit, planning is the key to success.” — Carter Fox, “The Sound of Strategy: Music Business Lessons” “Culture is essentially the beliefs that govern how people behave.” — Steve Gandara, “Unlocking Excellence: How Culture Drives Success” “Achieving a seat on a corporate board requires intentional preparation and a clear plan.” — Dr. Keith Dorsey, “Charting an Intentional Path to Corporate Board Service”. “While our message remains timeless, our methods must change with the times.” — Terry Modica, “Reaching Hearts in a Changing World” “Leadership is an inside-out journey – if you don’t lead yourself, you can’t lead others.” — Dr. Wayne ‘Lyte’ Brown, “Leadership from the Inside Out” — Jeff Schreifels, “Building a Culture of Generosity”. “Effective leadership comes down to character, competence, caring, and communication.” — Tom Collins, “Leadership Mastery” “Every computer we refurbish is a bridge across the digital divide.” — Dylan Zajac, “Sustainable Solutions: Bridging the Digital Divide” “Real change comes from lasting partnerships, not short-term fixes.” — Nathan Walters, “Transformational Mission” “Authentic leadership starts with knowing who you are.” — Dr. Rick Rodriguez, “Breaking Barriers: Empowering the Next Generation” “Effective communication requires active listening.” — Michael Reddington, “Everyday Confessions: Disciplined Listening” “When you heal and empower yourself, you can lead others from wholeness.” — Dr. Lisa Cooney, “The Body of Change” “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” — Pankaj Singh, “Preventing Burnout Through Mindful Leadership”. “We have to stop begging for donations and start building relationships.” — James Meisner, “Transforming Fundraising." “A joy-filled culture inspires engagement and creativity.” — Heather M. Day, “Creating a Joy-Filled Culture” “Real change means listening to the stories of those we serve.” — Dr. Pierre Berastaín, “Leading Beyond the Buzzwords” “Engage your board and they become your greatest allies.” — Dr. A. Giselle Jones, “Engaging Your Board in Funds Sourcing” “Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Keep running!” — John David Graham, “Life is a Marathon. Keep on running!”” These insights remind us that leadership is not about control or charisma, but about clarity, character, and conscious influence. As the audience for this show, may these voices encourage you to lead with intention, humility, and courage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 min
  • Leadership with a Servant's Heart

    Leadership with a Servant's Heart
    Dec 23 2025
    In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kevin Wayne Johnson, founder of the Johnson Leadership Group and a nationally recognized expert in servant leadership. With over 600 interviews under my belt, I was excited to delve into the transformative power of leadership that begins with serving others. Kevin defines servant leadership as aligning the heart and mind, emphasizing that true leadership comes from a place of influence rather than authority. He challenges the misconception that kindness equates to weakness, highlighting the importance of compassion in leadership. We discussed how effective leaders can create environments where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents. Throughout our conversation, Kevin shared insights on the necessity of authenticity in leadership, stating that leadership is a lifestyle rather than a role we play at work. He emphasized the importance of mind-heart alignment, where leaders must balance competence with compassion to truly connect with their teams. We also explored the critical role of communication in building trust and relationships. Kevin pointed out that effective communication requires active listening and the ability to ensure that messages are understood, not just heard. This is vital for preventing miscommunication and fostering a collaborative environment. As we wrapped up, Kevin introduced his latest book, "Leadership with a Servant's Heart," which focuses on the role of leaders in shaping future generations, particularly within families. He underscored the challenges leaders face today, including navigating change and managing diverse generational perspectives in the workplace. This episode serves as a reminder that leadership is not about titles but about the impact we have on the lives of others. I encourage our listeners to visit the Johnson Leadership Group's website to learn more about Kevin's work and resources. Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep striving to create meaningful, lasting impact in your communities. More about Kevin’s Work: https://thejohnsonleadershipgroup.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 min
  • The Sound of Strategy: Music Business Lessons from the Soulful Traveling Spaceman Bassman

    The Sound of Strategy: Music Business Lessons from the Soulful Traveling Spaceman Bassman
    Dec 16 2025
    In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Carter Fox, a multifaceted artist and strategist known as "The Soulful Traveling Spaceman Baseman." We explored the valuable lessons that nonprofit leaders can learn from the music business, including the importance of promotion, branding, and strategic planning. Carter shared his journey from a young musician to a savvy entrepreneur, emphasizing the need to understand the business side of music early in his career. He highlighted that promotion is crucial for both musicians and nonprofit organizations, as it helps to amplify their messages and reach wider audiences. We discussed how nonprofits can effectively promote their initiatives and events, drawing parallels to how musicians prepare for album releases and tours. Carter also introduced his book, "Music Business Basics," which provides practical strategies for independent artists and can be applied to nonprofit leadership. We delved into the significance of branding, noting that a logo is just one aspect of a broader brand identity that encompasses mission statements, values, and the overall voice of the organization. Throughout our conversation, we touched on the importance of storytelling and demonstrating impact, as these elements are vital for engaging supporters and donors. Carter's insights on strategic planning resonated deeply, as he emphasized the need for leaders to map out their goals and involve their teams in the process. As we wrapped up, Carter shared his upcoming projects, including a new album and a book exploring the connection between humanity and the cosmos. This episode is packed with actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their impact while staying true to their mission. Thank you for joining us, and I hope you find inspiration in Carter's journey and insights! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 min
  • Authentic Alliance: Empowering Sustainable Change in Complex Organizations

    Authentic Alliance: Empowering Sustainable Change in Complex Organizations
    Dec 9 2025
    In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Crystal Gibson, the founder of The Authentic Alliance. Crystal is a leadership catalyst dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations foster cultures of courage, belonging, and sustainable impact. Our conversation centered around her core philosophy that authenticity, rather than perfection, is a leader's greatest asset. We explored the challenges leaders face in being their true selves, particularly in mission-driven organizations where conformity can often overshadow individuality. Crystal shared insights on how leaders can practice vulnerability while maintaining confidence, emphasizing the importance of learning out loud and being present with their teams. Crystal introduced her book, "Authentic Alliance: Empowering Sustainable Change in Complex Organizations," which serves as a practical guide for leaders navigating the complexities of organizational life. We discussed the alarming statistic that 74% of nonprofit staff report hiding parts of themselves at work, and how this pervasive issue stems from a fear of not aligning with the expected norms. Throughout our discussion, we highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive environment where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures. Crystal shared her CHARM Method, which encourages co-creation, honoring existing processes, assessing situations, reflecting, and measuring what truly matters. We also touched on the concept of "mask leadership," where leaders present a false persona, which can undermine team performance and well-being. Crystal emphasized the need for leaders to remove their masks and lead authentically, fostering a culture of collaboration over competition. As we wrapped up, Crystal provided practical steps for nonprofit leaders to empower their teams, such as celebrating progress, sharing knowledge freely, rewarding collaboration, and normalizing the act of asking for help. She encouraged leaders to regularly revisit their goals and expectations to maintain alignment and clarity within their organizations. For those interested in diving deeper into Crystal's work, I encourage you to visit her website, theauthenticaliance.com, where you can find resources, schedule a conversation, and learn more about her book. This episode is a valuable resource for any leader looking to navigate the complexities of organizational life while staying grounded in authenticity. More about Crystal Gibson at https://theauthenticalliance.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 min
  • Unlocking Excellence: How Culture Drives Success in Nonprofits

    Unlocking Excellence: How Culture Drives Success in Nonprofits
    Dec 2 2025
    In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Gander, a seasoned expert in cultural transformation and leadership development. With over four decades of experience, Steve has worked with a diverse range of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits, helping them build high-performance, values-driven cultures. We delved into the critical role of culture in organizational success, emphasizing that culture drives everything. Steve shared insights on how beliefs govern behavior, both individually and collectively, and highlighted the importance of understanding and measuring culture to foster excellence. He explained that many leaders unknowingly create barriers to a positive culture, often leading to defensive behaviors among their teams. Steve also discussed the concept of "culture engineering," which involves a structured process to create and sustain high-performing cultures. He provided practical advice for nonprofit leaders, stressing the need for self-awareness and the importance of confronting the reality of their organizational culture. As a takeaway, Steve encouraged listeners to utilize the resources available on his website, excellentcultures.com, particularly the MRI tool that helps organizations assess their current culture against desired benchmarks. This episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable steps for leaders looking to transform their organizations and create a thriving culture. I invite you to reflect on your own beliefs and behaviors as a leader and consider how you can take that first step toward cultural transformation. Thank you for joining us, and I hope you find this conversation as enlightening as I did! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 min
  • Leading Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Systems Change in Nonprofits

    Leading Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Systems Change in Nonprofits
    Nov 25 2025
    In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Pierre Berestrain, the incoming CEO of Safe Alliance in Austin, Texas. Safe Alliance is a leading organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as sex trafficking. Pierre's journey from being an undocumented immigrant from Peru to a prominent leader in the nonprofit sector has profoundly shaped his understanding of systems, power, and community care. We delved into the concept of "Leading Beyond the Buzzwords," exploring what real systems change looks like in the nonprofit sector. Pierre emphasized that while program improvements address symptoms of social issues, true systems change requires a deeper examination of the root causes and the policies that perpetuate these problems. He highlighted the importance of integrating community wisdom into our approaches and the need for a mindset shift in how we view prevention and intervention. Pierre also discussed the significance of dignity-centered and collective leadership, stressing that effective leadership is about creating conditions where staff can thrive and feel joy in their work. He shared insights on the power of storytelling in shaping cultural narratives around issues like gender-based violence and immigration, illustrating how narratives can either reinforce or disrupt harmful systems. Collaboration emerged as a key theme, with Pierre noting that successful partnerships between nonprofits, government, and communities are built on trust, humility, and shared stewardship. He provided a compelling example of how Safe Alliance is working with the city of Austin to transform a hotel into an emergency shelter for survivors, showcasing the potential for civic engagement and investment in community well-being. As we wrapped up our conversation, Pierre expressed his hope for the future, highlighting a shift in community perspectives towards safety and belonging. He believes that by focusing on building a supportive ecosystem, we can create conditions where individuals can live full, connected, and flourishing lives. This episode is a call to action for leaders in the nonprofit sector to engage deeply, listen intentionally, and lead with courage, as we work together to transform lives and communities. #NonprofitExchange #SystemsChange #Storytelling #Collaboration #Leadership #SafeAlliance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 min