Podcast Summary: Ep. 232 - "The Helpers Need Help Too: How Leaders Refill Their Tanks"

Title: Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications
Host: Joan Garry
Guests: Glenda
Release Date: July 19, 2025

Introduction: Navigating the Stormy Waters of Nonprofit Leadership

In this episode, Joan Garry and Glenda delve into the unique challenges faced by nonprofit leaders, using vivid metaphors to illustrate the precarious situation many find themselves in. They compare nonprofit leaders to "small boats in wide open ocean waters" [00:00], highlighting the vast and turbulent environment in which these leaders operate, often without adequate resources or support.

The Metaphor of Leadership as Small Boats

Joan sets the stage by describing the daunting landscape nonprofit leaders must navigate:

"Sometimes nonprofit leaders can feel like they are small boats in wide open ocean waters, tackling some of the hardest problems in our communities, our countries, and our planet." [00:00]

Glenda adds to this by emphasizing the unpredictability and chaos within the sector:

"The nonprofit sector began this year in panic mode. Was a typhoon ahead...ship captains are navigating chaotic, turbulent water and cannot bank on sector meteorologists." [00:26]

This metaphor underscores the isolation and lack of predictable guidance nonprofit leaders often experience.

Personal Strategies for Refueling Leadership

Glenda's Walks and Inspirational Podcasts

Glenda shares her personal methods for maintaining resilience amidst chaos:

"The more uncertain and chaotic things get out there, the more simple things are. The things become that actually fuel me." [03:20]

She highlights activities such as walking on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ, and listening to inspiring podcasts like "We Can Do Hard Things," which provide her with both solace and motivation.

Joan's Piano Lessons and Ocean Views

Joan discusses her own self-care practices, emphasizing the importance of engaging in activities that quiet the mind:

"I take piano lessons, and I have since I was 60. I'm 67... It shuts my head down. It shuts down all that fidgetiness for me." [05:37]

Additionally, she finds peace near the ocean, echoing the sentiment that natural environments can help wash away worries:

"Go look at the ocean because the waves wash away your worries." [06:32]

Importance of Health

Both hosts stress the critical role of maintaining physical health as part of self-care. Glenda advocates for regular health check-ups:

"I would also say get a colonoscopy. It's really important... nature is very simple. Relationships, and then also your health." [04:34]

Joan agrees, sharing her plans to have her hearing checked:

"I'm having my hearing checked tomorrow... It's about taking care of yourself." [08:11]

Positive Developments in the Nonprofit Sector

Despite the overarching challenges, Joan and Glenda highlight positive developments that offer hope to the nonprofit community.

Success in Obtaining 501c3 Status

Glenda recounts the success of a member in securing 501c3 status, a significant achievement amidst widespread fears of nonprofits losing their tax-exempt status:

"I just got my 501 status... reminded me like, oh, there is hope." [10:16]

Joan echoes this sentiment, celebrating the optimism it brings:

"I saw it too. I am thrilled to announce that I just got my 501C3." [11:34]

Re-hiring Experts from the EPA

Joan discusses innovative strategies nonprofits are employing to overcome staffing challenges, such as rehiring experts from the Environmental Protection Agency:

"A climate change think tank in Washington is seeing hundreds of people from the EPA... seeking funding to bring those folks in house." [11:34]

This approach not only fills gaps in expertise but also revitalizes organizations with seasoned professionals passionate about their missions.

The Importance of Planning

A significant portion of the conversation centers on strategic planning as a tool to navigate uncertainty.

Scenario Planning

Glenda emphasizes the necessity of scenario planning in preparing for various possibilities:

"You're planning for the possibilities... What if we lose this federal grant?" [17:19]

Joan expands on this by highlighting the motivational aspect of having a clear vision:

"Planning is never about... What did I come here to do? What would my organization be doing five years from now?" [19:50]

Keeping Focus on the 'North Star'

Both hosts stress the importance of maintaining focus on the organization's core mission, or 'North Star,' to guide decision-making and keep teams aligned:

"If I had a crystal ball and I could look five years from now, what would my organization be doing?" [19:50]

Staying Motivated

Joan and Glenda delve into strategies for maintaining motivation, emphasizing the fundamental 'why' behind nonprofit work.

"Why are you doing this? What did you come here to do?" [21:15]

Joan encourages leaders to revisit their original motivations by reflecting on their initial aspirations:

"When you wanted this job, you wrote some cover letter that said, here's my why... remind yourself, I really wanted to do this." [23:33]

Assessment and Reflection

Regular assessment and reflection are highlighted as vital practices for organizational health and adaptability.

"Doing some kind of assessment... How are we doing? What did we do well? What could we do better?" [24:44]

Joan adds that assessments should be manageable and even enjoyable to encourage participation and continuous improvement:

"Don't make it feel daunting to do it... do it over a virtual lunch or bring in bagels and feed your staff." [29:24]

Community and Support Networks

The hosts underscore the value of community and support within the nonprofit sector, highlighting the strength that comes from shared experiences and mutual support.

"There are about 6,000 members of the nonprofit leadership lab... nurtures a warm, private community of superheroes." [02:25]

They emphasize that leaders "are not alone" and that building strong networks can provide much-needed support and encouragement [12:53].

Communication and Appreciation

Authentic communication and expressing appreciation are identified as key leadership traits that foster a positive and motivated team environment.

"Noticing that appreciation and actually taking the step of telling other people about it can feel really, really good." [32:17]

Joan connects this to effective leadership, emphasizing that authentic communication is crucial:

"That's also about communications and authenticity... key attributes of great leaders." [33:53]

Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

In their final thoughts, Joan and Glenda offer heartfelt encouragement to nonprofit leaders, reminding them of their importance and the positive impact they have.

Glenda: "What do you want to say to those leaders out there... You're doing a good job. Keep going." [34:17]

They also reinforce the importance of self-care, urging leaders to engage in activities they love to sustain their passion and effectiveness:

Joan: "Do whatever you can that you love to take care of yourselves, please." [34:19]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joan: "Sometimes nonprofit leaders can feel like they are small boats in wide open ocean waters..." [00:00]

• Glenda: "We are seeing folks passionate... fueling their leadership, especially in the nonprofit leadership lab." [01:26]

• Joan: "You are at your very best when things are worst." [01:49]

• Glenda: "I have 30% hearing loss... It's made the biggest difference in my life." [08:11]

• Glenda: "The more people need you, the more it fuels you to want to help." [05:36]

• Joan: "I came here to run an organization that's going here." [19:50]

• Glenda: "What are you doing to take control in a time that is chaotic and unpredictable?" [27:18]

Conclusion

This episode of "Nonprofits Are Messy" provides invaluable insights and practical strategies for nonprofit leaders striving to maintain their resilience and effectiveness amid ongoing challenges. Through discussions on personal self-care, strategic planning, community support, and authentic communication, Joan Garry and Glenda offer a comprehensive guide to helping the helpers refill their tanks and continue making meaningful impacts in their communities.

For more resources and to join the Nonprofit Leadership Lab community, visit nonprofitleadershiplab.com.