• SE01E17 - Nonprofit Leaders Finish Well: Avoid Burnout, Build Trust & Legacy | With Scott Schubert
    Jan 20 2026

    In this conversation, Coach Marla and Scott Schubert discuss the complexities of nonprofit leadership, focusing on the challenges faced by leaders, the importance of creating a joyful workplace, and the need for effective talent management. Scott shares his experiences transitioning from a nonprofit CEO to a for-profit venture, emphasizing the significance of collective decision-making and empowering others in leadership roles. The discussion highlights the emotional aspects of leadership transitions and the importance of preparing organizations for change. In this conversation, Scott Schubert shares his journey as a nonprofit leader, reflecting on the importance of empathy, work-life balance, and the impact of stress on leadership. He discusses the need for leaders to manage their own anxiety to foster a healthier organizational culture. Scott also emphasizes the value of taking time off and the role of technology in streamlining nonprofit operations, allowing for more meaningful human connections. The discussion concludes with insights on embracing change and the future of nonprofit work.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

    Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.

    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/

    #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention

    #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention
    WhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

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    39 min
  • SE01E16 - Grant Writing as Social Change: Influencing Funders Beyond Funding | With Abbie Yamamoto
    Jan 13 2026

    The conversation explores the grant writing process as a means to reframe the narrative around charity work, emphasizing the importance of agency and leadership among community members. It discusses how negotiating with grantors can lead to social change and larger impacts within communities.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

    Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.

    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/

    #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention

    #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention
    WhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

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    35 min
  • SE01E15- Leading Trauma& Adjacent Work Without Losing Empathy or Your Team | With Stacey Efaw
    Jan 6 2026

    In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody and Stacey Efaw, director of Sailor Freedom, discuss the challenges and strategies of nonprofit leadership, particularly in the context of emotional health and self-care. They explore the mission of Sailor Freedom in combating sex trafficking, the importance of prevention, and the need for gratitude and celebration of successes within the organization. The discussion also covers staff well-being, the significance of collaboration, and the necessity of strategic planning and delegation in nonprofit work.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

    Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.

    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/

    #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention

    #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention
    WhatWorks is a bold and insightful podcast for non-profit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive with decades of global experience, the show uncovers what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive. From scaling systems to building resilient teams and fighting burnout, WhatWorks goes behind the scenes of the world’s most impactful non-profits.

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    34 min
  • SE01E14 - Empowering Youth Through Technology Education | With Megan Steckly
    Dec 30 2025

    In this conversation, Coach Marla and Megan Steckly discuss the mission and impact of CompuDopt, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the digital divide. They explore the organization's innovative approach to providing technology access, digital literacy, and technology education to underserved communities. Megan shares insights on the challenges and growth experienced during the pandemic, the importance of fostering leadership within the organization, and the broader implications of education gaps on economic mobility. In this conversation, Coach Marla and Megan Steckly explore the complexities of leadership, the importance of open-mindedness, and the challenges of hiring the right talent. They discuss the discomfort that comes with leadership roles, the value of diverse teams, and the necessity of adapting to changing environments. Megan emphasizes the importance of starting with a 'yes' mindset and the need for organizations to diversify their revenue streams to ensure sustainability. The conversation also highlights the significance of community involvement and the impact of nonprofit work.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

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    35 min
  • SE01E13 - Going Upstream: A New Approach to Child Advocacy | With Mark Dhooge
    Dec 23 2025

    In this conversation, Marla Moody interviews Mark Dhooge, the President and CEO of Kids in Distress, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting families. Mark shares his journey from law enforcement to child advocacy, emphasizing the importance of an upstream approach to child welfare. He discusses the challenges of shifting organizational focus, the significance of metrics in demonstrating impact, and the necessity of fostering a supportive culture to combat burnout. Mark also reflects on leadership transitions and the importance of empowering team members to find solutions.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

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    39 min
  • SE01E12 - The Ripple Effect of Care: Building Community & Collective Courage | With Denise Spivak
    Dec 16 2025

    In this conversation, Coach Marla and Denise Spivak discuss the importance of building community and supporting individuals within the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on LGBTQ centers. Denise shares her journey with CenterLink, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, the balance of leadership roles, and the significance of fair compensation for nonprofit workers. They also explore the challenges faced by caregivers and the emotional toll of working in this sector, highlighting the need for self-care and support for those providing care. In this conversation, Denise Spivak discusses the importance of organizational support for employees, particularly in times of crisis. She emphasizes the need for reminding staff about available resources, such as employee assistance programs, and the significance of providing time off to alleviate stress. The discussion also highlights the role of community resilience and the ripple effects of support within the LGBTQ community, showcasing how individual acts of care can lead to broader societal benefits.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

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    32 min
  • SE01E11- Conducting Change: How a New CEO Orchestrates the Company’s Future | With Justus Zimmerman
    Dec 9 2025

    In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody speaks with Justus Zimmerman , the CEO of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by nonprofit leaders, particularly in the arts sector. Justice shares his journey from a background in acting and entrepreneurship to leading a historic organization. They discuss the profound impact of the arts on society, the importance of empathy, and the challenges of engaging a diverse audience in a rapidly changing city. Justus emphasizes the need for clear mission definition, navigating resistance to change, and the significance of developing talent within lean organizations. The conversation concludes with reflections on community engagement and the responsibilities of leadership in the nonprofit sector.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

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    38 min
  • SE01E10 - What It Takes to Merge Nonprofits and Still Inspire Your Team | With Roberto Viramontes
    Dec 2 2025

    In this conversation, Coach Marla and Roberto Viramontes discuss the complexities and challenges of merging two nonprofit organizations into one. Airplex Learning and Development Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that, in partnership with Fairplex, provides a wide spectrum of innovative and enriching educational experiences that bring learning to life, benefit our diverse communities, and prepare our participants for success.

    Roberto shares insights from his experience at the Fairplex Learning Development Center, highlighting the importance of cultural integration, effective communication, and a clear mission statement. They explore the challenges faced during the merger process, including legal and financial considerations, staff concerns, and the need for a new organizational culture

    The discussion emphasizes the significance of viewing nonprofit work as social impact rather than charity, and the importance of a strong team in navigating the complexities of nonprofit operations. Roberto also shares lessons learned from the merger process, particularly regarding fundraising and the importance of establishing a clear identity for the new organization. In this conversation, Roberto Viramontes discusses the complexities and challenges faced during mergers in the nonprofit sector, particularly in philanthropy. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, effective delegation, and balancing resources with community needs. The dialogue also touches on the resistance to change within organizations and the necessity for leaders to navigate these challenges while maintaining a focus on their vision and goals.

    To find out more go to https://fairplex.com/

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

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    27 min