Nonprofit Leadership Podcast Episode Summary: "How to Bring More Innovation to Your Organization"

Podcast Information

• Title: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
• Host: Dr. Rob Harder
• Guest: Leah Krall
• Episode Title: How to Bring More Innovation to Your Organization
• Release Date: March 9, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harder delves into the critical topic of fostering innovation within nonprofit organizations. Recognizing that innovation is often synonymous with the for-profit and startup sectors, Dr. Harder aims to highlight the innovative strides being made in the nonprofit realm. Joining him is Leah Krall, author of Innovation for Social Change, who shares her insights and strategies for embedding innovation into nonprofit structures.

Guest Background

Leah Krall brings over three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her journey, marked by unexpected twists and a deep commitment to social change, began with her tenure in the US Peace Corps in Jamaica. This transformative experience exposed her to profound societal challenges and the heroic efforts of nonprofit leaders, inspiring her to merge effective management practices with nonprofit missions. As Leah states at [02:34], “I've found a way to help nonprofit heroes apply good management practices to drive positive impact.”

The Importance of Innovation in Nonprofits

Dr. Harder opens the discussion by addressing the common misconception that innovation is exclusive to the for-profit sector. Leah Krall counters this by asserting that the nonprofit sector should be one of the most innovative due to its mission-driven nature. She emphasizes the necessity of innovation to address pressing issues such as food insecurity and housing shortages. At [08:07], Leah explains, “Innovation is finding new and better ways of doing things, whether big or small, to enhance our effectiveness in serving communities.”

Defining Innovation in the Nonprofit Sector

Krall broadens the definition of innovation beyond technological advancements to include process improvements and strategic shifts. She provides diverse examples, from the strategic maneuvers of the American civil rights movement to small-scale innovations like switching from clipboards to iPads in legal aid clinics. [08:30] she remarks, “Even small process innovations, like shaving five minutes off daily tasks, can free up valuable resources for greater impact.”

Building Innovation into Organizational DNA

The conversation shifts to practical strategies for integrating innovation within nonprofit organizations. Leah highlights the importance of intentionality in workplace culture and decision-making processes. She cites the Mayo Clinic as a model, where empowerment and adherence to core values foster an environment conducive to continuous improvement and innovation. At [11:46], Leah shares, “Intentional structures allow team members to bring forward good ideas, making innovation a natural part of the organizational culture.”

Six Principles of Social Change Innovation

A pivotal part of the discussion revolves around the six principles of social change innovation from Leah’s book:

1. Be a Fearless Problem Solver (How desirable is the solution?)
   “We need to uncover hidden needs,” Leah emphasizes [14:00].

2. Ask Courageous Questions (Are we dreaming big?)
   Starting small but dreaming big is essential for impactful innovations.

3. Empower Frontline Workers to Collaborate
   Empowered staff can drive breakthroughs, as illustrated by the Mayo Clinic example.

4. Leave Room for Experiments (Embrace risk and failure)
   Leah notes, “Leaving room for play and risk-taking is crucial for innovation” [14:00].

5. Embrace Continuous Learning
   Organizations should constantly ask themselves hard questions to foster growth.

6. Master the Art of Persuasion
   Persuasion is vital not only for donor relations but also for internal collaboration.

Overcoming Barriers to Innovation

The discussion addresses common obstacles nonprofits face in fostering innovation, such as fear of failure, compassion fatigue, and a lack of strategic clarity. Leah identifies the “fog of good intentions” and the challenge of prioritizing amidst numerous demands. At [19:43], she states, “If we fail to empower our frontline workers, our most innovative ideas may never surface.”

Drawing Creativity from Frontline Workers

Krall underscores the value of frontline workers in generating creative solutions. Drawing inspiration from Pixar’s creative processes, she advocates for a culture where honest, constructive feedback is encouraged. By adopting design thinking, nonprofits can systematically explore and implement innovative ideas. At [23:43], Leah explains, “Design thinking helps us explore what’s possible and think creatively and strategically about our interventions.”

The Role of Nonprofits in Civil Society

When posed with the philosophical question of the importance of nonprofits in civil society, Leah passionately articulates their vital role. Nonprofits address some of the world’s most pressing issues, from education and healthcare to mental health and the arts. She asserts, “Nonprofits provide some of the greatest gifts to the world and take on its hardest problems,” reflecting on their indispensable contribution to building a resilient and compassionate society.

Example of an Innovative Nonprofit

To illustrate effective innovation, Leah shares the story of World Reader, a nonprofit dedicated to providing digital books to disadvantaged children. Their strategic experimentation with Amazon Kindle e-readers versus a mobile app revealed that the latter better met the needs of their users, leading to significant scalability and user engagement. At [34:19], she highlights, “World Reader’s willingness to fail fast and fail small allowed them to discover a more effective solution with their mobile platform.”

Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Dr. Rob Harder encourages listeners to explore Leah Krall’s book for a deeper understanding of integrating innovation into their nonprofits. Leah directs audience members to her website, leahkrall.com, for additional resources and her Substack blog.

Notable Quotes

• Leah Krall at [02:34]: “I've found a way to help nonprofit heroes apply good management practices to drive positive impact.”
• Leah Krall at [08:07]: “Innovation is finding new and better ways of doing things, whether big or small, to enhance our effectiveness in serving communities.”
• Leah Krall at [11:46]: “Intentional structures allow team members to bring forward good ideas, making innovation a natural part of the organizational culture.”
• Leah Krall at [14:00]: “Leaving room for play and risk-taking is crucial for innovation.”
• Leah Krall at [19:43]: “If we fail to empower our frontline workers, our most innovative ideas may never surface.”
• Leah Krall at [23:43]: “Design thinking helps us explore what’s possible and think creatively and strategically about our interventions.”
• Leah Krall at [34:19]: “World Reader’s willingness to fail fast and fail small allowed them to discover a more effective solution with their mobile platform.”

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a compelling reminder that innovation is not confined to the for-profit sector. Through thoughtful strategies and a culture that embraces creativity and experimentation, nonprofits can significantly amplify their impact. Leah Krall’s insights provide a practical roadmap for leaders seeking to infuse innovation into their organizations, ensuring they remain effective and resilient in the face of evolving societal challenges.

For Further Information:

• Leah Krall’s Website: leahkrall.com
• Book: Innovation for Social Change available at major retailers
• Podcast Access: Available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts, and more.