Podcast Summary: Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

Episode: Ep 227: What Challenging Times Make Possible with Michael Hyatt
Host: Joan Garry
Release Date: April 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 227 of Nonprofits Are Messy, host Joan Garry welcomes Michael Hyatt, a renowned coach, productivity consultant, and bestselling author. The conversation delves into leadership strategies tailored for nonprofit organizations, emphasizing resilience, focus, and the integration of personal and professional success. Hyatt brings his extensive experience from Full Focus and his recent book, Mind Your Mindset, offering valuable insights for nonprofit leaders navigating challenging times.

Michael Hyatt’s Background and Experience

Joan Garry introduces Michael Hyatt, highlighting his impressive career trajectory, including scaling a publishing company to a $250 million enterprise and leading Full Focus, a company recognized in the Inc. 5000 list. Hyatt's personal life, including his 45-year marriage and role as a father and grandfather, serves as a testament to his emphasis on strong relationships.

Notable Quote:
Joan Garry [04:38]: “I realize that for me what most stood out was being happily married for 45 years... So you must be someone special.”

Michael Hyatt [04:38]: “Well, thank you. It's great to be on the show with you, Joan. I would say I'm not so special, but my wife is pretty special to put up with me for 45 years, 46 years now. It's amazing.”

Distinction Between For-Profit and Nonprofit Leadership

Joan and Michael discuss the perceived differences and overlaps between for-profit and nonprofit leadership. While for-profit leaders may envy the mission-driven nature of nonprofits, nonprofit leaders might wish for more control akin to managing employees in a corporate setting.

Notable Quote:
Michael Hyatt [05:39]: “The grass always looks greener on the other side, but the truth is it has to be mowed either way. But I think there's huge, huge overlap.”

They agree that nonprofit leaders have much to teach for-profit counterparts, particularly in motivating teams through mission rather than monetary incentives.

Winning at Work and Success in Life: The Double Win

One of the central themes is redefining "winning" to encompass both professional success and personal fulfillment. Michael shares his transformative experience balancing work achievements with personal sacrifices, leading him to adopt a "both and" mindset rather than an "either or" approach.

Notable Quote:
Michael Hyatt [15:24]: “That's where winning for me started. Indeed, winning for me means winning in both. You know, if you're winning at work and crushing it, but your health is on the precipice... that's not winning.”

Joan reinforces this by sharing her philosophy that success in work fuels happiness in personal life, emphasizing integration over balance.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Nonprofit Leadership

Hyatt addresses the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among nonprofit leaders, emphasizing its commonality even among highly successful individuals. He encourages leaders to normalize these feelings and view them as indicators of growth and stepping into discomfort zones.

Notable Quote:
Michael Hyatt [20:09]: “Everybody feels that way, and I think you've got to normalize that for yourself and realize that it's because you're in your discomfort zone, which is where all the great stuff happens.”

He advises leaders to start initiatives with courage, despite fear, to build capacity and confidence over time.

Focus and Productivity: Embracing the Daily Big Three

With limited resources and numerous demands, nonprofit leaders often struggle with maintaining focus. Hyatt introduces the concept of the "Daily Big Three"—identifying the three most important tasks each day that drive 80% of the results.

Notable Quote:
Michael Hyatt [25:22]: “We have to have a much more narrow focus so that we're not approaching life with a shotgun kind of approach.”

Joan shares her own coaching exercise, encouraging leaders to prioritize tasks that align with their long-term goals, ensuring that daily efforts contribute to meaningful achievements.

Fear of Risk and Embracing Innovation

The conversation shifts to the nonprofit sector's inherent fear of risk, often hindering innovation. Hyatt suggests reframing failure as a learning opportunity and emphasizes surrounding oneself with a team that complements personal risk tolerance.

Notable Quote:
Michael Hyatt [35:25]: “Failure isn't final. It's just feedback.”

He advocates for creating a culture where experimentation is encouraged, and setbacks are viewed as essential steps toward growth and success.

Resilience During Challenging Times

Hyatt reflects on how difficult periods can lead to significant innovations and personal growth. He shares his philosophy that leaders can control their internal narratives, choosing to focus on what challenges make possible rather than the obstacles themselves.

Notable Quote:
Michael Hyatt [39:05]: “There's an empowering aspect when we retain our agency and not see ourselves as victims, but seeing ourselves as able to manage the story and to be able to exercise our agency in creating a different future.”

Joan connects this to the current turbulent environment, encouraging leaders to find hope and opportunities within adversity.

Empathy as a Core Leadership Trait

Both Joan and Michael highlight empathy as essential for effective leadership. Hyatt argues that experiencing personal challenges enhances a leader's ability to connect with and support their team.

Notable Quote:
Michael Hyatt [44:11]: “I can tell you that having gone through really difficult things in business and in life, it does give me empathy for other people because I can feel their pain.”

Closing Thoughts: Encouragement for Nonprofit Leaders

In concluding the episode, Hyatt offers heartfelt encouragement to nonprofit leaders, affirming the significance of their work and the importance of perseverance despite resistance.

Notable Quote:
Michael Hyatt [44:42]: “The work you're doing matters and it probably matters more than you know... The world needs you.”

Joan echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the podcast's message of resilience and impactful leadership in the nonprofit sector.

Conclusion

Episode 227 of Nonprofits Are Messy provides a comprehensive exploration of leadership within the nonprofit realm, guided by Michael Hyatt's expertise. Key takeaways include the importance of integrating personal and professional success, overcoming imposter syndrome through courage, maintaining focus with prioritized tasks, embracing risk as a pathway to innovation, and leading with empathy. Hyatt's insights equip nonprofit leaders with strategies to navigate chaos, foster resilience, and ultimately drive meaningful change.

Resources Mentioned:

• Michael Hyatt’s Book: Mind Your Mindset
• Frameworks: Free Focus, SMARTER goal setting, Daily Big Three
• Full Focus Planner: A tool for organizing daily priorities
• Nonprofit Leadership Lab: nonprofitleadershiplab.com

For More Information: Visit joengarry.com/podcast for additional resources and to join the Nonprofit Leadership Lab community.