Shows
Leading Organizations That Matter96. What Are You Chasing?We all chase something—grades, success, recognition, comfort, connection. Chasing can be good, but it can also lead us astray. In a world of likes, outrage, marketing hooks, and even AI pretending to be us, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Recently, a friend told me, ‘You seem to value authenticity.’ That simple observation made me pause and ask: What am I really chasing? In this episode, I explore how to reevaluate our pursuits, prioritize what matters, and choose authenticity over distraction.
2025-12-1606 minLeading Organizations That Matter95. The Strategic Plan "Refresh"Strategic plans used to be something boards revisited every three to five years. But today, the pace of change—and the unexpected shocks we’ve all lived through—are forcing boards to ask new questions: How do we stay involved over time? And how will we know when it’s time to shift?In this episode, I share three practical strategies that can give boards a clearer line of sight into progress, keep goals measurable, and build in a refresh point that ensures plans stay relevant. If you’re leading in health care or the nonprofit sector, this is a...
2025-12-0905 minLeading Organizations That Matter94. Lending Your Future Self a HandOne of my most popular episodes was about building a personal knowledge management system. And here’s the surprising truth: the system itself matters less than the discipline of using it. Today, I’m sharing a simple life hack that’s saved me countless times—because let’s face it, our future selves are often forgetful, distracted, and, well… a little doltish. The trick? Leave breadcrumbs. Clear instructions. Notes that anticipate what your future self will need, right when they’ll need it. From everyday tasks to professional deliverables, this practice has transformed the way I work and live. Be kind to you...
2025-12-0205 minLeading Organizations That Matter93. Sell... sell... sell, baby... sell!In my work with mission-driven organizations, I’ve seen how trust isn’t just a virtue—it’s a strategy. The way we initiate conversations says everything about our integrity, our intent, and our respect for others. Sales and development efforts rooted in honesty build relationships that last. The rest? Just noise that is best ignored.
2025-11-2504 minLeading Organizations That Matter92. You have to have A system!Forget the tools—do you have a system? In this episode, I explore why personal knowledge management isn’t about the latest app—it’s about discipline, consistency, and devotion. From steno pads to second brains, I discuss what separates high performers from the forgetful, and why even seasoned executives need a system they trust.
2025-11-1805 minLeading Organizations That Matter91. Contemplating M&A: Pursuing the "cake and eat it too"!Can you really have your cake and eat it too in nonprofit M&A? In this episode, we explore the mindset behind mergers, acquisitions, and strategic affiliations—not the math, but the meaning. When organizations face pressure to scale without sacrificing identity, leaders are often sent on a quest for the impossible. Tune in as we unpack the cross currents, the trade-offs, and the conversations that matter most before the deal is even on the table.
2025-11-1104 minLeading Organizations That Matter90. AI Makes It Easy. Or Does It?In a world flooded with AI-generated content, standing out is harder than ever. In this episode, I explore what it really takes to rise above the noise—and why your unique voice matters more now than ever.Fountain pens. Film photography. Franklin Planners. Maybe the future isn’t faster. Maybe it’s more… rum raisinish.
2025-11-0406 minLeading Organizations That Matter89. Running Through a Tunnel of FireWhat makes a team brave enough to face transformational change—together?In this episode, I explore the power of vision, trust, and storytelling in leading organizations through risk, resistance, and renewal.Listen in. The fire’s real—but so is what’s on the other side.
2025-10-2804 minLeading Organizations That Matter88. Why Are Young People So Lazy?“Why Are Young People So Lazy?” (Spoiler: they’re not.)A c-suite exec dropped that line—and it sparked a deeper dive into generational shifts, workplace loyalty, and what younger leaders really want.Listen in for a fresh take on what’s changing—and why it matters.
2025-10-2107 minLeading Organizations That Matter87. You've just been asked to become Interim CEO. Now what?What does it really mean to step into the CEO role—especially as an interim? In this episode, I share lessons from my own experience leading organizations in transition, and offer practical advice for navigating the delicate balance between “keeping the seat warm” and truly leading. If you’ve ever been tapped to step up, this one’s for you.
2025-10-1405 minLeading Organizations That Matter86. Delayed GratificationOrganizations stuck in urgent crises often sacrifice long-term planning, focusing only on immediate fixes. This short-term mindset creates a cycle of unpreparedness that repeats itself. Building awareness of this pattern is the first step toward breaking free and planning for a more sustainable future.
2025-10-0704 minLeading Organizations That Matter85. It Helps to Love What You CreateIn this week’s episode, I dive deeper into a powerful lesson drawn from my journey as a photographer—why falling in love with what you create transforms not just your art, but your life and career. From average snapshots to meaningful images, I share how shifting focus from process to passion unlocks greater fulfillment and impact. Whether you’re navigating your career path or reflecting on what truly motivates you, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding joy and purpose in the work you do.
2025-09-3005 minLeading Organizations That Matter84. Planning versus DiscoveringWhat do photography and career planning have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, I share how years behind the lens—starting with a beat-up rangefinder—taught me the art of seeing, of waiting, and of wandering. Whether you're a sunrise-chasing planner or a thrill-seeking discoverer, this conversation explores how balancing preparation with openness can shape not just your images, but your life.Because sometimes, the best shot—and the best opportunity—is just around the bend.
2025-09-2305 minLeading Organizations That Matter83. Sometimes the Best Life Hacks are the SimplestAccountability isn’t rocket science—it’s a notebook. In this episode, we skip the complexity and spotlight a painfully obvious yet wildly underused leadership tool: writing things down. From toxic cultures to missed follow-ups, we explore how a simple habit can transform organizational trust, clarity, and follow-through. No apps required. Just a pen, a plan, and a little discipline.
2025-09-1604 minLeading Organizations That Matter82. When Weakness Looks Like Power and Confidence Becomes HumilityWhat if the loudest leaders are the most insecure—and the quietest, the strongest? In this episode, we unpack a paradox at the heart of leadership: how humility, not bravado, shapes resilient cultures and lasting impact. From personal reflections to a poignant story of legacy and retirement, this is a candid exploration of what strength really looks like when the stakes are high. If you lead—or aspire to—you’ll want to hear this.
2025-09-0905 minLeading Organizations That Matter81. When Failure is the NormWe all learned a lot about life, leadership, values, and priorities during the Covid pandemic. I recently was reminded of one while in the drive-through line at Starbucks.
2025-09-0204 minLeading Organizations That Matter80. Understanding the Diamond versus the SettingSome mission driven organizations benefit from considering their purpose, their objective, their very reason for being as a diamond that is distinct from its setting. This week's quick episode is a thought experiment that several of my clients have found helpful. Perhaps you will as well.
2025-08-2603 minLeading Organizations That Matter79. How to Quit a Toxic Company"Should I Stay or Should I Go?"... sang The Clash all the way back in 1982. Let's say you have been debating this same question at your job... and ultimately conclude: I'm so done here.As an executive coach, I have been in a number of conversations with individuals who can relate. I sometimes then find myself in a "how do I quit?" discussion. I hope my advice here helps if you find yourself in this sticky situation.
2025-08-1909 minLeading Organizations That Matter78. Licking Our Wounds vs. Learning From Our MistakesFiguring out what went wrong and then learning from our mistakes is vital to an organization's long-term success and impact. Unfortunately, some organizations struggle to move past the woe-is-us wound licking phase. This is a topic of great interest to me personally and one I have studied and written about quite a bit. The key to progress here is for groups to lament... for a bit... and then to move forward into the learning mode. In this episode, I suggest a distinct and simple set of steps - in this case, four questions - to help leaders get over...
2025-08-1206 minLeading Organizations That Matter77. The Search for Meaning at Work: Cutting Through the MistFinding meaning at work impacts organizational culture.Organizational culture impacts our ability to retain and hire the necessary talent for our mission driven organizations.Finding talent to fill our key positions is essential to the success of our "organizations that matter".In this week's episode, I discuss this phenomenon cut against the backdrop of the rapidly changing (i.e., for-profitization) of the hospice industry.
2025-07-2905 minLeading Organizations That Matter76. Jerry Seinfeld’s Surfing versus YachtingI took a leap of faith, left behind the world I knew and tried to do something completely different. Yet somehow, in the process, I rebuilt everything I had just walked away from. For me, wisdom, insight, and inspiration came from the unlikeliest of sources: Jerry Seinfeld.Perhaps his own self reflection can help you too.
2025-07-1505 minLeading Organizations That Matter75. Susan Keane Baker: Best Intentions and the Patient ExperienceThis week, I discuss the impact of busyness on the business of health care with author and expert, Susan Keane Baker. We review issues related to kindness, accountability, presence, leadership, and the state of the industry when it comes to elevating the patient experience.Thank you to Susan for her time and insights. She can be reached at her website here: https://susanbaker.com/.
2025-07-0839 minLeading Organizations That Matter74. There's Change and Then There's Change ReadinessYou need to determine whether change is necessary and then, if so, how best to accomplish that change. This week, I offer another important question that must be considered: is the organization ready for that change? I then discuss the implications of high change readiness and the actions you can take if you encounter low change readiness.
2025-07-0106 minLeading Organizations That Matter73. Be the Treadwell’sSometimes the most important lessons are also the most obvious ones.
2025-06-2405 minLeading Organizations That Matter72. What the Zombie Apocalypse Can Teach Us About OrganizationsOk, let's say it happens. Zombies take over. Which side are you going to be on?
2025-06-1704 minLeading Organizations That Matter71. What do Teaching, Management, Racquetball, and Consulting all Have in Common?Teaching.Management.Racquetball.Consulting.They actually do have something in common and it's instructive for anyone responsible for choosing a consultant for their organization.
2025-06-1005 minLeading Organizations That Matter70. Are You Unbalanced or Disintegrated?This week, I discuss the connection and differences between having a sense of balance versus integration in your life.And no plates were harmed in the production of this episode.
2025-06-0305 minLeading Organizations That Matter69. Toward Hope and Healing: The Ignitian Spirituality ProjectI'm pleased to interview three guests today from The Ignatian Spirituality Project, an organization that surely "matters". It's a conversation about hope and healing... and second chances and redemption. I hope you'll find this to be inspiring.For more information, see here.
2025-05-2750 minLeading Organizations That Matter68. A Great Question to Ask Your StaffAsk your staff this one question. You'll learn something and they will appreciate being asked.
2025-05-2003 minLeading Organizations That Matter67. "You are Going to Fail!"Here I discuss a valuable insight gleaned from Navy Seals training. And from my mentor.
2025-05-1305 minLeading Organizations That Matter66. Management is Both Art and ScienceIn this week's episode, I describe the art of management as too many new and inexperienced leaders tend to focus on the science.
2025-05-0604 minLeading Organizations That Matter65. Lessons From the Restaurant IndustryYou remember those early days of Covid - back then, we didn't know what we didn't know. It's not too early to begin thinking about lessons learned and so today, I discuss the restaurant industry and how some of them demonstrated critical leadership skills. And some did not.
2025-04-2904 minLeading Organizations That Matter64. Matthew Potter: Is Faith in Fashion?On my podcast, I often cover topics associated with meaning, purpose, impact, and personal values… though I have not as of yet discussed issues pertaining to faith. I’m happy to change that with today’s interview. Matthew Potter is a co-founder of the Pray.com platform which contains over 1,700 years of content consumption. We discuss his fascinating path to the point of developing the app and several of the cultural trends that have supported its incredible success and impact. Podcast listeners can receive a full year of free access by going to Pray.com/Matt. With gratit...
2025-04-2237 minLeading Organizations That Matter63. Jim Carlough: Change Management vs. Managing ChangeIn this episode, I speak with change and leadership expert, Jim Carlough, on the topics of change management versus managing change, the six characteristics of effective leaders, building strong and effective teams, and the common mistakes that leaders make.
2025-04-1538 minLeading Organizations That Matter62. Dr. Erin Sullivan: Healing the HealersThis week, I had a chance to chat with Professor Erin Sullivan (Harvard Medical School and Suffolk University) about physician and provider burnout, a problem that is getting worse and negatively impacting all of us. How did this happen and what can we do about it?
2025-04-0842 minLeading Organizations That Matter61. Strategic Planning and the Inward JourneyStrategic planning exercises offer a unique opportunity to gather feedback from employees. In this week's episode, I discuss recent trends in this regard.
2025-04-0103 minLeading Organizations That Matter60. Building a Culture of Accountability Starts With...Have you ever been in a meeting and someone (or perhaps you yourself) said "I wish we had more accountability here." In this week's episode, I suggest a strategy for moving in this direction.
2025-03-2505 minLeading Organizations That Matter59. Like a Foot in Two CanoesPeter Drucker said: "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." I actually see it a bit differently.
2025-03-1803 minLeading Organizations That Matter58. Why Do Some Organizations Endlessly “Spin"?Some organizations and their leaders struggle to make and execute on critical decisions. In this week's episode, I discuss why this might be the case.
2025-03-1104 minLeading Organizations That Matter57. Ted Witherell: Is Now the Time to Consider Executive Coaching?According to surgeon, author, and thought leader, Atul Gawande: "Everyone deserves a coach."In this week's episode, I explore whether Dr. Gawande is right.Noted professor, facilitator, and executive coach, Ted Witherell, and I discuss this topic and ponder some deep questions such as: (1) Are you worthy of an investment? and (2) How do you process inspiration?For more information about Ted, please see here.
2025-03-0459 minLeading Organizations That Matter56. Three Questions to Jumpstart Your TurnaroundIt's time for a change in your organization... but how do you get started? In this brief episode, I offer some advice on how to begin the process. I refer to my "Four Values" methodology in this episode. Link here.
2025-02-2505 minLeading Organizations That Matter55. Capabilities versus Commitment During Times of ChangeDo you and your organization possess the necessary capabilities in order to manage a change agenda? In this brief episode, I suggest an equally important question: does it possess the commitment?
2025-02-1806 minLeading Organizations That Matter54. Gina Mazza: The Return of Servant LeadershipThis week, I speak with leader, consultant, and professor Gina Mazza about a topic that is anything but the new, new thing: Servant Leadership. It's a leadership style and set of values that does, however, seem to be making a comeback.In this episode, Gina I I discuss what servant leadership is and why it's gaining more attention.
2025-02-1144 minLeading Organizations That Matter53. Hospice Nurse Penny: Demystifying DeathHospice Nurse Penny is on a mission to demystify death, help all of us to become more comfortable with the dying process, and alleviate something she herself has experienced: death anxiety.Moving from bedside hospice nursing to social media platforms, Nurse Penny uses education, humor, and direct talk to accomplish her mission.In this episode we discuss all of these matters, the hospice industry, and her own personal journey to this point.Link: Hospice Nurse Penny
2025-02-0442 minLeading Organizations That Matter52. Bob Griffin: When Bad Things Happen to Good (and Bad) OrganizationsIn this week's episode, I speak with Attorney Robert Griffin, a renowned expert on non-profit organizations. Our topic relates to what causes such organizations to go sideways from a legal and governance perspective, the causes of decline and trouble, the marks of good governance, and the many lessons learned from his forty years of policy-making, legal practice, and contributing over 170 cumulative years of service to non-profit boards.This episode is a great resource for leaders and board members of non-profits who are committed to the mission of their organizations... and keeping them on track.Link...
2025-01-2847 minLeading Organizations That Matter51. Deborah Grassman: Recovering From a Loss of Self Worth“Don’t waste your suffering.” — Deborah GrassmanIn this week’s episode, I speak with the founder of Opus Peace, an organization that was founded based on the important life lessons gained from working with 10,000 dying veterans. Deborah Grassman and I speak on the topics of childhood scripting, unprocessed trauma, personal pain, and peace and healing. This is a powerful topic and I hope you’ll find it to be moving, motivating, provocative, and perhaps even the beginning of a path to peace.Links: Opus Peace websiteOnline courses...
2025-01-2153 minLeading Organizations That Matter50. Dr. Annie Brewster: The Healing Power of StoriesDr. Annie Brewster is a both a physician and a patient and in this week's episode, we explore the incredible (and I dare say surprising) healing power of storytelling. We cover Dr. Brewster's personal experiences and the ensuing work that she and her colleagues have done to empower, inspire, and... to heal. Her work is meaningful and will, I hope, help you to consider your own personal journey as well.We also touch on issues related to physician burnout, the lack of integration within our current health care system, and ways that this work might benefit our...
2025-01-1451 minLeading Organizations That Matter49. David Baiada: That Time Bayada Became a Non-ProfitIt's not every day that the owner of a multi-billion dollar global for profit entity decides to convert to his company to non-profit status. In what can only be described as a profound "put your money where your mouth is" statement, Bayada Home Health Care did just that. In this week's interview, I discuss this conversion - along with some broader health care industry topics - with company CEO, David Baiada. I hope you find this to be as interesting and inspiring as I did.
2025-01-0738 minLeading Organizations That Matter48. Diana Franchitto: The Rise of the For Profit HospiceProfitability is good and essential, but the significant increase in the number of for profit hospice organizations has had an impact and much of that is not so good. In this episode, I speak with Diana Franchitto, President and CEO of HopeHealth, which is a leading non-profit hospice and palliative care organization. We discuss this trend and answer the question: does this matter? Spoiler alert - it does.Additionally, we discuss how to choose the best hospice for your loved one, a decision that often must be made during a very intense and challenging time....
2024-12-1734 minLeading Organizations That Matter47. Dmitri Tcherevik: An Artificial Intelligence PrimerSuddenly, AI seems to be everywhere. In this week's episode, I interview renowned expert, Dmitri Tcherevik, an innovator, leader, and educator, to learn more, especially as it pertains to mission driven non-profits. Dmitri helps to explore whether leaders should consider AI to be a great opportunity, a mere curiosity, or even possibly a threat. We discuss implications for students and industry and offer thoughts on how best to stay on top of this emerging and impactful development.One more thing... you do realize that once the machines become self aware, it will be the end of civilization...
2024-12-1035 minLeading Organizations That Matter46. Simplification and Rational LivingI'm sure everyone can think of good "less is more" examples. In this week's episode, I comment on this from the perspective of leading organizations in crisis and/or needing to undertake a significant change agenda. I cite two examples where this was exactly the right path forward.
2024-12-0306 minLeading Organizations That Matter45. Woody Hungarter: Preserving the LegacyWoody Hungarter is very uniquely qualified to speak to the daunting task of strengthening and preserving the legacy of historically significant mission driven organizations. He served as CEO of the VNA of Philadelphia, a pioneering 138 year old nonprofit, and now as CEO of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, which is a manifestation of the landmark Karen Ann Quinlan case of the 1970s and 1980s. In this episode, Woody discusses the challenges - and some suggested strategies - associated with the task of preserving the legacy of an organization well into the future.
2024-11-2638 minLeading Organizations That Matter44. Mergers & Acquisitions for Mission Driven Non-Profits: An Interview with Mark KulikIn this episode, I discuss the mergers and acquisitions of mission driven non-profits with industry expert, Mark Kulik, of The Braff Group. We review the whys and hows for those leaders charged with the mission, impact, and legacy of such organizations as they consider the consolidations taking place within the industry. I am hoping that this will provide an orientation and primer for those who want to learn more about this topic.In the episode, Mark refers to an early podcast episode which is linked here.
2024-11-1949 minLeading Organizations That Matter43. Bad News Early is Good News: An Interview with Project Management Expert, Lisa DiTullioThis week, I speak with long-time colleague, Lisa DiTullio, principal of Project Chalk Talk, about managing change and how best to ensure your own - and your company's - competency and capacity for managing change.Lisa and I were colleagues during the high profile turnaround at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, an organization that transformed from state supervised receivership to the number one health plan in the United States, an experience that impact both of us greatly.If you are in the midst of (or contemplating) change, this episode should prove most helpful.
2024-11-1250 minLeading Organizations That Matter42. An Interview with Dr. Andrew Gerber: Behavioral Health Care - The State of the StateI am pleased to present an interview with Dr. Andrew Gerber, President of Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut. Dr. Gerber is a clinician, leader, educator, and widely respected voice on issues pertaining to mental health care. In this interview, we discuss the current behavioral health "crisis" and the various issues impacting hospitals, physicians, patients, and... all of us. Consider this to be an excellent primer on the current state of the behavioral health industry.
2024-11-0545 minLeading Organizations That Matter41. An Interview with David Storto: The Pros and Cons of Medicare AdvantageWith appreciation to David Storto, long-time health care industry leader, in this episode we explore the topic of Medicare Advantage. We look at Medicare Advantage from the perspective of taxpayers, enrollees, and health care providers. As we discuss, there are some very important pros and cons to this governmental health care program… ones that impact patients, providers, and ultimately… all of us. If you’re interested in getting in touch with David, feel free to send him a message at storto907@gmail.com.
2024-10-2939 minLeading Organizations That Matter40. Strategic Planning: The Process is the ProductWhen the focus of a strategic planning initiative is to develop a "product", then that's an opportunity lost. Here, I suggest another way of thinking about strategic planning.
2024-10-2204 minLeading Organizations That Matter39. The Defining Characteristics of a True Turnaround"We are in a constant state of turnaround!"Yeah, I don't buy it...
2024-10-1504 minLeading Organizations That Matter38. Thinking about Mergers and Acquisitions?If you are thinking about developing a merger, acquisition, joint venture, or strategic partnership strategy, I hope you'll find this episode helpful. Here, I outline a systematic four-step process by which successful organizations can proceed.
2024-10-0804 minLeading Organizations That Matter37. Declared Culture versus Actual CultureDoes the mission, vision, and values statement on the laminated sheets in your conference rooms accurately reflect your organization's culture?
2024-10-0104 minLeading Organizations That Matter36. The Three Reasons Decisions are DifficultMaking difficult decisions is the job of leaders. In this week's episode, I describe the three reasons that decisions can be difficult and suggest that understanding this can be helpful to not only making the decision but also to how you communicate it down the line.
2024-09-2403 minLeading Organizations That Matter35. What Exactly is a Mission Driven Organization Anyways?I use the term "mission driven organization" a lot. And when asked, I'm always happy to define what I mean by that. But... I've learned through the years that my definition is not the one that matters.
2024-09-1705 minLeading Organizations That Matter34. What The Beatles and Alec Baldwin Can Teach Us About ManagementI often find interesting (and unexpected) inspiration and lessons from the most unlikely of places. In this week's episode, I draw from the world of art, specifically music-making and film directing.
2024-09-1004 minLeading Organizations That Matter33. When Proactive is Really ReactiveAll leaders want to be proactive, not reactive. But here's the thing: Just because you want to be proactive, be considered by others to be proactive, and do proactive seeming things, that does not mean that it’s true. In this week's episode, I point out a simple way to frame up a discussion that can help leaders make sure that everyone is on the same page for critical organizational decision making.
2024-09-0305 minLeading Organizations That Matter32. When Optimism Becomes DenialOptimism is a good thing, right? Absolutely! But... and this starts innocently enough... a sincere desire to be (and seem) optimistic can, over time, give way to something that is... not so good.
2024-08-2704 minLeading Organizations That Matter31. We all have blind spotsYou have blind spots. I have blind spots. And they can impact our approach and our success. Remember, blind spots are only problematic when we ignore them.
2024-08-2004 minLeading Organizations That Matter30. Make sure you know what your Board really wants. As in… really, really wants.I've seen it happen and often to tragic effect. Boards will hire a leader to bring about substantive change... only to find out later that the process of creating that change caused more friction and tension than anticipated. This week's brief episode is a reflection on how best to prevent this sort of unpleasant surprise from happening. Thanks for listening.
2024-08-1304 minLeading Organizations That Matter29. The importance of external feedbackSome of us kittens look into a mirror and see a mighty lion staring back at us. Some of us lions see little kittens. Honest and clear-headed self evaluation is important... but alas this is a podcast about leading mission driven organizations and I'm no pop psychologist. Nevertheless, I believe that the parallels to leadership are worth thinking about. In this week's episode, I describe how gaining external feedback can be helpful.
2024-08-0604 minLeading Organizations That Matter28. How to Storytell the MissionIn my book, Saving Organizations That Matter, I describe the importance of "storytelling the mission", that is, describing the work of an organization and its mission in a compelling and even emotionally stirring manner. In this week's episode, I describe three quick tips for improving your ability to storytell the mission.Thanks for listening. And please consider leaving a review on your podcast platform of choice. It helps others find us here. Thanks!
2024-07-3004 minLeading Organizations That Matter27. Six Reasons For-Profit Medicine is Bad for Your Health!For-profits... non-profits... what's the difference? In this episode, I provide six reasons that the movement toward for-profit health care has had some negative impacts on all of us. I suspect this is going to be a bit controversial but... I've seen what I've seen.
2024-07-2313 minLeading Organizations That Matter26. Why mergers and acquisitions FAIL: They were set up to do just that from the very start!For many nonprofit organizations, merger and acquisition strategies are viewed as desperation moves, as a proverbial Hail Mary scenario. This is... quite different... from their for profit counterparts who see M&A options as a way of cashing out of the business or as a means to grow and increase shareholder value. In this week's episode, I argue that many nonprofit mergers fail because they were set up to do just that from the start.Thanks for listening!And please consider telling your friends and colleagues about this podcast. Also, positive reviews on your podcast...
2024-07-1606 minLeading Organizations That Matter25. Where does DEI "Belong" When Creating Your Strategic Plan?You're preparing your strategic plan and hoping to reflect your organization's top tier priority around DEI and anti-racism... so, you make it one of your named top tier priorities or "strategic pillars". Hm... not so fast. This week's episode offers an alternate approach and, as I state, I have come to believe that this is a best practice.
2024-07-0905 minLeading Organizations That Matter24. What's Your Strategic Disposition?If you are the leader of an organization, what do you see when you "look in the mirror"? In this episode, I discuss that awkward situation when you realize that everyone else sees something different.
2024-07-0204 minLeading Organizations That Matter23. Tolerating UncertaintyWe all have differing levels of tolerance for uncertainty. Organizations are the same. Unfortunately, however, some leadership teams and boards of directors are SO uncomfortable with uncertainty that they will make rash and unhelpful decisions. I discuss this topic today and offer three potential remedies.
2024-06-2505 minLeading Organizations That Matter22. The Three Surprising Ways Strategic Planning Can Help Your OrganizationYou don't expect surprises (or at least, pleasant ones) when you conduct a strategic planning exercise. However, in my experience... recent planning projects have resulted in some important and quite helpful "ah ha" moments for boards, leaders, and staff.
2024-06-1805 minLeading Organizations That Matter21. Strategic Planning versus Strategic DoingStrategic planning is important and I've certainly spent a lot of time talking, writing, and podcasting about that. Today, I address the topic of strategic DOING.
2024-06-1105 minLeading Organizations That Matter20. It's Plateau Point and the Donkeys' Butts (when it comes to Strategic Planning)Many years ago, my son and I were hiking in the Grand Canyon when we learned a valuable lesson about hiking, life, and for me... years later... strategic planning.I'm serious.
2024-06-0407 minLeading Organizations That Matter19. “You Lied to Me": The Perils of M&AI recently saw that a former colleague from a company I once led posted on social media that he had fallen victim to an affiliation that was not accurately described to him as it was taking shape. Since I was the one responsible for messaging that affiliation, I took his comment as a blow. And that stung.But... some further reflection has led me to a few conclusions.
2024-05-2807 minLeading Organizations That Matter18. Seeing the InvisibleVision. Every organization should have one and every leader need to be able to articulate his or hers. But not all "visions" are the same. According to Jonathan Swift, “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.”So, do you help others see the invisible?
2024-05-2105 minLeading Organizations That Matter17. The Era of the “Context Curious”When I was starting out as a young and relatively low-in-the-chain-of-command employee, I was highly focused on the task at hand. I was clear about my responsibilities and how to be successful and I didn’t worry about a great deal more than that. If someone back then had asked me how the company I was working for was doing financially or what its main threats were in the external environment, I don’t think I could have answered. More importantly, I would have thought that those were strange questions for someone at my level to be concerned about....
2024-05-1405 minLeading Organizations That Matter16. When Conflict Avoidance IS the Elephant in the Room"Conflict avoided is conflict multiplied." Most people don't relish having to make tough decisions but sometimes putting this off can cause more harm downstream. Organizational culture flows from the personality of the key leaders of the organizations, most notably the CEO's. If that CEO is conflict avoidant... then that may prove to be the biggest problem of all.
2024-05-0705 minLeading Organizations That Matter15. Negative Budget VariancesNegative budget variances? Sounds like a boring and low level topic for a podcast such as this one... but how you handle them: (1) says a lot about you as a leader and (2) has the very real potential to positively transform your organization.
2024-04-3005 minLeading Organizations That Matter14. When Legacy Planning is Really Just Cashing OutI go on and on about non-profit, mission driven organizations and sometimes receive friendly (usually) comments about how non-profits and for profits are much more alike than not. Sure, ok. But there are some critical ways they're different. Today, I talk about one of them.
2024-04-2305 minLeading Organizations That Matter13. Like a Drawer Full of PensFor organizations in trouble and working to launch an improvement initiative, the diagnostic phase is critical. Sometimes, however, that is a very difficult task... partially due to the fact that neglect, conflict avoidance, politics, lack of clarity, or indecision created a mess that is difficult to sort through. I liken this to a "drawer full of pens". The analogy makes sense, trust me.
2024-04-1611 minLeading Organizations That Matter12. We'll Fix It With a Reorg!Have you heard this expression: "We'll fix it with a reorg..."?Something this is a reasonable and effective strategy. But beware, sometimes it isn't.
2024-04-0904 minLeading Organizations That Matter11. When it's Time to BE MORE DIRECT!Sometimes you have to walk lightly and sometimes you have to pound the table. This episode is for those times when you find yourself wondering whether it's time to pound the table.
2024-04-0205 minLeading Organizations That Matter10. Setting the Future Course Based on Who You HireWhat are you looking for in a new leadership hire? Do you prioritize and have clear selection criteria, established up front and before you even begin?If not, watch out... you may be making a more impactful decision for your organization than it may seem on the surface.
2024-03-2605 minLeading Organizations That Matter8. Making it Personal by Getting CloserBryan Stevenson, in his excellent book, "Just Mercy", describes the advice his grandmother once gave to him. She said: “You can’t understand most of the important things from a distance, Bryan. You have to get close...”And this relates to mission driven organizations how?
2024-03-1905 minLeading Organizations That Matter9. Calling All Cows and ElephantsSacred Cows and Elephants in the Room. Everyone organization has them.But what happens when they diminish success and hamper positive change efforts?
2024-03-1903 minLeading Organizations That Matter7. All Change Agents Are Irritating, Right?Change is hard. Got it.Being a change agent is difficult. Yup.Bruising people along the way is just par for the course, can't be avoided, and is probably even necessary.Really?
2024-03-1905 minLeading Organizations That Matter5. Mission is the Way OutIn this episode, I discuss the perils of an inward focus at the expense of having an outward oriented one. Some organizations (and people) don't benefit from having too much of a heightened sense of self.
2024-03-1205 minLeading Organizations That Matter6. When New Leaders Encounter Toxic CulturesYou get the new job and you are psyched. This is going to be awesome!Until it isn't. This episode is about those situations when new leaders find themselves in a tough spot due to the toxicity of the culture they have just entered.
2024-03-1207 minLeading Organizations That Matter4. Interim vs. Transitional LeadershipMaking an interim or transitional leadership hire. Is there a difference? And does that matter?
2024-03-1206 minLeading Organizations That Matter2. Scaling the High WallClassic scenario: you're at the fork in the road and up one side, it looks smooth and inviting. Up the other, challenging. But, wouldn't you know it, the more difficult side may well be the one for you.This week, I talk about making the harder... but better choice.
2024-03-0505 minLeading Organizations That Matter3. There is Always a WaterfallIn my book Saving Organizations That Matter, I use a waterfall metaphor to describe the challenges some organizations face as they feel the pull of the current toward danger. I read a brief excerpt this week to describe this imagery and its relevance to leaders of mission driven organizations.
2024-03-0510 minLeading Organizations That Matter1. Unprecedented Change and Other Signs of Urgency FatigueAll is well.The sky is falling.Let's face it, we all have our tendencies and personality leanings when it comes to change and urgency. In this podcast, I offer a few thoughts on this topic and the leadership implications for organizations.
2024-03-0505 minLeading Organizations That MatterLeading Organizations That Matter TrailerIntroducing Leading Organizations That Matter, a weekly podcast dedicated to everyone who works for, leads, and cares about "organizations that matter". These include mission driven health care, social service, and community-based organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those who are vulnerable and face great challenge. Leading these types of organizations poses unique challenges and Leading Organizations That Matter seeks to explore related topics, including organizational culture, meaning and purpose in work, diversifying the c-suite, and leading turnarounds and transformations. Episodes will be brief and to the point, though occasionally will include interviews with industry experts. I hope you'll...
2024-02-2303 min
The Virtuous Heroes PodcastEp. 49 - Building Great Organizational Culture w/ Rey SpadoniRey Spadoni is a published author, deacon, and CEO of Community VNA.Create your ideal work environment with Rey Spadoni as he shares tips on building an efficient organization culture. Rey Spadoni is a deacon at the Archdiocese of Boston and author of “Saving Organizations That Matter: Ascending From the Confluence of Chaos”. He is the current Executive Director & CEO at Community VNA.Rey Spadoni earned his Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Management at Questrom School of Business in Boston University as well as a Bachelor of Arts at College of the Holy Cross...
2021-09-2238 min