The Podcast
Nonprofits are messy
Answering the most pressing questions faced by nonprofit leaders around the world, my podcast is created for the heroic leaders in our society who commit themselves to public service – executive directors, senior staff, heads of school, development professionals, board leaders, and many more who provide service to the nonprofit sector.
Our goal is simple. We aim to find just the right expert to answer the questions on the minds of our listeners. And in so doing, we offer a conversational forum that will inform, entertain and inspire.


Ep 188: Can A Teen Be Your Next Executive Director?
How do we ensure that the next generation of nonprofit leadership is prepared? Sarah Hernholm shares her groundbreaking work with WIT.

Ep 187: Don’t Be a Mission Creep!
Mission creep is a big problem for many nonprofits. Here’s some practical advice on how to prevent it.

Ep 186: Emotional Intelligence is the Key to Better Leadership
How can we improve our emotional intelligence and become better leaders as a result? Daniel Goleman, author of “Emotional Intelligence”, explains.

Ep 185: The Surprising Impact of a Strong Organizational Values Statement
Let’s bring your organizational values to life in a tangible way. Join me and Lindsay Hoffman as we transform vague concepts into a potent value statement that drives your nonprofit’s mission.

Ep 184: Nobody Told Me I’d Have to Fundraise!
Let’s unpack the truth about board fundraising expectations…

Ep 183: The Nonprofit Superhero’s Guide to Mindful Leadership
Tune in as Dan Harris from 10% Happier and I explore meditation as a vital tool for mindful leadership, helping you control ego and anxiety for a greater impact.

Ep 182: Why Every Nonprofit Leader Needs a Coach
Nonprofit coaching can be transformative, but there are different styles as my guests Laura Zielke and Darien Heyman Rodriguez demonstrate in this compelling and actionable episode.

Ep 181: How Hybrid Meetings Can Be Remarkably Effective
Tune in as Priya Parker uncovers the treasure within hybrid meetings and shares golden nuggets to transform your hybrid gatherings from ‘awkward’ to ‘awesome’.

Ep 180: Tackling Internal Conflict – Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations
When fierce advocates clash, who you gonna call? Nonprofit internal conflict busters! Tune in to learn how Aarati Kasturirangan, Senior Partner and Managing Director of Dragonfly Partners, navigates this important work.

Ep 179: Why is My Board SO Dysfunctional?
Board dysfunction driving you bonkers? Join Rob Acton and me as we unravel the causes and offer practical solutions to get your nonprofit board of directors back on track!
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Required Listening
– JENWATLEYNELSON
“No one should attempt to work at or lead a nonprofit (or maybe any company) without Joan! Always timely and relevant.”
Thank You!
– MICHTORG
“I run a national nonprofit, large in reach and impact, but small on budget. I’ve been gobbling up resources and at times feel like I’m boing an ocean as I click through the hyperlinks on Google docs, looking for the answer on how to lead and do the right thing in a global pandemic! Joan kindly reminds the listener that the answers are within us and are core to our leadership attributes, and coaches the listener on how to focus and pivot with great suggestions and resources. Thank you!”
Best Thing Ever!
– CARLAP44
“This is my new favorite podcast! Joan knows her stuff and she had a great guest who also knows their stuff! Every episode is interesting and informative. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone working in the nonprofit!”
Best Nonprofit Podcast!
– ABRAANNES
“Real, in-depth interviews that provide tangible steps and tools to nonprofits!”
So Informative!
– MARIESTJAMES
“I just started listening to this podcast and I have already learned so much that I can immediately apply to my job and my organization. Thank you for the extremely relevant and practical information and discussion. It has already made me see my job in a new light!”
Nonprofits Are Messy is typically listed as #1 in the nonprofit category on Apple Podcasts!
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