The Journey of a First-Time Nonprofit CEO Facing Crisis and Reinventing Culture with JL Bielon

In this episode of ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with JL Bielon, Chief Executive Officer at Champions for Children, to explore her journey through the nonprofit sector and her transition into her first CEO role. JL shares how a career rooted in philanthropy, from a historic theatre to an ocular research centre, a zoo, and now a child abuse prevention nonprofit, prepared her for executive leadership.JL Bielon has spent her entire career in nonprofit leadership, specialising in fundraising and philanthropy. She now leads Champions for Children, a Tampa-based organisation focused on preventing child abuse and strengthening families through research-based programmes. Her work blends strategic clarity, community collaboration, and a deep commitment to long-term impact for children and families.Expect to Learn:What surprised JL most during her first year as a CEO.How losing and gaining federal grants reshaped the organisation’s strategy.Why mission, vision, and values clarity is critical for nonprofit growth.The importance of peer networks and coaching for new CEOs.How philanthropy and fundraising skills are shaping the next generation of nonprofit leaders.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Teaser[01:32] – Welcome & Introduction to the ChoinqueCast with JL Bielon[05:14] – First Year as CEO: Surprises, Team Building, and Federal Grant Challenges[11:08] – Leaning on the Network: The Weight of CEO Decisions[17:34] – Redefining Mission, Vision, and Values: The Foundation for the Next 50 Years[22:49] – The Leadership Toolbox: From Manager to Coach[30:55] – Advice for Aspiring CEOs: Embrace the Zigzag and Say Yes to Conversations[33:36] – Closing Remarks and How to Connect🔗 Connect with the Guest JL Bielon:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jl-bielon/👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/champions-for-children/👉 Company’s Website: https://cfctb.org/🔗 Connect with the Host Jim Emerick:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/🔗 More from Choinque:👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque👉 X: https://x.com/choinque👉 Email: [email protected]🔗 Follow the Podcast:👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ