Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast: Detailed Summary

Episode Title: D is for Design Deficit: You’re not failing - you’re under-designed
Host: Brooke Richie-Babbage
Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "D is for Design Deficit: You’re not failing - you’re under-designed," Brooke Richie-Babbage delves into the critical issue of organizational design within nonprofit organizations. This discussion is part of a special 26-day edition of the Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, focusing on empowering nonprofit leaders to end their year strongly through intentional design rather than sheer hustle.

Understanding Design Deficit

Key Concept: Design Deficit

Brooke introduces the concept of a "design deficit," which refers to nonprofits operating within structures that haven't evolved to match their growing complexity and impact. She explains that many organizations face burnout not merely because they are overworking but because their foundational systems are inadequate to support their expansion.

Brooke Richie-Babbage [02:15]:
"It's because they're working inside a structure that was not built for their current level of organizational complexity and impact."

Illustration:
She uses the analogy of trying to pour one gallon of water into a tablespoon to illustrate how mismatched structures can hinder organizational flow and effectiveness.

Burnout: Overwork vs. Under Design

Brooke challenges the common perception that burnout in nonprofits stems solely from excessive work hours. Instead, she posits that burnout often results from "under design" — attempting to perform complex tasks without the necessary structural support.

Brooke Richie-Babbage [04:30]:
"Burnout is often about doing a complex thing without the right scaffolding underneath. And we can build the scaffolding."

Impact of Design Deficit:
When organizations expand their programs, teams, and impact without simultaneously enhancing their internal systems and structures, they create a pressure cooker environment. This mismatch leads to feelings of being overwhelmed and perpetuates burnout among team members.

Intentional Design as the Solution

Brooke emphasizes that addressing burnout through design adjustments is not only possible but also scalable. By intentionally designing organizational structures that align with current needs, nonprofits can sustain growth and maintain high-impact operations without overburdening their teams.

Brooke Richie-Babbage [06:50]:
"It's good news because design can be fixed."

Strategic Design:
Intentional design involves creating robust internal systems that support the organization's expanded activities, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of team well-being and operational efficiency.

Actionable Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders

Brooke provides practical tools and exercises to help nonprofit leaders identify and address design deficits within their organizations.

1. Invisible Labor Journal Prompt

Exercise Overview:
Brooke introduces a "super personal" exercise called the Invisible Labor Journal Prompt, aimed at uncovering hidden emotional and invisible workloads that contribute to burnout.

Instructions:

• Set a timer for 10 minutes.
• Find a quiet space with a soundscape or go for a walk to foster presence.
• Brainstorm in response to the question: "What emotional or invisible labor am I carrying that no one else sees?"
• Examples to consider include editing, reminding, managing feelings, or instances where it feels like you're "dragging bricks uphill."

Brooke Richie-Babbage [09:20]:
"That's where your burnout lives, and each of those things as something you can design."

Purpose:
This exercise helps leaders identify specific areas of invisible labor that drain energy and contribute to burnout, providing a foundation for targeted design interventions.

2. Design Assessment Quiz

Tool Overview:
Brooke has developed the "Strong Quiz," a quick 90-second assessment designed to illuminate design deficits within an organization.

Accessing the Quiz:

• Text the word "strong" to 66866.
• Visit brookebabbage.com/strong.

Outcome:
The quiz provides a concrete recommendation on the first step to fix identified design issues, offering a clear starting point for organizational improvement.

3. Organizational Design Tarot Canvas

Tool Overview:
For those subscribed to the email series, Brooke offers a printable tool called the Organizational Design Tarot Canvas. This tool combines elements of gaming with diagnostic prompts to help teams reflect on hidden structural challenges.

Features:

• Six Reflection Prompts: Each represents an archetype of structural challenges that may be draining the organization’s energy.
• Engaging Format: Part game, part diagnostic, making the reflection process engaging and accessible.
• Objective: To spot friction points that are slowing the organization down, facilitating a fun yet effective way to address design deficits.

Brooke Richie-Babbage [13:45]:
"It's part game, part diagnostic, and 1000% designed to help you spot actual friction points that are slowing your organization down."

Conclusion and Next Steps

Brooke wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of intentional design in preventing burnout and sustaining organizational growth. She encourages listeners to utilize the provided tools and exercises to assess and improve their organizational structures.

Brooke Richie-Babbage [15:30]:
"Design can be fixed, and by addressing these deficits, you can create a more resilient and impactful organization."

Upcoming Topics:
Listeners are teased with a glimpse of the next episode, focusing on strategies starting with the letter "E," promising further insights into effective nonprofit leadership.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Design Deficit Definition:
  "It's because they're working inside a structure that was not built for their current level of organizational complexity and impact." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [02:15]

• Burnout and Scaffolding:
  "Burnout is often about doing a complex thing without the right scaffolding underneath. And we can build the scaffolding." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [04:30]

• Fixing Design:
  "It's good news because design can be fixed." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [06:50]

• Invisible Labor Identification:
  "That's where your burnout lives, and each of those things as something you can design." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [09:20]

• Organizational Design Tarot Canvas:
  "It's part game, part diagnostic, and 1000% designed to help you spot actual friction points that are slowing your organization down." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [13:45]

• Encouragement to Fix Design Deficits:
  "Design can be fixed, and by addressing these deficits, you can create a more resilient and impactful organization." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [15:30]

Resources Mentioned

• Strong Quiz: Access by texting "strong" to 66866 or visiting brookebabbage.com/strong.
• Organizational Design Tarot Canvas: Available to email subscribers via brookrichiebabbage.com.
• Email Sign-Up: Encourage listeners to sign up for daily emails accompanying the 26-day series for additional worksheets, prompts, and discounts.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a pivotal resource for nonprofit leaders grappling with burnout and organizational inefficiency. By shifting the focus from overwork to intentional design, Brooke Richie-Babbage provides actionable insights and practical tools to foster sustainable growth and enhance organizational resilience. Listeners are empowered to diagnose and address structural challenges, paving the way for a more impactful and fulfilling nonprofit journey.