Lead for Good: A Conversation with Dawn Reese - Episode 15

In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Dawn Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor, for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on nonprofit leadership, servant leadership, and what it truly means to be a fundraising CEO. Under Dawn’s leadership, The Wooden Floor has become a nationally recognized model for arts-based youth development, helping underserved youth thrive through dance, academic support, and family services. Since 2005, 100% of students have graduated high school on time and immediately enrolled in higher education. Throughout the conversation, Dawn reflects on the formative experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy, the mentors who influenced her journey, and why empathy is foundational to effective leadership. She shares practical wisdom on building a culture of philanthropy, developing high-performing teams, balancing operational leadership with fundraising responsibilities, and creating organizational cultures where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. This episode also explores: Why servant leadership is both compassionate and powerful The importance of mentorship, coaching, and lifelong learning How nonprofit leaders can embrace discomfort to grow Strategies for developing future leaders within organizations The value of relationship-centered fundraising How The Wooden Floor is expanding its impact through innovation and partnerships Dawn’s reflections on leadership, purpose, and investing in people offer valuable insight for nonprofit executives, emerging leaders, fundraisers, board members, and anyone passionate about creating meaningful impact in their communities. Watch now and discover why leading with empathy, humility, and intentionality remains one of the most powerful ways to lead for good. #LeadForGood #NonprofitLeadership #ServantLeadership #Fundraising #Philanthropy #LeadershipDevelopment #TheWoodenFloor #YouthDevelopment #ArtsEducation #LeadershipPodcast