342: What It Really Takes: One Executive Director's 490% Growth Journey with Sheri Stilson

What happens when a Hollywood producer steps into the nonprofit world during a global shutdown—with no prior nonprofit experience—and is handed an organization on the brink? Meet Sheri Stilson, Executive Director of Student Television Network, who went from feeling like a fish out of water to leading STN through a remarkable 490% revenue growth. In this powerful episode, Sheri shares the real, messy journey of turning around a struggling nonprofit, building the right team, transforming board culture, and staying focused when the pressure was on. If you've ever felt overwhelmed in your leadership role, this episode will inspire you to keep going. Episode Highlights 01:40 Sheri's Early Career and Transition to STN 03:22 Challenges Faced as New Executive Director 07:24 STN's Growth and Achievements 12:18 Lessons Learned and Leadership Insights 19:17 Building and Managing the Right Team 23:21 Navigating Board Dynamics and Power Struggles 28:45 The Shift to an Oversight Board 33:10 Revenue Strategies and Financial Growth 40:14 Building Strong Relationships with Sponsors   My guest for this episode is Sheri Stilson, the Executive Director of the Student Television Network. Sheri is a San Diego native who has 20 years of experience in the entertainment and event industry. After graduating from San Diego State University with two student Emmys, Sheri began her career stage managing for the San Diego Padres and working as a technician at SeaWorld. She went on to be a TV producer for reality, competition, and game shows in Hollywood for 10 years and has a vast industry network to draw from. Some of the networks she has teamed with are HGTV, FOX, CBS, BRAVO, MTV, Warner Brothers, and Animal Planet. Sheri also held a position as the Event Supervisor at the LEGOLAND California Resort and led teams through large-scale seasonal and educational events, daily operations, and press junkets for 10 years in a variety of roles. She volunteers as a wish granter with Make a Wish, teaches her own online courses about how to break into Hollywood, and looks for ways to give back. Connect with Sheri: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheri-stilson-bb7792b Social: @stnnow Website: www.studenttelevison.com Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.