What Small Business Leaders Can Learn from Nonprofits with Susannah Darrow

What if one of the most overlooked groups of small businesses has the most to teach you about sustainability and growth? In this episode of Small Business Matters, Tim and Taylor Fulton sit down with Susannah Darrow CEO of Purpose Possible, to explore the realities of running and supporting nonprofits—and why their challenges mirror those of every small business owner. From navigating the chaos of Covid to managing constant staff turnover and evolving workforce expectations, Susana shares a behind-the-scenes look at how nonprofits have adapted—and what for-profit leaders can learn from it. Her biggest insight? Nonprofits are small businesses—and they face the same pressures, just with fewer resources. This episode dives into: • Why burnout happens when leaders wear “5 to 25 hats a day” • The rise of fractional support models (and why they work) • What today’s workforce really wants (hint: it’s not perks) • How fundraising is just like sales—and what most get wrong • Why flexibility is becoming the #1 driver of retention If you’re a small business owner trying to build a stronger team, improve retention, or create more sustainable growth, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately—no matter your industry. Highlights [3:52] What matters most to small businesses? [5:04] How does Purpose Possible support nonprofits today? [7:46] What challenges have nonprofits faced over the past several years? [12:27] How can organizations improve employee retention? [18:36] How should nonprofits (and businesses) approach fundraising/sales? [22:43] What is the role of a CEO—and where can leaders improve? [27:21] If you could redo one business decision, what would it be? [29:06] Rapid Fire [33:27] Contact Information [33:57] Takeaways [36:16] SBM News About Susannah Darrow Susannah Darrow is the CEO of Purpose Possible, a consulting firm that partners with small to mid-sized nonprofits across the country. With more than 15 years of experience in mission-driven organizations, she specializes in strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational development. Before launching Purpose Possible in 2017, Susannah spent a decade working in arts and culture, supporting hundreds of artists and arts organizations to increase the presence of the arts in communities around the country. Today, she leads a team that provides fractional, high-impact support to nonprofits—helping them scale their impact without overwhelming their internal teams. Contact Info: Website purposepossible.com