Lead for Good

Lead for Good Podcast | John Kobara: Getting Unstuck, Rediscovering Purpose, and Leading with Proximity What does it really mean to feel stuck as a leader and more importantly, how do you move forward with clarity, energy, and purpose? In this powerful episode of Lead for Good, host Chris Looney sits down with longtime nonprofit leader and thought partner John Kobara for a deeply reflective and practical conversation on what it takes to get unstuck in leadership and life. Drawing on decades of experience in philanthropy, coaching, and organizational leadership, John challenges conventional thinking and offers a refreshing perspective on purpose, resilience, and impact. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but transformative idea: proximity matters. John shares why the most effective leaders stay close to the people, communities, and realities they serve and how distance from that truth is often what leads to disconnection and stuckness. Together, Chris and John explore: Why feeling stuck is not a failure, but a natural and necessary part of leadership The hidden dangers of certainty and outdated assumptions How misalignment between expectations and reality creates frustration and stagnation The role of purpose as a source of energy, not just inspiration Practical ways to reconnect with what truly matters, including reflection, writing, and stillness A simple but powerful framework to reset in moments of stress: Stop. Breathe. Notice. Reflect. Respond. John also introduces a mindset shift that can change everything: the obstacle is the way. Instead of avoiding challenges, great leaders move toward them with curiosity and openness, using them as a path to growth and clarity. Whether you are leading an organization, building a fundraising program, or navigating your own career journey, this episode offers both grounding wisdom and actionable insights to help you move forward with intention. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone and that what you’re experiencing may be the very signal that something meaningful is ready to change. Listen now and rediscover what it means to lead with purpose, energy, and impact.

Lead for Good with Burgandie Kuuipo Onekea Episode Title: Confusion Is Expensive: The Leadership Discipline of Clarity In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Burgandie Kuuipo Onekea, Chief Regional Officer and Executive Director of Junior Achievement of Southern California, for a candid and deeply practical conversation about one of the most underused leadership advantages in the nonprofit sector: clarity. With more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Burgandie shares lessons from her journey from fundraising at March of Dimes in Hawaii to executive leadership roles with the American Cancer Society and now Junior Achievement. Along the way, she discovered a powerful truth: many of the problems leaders attribute to people, culture, or performance are often rooted in something far more basic and far more costly, a lack of clarity. In this episode, you will learn: • Why confusion is expensive and how it silently drains time, morale, trust, and momentum • The warning signs that your team or board may be operating without clarity • How unclear expectations, not disengagement, often cause boards to pull back • The difference between verification and micromanagement • Practical steps leaders can take immediately to strengthen priorities, alignment, and ownership • The one question every CEO should ask their leadership team this quarter Burgandie challenges leaders not to rush to fix people, but to first examine whether priorities, expectations, and pathways to success are truly clear. She explains how clarity builds speed, confidence, ownership, and trust, while reducing second guessing and micromanagement. If you are leading a nonprofit team, serving alongside a board, or navigating underperformance, this conversation will help you rethink where to start. Before assuming culture is broken, ask whether clarity is missing. Unlock performance. Strengthen engagement. Lead with clarity. Subscribe to Lead for Good for more conversations with nonprofit leaders who are truly leading for good.

Every leader will face a moment when the ground shifts. A financial shortfall. A reputational threat. An external shock no one saw coming. The question is never if a crisis will come. It is how you will lead when it does. In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Tom West, Executive Director of Atlanta Ballet, to explore what it truly means to manage through crisis when the stakes are real and the responsibility rests squarely on your shoulders. Tom shares a candid account of navigating a post-pandemic financial crisis that threatened payroll, stability, and long term sustainability. From a seven figure revenue shortfall to a pulled line of credit, he opens up about the weight leaders carry when livelihoods and mission are on the line. In this conversation, you will learn: • How to define a true crisis versus normal turbulence • What leaders must do in the first 24 to 72 hours • Why “work the problem” is more powerful than panic • How transparency builds trust during uncertainty • The critical role of boards in crisis recovery • Why building a strong network may be your best preparation • How crisis can sharpen mission and strengthen strategy Tom offers practical wisdom drawn from decades in arts leadership, including lessons from 9/11, the 2008 recession, COVID, and a multi year cash flow crisis where making payroll came down to days. This is a masterclass in calm, clarity, communication, and courage. If you are leading a nonprofit organization, serving on a board, or preparing for the inevitable storm ahead, this episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to lead with steadiness when it matters most. Listen now and learn how to lead for good, even in the hardest seasons.

Can two CEOs really lead one of the most complex nonprofits in the country? In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Steve Delgado, Co-CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and re-entry organization in the world. With 10,000 people walking through their doors each year, 16 social enterprises, 300 staff members, and a powerful mission rooted in radical kinship, Homeboy Industries is no small operation. Yet instead of one executive at the top, they chose a shared leadership model. In this conversation, you will discover: Why Homeboy adopted the co-CEO structure as part of intentional succession planning How shared leadership actually works in a large, complex organization The role of humility, patience, and trust in co-leadership Why values alignment is the foundation of independent decision-making How the model strengthens fundraising through a blend of soul and strategy What boards must consider before embracing a co-CEO structure Why Steve believes the nonprofit sector may see a major shift in executive leadership models over the next five years One of the most compelling takeaways? Scaling love and tenderness is at the heart of Homeboy’s next strategic vision. If you are a nonprofit executive, board member, or emerging leader navigating complexity, growth, or succession planning, this episode will challenge the way you think about the CEO role. 🔔 Subscribe for more leadership conversations shaping the future of mission-driven organizations.

Leadership Is Not Meant to Be Lonely with Robin Sinclair In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney welcomes Robin Sinclair, Executive Director of the Fieldstone Leadership Network, for a powerful conversation about camaraderie and connection in nonprofit leadership. Robin reflects on: The moment she was told to “get your running shoes on” and step into leadership Leading during the Great Recession and learning to “act as if” The early loneliness of becoming the boss of former peers How imposter syndrome followed her into her first peer cohort They discuss why nonprofit leaders often feel isolated: You cannot fully confide in your board You protect your staff You may compete for the same funding Revenue is unpredictable Burnout is common but rarely admitted Robin explains how trusted peer cohorts create something different from networking or training. In these spaces, leaders feel validated, heard, refreshed, and supported. Vulnerability happens organically when trust is built intentionally. You will hear why: Culture matters more than control Curiosity is stronger than quick fixes Coaching reduces isolation Camaraderie multiplies impact across entire communities If you are a nonprofit leader searching for clarity, resilience, and connection, this episode offers both encouragement and practical direction. Leadership is not meant to be endured alone.

In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney interviews Art Groeneveld, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley, about culture, values, and leadership growth. After years of investing in staff development and rebuilding post COVID, BGCHV formalized a new organizational values framework developed by its management team. Art explains how the organization identified four cultural pillars, engaged staff through a values exercise, and is now rolling the framework out across 300 employees. Key themes include: • Leadership growth and self awareness • Connecting personal values to organizational culture • Building trust after crisis • Financial stewardship and donor partnership • Creating career pathways within nonprofit teams • Sustaining culture beyond the initial rollout Art also shares powerful stories about mentorship, humility, service, and why leaders must “not believe their own press releases” while still confidently telling their story. A thoughtful and practical conversation for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders seeking to build strong, values aligned organizations.

In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney speaks with Jennifer Wise, Vice President for Regional Development in the Southeast for the National MS Society. Jennifer brings more than twenty years of experience in fundraising, volunteer leadership, and organizational development, and she shares a thoughtful look at what it takes to build strong boards and activate them in meaningful ways. Jennifer begins by reflecting on her leadership journey across higher education, Habitat for Humanity, and the MS Society. She highlights the mentors who shaped her, the importance of being both a learner and a teacher, and her commitment to building people centered teams. The conversation then turns to board recruitment, board engagement, and the growing role of boards in corporate relations. Jennifer outlines practical tools and strategies that any nonprofit can adopt, including the use of board matrices, mentorship programs, clear expectations, and intentional systems that help trustees feel confident, connected, and ready to lead. Listeners will hear how her chapters strengthened their work with corporate partners by breaking the process into simple steps, providing clear templates and support, and creating space during board retreats for trustees to take action together. These efforts produced new connections, new partnerships, and a more engaged board culture. Topics include • What strong, balanced boards look like in practice • How to use a board matrix to guide intentional recruitment • The power of mentorship, retreat time, and peer engagement • How mission moments strengthen trustees’ connection to the cause • Why small, specific action steps lead to better board involvement • Building board supported corporate relationships that actually work • How regional collaboration can reduce silos and expand opportunities • Practical advice for organizations hesitant to involve trustees in corporate outreach A grounded and practical episode for any nonprofit aiming to build a stronger, more engaged board and deepen its partnership work with the corporate sector. Listen and subscribe for more conversations on leadership, strategy, and the future of nonprofit work.

This episode of Lead for Good features a thoughtful conversation with Christy Ward, CEO of Share Ourselves, on what it truly takes to develop people inside a nonprofit organization. Christy talks with host Chris Looney about the importance of creating a culture where staff have room to grow, how leaders can provide honest and supportive feedback, and what it looks like when someone is in the right role versus when they may thrive somewhere else. Christy discusses her own leadership journey, the mentors who helped shape her path, and the intentional practices she uses to build strong teams. The conversation covers recruitment and retention, succession planning, career ladders, and the role of leaders in creating an environment where exploration and growth feel possible. Key themes • Developing people as a core responsibility of leadership • Recognizing potential and guiding staff toward roles where they succeed • Addressing performance challenges with clarity and compassion • Creating organizational systems that support long term stability • The positive impact on culture and morale when leaders invest in their teams A great episode for nonprofit executives, managers, emerging leaders, and anyone committed to building healthy organizations.

What does it take to lead a creative organization where artistry, business discipline, and community impact must all coexist? In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney is joined by Lacey Huszcza, President and CEO of the Richmond Symphony, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on leading creative teams. Drawing from her experience as both a musician and nonprofit executive, Lacey shares how effective leadership in the arts requires fluency in both artistic and business languages, deep respect for creative professionals, and a clear commitment to alignment over consensus. Throughout the episode, Lacey explores how leaders can navigate the tension between artistic ambition and financial reality, make difficult decisions when resources are limited, and build organizational alignment without requiring universal agreement. She also discusses the importance of authentic community connection, from commissioning locally rooted works to meeting audiences where they are, both inside and outside the concert hall. Listeners will gain insight into: Balancing artistic integrity with financial sustainability Building alignment without stifling creativity or healthy conflict Engaging communities in meaningful, non performative ways Leading highly skilled, independently minded professionals with clarity and trust Creating space for creativity alongside systems and processes This episode offers valuable lessons not only for arts leaders, but for any nonprofit or mission driven leader guiding talented teams whose work is deeply personal and purpose driven.

In this episode of Lead for Good, nonprofit strategist and executive coach Nancy Batterman shares a rich set of lessons shaped by more than three decades as a CEO and six years of coaching leaders across the sector. Nancy reflects on her early journey in special education, her unexpected rise to leading a large nonprofit organization, and the mentors who shaped her approach to leadership. She emphasizes how confidence, curiosity, and a strong commitment to personal development help leaders grow over time. A major theme throughout the episode is the role of self awareness. Nancy explains how blind spots often hold leaders back more than any external obstacle, and she describes practical ways to identify and address these areas through assessments, coaching, honest conversations, and inviting feedback. She also explores how affirmations, reflection habits, and peer support systems help leaders overcome imposter feelings and build resilience. Nancy also discusses culture building, decision making, and employee engagement. She shares stories from her own leadership tenure, including navigating the 2008 economic crisis, keeping teams aligned during high pressure seasons, and creating environments where staff feel recognized and valued. Her insights highlight that great leadership is both people centered and growth minded, and that leaders must stay grounded in curiosity, care, and consistent learning. If this conversation resonates with you, or if you are looking for a place where nonprofit leaders learn from one another and share real life experience, check out Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership. Fulcrum brings executives together for peer learning, leadership development, and practical support that helps leaders thrive in their roles and strengthen their organizations.

Lead for Good Podcast: A Conversation with John Kozyra, CEO of Avera Health In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with John Kozyra, CEO of Avera Health in Nebraska. John is known for leading with clarity, compassion, and a long term vision for strengthening community health systems. His leadership has guided major growth initiatives, fostered strong local partnerships, and built a workplace where people feel valued and supported. This conversation explores three essential themes for nonprofit and health care leaders: Growth Strategies and Momentum How to recognize when momentum is strong or slipping, keep teams focused over long time horizons, and balance the pressures of innovation with daily operational demands. Employee Engagement and Making People Feel Valued How to listen well, respond with honesty, create systems that capture real employee experiences, and stay approachable as an executive. Community Engagement and Responsive Leadership How to listen to community voices, align programs with local needs, strengthen trust, and make presence and responsiveness part of a leadership culture. Whether you lead a nonprofit, manage a health system, or guide teams through change, John’s insights offer practical guidance and inspiration. If you find value in this conversation, please subscribe to the Lead for Good podcast and explore our other shows on nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational culture.

🎙️ Thank you, Erin Rank, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, for joining me on the Lead for Good podcast! In this powerful conversation, Erin shares how her team used the Traction / EOS framework to clarify their vision, align around their core strengths, and strengthen both their leadership and their mission. Her insights on defining an organization’s North Star and building a culture of focus and accountability are lessons every nonprofit leader can learn from. If you’re exploring ways to bring more clarity and cohesion to your team, this episode is a must-listen.

🎙️ New Episode Alert! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine of USC, for the latest episode of Lead for Good. Rod shared powerful insights on what it truly means to drive vision—not just setting direction, but creating alignment, sustaining culture, and leading with clarity and purpose through change. His leadership at Keck Medicine has helped shape one of the nation’s leading academic health systems while keeping people and mission at the center of every decision. If you care about leadership, vision, and purpose in action, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Thank you, Rod, for your thoughtful perspective and for leading with such authenticity and purpose. #LeadForGood #Leadership #Vision #HealthcareLeadership #KeckMedicine #FulcrumNonprofitLeadership

🎧 New Episode Alert: Lead for Good with Baron King, CEO of The CHATT Foundation This week on Lead for Good, we explore what it truly means to lead with psychological awareness and empathy. My guest, Baron King, brings a rare combination of business acumen, clinical insight, and heart. As CEO of The CHATT Foundation, Baron leads an organization dedicated to meeting the most basic needs of hungry, homeless, and vulnerable people—while helping them build a clear path toward self-sufficiency. His leadership reflects a belief that understanding human behavior is not just helpful in leadership—it’s essential. In this conversation, Baron shares how his journey from retail management to psychology to nonprofit leadership has shaped his conviction that every great leader needs a psychological framework. We discuss: How to read the emotional pulse of an organization Ways to build resilience and safety through change Balancing empathy with accountability What it means to “walk with” people on the journey to independence Baron’s perspective is both deeply human and powerfully practical—a reminder that leadership begins with understanding people. Thank you, Baron, for an inspiring and insightful discussion. 🎙️ Tune in to this episode of Lead for Good to learn how psychology can transform leadership and culture from the inside out.

On this episode of the Lead for Good podcast, Corey Dantzler, the Executive Director of the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center in Los Angeles, shares what leaders need to know when following a founder and how to lead with both respect and innovation. Corey has led the Center for years, guiding it forward after its founder’s passing and carrying on a powerful legacy of serving youth and families. Corey brings firsthand experience in what it takes to step into leadership after a founder, how to honor a founding vision while adapting to today’s challenges, and how to navigate the complexities of founder’s syndrome.

Today on Lead for Good, we welcome Dawn Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor—a truly groundbreaking nonprofit that transforms the lives of underserved young people through dance, academic support, and family services. 💃📚👨‍👩‍👧 Under Dawn’s visionary leadership, The Wooden Floor has become a national model for arts-based youth development, with stunning results: 100% of students graduate high school on time and immediately enroll in higher education. 🎓✨ Dawn is not just a nonprofit CEO. Dawn is a fundraising CEO, a servant leader, and a champion for young people whose humility and empathy lift everyone around her. In this episode, we dig into: 🎯 What it means to be a “fundraising CEO” 🤝 Why servant leadership is vital in today’s nonprofit sector 💡 The biggest lessons Dawn has learned leading with clarity and passion This is a powerful conversation for anyone who cares about leadership, philanthropy, and impact. #LeadForGood #NonprofitLeadership #Fundraising #ServantLeadership #TheWoodenFloor #Podcast

Today on the Lead for Good Podcast, we welcome Michael Eicher, a nationally recognized leader in higher education advancement. Mike currently serves as Senior Vice President for Advancement and President of The Ohio State University Foundation, where he leads one of the most ambitious and successful fundraising operations in the country. With a career spanning multiple top-tier institutions, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham and UCLA, Mike has consistently guided organizations to new heights in philanthropy, alumni engagement, and strategic vision. His leadership at Ohio State has helped shape transformative initiatives that fuel innovation, expand access, and strengthen the university’s impact on a global scale. This conversation with Mike is broad and far-reaching, and tremendously revealing and insightful, covering advice and wisdom in the areas of leadership and vision, talent management and organizational design, campaigns and philanthropic strategy, and leadership reflections. If you want an advanced degree in leadership, this conversation with Mike is what you need to hear. #leadership #leadforgood #fulcrumleader

Welcome to the ”Lead for Good" podcast, designed for nonprofit leaders at every level. Join us as we connect with top nonprofit professionals, diving deep into the traits, strategies, and actions that drive successful leadership in the sector. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to elevate your leadership skills and maximize your impact. In each episode, our host, Chris Looney, interviews an inspiring leader committed to making a difference. Today on the Lead for Good podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Chad Nelsen, the dynamic CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, one of the most influential environmental nonprofits in the country dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. Under Chad’s leadership, Surfrider has experienced a remarkable transformation, growing from a $5 million organization with a staff of 30 to a $15 million powerhouse with over 85 team members, while strengthening its grassroots chapter network, policy influence, and national impact. In this conversation, we’ll explore what it takes to scale a mission-driven organization effectively and responsibly, from strategic alignment and culture building to capacity investments, leadership shifts, and infrastructure development. If you're a nonprofit leader seeking to grow without losing your soul, this one’s for you. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to lead for good! Don’t forget to like and share this video with fellow nonprofit leaders! #nonprofitleadership #leadershipdevelopment #nonprofitpodcast #inspiration #leadforgood

In this episode of Lead for Good, host Chris Looney sits down with John Mangum, President and CEO of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, for a thoughtful and highly practical conversation on what it truly takes to step into a new leadership role and succeed from day one. Drawing on a distinguished career that includes leadership roles with the Houston Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, John shares a candid look at his leadership journey and the lessons that have shaped his approach to leading complex, mission-driven organizations. At the center of this conversation is a topic every nonprofit leader will face at some point: the critical first six months in a new role. John offers a clear and grounded framework for how leaders can listen deeply, build trust quickly, and resist the temptation to act too fast before truly understanding the organization. From navigating stakeholder relationships to balancing strategic decision-making with humility and curiosity, this episode provides a roadmap for starting strong and leading with intention. Listeners will also gain insight into: Why a “listening-first” approach is essential for long-term success How to build credibility with boards, staff, and donors early on The importance of aligning vision collaboratively rather than imposing it prematurely Practical ways to balance immediate decision-making with long-term strategic thinking What it means to leave an organization better than you found it Whether you are stepping into your first executive role or transitioning into a new organization, this conversation is packed with wisdom that will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 🎧 Tune in to hear how great leaders begin their journey and set the foundation to truly lead for good.

In this episode of Lead for Good, host Chris Looney sits down with Betsy Biern, CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area, for a thoughtful and energizing conversation on nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and building high-performing boards. Betsy shares her leadership journey, shaped early by a deep commitment to community and service, and reinforced through powerful experiences with donors, mentors, and mission-driven organizations. From her passion for fundraising as a deeply human and values-driven partnership, to her reflections on legacy, impact, and purpose, Betsy offers a compelling perspective on what it truly means to lead in the nonprofit sector. A central focus of the episode is board engagement and accountability. Betsy unpacks practical strategies for setting clear expectations, onboarding board members with intention, and creating individualized “impact plans” that align each member’s strengths, interests, and capacity with the organization’s mission. She also shares how tools like scorecards, consistent communication, and peer-to-peer accountability can transform board performance from a drain on resources into a powerful engine for mission advancement. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights, including: How to shift from “asking” to inviting people into meaningful philanthropic partnerships Why curiosity is one of the most important leadership traits in fundraising and governance How to structure board expectations and accountability without creating a punitive culture The importance of consistent communication, recognition, and clarity in driving engagement Why nonprofit CEOs should prioritize board leadership as a core part of their role Betsy’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: lead with invitation, stay deeply curious, and keep the mission at the center of everything. Whether you are a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this episode provides practical tools and inspiration to help you strengthen your leadership and elevate your organization’s impact. Tune in for a conversation that will challenge your thinking, sharpen your approach, and equip you to lead for good.

In this episode of Lead for Good, host Chris Looney sits down with Nicole Suydam, CEO of Goodwill of Orange County and former CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on what it truly takes to lead in the nonprofit sector. With more than three decades of leadership experience, Nicole shares the formative moments that shaped her journey, from early leadership development in her youth to rising from a development role to CEO of one of the largest nonprofits in Orange County. Along the way, she reflects on the mentors who guided her, the importance of curiosity and stepping beyond defined roles, and the leadership philosophy that anchors her work today. The conversation explores several critical themes for nonprofit leaders: The gap between perception and reality in the nonprofit sector, including misconceptions about profitability, overhead, and operational complexity Why nonprofit leadership is often just as demanding, if not more so, than for-profit leadership How Goodwill’s social enterprise model integrates mission and revenue to create sustainable impact The power of collaboration over competition, and how relationships, trust, and intentionality expand impact across organizations The role funders play in either enabling or limiting innovation and partnership Practical leadership lessons on listening, continuous learning, and staying focused on what can be controlled Nicole also offers a candid perspective on servant leadership, values-based decision making, and the ongoing work required to grow as a leader. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives, emerging leaders, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how to lead with purpose, clarity, and impact in a complex and rapidly evolving sector. Subscribe to Lead for Good for more conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of nonprofit leadership.

Lead for Good featuring Bill Bracken, Founder and Executive Director of Bracken’s Kitchen In this powerful episode of Lead for Good, Bill Bracken shares a leadership journey shaped by grit, faith, humility, and a deep belief that leadership is influence. Bill is the founder of Bracken’s Kitchen, launched in 2013 to rescue, repurpose, and restore both food and lives. What began with a food truck and a calling to do something more meaningful than serving luxury hotel guests has grown into a transformative nonprofit serving thousands across Southern California . But this conversation is not just about food. It is about the heart of leadership. Bill reflects on his early years in high pressure culinary environments, where technical excellence was prized but leadership development was not . From that experience, he learned a critical lesson many nonprofit leaders understand firsthand: being exceptional at a craft does not automatically prepare you to lead people. Through personal struggle, rediscovered faith, and an unexpected season of unemployment during the 2008 economic crisis, Bill found clarity in a simple but profound realization. Food was the conduit. Influence was the calling . Throughout the episode, Bill unpacks what leadership as influence truly means: Empathy in action, including a life changing moment with a woman named Ruby that reshaped his understanding of dignity and human connection The difference between feeding people and nourishing them, and why dignity must accompany service Why kindness should never be confused with weakness How love, as an action rather than a feeling, transforms teams and cultures The importance of slowing down, knowing your people, and leading through genuine care He also shares practical habits that ground his leadership every day, from personally greeting each team member to writing handwritten notes of encouragement . This episode is a reminder that influence does not require a title. It requires intention. It requires courage. It requires the willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. If you are a nonprofit leader navigating growth, culture, accountability, and mission, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Listen now on YouTube, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Casey Castillo, CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, for a wide ranging conversation on leadership, culture, and building systems that truly serve people at scale Under Casey’s leadership, the Food Bank is on pace to exceed 52 million pounds of food distributed this year, translating to more than 43 million meals and reaching 400,000 people each month through an extraordinary network of partners, volunteers, and supporters But this conversation goes far beyond impressive numbers. Casey shares his leadership journey from program staff to CFO to CEO, including the willingness to step outside his formal job description, say yes to unfamiliar challenges, and grow into greater responsibility. His story is a masterclass in initiative, resilience, and mission driven leadership. This episode also offers a practical blueprint for building a strong organizational culture. Casey walks through the specific tools his team uses to strengthen alignment, accountability, and performance, including: Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team to build trust and healthy accountability Metronomics and the Metronome platform to connect long term vision with disciplined execution CliftonStrengths to deepen self awareness and improve team communication An Organizational Health Assessment to measure performance beyond financial metrics Net Promoter Score as a simple but powerful employee engagement indicator You will also hear powerful insights on: Why leaders must be willing to move faster when culture misalignment appears How setting bold goals creates momentum, even when you do not hit 100 percent Why it must be safe to fail if you want transformational progress How a clear 10 to 20 year vision can unify daily execution If you care about strengthening culture, increasing accountability, and building a nonprofit that can tackle big, systemic challenges, this episode is for you. Listen now on YouTube, Podbean, or Substack, and join us as we continue to explore what it truly means to lead for good.

Lead for Good – Episode 7 Autumn Strier | Building What the Community Needs Most In Episode 7 of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Autumn Strier, Co Founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about what it really takes to build a nonprofit from the ground up and sustain it for more than two decades. Autumn’s leadership journey begins long before she launched her organization. As a child, she experienced firsthand the life changing impact of people who stepped in to help during times of hardship. That early imprint of generosity shaped a life devoted to service. From UC Santa Barbara to NYU, from New York City government under Mayor Giuliani to Wall Street structuring nonprofit debt, Autumn built an unusually strong foundation in finance, public policy, and strategy before returning to the nonprofit sector. Then came a defining moment. After the birth of her daughter and a frightening hospital experience, Autumn overheard another family’s struggle with a critically ill child and the financial devastation that followed. That moment sparked the mission of Miracles for Kids: to support families with critically ill children so they can fight for their child’s life without losing their home, job, or stability in the process. More than 20 years later, Miracles for Kids serves hundreds of families daily through housing, financial assistance, wellness programs, advocacy, and holistic family support. What began as one woman writing 31 checks from her couch has grown into a multi program organization with staff, volunteers, housing complexes, and thousands of lives impacted each year. In this episode, Autumn shares practical and candid insights on: • How to craft a mission statement that fills a true gap in the community • Why charities are built to contribute, not compete • How to recruit and retain a high impact board • The importance of financial fluency for nonprofit leaders • Building strong corporate partnerships through value and alignment • Creating programs directly from the voices of those you serve • Developing a trusted brand rooted in transparency • Leading through recessions, crisis, and constant change • Why strategy must match passion and purpose Her leadership philosophy is both grounded and inspiring. There is never just a problem, only an opportunity for a new solution. Health is the great equalizer. Take the high road. Work harder than anyone else. And always remember that a small group of committed people can change the world. If you are launching a nonprofit, leading an established organization, or navigating growth in uncertain times, this conversation offers real world wisdom from someone who has done it. Listen to Episode 7 of Lead for Good and discover how to build something that lasts by leading with strategy, resilience, and heart.

Matt VandenBerg | Managing Vision, Elevating Sights, Building Momentum In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Matt VandenBerg, the 17th President of Ohio Wesleyan University, for a wide ranging and energizing conversation about what it truly takes to lead with boldness, clarity, and conviction. From an unexpected pivot away from medical school to a deliberate beeline toward college presidency, Matt shares the formative moments, mentors, and mindset that shaped his leadership journey. Along the way, he unpacks powerful insights that extend far beyond higher education and into the heart of nonprofit leadership. This episode centers on three transformational leadership themes: Creating a Shared Vision Matt explains why nobody rows hard for a boat they do not believe in. He shares how leaders must not only study culture, but be seen studying it. From shadowing staff across campus to inviting open dialogue, he demonstrates how shared ownership fuels alignment and innovation. Raising Collective Aspirations It is hard to rally people around “stay afloat.” Matt makes the case that leaders must articulate a compelling picture of a better tomorrow and position others as heroes in that story. As he puts it, organizations do not simply exist to preserve themselves. They exist to leverage what they have to create a better world. Building and Sustaining Momentum Momentum is contagious. Wins validate vision. Matt recounts bold, strategic moves including a reimagined presidential inauguration and a fully funded $45 million library transformation announced in one sweeping moment. His message is clear: enthusiasm and progress generate confidence, trust, and further investment. Throughout the conversation, Matt emphasizes humility, clarity, consistency, action, grace, and courage. He challenges leaders to avoid stagnation, embrace calculated risk, and swing for the parking lot rather than simply protect what already exists. If you are a nonprofit leader seeking to galvanize your team, elevate your organization’s ambitions, and sustain forward momentum, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Listen now to Episode 6 of Lead for Good and discover how shared vision, raised sights, and disciplined momentum can transform your leadership and your impact.

In this compelling episode of Lead for Good, host Chris Looney sits down with Chris Simonsen, Chief Executive Officer of the Orangewood Foundation, for an insightful conversation about purpose driven leadership, financial stewardship, and what it really takes to transition from CFO to CEO in the nonprofit sector. Chris’s journey is anything but typical. After achieving his career goals in the for profit world as CFO of a $3 billion organization, he made a bold decision to accept a 70 percent pay cut and step into nonprofit leadership. What followed was not only personal alignment, but transformational impact for thousands of young people across Orange County. From navigating the Great Recession to building a $70 million charter school campus and growing the organization’s endowment from $2 million to $30 million, Chris shares candid lessons from nearly two decades of mission driven leadership. In this episode, you will learn: Why a successful for profit executive chose purpose over paycheck What nonprofit leaders can learn from financial discipline and long term sustainability planning How to successfully transition from CFO to CEO and earn board confidence The mindset shift required when moving from operations to organizational vision and fundraising How servant leadership shapes culture, trust, and team performance Why nonprofits must rethink outdated views on overhead and investment in talent What the “network nonprofit model” looks like in action and how collaboration stretches limited resources How broadening mission definitions can unlock new funding streams and greater impact Chris offers practical guidance for interim leaders seeking permanent roles, emerging executives building board relationships, and nonprofit organizations striving for financial resilience in uncertain times. He also challenges the sector to embrace deeper collaboration, innovate beyond traditional funding silos, and prepare for a future where government resources may decline and nonprofits must adapt creatively. If you care about sustainable growth, mission alignment, culture building, and long term impact, this episode delivers practical wisdom from a leader who has walked the path from financial steward to chief executive. Subscribe to Lead for Good and join us as we continue exploring the leadership journeys shaping the future of the nonprofit sector.

In this powerful episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Claudia Keller, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, for an honest and energizing conversation about nonprofit leadership, courageous decision making, and the strength of collaboration. Claudia’s leadership journey is anything but traditional. She began in the for profit retail fashion world, rising through the ranks before making a bold transition into nonprofit executive leadership. What followed was a 20 year career marked by grit, growth, and a deep commitment to serving communities with dignity and impact. In this episode, you will hear: How transferable skills from the for profit sector can strengthen nonprofit leadership The difficult early lessons of accountability and making tough personnel decisions What it was like to join a major food bank just weeks before the COVID 19 pandemic How crisis reshaped Second Harvest and accelerated the evolution of the “modern food bank” Why collaboration is not optional in today’s nonprofit landscape The story behind Orange County’s “Sisters in Good” and what authentic CEO peer support looks like Practical wisdom for aspiring and current nonprofit leaders navigating frustration, growth, and change Claudia shares candid insights about leadership under pressure, holding people accountable with compassion, and measuring progress even when the work moves at the speed of collaboration. Her perspective on board engagement, cross sector partnerships, and nonprofit resilience will resonate with leaders at every stage of their journey. If you are a nonprofit executive, board member, emerging leader, or someone considering a career in the sector, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. The problems nonprofits tackle are complex and enduring. As Claudia puts it, if they were easy, someone else would have solved them long ago. That is why strong, collaborative, thoughtful leadership matters more than ever. Listen in and be inspired to lead with courage, collaboration, and conviction.

Welcome to the ”Lead for Good" podcast, designed for nonprofit leaders at every level. Join us as we connect with top nonprofit professionals, diving deep into the traits, strategies, and actions that drive successful leadership in the sector. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to elevate your leadership skills and maximize your impact. In each episode, our host, Chris Looney, interviews an inspiring leader committed to making a difference. In this episode, Robert Santana, a CEO of one of the countries largest Boys and Girls Clubs associations, a social entrepreneur, board advisor, leadership consultant, and disrupter for good, shares about his leadership journey and helps the audience understand key issues around being future ready and being a futurist leader. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to lead for good! Don’t forget to like and share this video with fellow nonprofit leaders! #nonprofitleadership #leadershipdevelopment #nonprofitpodcast #inspiration #leadforgood

Welcome to the ”Lead for Good" podcast, designed for nonprofit leaders at every level. Join us as we connect with top nonprofit professionals, diving deep into the traits, strategies, and actions that drive successful leadership in the sector. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to elevate your leadership skills and maximize your impact. In each episode, our host, Chris Looney, interviews an inspiring leader committed to making a difference. In this episode, Dr. Stefanie Johnson, best selling author of "INCLUSIFY" and the leader of the Colorado University Boulder Center for Leadership, shares about her leadership journey and helps the audience of leaders understand key issues around inclusion, stress, and unconscious bias. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to lead for good! Don’t forget to like and share this video with fellow nonprofit leaders! #nonprofitleadership #leadershipdevelopment #nonprofitpodcast #inspiration #leadforgood

Welcome to ”Lead for Good,” your go-to podcast designed for nonprofit leaders at every level! Join us as we connect with top nonprofit professionals, diving deep into the traits, strategies, and actions that drive successful leadership in the sector. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and insights needed to elevate your leadership skills and maximize your impact. In each episode, our host, Chris Looney, interviews an inspiring leader committed to making a difference. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to lead for good! Don’t forget to like and share this video with fellow nonprofit leaders! #NonprofitLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitPodcast #Inspiration #LeadForGood