Shows
Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact UnleashedThe Power of Pause with Tucker WannamakerIn this deep and refreshingly honest episode, Jarrett Ransom, the Nonprofit Nerd®, CEO of The Rayvan Group, LLC, and host of Nonprofit Nerd®: Impact Unleashed welcomes Tucker Wannamaker, Chief Experience Officer at Thrive Impact, for a conversation that dives straight into the heart of nonprofit leadership. From navigating burnout and shame spirals to embracing co-creative and conscious leadership, Tucker opens up about his personal journey, the lessons he's still learning, and the importance of staying aligned—internally and organizationally. This is one of those episodes you’ll want to listen to more than once. Vulnerable, validating, and full of practi...
2025-04-0433 min
THRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalAppreciation in ActionWhat does it take to create a space where meaningful conversations foster deep personal and professional growth, all while paving the way for impactful change?In our milestone 50th episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah embark on a heartfelt dialogue, marking Sarah’s final episode as co-host. This episode is a tapestry of reflections, learnings, and forward-looking insights as they reminisce on their three-year journey together.Throughout this special episode, Tucker and Sarah:Reflect on the significance of creating impact while avoiding burnout, emphasizing the need for sustainable leadership practices.Discuss the importance of cl...
2024-06-1344 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalCreating the Conditions for Positive Organizational ChangeWhat does it take to create a workplace that not only creates impact, but also fosters deep, meaningful change internally?The answer lies within the principles of positive psychology. Principles that—when properly harnessed—can fundamentally shift how organizational environments successfully prepare for and navigate change. In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah dive into a compelling conversation about Sarah’s extensive research into positive psychology and its transformative impact on the workplace. Their discussion drives towards fundamentally rethinking how organizational environments cultivate a leadership approach that champions psychol...
2024-05-3055 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalLearning from the Unique Vantage Point of Community Foundation CEOsWhat does it mean to lead effectively in today's rapidly changing world? We approach this question often from many different angles in our work with impact-driven leaders. We recently facilitated leadership workshops at a retreat exclusively for community foundation CEOs, and it was eye-opening.So this episode, we’re talking about how community foundation CEOs can drive significant change without sacrificing their well-being or that of their teams—especially when they face the multi-faceted challenge of driving meaningful societal impact, managing significant donors and assets, and ensuring their own personal well-being. It’s no sm...
2024-05-1634 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalFrom Implicit Expectations to Objective AgreementsPicture a leader you admire—perhaps they're dynamic, insightful, and unwaveringly decisive. Beneath the surface of these admirable qualities often lies a foundational skill seldom celebrated but inherently powerful: the ability to shift from subjective judgment to objective clarity.The capacity to discern fact from feeling. Learning to navigate the path from personal bias to collective clarity is a vital skill for every leader. In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah discuss the transformative journey toward objective leadership. They unravel the complexities of moving beyond the realm of subj...
2024-05-0246 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalInviting Lived Experience and Empathy to the Philanthropy Table with Carmen James RandolphImagine a world where philanthropy isn't just about the size of the donation but the depth of the connection. Where the voices of those closest to the challenges—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—are more than simply heard; they’re invited to the table, amplified, and made central to the mission.This is the vision Carmen James Randolph, the pioneering President and CEO of the Women's Foundation of the South, brings to life in our latest episode of THRIVERS. This subject is especially pertinent to Carmen’s work with communities of color, which are notoriously underrepr...
2024-04-1849 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalHow Big Changes Happen in Small Moments with Simeon BanisterIf you were asked to pick a few words that describe ideal qualities in a leader, what would they be?Maybe you’d choose words like, “focused, passionate, and confident”. All of these are excellent qualities in a leader. Would words like “adaptable” and “learning” also make it on your list?In an era where change is the only constant, the essence of leadership is evolving. This episode presents a compelling conversation with Simeon Banister, the visionary President and CEO of the Rochester Area Community Foundation, who shares key moments of realization in his own journey...
2024-04-0458 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalNavigating Difficult ConversationsHaving difficult conversations feels like walking a tightrope. Balancing between saying too much and not saying enough. Worried that saying the wrong thing can cause everything to come tumbling down or create even bigger problems. Sarah and Tucker broach this exact topic with youth development and training experts Tabitha May-Tolub and Janai Smith and explore the art of meaningful dialogue. It's a conversation about conversations—the ones that challenge us, push our boundaries, and ultimately lead to greater understanding and growth.Throughout this discussion, our guests share their insights on how recognizing and...
2024-03-2152 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalTask Cohesion is More Important Than Social CohesionEver wonder what makes some teams run more smoothly than a well-oiled machine while others seem to fall apart at the seams? It’s not always about having the brightest minds (though that doesn’t hurt) or even the best culture; it’s about how well a team works together towards a common goal. Task cohesion is the glue that holds successful teams together and keeps them moving together seamlessly in the same direction.This episode is a deep dive into what task cohesion really means and why it’s a game-changer, especiall...
2024-03-0738 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalShifting from Fundraisers to “Friend-raisers” with Joey Goone and Meagan Sweeney-HydeImagine an event where every detail tells a story, connecting heart to heart, and forging bonds that last. Oh, and it successfully raises funds to support your impact-driven mission.Now, you don’t have to imagine—you can listen to effective, practical tips on how to create these types of events. Events that are built for the next normal. Tucker Wanamaker, Joey Goon, and Meagan Sweeney-Hyde talk about the simple-yet-effective secrets to transforming ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. They challenge the status quo, inviting us to elevate events as powerful platforms for storytelling, relat...
2024-02-221h 07THRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalBrushstrokes of Our 10X FutureEmbarking on a transformative journey, the THRIVE IMPACT team dives into the concept of "10X" – a bold approach to organizational and personal growth. The 10X concept challenges conventional norms, advocating for a radical shift from incremental progress to exponential growth. But exponential growth doesn’t mean hyper action—it's actually about radically doing less in order to focus on quality over quantity. It's about letting the future inform the present, rather than being constrained by the past. This episode provides a unique opportunity to witness the learning process, the friction of aligning actions with a visionar...
2024-02-081h 03THRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalA Lookback: 1.5 Years of Operationalizing a Strategic Plan with Greater Nashua Mental HealthThe old method of strategic planning often feels like a rigid, top-down endeavor that stifles innovation and hinders genuine progress. The opposite of what it’s intended to do.It doesn’t have to be this way. What if strategic planning was an evolving process driven by co-creation and continuous learning?A year and half later, Tucker and Sarah explore the powerful story of Greater Nashua Mental Health, where Dr. Cynthia Whitaker and Sheila Considine Sweeney have redefined strategic planning and used it to shift roles, power dynamics, and involve the community to bring...
2024-01-2552 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalMastering the Art of Saying “No”Saying “yes” feels like the best way to be an empowering leader. More often than not, however, it leads to cluttered priorities and diluted impact. Tucker and Sarah tackle a truth that often gets lost in the hustle: not every opportunity is worth taking.Choosing what to say “yes” to is about figuring out what really matters, what aligns with your values, and what will truly drive your mission forward. Easier said than done? Definitely. Worth it? Also definitely.Key Moments:The Art of Saying No: A Leadership Challeng...
2024-01-1142 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalGrowth and Gratitude: A Leadership Year in Review with Barb Collura, Kathy Jamil, and Kirsten TaylorThe journey of leadership is marked by unique challenges and profound learnings (if you’re doing it right). As 2023 comes to a close, this episode of THRIVERS offers a window into the reflective minds of three nonprofit leaders who have navigated these waters with resilience and innovation.Tucker and Sarah sit down with Barb Collura, Kathy Jamil, and Kirsten Taylor to discuss the key lessons they’ve learned about themselves over the course of this year. The conversation revolves around their proud accomplishments and the sorrows they've faced, providing an in...
2023-12-2849 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalCelebrating the THRIVERS Community JourneyLeadership is a journey filled with constant evolution and growth. Sometimes that means closing one chapter to begin another.In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Tucker, accompanied by members of the THRIVERS community, takes a moment to mark the conclusion of this season of their collaborative journey. Guests:Frankie Abralind - Founder of The Good Listening ProjectBeth Roalstad - CEO of Homeward Pikes PeakLisa Simms Booth - Executive Director of Smith Center for Healing and the ArtsDr Stephanie McGencey - Founder of Womens Equity Center and Action N...
2023-12-1434 min
Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & FundraisingE32: Co-Creation and Connection with The CEO of Thrive Impact Tucker WannamakerWelcome back to the Lead with Heart podcast! Today, I have Tucker Wannamaker on the podcast with me and I'm so excited because we have a lot in common – so this will be a good conversation.Tucker is the CEO of Thrive Impact, and he is working to right the injustices happening against nonprofit leaders and solve nonprofit leader burnout for those in some of the toughest leadership conditions. He believes that burnout is the enemy of creating positive change. We talk about the injustices that are happening against nonprofit leaders, how nonprofits can embody their mission in...
2023-12-0553 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalWellbeing: Beyond the Buzzword with Dr. Dan DiamondIn a landscape where the pressures and challenges of leadership are constantly evolving, understanding and prioritizing wellbeing is more than beneficial; it’s essential.But what does “wellbeing” really mean for impact-driven leaders and their teams?Along with guest Dr. Dan Diamond, Tucker and Sarah aim to tackle this significant question as they unpack the multifaceted concept of wellbeing.They begin by exploring the costs of neglecting wellbeing and the compelling reasons why prioritizing it is crucial. The conversation then shifts to a practical example: a detailed walkth...
2023-11-3059 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalCo-Creating the THRIVERS ManifestoThis episode has been a long time in the making. Since well before even dreaming of starting this podcast, in fact.Since the very beginnings of supporting nonprofit leaders, the need for a new language to articulate the shifts in leadership and organizational dynamics has been a constant topic at THRIVE IMPACT.Now, Tucker and Sarah dive into these foundational ideas by sharing the pulse they've captured from conversations with various CEOs and Executive Directors about this topic. They discuss the shifting landscape of leadership, and the need for words that resonate with the collective...
2023-11-1633 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalGoing Behind the Scenes with Kathy Jamil from The United Way of BuffaloWhat happens when nonprofit leaders come together to connect, learn, and grow?Tucker and Sarah break the mold with this episode, giving you a behind the scenes look into a 3-hour leadership workshop they recently facilitated with the United Way of Buffalo. Joined by Kathy Jamil, the Chief Program Officer of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, they dive into the essence of leadership in today's world.Kathy's insights provide a fresh perspective on the importance of creating spaces for nonprofit leaders to connect and share. Her experiences with the...
2023-11-0241 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalCapacity Building 2.0 - Part 4: Capacity = Knowing Your Capability“Capacity Building” is a phrase that gets tossed around quite a bit in the nonprofit world, but what does it really mean, and how do you know if it’s even working? In episode four of our Capacity Building 2.0 series, Tucker and Sarah reconnect with Jess Verplank, Deputy Director of Kids on Bikes, who participated in the THRIVER program earlier this year. Throughout the discussion, Jess reflects on the pivotal moments and lessons she learned that have since shaped her leadership approach, and what “capacity building” has meant for her. With the guidance and insights from executi...
2023-10-1950 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next Normal8 Signs Your Strategic Plan Isn't WorkingEver felt like your strategic plan is more of a relic than a roadmap?A strategic plan should be the lifeblood of any organization, guiding its direction and ensuring a cohesive approach to achieving its vision. Unfortunately, even the most meticulously crafted plans can end up collecting dust on the shelf instead of creating real impact. Recognizing the signs of a plan that's not delivering can be the difference between stagnation and growth.In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah unravel the intricacies of strategic planning, highlighting how even the best-laid plans...
2023-10-0540 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalOperationalizing Your Goals: Connecting Strategy and ActivityEver wondered how to transform grand strategic visions into concrete tasks for your team? Or how a strategic plan should play a part in the day-to-day?The hard part isn’t setting these objectives (okay, maybe a little). It’s in the journey from idea to implementation and not getting lost along the way.In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah get into the details of a workshop sequence designed to bridge the gap between strategy and action. This workshop ensures lofty goals don't remain just on paper. It promotes co-creation, ensures team collaboration, and...
2023-09-2145 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalBreaking the “Accountability” StigmaWhat do you think of when you hear the word, “accountability”?For most people, it immediately brings to mind all the negative aspects of accountability, namely being held responsible for a mistake. This limited view of the word creates a tension between holding folks "accountable" and allowing them to learn.What if this understanding of accountability isn’t just limited, but detrimental? (Spoiler alert: it is.)In the newest episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah explore the benefits of embracing continuous learning as an essential facet of organizational accountability. They explore the meanings of acc...
2023-09-0737 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalDrawing Out (and Leaning Into) the Best of Your BoardHave you ever struggled with striking the right balance with your board's involvement in your mission?Encouraging your board to maintain their strategic focus, without veering into operational territories, or dictating the “how”, can be difficult to navigateThe truth is that nonprofits are at their best when leaders can draw out and lean into the best of their boards. Figuring out how to do this is often easier said than done.In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah pull back the curtain on an immersive two-hour session they facilitated with a comm...
2023-08-2445 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalFallibility on Display"Do I acknowledge, and even allow others to witness, my own mistakes?"The fear of revealing our fallibility hinders our personal growth and the development of a genuine learning culture. We buy into the lie that as leaders we have to have it all together for the sake of our teams.This fear can form a barrier, preventing authentic connection with our team and inhibiting true progress. In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah take a deep dive into leadership fallibility, discussing the power of vulnerability and the strength i...
2023-08-1041 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalNavigating Uncertainty More Effectively with Nisha Anand"How do I steer my nonprofit through the uncertainty?"Nonprofit leadership often resembles navigating through uncharted territories. With shifting power dynamics, potential declines in philanthropy, and a persistent undercurrent of uncertainty, leaders grapple with a myriad of challenges while striving to keep their mission afloat.In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker Wannamaker engages in a candid conversation with Nisha Anand, an activist, mom of two, and CEO of Dream.Org. They unravel the multifaceted nature of nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the power of authenticity, reflective practices, and collaborative decision-making.
2023-07-2752 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalThe Role of Dissent in a Learning Organization“Do I make room for dissent in my organization?”As leaders, we tend to equate harmony and collaboration with being a positive learning environment. In reality, the ability to disagree without fear of repercussion is often a stronger indicator of the health of our teams.As nonprofit leaders, how can we cultivate an environment of continuous learning and open discourse within our organizations?The traditional leadership model, which links authority to possessing all the answers, can inhibit growth, stifle creativity, and limit engagement. In...
2023-07-1344 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalShould You Invest More In Leaders & Less In Programs? A Conversation with Jason JanzThe demands of leadership in the nonprofit sector are overwhelming right now. The need to scale, serve, and make real impact can all too easily lead to neglecting personal wellbeing. Oftentimes we seem to be faced with the difficult decision of choosing between investing in program development or investing in our staff.It’s time to consider the powerful shift that occurs when your staff becomes a central part of your transformative journey.In this episode of THRIVERS, Tucker, Sarah, and their guest Jason Janz, the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Cross...
2023-06-2956 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalHard Choices, High Impact: Navigating Nonprofit Financial ViabilityAre your nonprofit’s programs financially viable? Are they delivering the desired outcomes? Is it even possible to find a balance?Sometimes it feels like nonprofit leaders are jugglers, trying to keep multiple balls in the air at the same time. The truth is, they often are. Juggling the financial viability of programs while also striving for impactful outcomes can be a challenging balancing act. This challenge is amplified by the pressure to serve as many as possible while also ensuring the programs align with the organization's unique value.In...
2023-06-1530 min
Nonprofit Hub RadioTucker Wannamaker - Solving Nonprofit Leader BurnoutSend us a textIn this podcast episode, Delaney interviews Tucker, an expert in nonprofit leadership and the co-founder of Thrive Impact. Discover valuable insights & strategies for nonprofit leaders to excel in their roles effectively.Support the showGet free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org
2023-06-0243 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalNeck-Down Learning: How To Lead Well From Within“We don't need more knowledge, we need more learning." - Tucker WannamakerAs nonprofit leaders, we're deeply committed to our communities and the causes we serve. Unfortunately, the demands of our roles often leave us with little time for deep introspection and self-care. The journey to effective leadership begins with leading ourselves.So how can we find balance, enhance our decision-making, and create room for growth when our schedules are bursting at the seams?In our newest episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Beth Roalstad, CEO of Home...
2023-06-0144 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalWhen Willpower Isn’t Enough: Cultivating Personal Growth“When we choose growth over perfection, we immediately increase our shame resilience.” - Brené BrownAs nonprofit leaders, we know that personal growth is a key ingredient to being able to serve our communities well. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to let guilt and shame drive us away from achieving that growth.So how can we overcome obstacles and foster personal growth in the face of adversity when willpower is just not enough?In our latest episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah explore the next normal of personal growth and how crea...
2023-05-1832 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalFrom Charity to Change: Mastering Effective Program EvaluationHow can you ensure your nonprofit is genuinely creating positive change rather than unintentionally causing harm? Nonprofit leaders should aim to “do no harm”, and evaluating programs is a crucial step in ensuring that nonprofits are making a positive impact instead of causing unintended negative consequences.Unfortunately, it can be challenging to evaluate your programs effectively, especially with limited resources and expertise. It's time to shift from charity to change.In our latest episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah dive deep into the challenges of evaluation and how to overcome them. They discus...
2023-05-0443 min
The Prosperous NonprofitCo-Creating Leads to Nonprofit Innovation with Tucker WannamakerUnleash the secrets to making your nonprofit thrive without sacrificing your team's well-being with our guest, Tucker Wannamaker's groundbreaking approach. In this episode, you'll discover: Insider tips to combat the scarcity mindset and unlock the full potential of your team members A revolutionary method to create a prosperous nonprofit through co-creation, transparency, and a strengths-based approach The power of implementing rhythms of learning to propel your nonprofit towards success Visit the podcast page: https://100degreesconsulting.com/how-to-use-co-creation-to-build-a-prosperous-nonprofit/ Connect with 100 Degrees Consulting: https://www.instagram.co...
2023-05-0146 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalAre We Speaking The Same (Organizational) Language?Do you find it challenging to streamline communication within your organization?Do your team members have different perspectives on how information should flow?It might be time to establish a shared language and approach for communication. After all, everything that takes place within an organization can be traced back to the countless conversations you and your team engage in regularly. Understanding the importance of effective communication within an organization is crucial for its success. By figuring out how your team collectively wants to share, listen, and connect with one another, you c...
2023-04-2037 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalCapacity Building 2.0 - Part 3: The Power of Pause, Connection, and BelongingIn the third episode of our Capacity Building 2.0 podcast series, Tucker and Sarah are joined by three thoughtful nonprofit leaders from Food to Power, a Colorado Springs organization whose mission is to cultivate a healthy, equitable food system in the greater Colorado Springs community. Hear from these leaders as they share their experience with belonging in our THRIVERS community and how that amplified learning and growth in a way that straight training couldn't have done.They get deep on why capacity building MUST incorporate the power of pause, connection, and belonging otherwise we're doing it w...
2023-04-0659 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalHaving Gracious DEI Conversations Leveraging the XCHANGE Approach with Carolyn ColleenDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work is incredibly important. And yet, conversations around DEI can often be emotionally charged and difficult to navigate, leaving people feeling frustrated, confused, or even hurt.While many nonprofit leaders have good intentions when it comes to DEI conversations, they may not always know how to approach it in a way that is inclusive, thoughtful, and effective to the needs of all involved. In our latest episode of THRIVERS, Tucker and Sarah have the opportunity to speak with Carolyn Colleen, the Founder of the Fierce Foundation, about how she leverages t...
2023-03-2353 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalUsing Impact Forecasting to Set the Stage for More Revenue with Skyler Badenoch and Stephanie SkryzowskiSometimes from fear and shame, sometimes from overwhelm, sometimes from just too much on the plate -- nonprofit leaders don't go deep into their financials and forecast out what they want their impact to be and what revenue it will take to get there.In this episode, Tucker discusses the next normal in forecasting impact with two insightful guests: Skyler Badenoch - CEO of Hope for Haiti, an organization that works to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly children. Stephanie Skryzowski - Founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting which pr...
2023-03-0945 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalCapacity Building 2.0 - Part 2: Go Beyond One-Off Trainings to Create Systemic Change“Capacity Building” is a phrase that gets tossed around quite a bit in the nonprofit world, but what does it really mean, and how do you know if it’s even working? Many capacity building models struggle with: Overvaluing the expertise of experts vs. the wisdom of nonprofit leaders Being one-off or transactional, rarely leading to systemic change within the whole organizationOften supporting or upholding traditional power structures and dynamicsBuilding the social capital of the nonprofit leaders across the communityBeing too expensive - think one consultant for every nonprofit and each of their problems
2023-02-2350 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalRethinking How to Attract and Hire Good People with Alli Horst & Andy MagelAre you feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent?You’re not alone.A recent survey by Nonprofit HR's found that 42% of responding nonprofit leaders expected their employee turnover rates to increase in the coming year, with 80% of respondents saying that their organizations did not have a talent retention strategy in place.As a nonprofit leader, the importance of having a strong talent acquisition strategy cannot be overstated, especially in a sector where employee turnover can be high and the costs of losing an employee can range from 25% to...
2023-02-0949 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalRhythms for Effective Collaboration and Scale with Charlee Tchividjian & Alessandra ThomasAre you struggling to align your team's efforts to achieve the impact you know your organization is capable of? Does it feel like things are just a little out of sync?Maybe all you need to do is find your rhythm. Creating consistent rhythms in your organization can be an extremely effective tool for collaboration and efficiency, but it's not just about working harder. Rest is an essential part of these rhythms and it’s important to incorporate spaces of rest within the organization and the team if you hope to truly scale your...
2023-01-2654 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalCapacity Building 2.0 - Part 1: Building a Collaborative Learning Environment“Capacity Building” is a phrase that gets tossed around quite a bit in the nonprofit world, but what does it really mean, and how do you know if it’s even working? Many capacity building models struggle with: Overvaluing the expertise of experts vs. the wisdom of nonprofit leaders Being one-off or transactional, rarely leading to real change within the whole organizationOften supporting or upholding traditional power structures and dynamicsBuilding the social capital of the nonprofit leaders across the communityBeing too expensive - think one consultant for every nonprofit and each of their problems
2023-01-1246 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next Normal2 Activities + 6 Questions to Enter 2023 with Energy & ClarityThe end of the year is a natural, reflective time for a lot of people.It can also be an extremely hectic time for people as well.A lot has happened this year: The world seems to be moving on from COVID, inflation is soaring, and people are struggling with a tough job market in the face of a looming recession. As a nonprofit leader, it’s easy to look at all these things and think, “We need to be doing more to help people.” While this thought is tempting, it could lead you and...
2022-12-2951 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalCreating a Generosity Experience with Tim SarrantonioDid you know that 8 / 10 first time donors never come back? This is a brutal stat when you think about the amount of effort we put into getting new donors. Perhaps there’s another way that makes the process more human and more efficient. That’s where the “generosity experience” comes in. A generosity experience is more than just a one-time transaction. It is the end-to-end relationship that you build with an individual donor that encourages them to give in a sustainable way (for both you and for the donor...
2022-12-1553 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalHow Skateboards Help Get Things Done Faster (& Better)Do you struggle with perfectionism? You’re not alone. It’s so easy to get caught up in a rhythm of over-thinking and over-planning that sometimes the “doing” of the work seems to take a backseat. We know it makes matters worse, but why do we do it? Simple. Our own fear of it not being “right” or “perfect” the first time.It’s time to build a skateboard.Not an actual skateboard, of course. We’re talking about a minimum “valuable” version of whatever it is you’re working on. This concept is a critical part...
2022-12-0129 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalDitching Top-Down Approaches to Change: Interview with Indy FrazeeBuy-in. Easier said than done. There are LOTS of ways to create buy-in, but they're not all created equal. And further still, not all of them are accessible to nonprofits. So how do we do more than just "build buy-in"? How do we actually get people ENGAGED?Ditching top-down approaches and implementing a culture of co-creation at your organization is an important part of making your team feel that their voices are heard and valued, but what is the right way to implement this app...
2022-11-1745 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalWhat We’re Learning: Straight UpJohn F. Kennedy once said, "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."We’ve learned that it’s important that we don’t come across like we’re the “experts” who have it all figured out, as we may end up perpetuating the problem of nonprofit leader burnout by further alienating the people we’re trying to help. If we can share what we’re learning along the way, in a public way, we can support growth and learning amongst leaders we serve.In today’s newest episode of T...
2022-11-0332 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalThe Case for Leadership DevelopmentNonprofits exist to create positive impact in their communities and in the world around them. There’s no shortage of ways to increase and improve that impact. Revenue, storytelling, programs, and more all play a significant role.The biggest factor though is also the most overlooked: leadership development. Why doesn’t it get prioritized? Is it a lack of resources or funding? Why do most “leadership” programs miss the mark? Better yet, why do they only focus on the people at the top of the organization?In this episode, Sarah an...
2022-10-2036 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalTake Extreme OwnershipSometimes it seems like our organizations have minds of their own. Tasks to accomplish, priorities to organize, fires to put out… It’s easy for things to end up on autopilot in all the wrong ways. It can start to feel like the organization is running you instead of the other way around.In this episode of the THRIVERS podcast, Tucker Wannamaker and Sarah Fanslau talk about the conditions that create this and how to harness that (seemingly negative) momentum to put you in the driver’s seat.From changi...
2022-10-0633 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalOur Journey of Effective Strategic Planning - An Interview with Dr. Cynthia WhitakerIt’s one thing for an executive team and a board to align around a strategic plan. It’s something else entirely when an entire organization, from the newest hire to the most senior board member, realizes they have shared vision and are moving in the same direction.That’s exactly what happened at Greater Nashua Mental Health when CEO Dr. Cynthia Whitaker led them through developing a co-created strategic direction.In this episode of THRIVERS, Dr. Cyntha shares story after story of core values being prioritized and lived out in...
2022-09-2243 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalStrategic Planning - Part 4: Learning OrganizationsIn the final episode of our 4-part series on strategic planning, we dive into the value of being a learning organization. We cover everything from defining what that means to the massive impact it can have in your organization to simple practices you can implement today.Your organization’s ability to learn and adapt touches every part of your organization and is what keeps you relevant through inevitable changes in culture, economics, and more.How do we create an environment that fosters learning? How do we recognize opportunities to le...
2022-09-0829 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalStrategic Planning - Part 3: Data-Driven AlignmentRaise your hand if data scares you. It is okay to admit it. It’s true for many of us.But data is a vital part of organizational health and strategic planning. In this episode, Tucker Wannamaker, CEO of THRIVE IMPACT, and Sarah Fanslau, Chief of Impact, discuss the role of data, qualitative and quantitative, in uncovering community needs, identifying areas of opportunity, and charting a future direction.They talk about and define outputs, outcomes, and impact, and discuss the power of two questions tha...
2022-08-2532 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalStrategic Planning - Part 2: Being Strengths-Based & InclusiveHave you ever heard the old cliché of the strategic plan that sits on the shelf gathering dust? Haven’t we all? But it's a cliche for a reason–because it has been true for so long.But a better question is: Why is it true?In this episode, Tucker Wannamaker, CEO of THRIVE IMPACT, and Sarah Fanslau, Chief of Impact, discuss how newer approaches to strategic planning can help improve culture, increase impact, and ensure that the old cliché doesn’t apply to your nonprofit.We...
2022-08-1133 minTHRIVERS: Impact-Driven Leadership for the Next NormalStrategic Planning - Part 1: Why Strategic Planning?What’s the point of strategic planning? Is it just something nonprofits are “supposed” to do? How do we actually use it to guide our day-to-day work? How does the whole organization buy into a strategic plan?These are the questions we love to hear.In this episode, Tucker Wannamaker, CEO of THRIVE IMPACT, and Sarah Fanslau, Chief of Impact, discuss a few core questions at the heart of the rebirth of the strategic planning process. We talk about why strategic planning is important in the...
2022-07-2825 min
The Tribe BuildersTransforming A Tribe Of Nonprofit Leaders With Tucker WannamakerLeaders know how to provide solutions and build a community. Tucker Wannamaker is working to solve the nonprofit leader burnout problem through the power of community, coaching, and consistency. He started working with nonprofits specifically by doing some fundraising campaigns for a local community foundation in Colorado. Then, due to two large wildfires, he used his marketing, designer, and campaigner skills to raise money. Finding success with this, he built his tribe and community called Thrive Impact. The tribe aims to provide safety for members and increase their confidence and skills as leaders and their well-being.
2021-11-2235 min
Rally The CauseAvoid Nonprofit Burnout and Make a Difference with Tucker Wannamaker of Thrive ImpactTucker Wannamaker is the Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of Thrive Impact, an organization designed to help nonprofits create revenue, avoid burnout, and make the biggest impact possible. Tucker has over 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit space, including serving as the Vice President of Advancement at Youth Service America and holding executive positions at Ashoka and Character.org. Tucker has managed and developed marketing campaigns for nonprofits, including the American Red Cross, United States Olympic Museum, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, and Colorado College. His expertise lies in marketing, revenue creation, strategic partnerships, technology platforms, and m...
2021-05-0339 min
The learning-to-thrive PodcastCan a young family living 1600 miles from their hometown learn to THRIVE in a totally new environment?Tucker & Julie Wannamaker move their young family 3/4 of the way across the continent from Colorado Springs to Washington D.C. Can they learn to encounter the Grace, Mercy, Love & Peace of God along the way.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, CONTACT DAVID HIGGINBOTHAM AT davidhiggtx@gmail.com
2021-05-0148 min
Through the NoiseKevin Hagan, Chief Executive & Tucker Wannamaker, Chief Strategist of Thrive ImpactKevin Hagan is CEO of Thrive Impact and former CEO of Feed the Children & the American Diabetes Association. Tucker Wannamaker is co-founder and chief strategist of Thrive Impact and seasoned fundraising and marketing professional. Thrive Impact, a nonprofit turnaround firm that helps leaders find their unique value and energize their nonprofits.
2019-11-1356 min
The You-est You® PodcastThe Secrets to Thriving and Making An Impact with Tucker WannamakerMeet Tucker Wannamaker, co-founder of THRIVE IMPACT. Every nonprofit and its leader deserves to THRIVE as individuals, personally and professionally, so they can have the IMPACT our communities need from them. That's why Tucker is focused on helping nonprofit leaders energize their revenue, staff, boards, and stories through intensive coaching, experiential learning, fresh strategies, and the culture and mindset change needed to make it happen. Over the last 15 years, Tucker has been in a variety of mission-driven leadership roles including building an award-winning nonprofit marketing agency (that he sold), leading fundraising campaigns that brought millions in the door, years as a...
2019-09-251h 08