I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members

Empathy, Transparency, and the Future of Leadership with Liz Wooten

In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Liz Wooten, CEO of Connect for More. Liz is a consultant and facilitator specializing in leadership development, nonprofit governance, and strategic planning. Liz delves into the importance of emotional literacy, empathy, and curiosity as essential skills for modern leaders. 
Liz also shares insights into hiring and team dynamics, highlighting the value of self-awareness and understanding individual motivations. She discusses how leaders can align personal goals with organizational missions to drive engagement and long-term success. Drawing from her extensive experience, Liz illustrates the evolving nature of leadership—shifting from command-and-control styles to approaches rooted in authenticity, transparency, and meeting people where they are.
Looking ahead, Liz reveals her focus for 2025, which includes expanding her coaching practice, facilitating strategic planning for nonprofits and small businesses, and branching into the corporate sector. She also shares her excitement about her forthcoming book, Managing Courageously: Managing from the Middle Office, a guide to navigating the complexities of managing in all directions within an organization. Whether you’re in the nonprofit or corporate world, Liz’s perspectives on servant leadership and fostering purpose-driven workplaces provide valuable takeaways. To learn more, connect with Liz on LinkedIn.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Shoutout Alma!
(00:20) Introducing Liz Wooten
(02:35) Helping leaders focus on impact, strategy and vision
(06:00) Do board chairs or CEO’s reach out to you?
(07:30) What is Co-op-itition?
(11:30) Talk about “Heart work”
(13:30) How do you balance transparency and vulnerability?
(17:10) Can leaders implement these characteristics?
(20:30) Can you identify people with these characteristics ahead of time?
(21:30) What are you working on in 2025?
(26:50) Recapping with Read

Consultant’s Corner: Randy Scheid on Nonprofit Strategy and Leadership

In this week’s episode of I 501(c) You: The Podcast for Nonprofit Board Members, we’re kicking off a special four-part series featuring nonprofit consultants. This series is designed to give board members an inside look at the expertise consultants bring to the table and how their insights can strengthen organizations.
Our first guest is Randy Scheid, founder of RGS Partners Consulting. Randy’s impressive career journey spans his time in the Peace Corps, his work with nonprofits, and his leadership as Chief Strategy Officer for the Quantum Foundation. He shares his path into consulting, offering valuable lessons on philanthropy, board governance, and the critical role of succession planning.
Randy and host Michael explore what makes an effective board member, the importance of long-term thinking for organizational sustainability, and how to approach leadership development. They also dive into how boards should evaluate new programs and balance strategic priorities without overwhelming their organizations.
Randy’s Linkedin
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing our Consultant Series 
(00:30) Introducing Randy Scheid, Founder of RGS Partners Consulting
(04:30) What makes an effective board member?
(06:55) How do you articulate the role of the board?
(08:50) Board’s role in succession planning
(12:45) Board’s role in programming
(15:20) How do you know if a program is working?
(16:30) Program evaluation
(20:05) RGS Partners Consulting in 2025
(23:30) Recapping with Read

Herding Cats and Leading Boards with Tom Grier of Humane Society of Manatee County

In this episode of I501(c)You, we sit down with Tom Grier, board chair for the Humane Society of Manatee County. Tom shares his unique insights into effective board leadership, building trust, and fostering alignment with executive directors.
Tom opens up about the philosophy that drives his work, his passion for animal welfare, and his approach to evolving board culture through trust, patience, and clear communication.
Tune in to hear how Tom collaborates with Executive Director Rick Yocum to steer the Humane Society toward success, the lessons he’s learned from decades of leadership, and his vision of board service as a position of humility and service.
This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for nonprofit board members and leaders alike.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Tom Grier, Board Chair of Humane Society of Manatee County
(04:10) Getting into nonprofit board leadership
(06:30) Becoming board chair of Humane Society of Manatee County
(09:00) Getting aligned as a board
(09:30) Board chair philosophy
(11:20) Bringing the philosophy to the board - Slow down approach
(14:20) How did you embed this philosophy in the board?
(17:00) Communicating with the Executive Director
(19:55) Communicating with other board members
(21:40) Advice for a new board chair
(25:10) Recapping with Read

Why Board Members Should Make Personal Donations

As Thanksgiving approaches, we take a moment to express gratitude for you—our listeners and viewers. In this episode of I 501(c) You, Michael shares why year-end is the perfect time for nonprofit board members to reflect on their commitment to the organizations they serve.
Michael explains why every board member should make a personal donation—not through their business, but in their own name. He outlines three key reasons: demonstrating commitment, empowering fundraisers, and meeting critical funder expectations.
Tune in for this timely reminder about the impact of personal giving as a board member, and join us in giving thanks for the incredible work nonprofit organizations do year-round.
Timestamps:
00:35 Giving personally as a board member
01:45 It shows your commitment to the organization
02:00 It gives you the opportunity to ask people for money
02:25 Funders will ask
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Remote, Not Removed: Leading with Intentionality in a Remote Organization with Patty McIlreavy

This week, we speak with Patty McIlreavy, President and CEO of Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics of nonprofit board governance, remote leadership, and the evolving landscape of disaster response. Patty shares the intentional strategies that keep her board engaged and effective, from fostering deep connections among members to balancing hybrid and in-person meetings. She highlights the importance of nurturing board relationships through regular touchpoints, in-person gatherings, and creating opportunities for meaningful interactions.
As we dive deeper, Patty discusses how being a remote organization has not hindered her nonprofit's mission, thanks to the trust and alignment with funders who believe in their global vision. We also explore a compelling concept: "all philanthropy is disaster philanthropy." Patty challenges organizations to recognize that vulnerabilities in their communities can disrupt their missions, urging them to be proactive in addressing systemic challenges, even if they're not directly in disaster work.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy Website
Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing Patty McIlreavy, President & CEO of Center for Disaster Philanthropy
03:50 Patty’s Career path and working in Africa
07:45 Leading a completely virtual organization
13:45 Getting the staff together, popping in on people, and office hours
17:12 Can leaders make the transition to virtual leading?
23:25 Having a fully remote board
28:40 Do funders care CDP is remote?
33:00 All philanthropy is disaster philanthropy
37:00 Parting words
38:35 Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

5 Things Every Nonprofit Board Member Should Do Before Year-End

As we approach the end of the year, it's time for nonprofit board members to take action and set their organizations up for success in 2025. In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into five essential tasks that every board member should tackle before the calendar turns.
From conducting performance reviews for your Executive Director to lining up strategic priorities for the upcoming year, we've got you covered with practical advice to keep your organization on track. We'll also explore how to onboard new board members, optimize your year-end fundraising appeal, and show appreciation to your hardworking staff during this season of gratitude.
Timestamps:
(00:00) 5 Things Board members should do before the end of the year
(00:55) #1 Performance review for the Executive Director
(01:43) #2 Identify strategic priorities for next year
(02:25) #3 Onboard new board members
(03:07) #4 Year end campaign
(03:48) #5 Give appreciation to staff
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Don’t Lose Your Leader: The Critical Role of Executive Retention for Nonprofits with Joe Schaefer

In this episode, we speak with Joe Schaefer, an expert in employee retention and executive benefits to discuss the often-overlooked topic of retention strategies for nonprofit executives. Joe shares insights on the importance of retention plans from both board and executive perspectives, explaining how these programs can help nonprofit leaders attract and retain critical talent. Joe discusses different types of plans, including qualified and non-qualified options like 457 and split-dollar plans, and we discuss the benefits of these strategies for nonprofits facing recruitment and retention challenges.
Joe also provides examples of how customized retention solutions can prevent costly turnover, especially in roles that drive an organization’s mission and funding. Whether addressing board members concerned with stability or executives considering retirement, this episode highlights the value of thoughtful retention planning in strengthening the nonprofit sector.
Executive Benefits for Tax Exempt Organizations
Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing Joe Schaefer, Vice President - Atlantic Region for NFP 
02:35 What do Board Members need to know about Executive Retention plans?
04:30 What do executives need to know about Executive Retention plans?
06:45 From recruiting to retirement
07:30 When should a retention plan be implemented?
11:30 What should boards consider when thinking about retention plans?
13:10 Split Dollar plan explanation
18:15 Split Dollar on the 990
19:10 What size organization does this work for?
20:00 How do board’s start thinking about retaining an executive?
26:00 Find Joe on Linkedin
27:00 Recapping with Read
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Staying the Course: How Nonprofit Leaders Adapt in Challenging Times

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the essential role of nonprofit leadership during times of crisis. With recent hurricanes impacting Florida, we discuss how executive directors and board members can maintain focus and adapt effectively when unexpected events disrupt operations. Michael shares key insights on the importance of strategic priorities, staying visible to staff and stakeholders, and making tough decisions grounded in empathy and clarity. He also highlights the power of community resilience in Sarasota and beyond, emphasizing how collective support strengthens both individuals and organizations.
Timestamps:
00:00 It is great to be back!
01:05 The importance of strategic priorities
02:30 Leading in times of uncertainty
04:15 No action might be the best action

3 Concepts to Keep in Mind for Nonprofit Leaders

This week we discuss 3 ideas that have been on Michael’s mind. Number 1 is a concept created by The Patterson Foundation called Cope, Adapt, Innovate. Second is building on our podcast from last week and that is the idea that you cannot overpay for good talent. Third is how the CEO/Executive Director can manage their board.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Total disruption! Thoughts and prayers for those affected by Hurricane Helene
(00:40) Cope, Adapt, Innovate
(02:17) You cannot overpay for good talent
(03:23) CEO/ED managing their board
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

How to Retain your Executive Director

In this episode, we explore both financial and non-financial strategies to help your organization retain a superstar executive director. One of the key responsibilities of a nonprofit board is hiring, supporting, and—when necessary—replacing the CEO/Executive Director. If you have a top-tier leader, it's crucial to invest in their retention, as they will likely be in high demand elsewhere. With talent being harder to come by, we'll discuss how your board can take action to ensure your executive director stays for the long haul.
Timestamps:
00:00 Retaining Your CEO
01:30 #1 - Pay your CEO appropriately
02:20 #2 - Offer a bonus
02:40 #3 - Benefits and deferred compensation
04:10 Nonfinancial incentives
Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.
Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast