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

How Core Leadership Coaching Transforms Leaders

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah and Kristen from Core Leadership Coaching to explore how their transformational leadership program is equipping leaders with the skills they need to build collaborative teams, think strategically, and lead with confidence. We discuss the importance of positive psychology, navigating big visions with realistic plans, and the power of leadership development in retaining top talent. Whether you’re an executive, a manager, or simply someone looking to grow your leadership abilities, this conversation is packed with insights to help you lead with intention and impact.
Applications for the Core Leadership Program are now open through early March. Learn more at coreleadershipcoaching.com.
Key Takeaways:
Leaders are developed through intentional practice.
Positive psychology can shape a brighter future.
Focus on controlling what you can control.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Kristen Lessig-Schenerlein MAPP, PCC and Hannah McGowan, Ed.M., C.A.S.
(04:30) What is the CORE program?
(06:30) What is positive psychology?
(08:10) Coaching versus consulting approach
(09:30) Who should attend the CORE program?
(10:55) Nonprofit and for-profit leaders in the program
(12:30) Why should nonprofits invest in leadership development?
(13:30) What can leaders do to “de-stress?”
(15:20) What can people expect from the CORE Program?
(17:30) Find out more about the CORE Program
(18:15) When is registration?
(19:10) Last words
(21:40) 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

Winning Grants Requires a Strategy with Jordan Curry

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we dive into the world of grant writing with Jordan Curry, founder of Captured Words Grant Consulting. Jordan shares expert insights on what board members and nonprofit leaders need to know about securing funding, from building strong relationships with funders to crafting competitive grant applications. We also explore how AI is changing the grant writing landscape and what nonprofits can do to stay ahead. 
Tune in to learn:
Why relationships with funders matter more than you think
Common mistakes nonprofits make in grant applications
How AI is shaping the future of grant writing
 
Need a winning grant strategy?
Email Jordan at jordan.capturedwords@gmail.com
Jordan’s Linkedin
Jordan’s Website
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Jordan Curry, Founder of Captured Words Grant Consulting
(02:15) How did you learn to write grants?
(03:15) What do board members need to know about the grant process?
(04:30) Challenges in securing a grant
(06:30) How do you know what grants are available?
(07:20) Creating a funding strategy
(09:30) Different types of grants
(12:20) Where does your consulting start and end?
(13:00) Federal grants
(13:45) When does a client come to you?
(15:10) Importance of a relationship with the funder
(16:30) Who typically contacts you?
(18:00) How is AI going to impact grantwriting?
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

Leading with Heart: Isabel Garcia on Community, Communication, and Impact

In this episode of I501(c)You, we sit down with Isabel Garcia, Executive Director of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), to explore her leadership journey and the organization’s deep-rooted impact on communities across Florida.
Isabel shares how RCMA stays connected across its 65+ centers, the critical role of strong communication within large organizations, and the importance of community partnerships in supporting children and families. She reflects on the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a CEO, the evolving nature of her leadership role, and the personal drive that keeps her inspired.
Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or someone passionate about community engagement, this episode offers valuable insights into effective leadership and organizational impact.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Isabel Garcia, Executive Director of RCMA
(02:35) Share with us the scope of RCMA
(05:50) How is your board of directors set up?
(10:45) Are there unique aspects of getting federal funding the board should be aware of?
(12:30) Challenges as the CEO
(15:00) Structuring your leadership team
(17:30) Ensuring strong communication
(19:30) How do you engage in the communities?
(23:00) What do you miss most?
(24:35) Advice to your beneficiaries
(25:17) 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

Building a Culture of Philanthropy: Insights from Fundraising Expert Sara Leonard

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Leonard, an experienced nonprofit consultant and founder of the Sara Leonard Group. Sara shares her expertise on what it takes to build a strong culture of philanthropy within organizations. From training board members and executive directors to running successful capital campaigns, Sara dives into the strategies that drive fundraising success.
We discuss the importance of preparing for campaigns the right way, the nuances of naming opportunities, and how clear policies can prevent future donor challenges. Plus, Sara explains why fundraising isn’t about guilt—it’s about creating meaningful connections.
Whether you’re a board member, nonprofit leader, or just curious about the world of fundraising, this episode is packed with practical advice and memorable stories (like why Sara once took a photo in a bathroom at the Georgia Aquarium!).
Sara’s Website
Sara’s Linkedin
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Sara Leonard, Sara Leonard Group
(02:35) Types of fundraising
(06:05) What conditions must exist for a nonprofit to be successful at fundraising?
(08:00) Board’s role in fundraising and common misunderstandings
(11:00) How long does it take to develop a culture of philanthropy?
(14:00) Dynamics between Executive Directors and Development staff
(16:00) When do people bring Sara in to consult?
(19:00) Strategy behind naming opportunities
(24:30) Recapping with Read

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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
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