Some lessons about integrity only reveal their full weight over time. Character is not proven in public victories, but in private choices, especially when pressure makes shortcuts tempting. This reflection looks beyond headlines to the quieter truth about leadership: honor is lived, not declared, and responsibility doesn’t depend on who’s watching. Long after wins fade and titles disappear, what remains is whether you can stand behind your choices without excuses.
Read MoreLeadership often fails not because the message is wrong, but because the method is. Governor Jeff Landry is right to question the excess and poor stewardship behind massive college coaching buyouts, especially when academic priorities struggle for funding. But by bypassing institutional leadership and intervening publicly, he undercuts governance, autonomy, and long-term credibility. The takeaway is clear: being right isn’t enough — effective leadership requires discipline in tone, timing, and process.
Read MoreAn early-season blowout loss taught my daughter’s basketball team a lesson that no easy win ever could. When two players chose to sit out rather than push through frustration, their teammates were left to carry the load—and they did, showing resilience, effort, and character. Youth sports aren’t about avoiding discomfort; they’re about learning how to face it without quitting. The hardest games, not the easiest ones, are where the most important lessons are learned.
Read MoreA recent client discussion around Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara turned into something bigger—a reflection on how excellence and empathy shape everything we do. The team connected deeply with two timeless lessons: Vince Lombardi’s pursuit of perfection that leads to excellence, and Maya Angelou’s truth that people remember how you make them feel. Together, they capture what leadership and philanthropy are really about—intentionality, care, and the courage to go beyond expectations. In the end, success isn’t measured by flawless execution, but by the lasting impression we leave on others.
Read MoreThe “second curve,” a concept from Charles Handy, reminds us that what drives early success rarely sustains future growth. True progress demands the courage to leave comfort behind, step into uncertainty, and relearn what it means to grow. Stability gives us the foundation—but discomfort is what creates transformation. The real mark of leadership isn’t mastering the first curve; it’s having the vision and bravery to leap to the second.
Read MoreFour skilled, mission-driven volunteers can unlock over $90,000 in annual value for a nonprofit—the equivalent of a full-time employee. As budgets tighten and needs grow, it’s time to view volunteerism not as charity, but as smart talent strategy. When organizations recruit and empower volunteers with purpose and structure, they don’t just save money—they expand capacity, deepen community engagement, and transform impact. The value is measurable, and the opportunity is too big to ignore.
Read MoreAs donor pools shrink and costs rise, unrestricted funding has become a lifeline for nonprofits—fueling the people, systems, and strategy behind every mission. Yet too often, organizations undersell their operational backbone. Winning core support requires more than a grant proposal; it demands trust, transparency, and proof of organizational strength. In today’s climate, general operating support isn’t overhead—it’s the engine that drives impact.
Read MoreWhat began as a forced medical leave for knee replacement surgery quickly became something far more meaningful—a sabbatical that reset both body and mind. Between rehab sessions and recovery, I discovered the benefits of stepping back: deeper healing, renewed creativity, and clarity on what truly energizes my work. Research shows sabbaticals reduce burnout, restore motivation, and sharpen focus—and my own experience confirmed it. Sometimes the best way to move forward with purpose is to pause intentionally, giving yourself the space to heal, think, and realign.
Read MoreToo often, philanthropy leaders are asked to raise big dollars without a roadmap to guide the work. The absence of a strategic plan isn’t just inconvenient—it undermines donor confidence, limits gift potential, and erodes credibility. Savvy fundraising executives can change that by elevating the issue as a leadership duty, bringing donor voices into the room, and proposing phased frameworks that spark momentum. Strategic clarity isn’t optional—it’s the fuel that transforms donor interest into meaningful investment, and philanthropy leaders must be the catalyst to make it happen.
Read MorePhilanthropy without a strategic plan is like building on sand—it may stand for a moment, but it cannot last. Donors disengage when appeals lack focus, internal credibility erodes when fundraising operates in a vacuum, and opportunities vanish when organizations fail to define their priorities. A strong strategic plan provides clarity, direction, and measurable outcomes that unlock donor confidence and energize fundraising. Without it, even the best fundraisers are left making vague asks—and that’s not just inefficient, it’s a leadership failure.
Read MoreWhen respectful dissent gets you ejected from a commencement, it’s clear we’ve mistaken disagreement for disrespect. True leadership isn’t about insulation from critique—it’s about the courage to hear it. In a time when fragility is masquerading as strength, we need leaders who value dialogue over deference. Democracy depends on disagreement expressed with integrity—and leaders brave enough to listen.
Read MoreWhen Sonoma State University cut its entire athletics department to close a $24 million deficit, it sent a clear message: even long-standing programs once thought untouchable are now on the chopping block. Nonprofits everywhere must confront a similar truth—preserving the core mission may require letting go of cherished traditions. These decisions won’t be easy or popular, but they’re becoming unavoidable in a world of shrinking resources and shifting priorities. Mission clarity isn’t just important—it’s the new survival strategy.
Read MoreFrom the outside, leading a nonprofit may look like a prestigious, well-paid role—but the reality is far more demanding. As seen in the recent resignation of Columbia University’s interim president, nonprofit CEOs face relentless scrutiny, political pressure, and emotional strain. The role requires constant visibility, moral clarity, and a near-impossible balancing act between diverse stakeholders. It’s not just leadership—it’s endurance in the spotlight.
Read MoreIt wasn’t just a game—it was a test of will in 45-degree rain. While one team sulked in the mud, the other chose grit over comfort, teamwork over excuses. They didn’t just win 6-0; they showed that adversity is where real character shows up. This wasn’t about soccer—it was a masterclass in mindset.
Read MoreHiring a consultant can be a game-changer for a nonprofit—but only if they bring the right approach. Leah Reisman shares key insights on how to ensure consultants help rather than harm, emphasizing the need to challenge assumptions, balance funder expectations, and elevate diverse voices. Before signing a contract, nonprofit leaders should ask five essential questions to find a consultant who prioritizes mission impact over status quo solutions.
Read MoreCoaching my kids' basketball teams is a chance to be a good father and role model, focusing on fun, improvement, and life lessons. But after our first game of the season, I couldn't shake the frustration of dealing with referees who let their insecurities and overuse of power tarnish the experience. While I strive to model respect for authority, it’s hard to ignore how unnecessary displays of control can trigger feelings of frustration and resentment. It’s a reminder that even small moments, like a youth game, can be impacted by the misuse of power.
Read MoreNegative expectations can shape our mindset, leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and a fear of failure that often sabotages our efforts. In contrast, embracing positivity and open-mindedness, as demonstrated by a 5th-6th grade basketball team defying low expectations, fosters growth, teamwork, and success. Shifting from a mindset of impossibility to one of possibility can transform both personal and professional outcomes, encouraging resilience and achievement.
Read MoreIn a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion piece, the author talks on a critical issue: fundraisers are under siege. While fundraising is essential to nonprofit sustainability, it remains largely misunderstood by leadership, contributing to burnout and high turnover. 55% of fundraisers feel underappreciated, and 51% plan to leave their jobs within two years. The disconnect between nonprofit leaders and their fundraising teams is clear and it threatens long-term organizational success. Leaders must embrace fundraising as a shared responsibility and provide the necessary tools, training, and support to empower their teams.
Read MoreOverlooking women in philanthropy represents a missed opportunity, as they increasingly control significant wealth and demonstrate distinct, impactful giving patterns. Engaging women not only taps into a major financial reservoir but also supports nonprofits with diversified, stable funding and enhanced sustainability. Ignoring their influence risks losing crucial donations and long-term support essential for meaningful impact.
Read MoreBy mastering clear, direct language and leveraging your expertise, you ensure a message isn't just heard but compelling. Balancing respect, evidence, and strategic insight, you can learn to navigate power dynamics and elevate conversations to achieve meaningful, actionable outcomes.
Read More