Fundraising is a high pressure career. This year 80,000 development professionals will be leaving the field and profession. Across the nonprofit sector, the turnover rate is 29% compared to 8% in the corporte setor.The major contributing factor is burnout where 47% of nonprofit workers identify burnout as a regular part of their work experience. Thus, prioritizing mental health and wellness at work is key. We spoke with Pradnya Haldipur, Vice President of Developoment with over 25 years of experience leading national and international fundraising programs and teams on how we as a profession and sector need to prioritie wellness at work. Our conversation opened up many insights, deeper discussion and explored timely questions about the increasing demand and needs for And, what is it about the fundraising profession in particular that has such high turnover rates? What do you think nonprofits need to do more of to protect fundraisers from either experiencing burnout or leaving and what have you seen that may have changed in the profession that is contributing to such high turnover? And, we also talked about how to notice if you or someone you know is experiencing burn out?  BUt is this enough - how does the profession or expectations of the positions we hold need to change? What ways do you think it can change?   Connect with Pradnya Haldipur: LinkedIn  Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The conversation continued about deep pockets and diversity on the boards. We all agreed we'd rather see an alternative where maybe there's an advisory board where value and talents could be utilized to benefit the organization.  Pulling from the pool of all supporters would result in a more well-rounded ethnic make up of mindset and input. Deep pockets should not be the only way to impact an organization. It was also pointed out that the Arts are not just commodities.  The Arts should be used to enrich the community.  And lots of times non profit organizations want to focus on the word quality.  But who's standards say when that "quality" has been achieved?  Calida and Doug are trying to start and initiative of change with their organization Creative Evolutions.  They let their actions speak for their organization.  And of course we ended talking about what boundaries look like.  Protection of family time is important but at the end of hte day they are emathetic people and love supporting their staff.  They agree they need better personal boundaries - they are a work in progress!! Connect with Calida Jones and Doug Clayton: https://www.creativeevolutions.com/ Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

When you are at an organization but you get the bug to "create something," you reach out to your old boss and ask them to create it with you! Doug Clayton from Chicago and Calida Jones shared how they knew each other and ultimately ended up collaborating to start Creative Evolutions for the Arts. They recently received first place at the Yale Innovation Summit! They both have colorful music-infused backgrounds and know the space well. So it was easy to say yes to this adventure! We all agreed that organizations need to be more innovation and human-centered work. We went on to dissect that and discuss how you do that. The wrong focus in an organization can be problematic.  Mission. What do you think when you hear that word? This is one of the words Doug and Calida questioned when thinking about their verbiage.  They do not use the word mission in their language. They don't want their staff to feel like they have to die on the sword for the mission!  They want to encourage healthy boundaries. A great concern arose in the conversation about what happens to employees when they retire.  What do they walk away with? And how does this need to change?  People will look at Doug and Calida and question "We can do things that way?" Their response? "Watch us!" They aren't afraid to do things differently. They use different language, focus on innovation and human-centered work, and analyze different angles to see what is best for their employees and the organization. Connect with Calida Jones and Doug Clayton: https://www.creativeevolutions.com/ Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

In part two of our discussion with Shilpa Gadhok, we touched on the fundamentals that she starts with to see where an organization is on branding for impact. Brand purpose Brand vision Brand mission Brand belief POD - point of difference Know your audience Personalized messaging Barrier you solve Benefits you offer In this captivating two episodes, we dive deep into the world of brand building for nonprofit organizations and explore the remarkable ways strong brands can drive positive social impact. Discover how strong nonprofit brands create a ripple effect that extends beyond their immediate goals. Our conversation unfolds into a fascinating exploration of how effective branding can generate awareness and empathy among the general public, inspiring them to join the movement and contribute to the cause.  We discuss with Shilpa the best practices behind building a philanthropic brand that resonates with supporters and she shares practical insights on leveraging storytelling, authenticity, and transparency to engage with audiences on an emotional level. Moreover, we discuss the role of digital media and social platforms in amplifying a nonprofit's message, igniting enthusiasm, and fostering a sense of belonging among supporters. Tune in to this thought-provoking episodes, and embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover the true significance of brand building for nonprofits and its profound impact on society.  Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Shilpa Gadhok: SeeGoodStrategyGroup.com Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Shilpa Gadhok: SeeGoodStrategyGroup.com Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Name 3 long-standing brands. Brands that have been around since you were little. Now...how do we do that for our non-profits?  Shilpa Gadhok, founder and CEO of See Good Strategy Group, joined us to dig into this topic of marketing but marketing with a big purpose...to build an iconic, long-standing brand for impact.  Shilpa offered six questions to ask yourself to evaluate how strong your brand is. How big of an impact are you making currently? Can you answer these six questions correctly? In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the world of brand building for nonprofit organizations and explore the remarkable ways strong brands can drive positive social impact. Discover how strong nonprofit brands create a ripple effect that extends beyond their immediate goals. Our conversation unfolds into a fascinating exploration of how effective branding can generate awareness and empathy among the general public, inspiring them to join the movement and contribute to the cause.  We discuss with Shilpa the best practices behind building a philanthropic brand that resonates with supporters and she shares practical insights on leveraging storytelling, authenticity, and transparency to engage with audiences on an emotional level. Moreover, we discuss the role of digital media and social platforms in amplifying a nonprofit's message, igniting enthusiasm, and fostering a sense of belonging among supporters. Tune in to this thought-provoking podcast episode, and embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover the true significance of brand building for nonprofits and its profound impact on society.  Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Shilpa Gadhok: SeeGoodStrategyGroup.com Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

In this enlightening podcast discussion, we spoke with Joanne Wilson, an experienced VP of Development Systems, about the significance of building and working on multigenerational teams and the benefits they bring to nonprofit organization cultures and missions. We also delved into the urgent need to combat ageism in the hiring process and advocate for a more inclusive approach that values the unique contributions of individuals from all generations and age groups. Join us as we highlight the diverse perspectives and skills that different generations bring to the table. Experience, innovation, and collaboration exist across all generations and by harnessing the collective strengths of multigenerational teams, nonprofits can unlock untapped potential and drive their missions forward with renewed vigor. We discussed some preconceived biases often associated with ageism during the hiring process and the stereotypes that exist with various generations and we debunk those preconceived notions. Instead, the emphasis is on the importance of recognizing each individual's unique capabilities, talents, and lived experiences irrespective of their age. Overcoming age-related biases is crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment, allowing nonprofits to benefit from the full spectrum of talents present in multigenerational teams. Implementing mentorship programs that facilitate knowledge exchange between generations can prove invaluable. Moreover, the podcast highlights the significance of nurturing an organizational culture that values diversity and promotes collaboration across generations. We share real-life success stories from nonprofits that have embraced multigenerational teams and underscore the transformative impact of dismantling age-related biases. By adopting an inclusive hiring process, these organizations have strengthened their teams and reaped the rewards of increased creativity, improved decision-making, and enhanced problem-solving. Embracing a multigenerational workforce is not just the right thing to do—it is a strategic choice that leads to long-term success and sustainable growth for nonprofits. Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

In this enlightening podcast discussion, we spoke with Joanne Wilson, an experienced VP of Development Systems, about the significance of building and working on multigenerational teams and the benefits they bring to nonprofit organization cultures and missions. We also delved into the urgent need to combat ageism in the hiring process and advocate for a more inclusive approach that values the unique contributions of individuals from all generations and age groups. Join us as we highlight the diverse perspectives and skills that different generations bring to the table. Experience, innovation, and collaboration exist across all generations and by harnessing the collective strengths of multigenerational teams, nonprofits can unlock untapped potential and drive their missions forward with renewed vigor. We discussed some preconceived biases often associated with ageism during the hiring process and the stereotypes that exist with various generations and we debunk those preconceived notions. Instead, the emphasis is on the importance of recognizing each individual's unique capabilities, talents, and lived experiences irrespective of their age. Overcoming age-related biases is crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment, allowing nonprofits to benefit from the full spectrum of talents present in multigenerational teams. Implementing mentorship programs that facilitate knowledge exchange between generations can prove invaluable. Moreover, the podcast highlights the significance of nurturing an organizational culture that values diversity and promotes collaboration across generations. We share real-life success stories from nonprofits that have embraced multigenerational teams and underscore the transformative impact of dismantling age-related biases. By adopting an inclusive hiring process, these organizations have strengthened their teams and reaped the rewards of increased creativity, improved decision-making, and enhanced problem-solving. Embracing a multigenerational workforce is not just the right thing to do—it is a strategic choice that leads to long-term success and sustainable growth for nonprofits. Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Balance! What are realistic solutions if you feel out of balance with work and home life? At the end of the day, we all only have so many hours to “produce.” How will you choose to divide that time? Talk about balance and how you want it to look if you are feeling out of balance. As employers and employees we need to honor how each of us has divided our time into those buckets. Think of your priorities in buckets. Listen and learn how to borrow time from one bucket temporarily to meet a deadline or event. It’s ok to walk away. Take a step back and identify that in a particular season of life, you need to take a step back. And if you are working from home…walk away, take a step back. When the work day is over, walk away. And, you need to take breaks throughout the day too. After all, you do not have that decompression or transition time you used to have when you would leave the office! Take a moment for yourself. Get your mind off of business. “Walk away” from this episode taking action to divide your time into your priority buckets and say yes to adventure! Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Intro/Outro music credit: "Boom Bap" by Color Parade.

Did you know 60% of Americans feel like their work-life balance is unhealthy? Deniz says Life-Work Balance. Tom says Work-Life Balance. Who is right? Who is to blame for the unbalance the employee or employer? Or is it the job market? There are many qualified individuals applying for the same job and it’s competitive out there!! A great conversation was started about what that balance looks like. It’s funny how you can think you know what your priorities are but when you see where you actually spend your time, your actions say otherwise. Tom suggested a great activity to see where you spend your time vs. what you say your priorities are. It is quite eye-opening!! And Deniz offered suggestions on how to honor the priorities you want to have. Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Intro/Outro music credit: "Boom Bap" by Color Parade.

Recruiting and retaining top talent whether for your nonprofit staff or board is an issue thousands of nonprofits are experiencing in this ever-evolving and changing world of work. What may work with corporate recruiting doesn’t always apply to nonprofits – and in this episode, Chief People Officer Jorge Diaz, shares his perspectives as a recognized longtime human resources executive and experience serving on nonprofit boards and committee. Trained also as an executive coach and serving as an adjunct faculty member teaching graduate students on how to motivate teams in the workplace, Jorge identifies that for building effective nonprofit boards, board members need to practice "Organizational Attention" – an intentional self-reflection as a group to assess the following: how is our board operating; how is our work aligned with the organization's mission, how are we supporting organizational priorities; and how are we doing as a team?  Subscribe to our podcast and stay up to date on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Because We've Been In Your Shoes on Instagram for new episodes.  Want to be a guest on our show? Have an exciting topic impacting the nonprofit space that you want to talk about? Or nominate a nonprofit leader for our podcast. Send us a note via our Instagram or LinkedIn and we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Deniz Tasdemiroglu Conger on LinkedIn  Connect with Tom Bull on LinkedIn  Visit the podcast online at Gomavi.com and at GoMavi on Instagram and on GoMavi on LinkedIn You can also find the podcast on IllumeWorks on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Intro/Outro music credit: "Boom Bap" by Color Parade.