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

What Every Nonprofit Board Chair Can Learn from Dev Iglesias

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we sit down with Devaney “Dev” Iglesias, Director of External Affairs for FPL and an experienced nonprofit board chair, to talk about what makes nonprofit boards truly effective. Dev shares practical lessons from serving on multiple boards, including the importance of engagement, strategic goal-setting, honest communication, strong governance, and a healthy board chair and CEO relationship. From navigating public meetings under sunshine laws to helping a new CEO succeed during a major organizational transition, Dev offers real-world insight for board members who want to lead with clarity, transparency, and purpose.
Timestamps
(00:00) Introducing Dev Iglesias, Director of external affairs for Southwest Florida region, Florida Power & Light 
(03:25) Dev’s board service
(05:55) What are the characteristics of an effective nonprofit board?
(08:10) How do you lead as a board chair?
(10:15) Working with the CEO
(13:20) Communication philosophy
(16:30) How do you encourage participation from board members?
(20:50) What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of being the board chair?
(23:20) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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

Kendra Simpkins Walsh on Building Operation Warrior Resolution

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we interview Kendra Simpkins Walsh, founder and CEO of Operation Warrior Resolution, a nonprofit providing holistic and innovative mental health care for military veterans. A U.S. Army veteran and licensed clinical social worker, Kendra shares how her own transition from military service to civilian life inspired her to create better healing options for veterans facing trauma, isolation, and mental health challenges. She discusses the realities of founding a nonprofit, learning to fundraise by focusing on impact, moving from founder to CEO, working with a board, and leading through the devastating floods that destroyed their facility but strengthened their mission.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Kendra Simpkins Walsh, Founder and CEO, Operation Warrior Resolution
(02:15) Founding Operation Warrior Resolution - Brain Based Healing
(04:00) Biggest challenges starting a nonprofit
(06:00) What did you learn about fundraising?
(07:25) Choosing between being board chair and CEO
(11:30) What are your priorities right now?
(15:00) Leading through hurricane adversity
(19:00) Advancing the mission through disaster
(21:15) George W. Bush Veterans Leadership Institute
(24:15) Takeaways from the leadership training
(26:00) Advice for those wanting to start a nonprofit
(28:00) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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

Leading with Rhythm: Arts, Culture, and Nonprofit Leadership with Brian Hersh

In this episode, Michael sits down with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Culture Alliance of Sarasota County, for a conversation about nonprofit leadership, board engagement, and the role arts and culture play in building a stronger community. Brian shares how his background as a drummer shapes the way he leads, listens, and helps others succeed. He also discusses the Alliance’s work as a connector and advocate for Sarasota’s arts ecosystem, the evolution of its board, the importance of building trust through consistency, and why arts issues are deeply connected to community issues like affordable housing, economic impact, tourism, and quality of life.
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Brian Hersh, Chief Executive Officer, Arts & Culture Alliance of Sarasota County
(04:30) What does the job entail?
(06:50) Interacting with the board in a member driven organization
(08:45) Helping the board keep the interest of the Arts Alliance first
(11:15) How did the board evolve?
(14:00) Bell work for the board
(15:20) Lead, follow, or get out of the way
(16:00) Building trust with the board and members
(21:30) How often do you meet with the board, board chair, and committees?
(28:10) What is coming up next for the Arts & Culture Alliance of Sarasota County?
(31:15) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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

The Leadership Skill Nonprofits Ignore Until It Hurts with Mitch Lomazov

We are joined by leadership coach, speaker, and pastor Mitch Lomazov for a practical conversation on leadership development, communication, conflict resolution, and sustainable performance. Mitch explains why public speaking is no longer optional for leaders, especially when their ideas need to inspire action and create change. He shares simple ways to communicate with more confidence, show up with stronger presence on Zoom, and prepare presentations by starting with the end in mind. The conversation also explores how workplace conflict often begins as small tension or friction, why avoidance makes it worse, and how leaders can use the SBI framework, Situation, Behavior, Impact, to address issues early and build healthier teams. 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Mitch Lomazov, Keynote Speaker, Team Trainer, Certified Coach, and renaissance man
(02:40) Why is it important for a leader to speak appropriately?
(04:10) How to get better at public speaking
(05:50) Simple public speaking tips
(07:30) Zoom presentation tips
(10:45) Conflict is really just tension and friction
(12:45) SBI framework for workplace conflict
(15:20) Are all conflict able to be resolved?
(17:20) Mitch’s executive coaching
(20:10) Get connected with Mitch
(21:20) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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

What Nonprofit Boards Need to Be Asking Right Now with Susie Bowie

In this episode, Susie Bowie, President and CEO of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, returns to share what she is seeing from the funder’s seat and the boardroom. She talks with Michael about donor intent, the difference between community and private foundations, why community voice matters in board decisions, and how nonprofits can lead through change with more flexible planning. Susie also shares practical advice on scenario planning, focusing on high-performing programs, using technology wisely, and creating nonprofit workplaces that attract and keep the next generation of leaders.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Susie Bowie, President & CEO, William G and Marie Selby Foundation
(02:40) Compare contrast community foundation vs private foundation leadership
(05:55) Board member differences for CFs and private foundations
(08:30) Board succession and representation
(10:55) Challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector
(17:45) Leading through change
(20:10) What do you think will happen in the future?
(21:00) Technology
(24:20) Advice to young people
(29:40) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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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Amazon
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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

What High-Performing Boards Do That Others Don’t with David Jones

In this episode, David Jones shares a thoughtful and wide-ranging perspective on leadership, governance, and impact shaped by decades of experience across business, venture capital, and philanthropy. As board chair of the Humana Foundation, he explores what makes boards effective, why clarity and alignment matter more than good intentions, and how strong governance depends on balancing oversight with trust in leadership. David also challenges how nonprofits measure success, questions the pace and structure of philanthropic giving, and reflects on the importance of pairing passion with real capability. 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing David Jones, Jr., Board Chair, Humana Foundation & Founder, Chrysalis Ventures
(04:00) David’s background
(07:40) Compare/contrast for-profit vs nonprofit vs government leadership
(10:30) Unity of passion and competence 
(12:00) Benefits of having shareholders
(13:30) Negatives of not having shareholders
(15:30) Highest sustainable return
(17:15) Similarities in governance in for-profit vs nonprofit
(24:10) Differences in governance in for-profit vs nonprofit vs government
(32:00) Governing the different boards
(36:20) Obligation of the nonprofit organization
(43:30) Potential structural changes to philanthropy
(48:00) Leadership philosophy
(54:15) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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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Amazon
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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

First-Time Executive Director? Avoid These Costly Mistakes

What does it really take to succeed as a first-time executive director in the nonprofit world? In this episode, Rebecca White, founder of The Content Cove, shares practical lessons from her own leadership journey and the work she does with new nonprofit leaders. She breaks down how to build an effective 100-day plan, why understanding your organization’s life cycle matters, and how to avoid one of the biggest mistakes new leaders make, trying to fix everything too quickly. You will also learn how to strengthen your relationship with your board, prevent burnout, and align your strengths with the right organization. If you are stepping into your first executive director role or preparing for one, this conversation will give you a clearer path forward.
Rebecca’s Website:
https://thecontentcove.com/
Timestamps
(00:00) Introducing Rebecca White, Founder Content Cove
(01:45) What is the Content Cove?
(03:00) Why do you have a passion for new Executive Directors?
(04:40) Challenges of being a first time executive director
(05:35) Critical Success Factors for first time executive directors
(07:30) What happens when a ED’s skills do not align with the life cycle of the organization?
(09:45) Setting the direction as a board
(11:25) Approach for a first time executive director
(14:00) Structuring a listening tour
(16:50) Board chair/executive director relationship
(18:50) Planning a executive director exit
(22:30) Identifying the next candidate for executive director
(27:20) Advice to first time executive directors
(29:55) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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

Listen First: Leadership Lessons from Humana Foundation CEO Tiffany Benjamin

In this episode of I 501(c) You, host Michael Corley talks with Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, about her path from practicing law to leading in corporate philanthropy. Tiffany explains how corporate foundations work, how they differ from private foundations, and how she approaches working with both her board and the communities they serve. She also shares her leadership philosophy of listening first, along with practical perspectives on trust, governance, and decision-making that come from her experience on both sides of the boardroom.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Tiffany Benjamin, CEO, Humana Foundation
(02:15) What is a corporate foundation?
(03:45) Special rules for corporate foundations
(04:45) Funding and focus areas
(06:30) Why pick these focus areas?
(08:15) Navigating the board relationship
(09:40) How does the board get formed?
(11:05) Getting the work done through the board
(12:15) How has being a CEO informed your role as a board chair?
(14:15) As a board chair, how do you work with the board?
(15:55) Leadership philosophy: Listen first
(17:25) Advice to attorneys who may be contemplating joining philanthropy
 
Join us every other 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

Nonprofit Leadership Lessons from First Tee Sarasota/Manatee CEO Lisa Krouse

What does it really take to lead well in both the for profit and nonprofit worlds? In this episode of I501(c)You, Lisa Krouse, CEO of First Tee Sarasota/Manatee, shares lessons from her career as an attorney, board member, nonprofit leader, and executive. She talks about mission focus, succession planning, board governance, funding challenges, and why strong partnerships can multiply community impact. If you care about nonprofit leadership, board effectiveness, community partnerships, or building organizations that last, this conversation offers practical insight and real world perspective for nonprofit executives, board members, and emerging leaders.
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Lisa Krouse, CEO, First Tee Sarasota/Manatee
(03:30) Compare/Contrast leadership in For-profit and nonprofit
(05:40) Governance of for profit and nonprofit organizations
(06:45) How do you work with board members?
(09:20) Biggest challenges leading a nonprofit organization
(13:30) Partnerships in nonprofit vs for-profit
(15:40) Funding partnerships
(17:20) Approach when joining a new organization
(19:30) Leading a nonprofit vs for-profit
(21:50) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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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Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
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Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast

Why Your Nonprofit Board Is Disengaged and Exactly How to Fix It

Why does board engagement feel harder than ever for nonprofits? In this episode of I 501(c) You, Michael sits down with governance consultant Katie Spencer, founder of Zipline Consulting, to explore what is really driving disengaged boards. Drawing on insights from hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Katie explains why executives feel like they are chasing board members and why board members often feel unclear about their role. She outlines four foundational pillars that strengthen board governance, improve accountability, and increase participation. The conversation also covers practical ways to run more strategic board meetings and simplify the board’s role in fundraising. Executive directors, board chairs, and nonprofit leaders will walk away with clear, actionable ideas they can apply immediately.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kimple-spencer-68480111b/
Website: https://www.ziplineconsulting.com/
 
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introducing Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting
(04:30) Improving Board Engagement
(09:30) 4 Pillars of Board Engagement
(16:10) Quick hitting tips - Better board meetings
(22:20) Board’s role in fundraising
(26:20) Executive & Board Chair partnership
(28:55) Recapping with Read
Join us every other 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:
YouTube
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Amazon
iHeartRadio
Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast