Learning for Good | L&D Solutions and Leadership Development for Nonprofit Organizations

Learning for Good | L&D Solutions and Leadership Development for Nonprofit Organizations

Heather Burright, Learning and Development Leader, Leadership Development Consultant, Instructional Designer.

As nonprofit learning and development leaders, we want a seat at the table. We want to be viewed as true business partners who can help solve problems. We want to create meaningful learning solutions that fit in the flow of work and yield real results for the organization and for the staff.That's why in this podcast, we will not only explore instructional design and leadership development best practices, but we will also explore change management, belonging, and influence - helping you build the case for the solutions your organization needs so you can show up confidently in conversations with...

3 Components of Leadership Development | What Nonprofits Can Learn from the Aviation Industry with Craig Coyle

3 Components of Leadership Development | What Nonprofits Can Learn from the Aviation Industry with Craig Coyle

A lot of what we do in Learning and Development is not life and death. We often have the freedom to experiment with new ideas in our nonprofit training and while we want the best possible outcome, we can feel safe to fail.This is not the case in every industry.In this episode I want us to take some time to learn from another industry - the aviation industry - with leadership development expert Craig Coyle. Craig is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and a former U.S. Army Apache pilot. ▶️ 3

Feb 17, • 23:55

Improving the Health of Your Nonprofit through People Manager Development and Enablement with Kamaria Scott

Improving the Health of Your Nonprofit through People Manager Development and Enablement with Kamaria Scott

People managers have a hard job. They have to set goals, manage resources, support real humans who are not always easy to support, and keep everything moving on time and within budget so the organization can meet its goals.That’s why I’ve invited  Kamaria Scott, an I/O psychologist focused on people manager development and enablement, to join me on this episode. She’s sharing how you can improve the health of your organization by investing in your people managers. ▶️ Improving the Health of You

Feb 10, • 32:52

The Business Case for Mentoring - What's the Value? with Neil Cunningham

The Business Case for Mentoring - What's the Value? with Neil Cunningham

We know the impact a good mentor can have. Yet, according to a Forbes article, only 37% of professionals have a mentor. This means there are still many people out there who aren't benefiting from this type of relationship.  How do we know when to create a mentoring program? And if we look at the needs and determine we should create one, how do we create the buy-in we need for it? That’s what we’re exploring today with L&D expert, Neil Cunningham.▶️ The Business Case for Mentoring - What's the Va

Feb 3, • 20:14

The Belonging Blueprint: How to Create Connection among Your Teams with Abigail Finck

The Belonging Blueprint: How to Create Connection among Your Teams with Abigail Finck

While work may never be the top place you feel belonging, it can be a place where you can be yourself, where you can feel safe, and where you can feel connected to your work and team. However, this doesn’t happen organically, we have to work to create a space like this.That’s why in this episode, leadership and mindset coach Abigail Finck is sharing the Belonging Blueprint - a tested method for creating connection among your teams.▶️ The Belonging Blueprint: How to Create Connection among Your T

Jan 27, • 35:06

How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact in a Federated Nonprofit or Membership Association

How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact in a Federated Nonprofit or Membership Association

Measuring behavior change and impact is hard in most organizations, but add the complexities of federated nonprofit organizations or membership associations, and it suddenly feels impossible.In this episode, I’m exploring why measuring behavior change and impact is so hard in these organizations and I’m sharing some creative ideas to measure them anyway.▶️ How to Measure Behavior Change and Impact in a Federated Nonprofit or Membership Association ▶️ Key Points:01:38 Why measuring behavior chan

Jan 20, • 11:13

Using a Blended, Cohort Training Model to Create Behavior Change with Nonprofit Leader Rebecca Kelley

Using a Blended, Cohort Training Model to Create Behavior Change with Nonprofit Leader Rebecca Kelley

Creating behavior change is no easy task. So when Rebecca Kelley of Waterford.org approached me about a change she wanted to facilitate in one of her teams, I knew we had a lot of work to do. Today’s episode is a case study of sorts - we're taking a closer look at how my team at Skill Masters Market partnered with Rebecca's team at Waterford to address their unique needs.Rebecca is a skilled executive and as Waterford's Executive Vice President of Advocacy, she is responsible for advancing Water

Jan 13, • 23:52

I'm 20 Years into My Career. If You're New to L&D, Listen to This.

I'm 20 Years into My Career. If You're New to L&D, Listen to This.

I feel strongly that you don't need a formal education in adult learning to be a good instructional designer. But I do think instructional designers have to be open to learning new things.I’ve learned a lot over my 20 year career in Learning and Development and in this episode, I’m sharing three of my most valuable lessons.▶️ I'm 20 Years into My Career. If You're New to L&D, Listen to This. ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The education needed to be a good instructional designer02:18 My Learning and Develop

Jan 6, • 13:37

How One Nonprofit Improves Emotional Intelligence through Training with Erin Harris

How One Nonprofit Improves Emotional Intelligence through Training with Erin Harris

Boundaries, coping skills, conflict resolution, empathy, mental health, and self-care are skills we all need in life, and the nonprofit Un/Do Mindset is on a mission to make sure everyone has them.  They're working to build a more resilient and compassionate society and I think we need more of that in the workplace too. That’s why I invited the founder and executive director, Erin Harris, to join me on this episode. She’s sharing how Un/Do Mindset is improving emotional intelligence through trai

Dec 30, 2024 • 29:18

Setting Values-Based Goals for 2025

Setting Values-Based Goals for 2025

People with goals are 10 times more likely to succeed. That’s the kind of momentum I want as I head into 2025.I've worked with others to set goals for years. I've coached people through career transitions. And I've led project teams with a specific goal in mind so I know how important a goal can be.In this episode, I’m bringing you some recommendations for setting better goals so you can gain that momentum as you set out to achieve the things you want in 2025.▶️ Setting Values-Based Goals for 20

Dec 23, 2024 • 11:51

Two Skills Your People Managers Need But Probably Don't Have with Eric Girard

Two Skills Your People Managers Need But Probably Don't Have with Eric Girard

The number one priority for HR leaders in 2025 is leader and manager development and yet, only 36% of organizations with leadership development programs think they work. Organizations are spending money and prioritizing leadership development but they aren't seeing the results. So what’s missing?New manager expert, Eric Girard is joining me on this episode to share two essential skills your people managers need, but probably don’t have.▶️ Two Skills Your People Managers Need But Probably Don't H

Dec 16, 2024 • 20:02

Using AI to Create Persuasive, Visual Stories for Your Training with Nicholas Leonard

Using AI to Create Persuasive, Visual Stories for Your Training with Nicholas Leonard

Stories help us learn and engage us on an emotional level. But one of the more challenging parts of using stories is finding the right visuals to go with them. That’s where AI comes in. I personally have not used AI to create visual stories, that’s why I invited Dr. Nicholas Leonard to be my guest. Nicholas’s passion is at the intersection of AI and learning and on this episode, he’s sharing how to use AI to create persuasive, visual stories in our training. ▶️ Using AI to Create Persuasive, Vis

Dec 9, 2024 • 33:37

5 Ways to Incorporate Peer Learning into Your Nonprofit's Learning Strategy

5 Ways to Incorporate Peer Learning into Your Nonprofit's Learning Strategy

Peer learning is a great technique to use in your training programs because it encourages active participation and networking, ensures diverse perspectives are shared and considered, encourages social and collaborative skills, and so much more.That’s why on this episode, I’m sharing five ways you can incorporate peer learning into your nonprofit's learning strategy.▶️ 5 Ways to Incorporate Peer Learning into Your Nonprofit's Learning Strategy ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Should you add peer learning to y

Dec 2, 2024 • 11:18

Developing Your People Managers with Off-the-Shelf Courses + Customized Conversations. An Inside Look at One Nonprofit's Approach with Alberto Garcia

Developing Your People Managers with Off-the-Shelf Courses + Customized Conversations. An Inside Look at One Nonprofit's Approach with Alberto Garcia

Providing off-the-shelf courses is a common approach to training and development. But one of the limitations is the lack of context which is often needed to make the training relevant and meaningful. When I heard about Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and how they were combining off-the-shelf courses with more contextualized learning, I knew I wanted to bring this case study to you. Is it possible to combine off-the-shelf learning with tailored content? That’s what we’re exploring in th

Nov 25, 2024 • 23:30

Turn Your Subject Matter Expert into Your Biggest Asset with This Approach

Turn Your Subject Matter Expert into Your Biggest Asset with This Approach

Working with subject matter experts can be a great experience, but it can also be challenging. They don't always understand Learning and Development, they may have competing priorities that take them away from your project, and sometimes they think that they don't really need you.That’s why, in this episode, I’m sharing how you can turn your subject matter expert into your biggest asset.  ▶️ Turn Your Subject Matter Expert into Your Biggest Asset with This Approach ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The challe

Nov 18, 2024 • 9:49

How to Use Change Management Principles to Improve Training Project Success

How to Use Change Management Principles to Improve Training Project Success

Is training a change project? My vote is almost always YES. Training is often either being used to drive a change or it's being offered as the result of a change.Why does that matter?  70% of organizational changes fail and L&D has a role to play in this. That’s why in this episode I’m exploring how we, as L&D, can use change management principles to improve the chances of success in training and organizational change.▶️ How to Use Change Management Principles to Improve Training Project Success

Nov 11, 2024 • 8:38

Three Practical Tips to Improve Your Nonprofit's Onboarding Process

Three Practical Tips to Improve Your Nonprofit's Onboarding Process

Most people form a first impression in just a tenth of a second, and there’s no second chances. So, what is your nonprofit's first impression? When you hire a new staff person, what do they think or feel? It's worth asking the question, and it's worth investing in making that first impression a good one. That’s why, on today’s episode, I‘m sharing three practical ways you can improve your nonprofit's onboarding process and create a great first impression.▶️ Three Practical Ti

Nov 4, 2024 • 8:57

Want Better Leaders? Five Ways to Get Them.

Want Better Leaders? Five Ways to Get Them.

50% of leaders will fail. Even those who were once successful often eventually fail. Leadership failure comes with significant cost. You have to recruit, hire, and onboard a new leader and employees may have left or stopped performing under the old leader.  So why do leaders fail? And how can we in L&D support them so they don't? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode.▶️ Want Better Leaders? Five Ways to Get Them. ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Leadership failure02:10 Why leaders fail02:30 5 Things no

Oct 28, 2024 • 11:00

You Need Social Influence to Achieve Behavior Change. Here's How to Create It.

You Need Social Influence to Achieve Behavior Change. Here's How to Create It.

70% of organizational changes fail. I feel strongly that almost every training project is a change project. So, how do we successfully facilitate change?  One essential element is social influence. We have to create the environment and the relationships to help our audience create and sustain the change. But how do we do that? I'm sharing five ways to use social influence to facilitate behavior change in this episode.▶️ You Need Social Influence to Achieve Behavior Change. Here's How to Create I

Oct 21, 2024 • 10:42

5 Low Cost Leadership Development Activities for Organizations with Tight Budgets

5 Low Cost Leadership Development Activities for Organizations with Tight Budgets

I often hear from nonprofit L&D leaders about the challenges they face with constrained budgets. And I feel their pain. I know so many of you are working with small teams and few resources. But leadership development activities don’t have to be expensive and you don’t have to let a constrained budget keep you from developing your leaders.That’s why, on this episode, I’m sharing five low to no cost ideas for leadership development.▶️ Five Low Cost Leadership Development Activities ▶️ Key Poin

Oct 14, 2024 • 11:12

Your L&D Team Needs Email Marketing. Expert Julie Nichols Shares Where to Start

Your L&D Team Needs Email Marketing. Expert Julie Nichols Shares Where to Start

You spend months working hard on a training only to launch it and hear crickets. If you can't mandate people take that training, what do you do?This is where marketing comes in.Marketing is a pretty different skill set than what most L&D teams have. And your marketing team may not have the capacity to support you with each new training.  That’s why nonprofit L&D teams need email marketing.That’s what we’re exploring in this episode with marketing expert Julie Nichols.▶️ Your L&D

Oct 7, 2024 • 25:14

Hiring in L&D? Three Things to Look for in Your Next Job Candidate

Hiring in L&D? Three Things to Look for in Your Next Job Candidate

I see a lot of L&D job descriptions and they usually include things like communication skills, project management skills, knowledge of learning design principles, and more. And while these are skills that you certainly do use as an L&D pro, what actually helps you hit the ground running?In this episode, I’m sharing three not-so-obvious skills or characteristics that actually make people successful in L&D roles.▶️ Hiring in L&D? Three Things to Look for in Your Next Job Candidate

Sep 30, 2024 • 10:08

5 L&D Thought Leaders Predict the Future of Learning And Development

5 L&D Thought Leaders Predict the Future of Learning And Development

On today’s episode, I want us to look to the future of L&D. However, I don't only want to talk about the future of L&D from an L&D lens; I want us to be holistic and well-rounded and hear from a diversity of perspectives. That’s why I’ve invited some of my favorite L&D and L&D adjacent thought leaders to join me to talk about what they hope for the future of L&D. We’re sharing valuable insights, actionable strategies, and innovative ideas for the future of workplace

Sep 23, 2024 • 38:35

What Corporate Training Can Steal from Fantasy Football

What Corporate Training Can Steal from Fantasy Football

Fantasy football is an $11 billion business with 29.2 million people playing in the US alone in 2022. So what’s the appeal?It's our job to look at what fantasy football is doing well and determine what we can steal to make our training more effective. In today’s episode, I’m exploring the four things L&D can steal from fantasy football to improve our training.▶️ What Corporate Training Can Steal from Fantasy Football ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The appeal of fantasy football04:09 4 Things L&amp

Sep 16, 2024 • 10:38

Making Generative AI Your L&D Thought Partner with Valerie Ehrlich

Making Generative AI Your L&D Thought Partner with Valerie Ehrlich

Is generative AI your L&D thought partner?I've used ChatGPT for this podcast, for LinkedIn posts, for training, and more. And while I don't yet rely on it daily, it's becoming a better partner for me, because I'm getting better at using it. I love the idea of helping L&D pros like us make generative AI our thought partner, that’s why today’s guest, Valerie Ehrlich, is sharing four ways you can leverage AI to enhance your strategic role in your nonprofit.▶️ Making Generative AI Your L&D Thought P

Sep 9, 2024 • 27:48

5 Reasons Blended Learning is a Good Strategy for Staff Development

5 Reasons Blended Learning is a Good Strategy for Staff Development

I'm a big fan of blended learning… I like being able to have learners spend some time inside a virtual or in-person classroom, but I also like them to spend time learning independently or in groups outside the classroom. Blended learning is a great approach to people development. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 reasons why.▶️ 5 Reasons Blended Learning is a Good Strategy for Staff Development ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why blended learning aligns with adult learning needs02:51 5 Reasons why blended lear

Sep 2, 2024 • 11:18

STOP Using Stories in Training...Unless You're Using This Framework with Diana Farias Heinrich

STOP Using Stories in Training...Unless You're Using This Framework with Diana Farias Heinrich

We often reach for storytelling in our nonprofit training and it’s easy to understand why. Stories evoke emotion, help us connect with each other, and help us learn.But, there is a wrong and right way to tell a story. On this episode, Diana Farias Heinrich is sharing her ethical storytelling framework with us so we can tell stories the right way and prevent harm.As the CEO of Habra Marketing, Diana helps nonprofits use ethical communication strategies and marketing to raise more money.▶️ STOP Us

Aug 26, 2024 • 31:16

5 Things to Include in Your Training Project Kickoff

5 Things to Include in Your Training Project Kickoff

I start every new training project with a sense of hope and excitement. I'm ready to build a lasting relationship with my client and I feel ready because I have a proven plan for my project kickoff. I'm not reinventing it every time I have a new project. On today’s episode, I want to share that plan with you.Whether you're a consultant or currently working inside an organization, this approach should work for you. And hopefully, you'll feel excited and hopeful about your proj

Aug 19, 2024 • 15:07

Leadership Development Lessons from the Olympics

Leadership Development Lessons from the Olympics

As a training and leadership development consultant, I'm always wondering what we can learn from things around us, like the Olympics. The Olympics brings together top athletes from around the world as they compete against each other and their best selves. It takes years of practice and dedication to achieve something like this. We can learn a lot about leadership from the Olympics and I want to share that with you today with special guests Kirk Spahn and Sara Daum.▶️ Leadership Development Lesso

Aug 12, 2024 • 20:44

10 Tech Habits that Will Change the Way You Lead Talent Development with Shari Simpson of Paylocity

10 Tech Habits that Will Change the Way You Lead Talent Development with Shari Simpson of Paylocity

We have so many tools available for how we design and deliver learning. From project management and identifying learning needs to delivering our learning solutions, we're using tech throughout the process. Nonprofit L&D pros have very specific tech needs and we often have unique constraints that other organizations don't have. That's why I'm so excited that I got to chat with Shari Simpson about 10 tech habits that will change the way you lead talent development.▶️ 10 Tech Habits that Will Chang

Aug 5, 2024 • 29:22

Building Your Leadership Pipeline? 10 Things Nonprofits Should Do When Developing Future Leaders

Building Your Leadership Pipeline? 10 Things Nonprofits Should Do When Developing Future Leaders

Getting qualified candidates into the nonprofit leadership candidate pool can be challenging, so we tend to start thinking about our internal candidates. They already know and love our mission so it's logical to want to advance them into these open leadership positions. But are your future leaders ready?In this episode, we're going to explore 10 things nonprofits should do to develop their future leaders and build their internal leadership pipeline.▶️ Building Your Leadership Pipeline? 10 Things

Jul 29, 2024 • 17:10

Why You Should Use Cohorts in Your Nonprofit's DEIB Training

Why You Should Use Cohorts in Your Nonprofit's DEIB Training

What makes a DEIB training successful?From meaningful discussion to skilled facilitation, there are a lot of things that make a DEIB training successful. But today, I want to talk about using cohorts in your nonprofit’s DEIB training.A lot of DEIB trainings are one-off experiences. And if there is more than one training, it's not really set up as a cohort. But I'm a big believer in using cohorts for DEIB training and I’m going to tell you why in this episode. ▶️ Why You Should Use Coho

Jul 22, 2024 • 10:45

The Role of Coaching and Mentoring in Your Nonprofit's Talent Development Strategy

The Role of Coaching and Mentoring in Your Nonprofit's Talent Development Strategy

A good coach or mentor can be powerful. That’s why on today’s episode, I’m sharing five ways you can use coaching and mentoring in your nonprofit’s talent development strategy.There are so many benefits to coaching and mentoring and these tools can be used in a variety of ways. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a good place to start.▶️ The Role of Coaching and Mentoring in Your Nonprofit's Talent Development Strategy ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The power of a good coach or mentor02:54 Five

Jul 15, 2024 • 10:24

How This One Needs Analysis Method Can Improve Your Nonprofit Training with Emily Taylor

How This One Needs Analysis Method Can Improve Your Nonprofit Training with Emily Taylor

Are you listening to your learners? In this episode, our guest is strategic listener Emily Taylor. With a background in human-centered design, Emily is an expert listener. I've worked with Emily before and she's helped me and my clients be better listeners so we can identify skill gaps and create tailored training and resources to support behavior change.She's sharing some of her best tips in this episode, so you can too.▶️ How This One Needs Analysis Method Can Improve Your Nonprofit Training w

Jul 8, 2024 • 23:29

Four Partners Every L&D Team Should Have

Four Partners Every L&D Team Should Have

I couldn't do what I do as a training and leadership development consultant to nonprofits without my support system, and you need a support system too.You are doing the work day in and day out to lead your L&D team (if you’re a supervisor), engage with your internal partners, and deliver quality learning experiences. There is a lot that goes into this.That’s why on today’s episode, we’re talking about the four partners every L&D team should have.▶️ Four Partners Every L&D Team Should Have ▶️ Key

Jul 1, 2024 • 10:15

5 Ways to Supercharge Your Nonprofit's Volunteer Training with Karen Knight

5 Ways to Supercharge Your Nonprofit's Volunteer Training with Karen Knight

In this episode, I’ve invited Karen Knight, volunteer extraordinaire, to give us some specific ways we can supercharge our nonprofit’s volunteer training. The demand for nonprofit services has increased, but the number of volunteers has decreased before and since COVID. It’s important that volunteers are trained well so that they have a good volunteering experience, and continue to volunteer.This is the first episode that we have had specifically on volunteer training and I can’t wait for you to

Jun 24, 2024 • 28:08

4 Ways Good Instructional Design Can Break Down Silos in Your Nonprofit

4 Ways Good Instructional Design Can Break Down Silos in Your Nonprofit

As I think about all the challenges nonprofits face, all the burnout nonprofit leaders experience, and all the amazing things they want to accomplish, I am consistently reminded of how important strong trusting relationships really are. That's why on this episode, I want to explore how good instructional design can break down silos and build those relationships in your nonprofit.▶️ How Good Instructional Design Can Break Down Silos in Your Nonprofit ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Why we need to build

Jun 17, 2024 • 10:38

Make People Uncomfortable: How Your Nonprofit's Training Can Improve Behavior with Matt Gjertsen

Make People Uncomfortable: How Your Nonprofit's Training Can Improve Behavior with Matt Gjertsen

Today’s guest is Matt Gjertsen, former Air Force instructor pilot and founder of Better Everyday Studios. He is giving us an outside perspective on behavior change and bringing some great insights to the nonprofit sector.Why are we surprised when we want our learners to change something and they don't? Behavior change is a funny thing and even a simple change can feel very complex. We have to intentionally design for behavior change at every step in the process.▶️ Make People Uncomfortable:

Jun 10, 2024 • 24:53

Why Change Initiatives Fail? Should L&D Be Involved in Change Management?

Why Change Initiatives Fail? Should L&D Be Involved in Change Management?

Why does change fail? There are a lot of reasons, but most of them come down to people. And if we're talking about people, L&D needs to be involved.That’s why on this episode of the podcast, I wanted to share the fastest way to organizational change and explore L&Ds role in change. ▶️ Why Change Initiatives Fail? Should L&D Be Involved in Change Management? ▶️ Key Points:02:49 Why change initiatives fail03:49 Creating a strategic people plan07:33 Should L&D be involved in organizational change?R

Jun 3, 2024 • 9:32

From 0 to 60 Employees in 4 Years:  How this Nonprofit Onboarded and Trained Staff to Scale their Mission with Quilen Blackwell

From 0 to 60 Employees in 4 Years: How this Nonprofit Onboarded and Trained Staff to Scale their Mission with Quilen Blackwell

In this episode of Learning for Good, my guest, Quilen Blackwell is taking us inside his nonprofit, Southside Blooms. They grew from zero to 60 employees in just four short years. That means they onboarded a lot of staff and learned a lot along the way. He’s sharing his experience with us, what worked and what didn’t, so you can take a look at your own onboarding program and make sure you're creating a lasting memory that helps your staff feel ready to take on that important role you hired them

May 27, 2024 • 28:56

WARNING: Do Not Create a Learning Community Yet (Wait Until You Hear this Episode)

WARNING: Do Not Create a Learning Community Yet (Wait Until You Hear this Episode)

People love communities. But not all communities are created equal.I have a learning community and it can be hard. It's not hard to create; that was pretty easy. But it's hard to get people to engage. That's where the work is.To get better at this, I've been reading books and listening to podcasts about community and I've been reflecting on communities that I'm a part of. I want to share some of the things I've learned. That’s why in this episode, I give you th

May 20, 2024 • 14:00

New to People Data? Here are the First 3 Things Nonprofit Talent Development Leaders Should Do with Dr. Serena Huang

New to People Data? Here are the First 3 Things Nonprofit Talent Development Leaders Should Do with Dr. Serena Huang

In nonprofits, we have limited budgets. This means we need to be able to prioritize the training and professional development opportunities to be created. How do we do this? With people data.But what data should we be asking for and how can we use it once we get it? That’s what we’re discussing in today’s episode of the Learning for Good podcast with data expert, Dr. Serena Huang.▶️ New to People Data? Here are the First 3 Things Nonprofit Talent Development Leaders Should Do ▶️ Key Points:06:37

May 13, 2024 • 31:03

Workplace Well-Being: Forget Sporadic Happy Hours and Get a Strategy with Dave Allman

Workplace Well-Being: Forget Sporadic Happy Hours and Get a Strategy with Dave Allman

With burnout at an all-time high and becoming a global trend, you need more than the occasional wellness perk to tackle it.If well-being in your organization is a top priority for you, but you aren't sure how to move from yoga and happy hours to something more meaningful, then this episode is for you. I’m discussing how to create a holistic plan for well-being that fits seamlessly into your HR and talent development strategies with well-being expert Dave Allman.▶️ Well-Being at Work | Forge

May 6, 2024 • 27:40

One Thing I Don't Do When Creating Competency Models

One Thing I Don't Do When Creating Competency Models

When I create a competency model, there are so many things I look at. The one thing I don’t look at?Indicators of poor performance.I’m sure we all already know what poor performance looks like. To me, the lowest behavior you want is one that meets expectations. And everything should just go up from there.That’s why today we’re discussing why I don't memorialize poor behavior in competency models, and why asset-based competency models work.▶️ One Thing I Don't Do When Creating Competenc

Apr 29, 2024 • 12:13

L&D Expert Julie Dirksen Exposes the Real Reason Your Training Flops

L&D Expert Julie Dirksen Exposes the Real Reason Your Training Flops

Have you ever created a training, only to realize it didn’t have the impact you had hoped? In this episode of the Learning for Good podcast, we explore why training alone often fails to drive lasting behavior change. My guest Julie Dirksen, author of "Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change," discusses the limitations of training when systemic and external factors are barriers to change. Julie emphasizes the importance of understanding behavior at an individual level.

Apr 22, 2024 • 29:06

5 Mindset Shifts to Uplevel Your Leadership Development Strategy

5 Mindset Shifts to Uplevel Your Leadership Development Strategy

We all know the powerful role that mindset plays not only in our personal lives but also in our work. In this episode of the Learning for Good podcast, I explore five essential mindset shifts nonprofit L&D professionals should adopt to uplevel their leadership development strategy. By redefining how you approach your roles and the potential of your work, nonprofits can better support evolving workforces and create meaningful impact through training and leadership development.▶️ 5 Mindset Shi

Apr 15, 2024 • 14:23

You Might Be Killing Your Team if You Aren't Doing This with Beth Napleton

You Might Be Killing Your Team if You Aren't Doing This with Beth Napleton

Effective teams are essential to your nonprofit. I’ve been a part of teams that worked so well together, everything ran smoothly, and there were no major issues. But I’ve also been a part of teams that were the opposite.So how do we create effective teams?That’s what we’re exploring on today’s episode with Beth Napleton, an executive leadership coach and consultant who helps senior leaders lead through layers.▶️ You Might Be Killing Your Team if You Aren't Doing This with Beth Napleton ▶️ Key Po

Apr 8, 2024 • 24:38

The 3 Unique Audiences Nonprofits Create Training for (And How Instructional Design Can Help Them)

The 3 Unique Audiences Nonprofits Create Training for (And How Instructional Design Can Help Them)

What makes nonprofit training unique to corporate training or government training? While there are a number of things that are different, one thing that I thought would be fun to focus on is the three unique audiences that nonprofits create training for.These unique audiences come with their own challenges and I’m giving you some tips to overcome those challenges.▶️ 3 Audiences Unique to Nonprofit Training ▶️ Key Points:03:00 The three audiences unique to nonprofit training07:19 Challenges these

Apr 1, 2024 • 13:01

Three Ways Your Nonprofit Can Use Animation in Trainings with Calvin Dantley

Three Ways Your Nonprofit Can Use Animation in Trainings with Calvin Dantley

Why do we let our kids watch cartoons like Cocomelon or Bluey? Because they are teaching our kids valuable lessons through animation.We can do the exact same thing in our nonprofit training. We can use animation to impart valuable lessons to our learners. That’s why I’ve invited Calvin Dantley to join me and share his experience with animation and training. Calvin is a nonprofit L&D leader and an experienced animator, and he has so much good stuff to share with us today.▶️ Three Ways Your No

Mar 25, 2024 • 19:47

Your New Training is Perfect, but... Your Learners Won't Remember It

Your New Training is Perfect, but... Your Learners Won't Remember It

Have you heard of the forgetting curve? We naturally forget 90% of what we learn. That's troubling to hear for those of us in L&D. All we think about is helping people learn and creating behavior change from that learning. How can we do that If learners are forgetting the majority of what we teach them? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode.▶️ Your New Training is Perfect, but... Your Learners Won't Remember It ▶️ Key Points:00:58 The forgetting curve03:51 Making learning relevant06:33 Mak

Mar 18, 2024 • 12:20

Workforce Development: Using Data to Move from Status Quo to Training Impact with Heather Hiscox

Workforce Development: Using Data to Move from Status Quo to Training Impact with Heather Hiscox

In this episode, I've invited self-proclaimed frustrated changemaker Heather Hiscox to talk about how she uses data to overcome the status quo and boost workforce development.Heather, the founder and CEO of Pause for Change,  is on a mission to change the way we change the world. I'm so excited to talk with her more about data and what L&D can start to do differently to create a greater impact in training.▶️ Workforce Development: Using Data to Move from Status Quo to Training Impa

Mar 11, 2024 • 29:08

Are Your Nonprofit Leaders The Best They Can Be? Your Leadership Skills Might Be Lagging And THIS Is Why

Are Your Nonprofit Leaders The Best They Can Be? Your Leadership Skills Might Be Lagging And THIS Is Why

Are your leaders the best they can be? Or are there areas where they are lagging behind a little bit? My guess is they're somewhere in the middle. You probably have leaders who excel and leaders who struggle. And even those who excel probably have room for improvement.So today we’re talking about why your team’s leadership skills might be lagging and what we can do about it. ▶️ Are Your Nonprofit Leaders The Best They Can Be? Your Leadership Skills Might Be Lagging And THIS Is Why▶️ Key Poi

Mar 4, 2024 • 16:48

The Parental Leave Dilemma: Helping Your Nonprofit Leaders Navigate Time Out of the Office with Lacey Kempinski

The Parental Leave Dilemma: Helping Your Nonprofit Leaders Navigate Time Out of the Office with Lacey Kempinski

If you've ever welcomed a baby into your home, you know how stressful it can be. You don't want to have the stress of what's being left undone at work on top of that. How do we help our nonprofit leaders navigate time out of the office? That’s what I’m discussing with mission-driven fundraiser, Lacey Kempinski on today’s episode. Lacey is focused on changing the way the nonprofit sector supports parental leave and working parents. ▶️ The Parental Leave Dilemma: Helping Your Nonpro

Feb 26, 2024 • 20:46

How One Nonprofit's Training Saved a Postpartum Woman's Life with Nonprofit Leader Lauren Wiley

How One Nonprofit's Training Saved a Postpartum Woman's Life with Nonprofit Leader Lauren Wiley

Good training has a real impact on those who receive it. It can shift mindsets. It can build skills. It can change the way your organization works. And that's what I want to share with you today. Nonprofit leader, Lauren Wiley, shares how one training at her nonprofit impacted the midwives and doulas they train and ultimately the pregnant and postpartum women they serve.▶️ How One Nonprofit's Training Saved a Postpartum Woman's Life with Lauren Wiley ▶️ Key Points:03:44 Lauren’s j

Feb 19, 2024 • 31:11

Is L&D a Last Resort or a First Response? My Tips to Help Build Relationships in The Workplace

Is L&D a Last Resort or a First Response? My Tips to Help Build Relationships in The Workplace

All too often, L&D feels like a last resort in the workplace. We, as L&D, need to be brought in earlier in the process of decision-making. We have experience and expertise to share and we have value to add, and we can help shape that final decision. In this episode, I’m sharing some tips to help build relationships so that L&D can become the first response in your nonprofit. ▶️ Is L&D a Last Resort or a First Response?  ▶️ Key Points:05:14 Building relationships between L&D and other teams06:07

Feb 12, 2024 • 11:37

Taking A Well-Being Approach to Leadership Development with Loretta Turner

Taking A Well-Being Approach to Leadership Development with Loretta Turner

Work is a major contributor to well-being. Your leaders influence the well-being of everyone on their teams. So those leaders become an important part of the conversation. That's why I'm so excited to have well-being strategist Loretta Turner as my guest today. We’re exploring how you can take a well-being approach to leadership development. ▶️ A Well-Being Approach to Leadership Development with Loretta Turner ▶️ Key Points:03:21 Loretta’s career journey and unique background in the wellness an

Feb 5, 2024 • 24:44

4 Tips to Make a Large Cohort of Learners in Your Nonprofit Training Feel More Intimate

4 Tips to Make a Large Cohort of Learners in Your Nonprofit Training Feel More Intimate

I talk a lot about training as an avenue to create trusting relationships and psychological safety in your nonprofit. But what do you do when the training facilitates a large cohort of learners and it becomes harder to build those relationships?Today I am talking about what you can do to make those large cohorts of learners feel a bit more intimate.▶️ How to Make a Large Cohort of Learners Feel More Intimate ▶️ Key Points:03:49 Breaking a large cohort of learners into smaller groups05:13 Using t

Jan 29, 2024 • 11:01

3 Basic Skills Your Frontline Managers Need with Summer Davies

3 Basic Skills Your Frontline Managers Need with Summer Davies

The skills you need as an individual contributor are different than the skills you need as a manager. We hear it time and time again - you promote your very best individual contributor to a supervisory position and they struggle because they aren’t equipped with the skills they need. That’s why I’m so excited to have Summer Davies, an award-winning leadership development expert with over 15 years of experience, as my guest today. We talk about the 3 basic skills your frontline managers need and

Jan 22, 2024 • 31:08

Is Your Staff Prepared To Implement Your New Program or Service? THIS Is How Training Can Help

Is Your Staff Prepared To Implement Your New Program or Service? THIS Is How Training Can Help

Let's say you are kicking off 2024 with a new program or service. Are your staff prepared to implement it? Have they had a chance to build the skills and confidence they need? Or will they be struggling to figure things out on the job? In today’s episode, I’m discussing just how Learning and Development can support your nonprofit as you’re changing program or service offerings. Have a listen to make sure you aren't left wondering whether you should have done more to support your staff during a t

Jan 15, 2024 • 9:19

Using Humor to Promote Change Management, Leadership Development & Workforce Development with Gita Kulkarni

Using Humor to Promote Change Management, Leadership Development & Workforce Development with Gita Kulkarni

Today’s episode is all about humor. I’m not talking about corny jokes or puns, but rather the lightheartedness and energy that you need in your nonprofit to get things done and to help teams work together. My guest, Gita Kulkarni, explains why we need to care about humor and how to use humor as nonprofit Learning and Development leaders. Gita is a humor coach who helps people find and express their sense of humor to be more productive and effective in work and life.▶️ Using Humor to Promote Chan

Jan 8, 2024 • 28:48

24 Learning And Development Tips for Nonprofit Pros to Kick Off 2024

24 Learning And Development Tips for Nonprofit Pros to Kick Off 2024

Hey friend and Happy New Year! Today's episode is a quick one. I wanted to kick off 2024 with something kind of fun and different. I’m sharing  24 tips for L&D leaders.From knowing your worth as an L&D leader to building relationships with other business units and teams, these tips will help you get 2024 off to a great start. Let’s jump right in.▶️ 24 L&D Tips for Nonprofit Pros to Kick Off 2024 ▶️ Key Points:01:08 24 Tips for L&D Leaders: Kickstart 202402:21 Creating a Theory of Change for L&D0

Jan 2, 2024 • 7:49

End-of-Year Reflection: What Scheduling a Time and a Goal for Reflection Can Do for You And Your Nonprofit Organization

End-of-Year Reflection: What Scheduling a Time and a Goal for Reflection Can Do for You And Your Nonprofit Organization

If you're doing a year-end reflection, you need to listen to this episode. I have some tips for how to do your time of reflection so that you get the most out of it. Because at the end of the day, I want you to learn from this time of reflection because when you learn from what you've done in the past, your perspective changes for what you can do in the future.▶️ Once You Reflect This Way, Your Perspective Changes  ▶️ Key Points:00:58 Reflecting on 202304:30 Scheduling a time and goal

Dec 26, 2023 • 11:42

Why Setting Clear Expectations May Help Retain Gen Z Staff and Improve Workforce Development

Why Setting Clear Expectations May Help Retain Gen Z Staff and Improve Workforce Development

Do you ever feel like you're having two different conversations with someone? It’s like you're saying one thing, and they are hearing something completely different. This happens regularly in our workplaces. Your Gen Z staff are waiting for you to set clear expectations and if you don't, they just might leave.In this episode, I’m going over three ways we can help ensure clear expectations are set for staff and in turn, increase staff retention. ▶️ Why Setting Clear Expectations Ma

Dec 18, 2023 • 10:33

Measuring the Impact of Your Training at Your Nonprofit with L&D Detective Kevin M. Yates

Measuring the Impact of Your Training at Your Nonprofit with L&D Detective Kevin M. Yates

How do we know when we are successful? And how can we actually measure that? I know this can be frustrating, but it can be done. And who better to guide us than today’s guest, L&D Detective, Kevin M. Yates. I am so excited to have Kevin as a guest,  not only is he the L&D detective and an expert on measurement, but he also has his own nonprofit and we're going to hear about both of those things today. I know you're going to love it and get so much value from what Kevin has to s

Dec 11, 2023 • 33:14

One Goal, Two Techniques: How L&D Can Prepare Your Workforce for the Future

One Goal, Two Techniques: How L&D Can Prepare Your Workforce for the Future

The skill sets your staff need  are expected to change by 50% in 2027. That's according to LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report. 50% in just a few short years. With so much changing, Learning and Development has a role to play. In today’s episode of the Learning for Good podcast, we are exploring two techniques L&D can use to prepare your staff for the future. ▶️ One Goal, Two Techniques: How L&D Can Prepare Your Workforce for the Future ▶️ Key Points:02:55 Identifying skills f

Dec 4, 2023 • 9:21

Is Culture Change Hard? How to Succeed in 2024 with Rebecca Marchiafava

Is Culture Change Hard? How to Succeed in 2024 with Rebecca Marchiafava

Culture can be a complex thing and it's what allows you to attract, retain, and develop your staff. That’s why I’m so excited to have Rebecca Marchiafava on the podcast today, to discuss culture change and to help you successfully lead or navigate that change.Rebecca is the founder of Culture Work LLC, where she consults with organizations to develop healthy environments and improve well-being at work. An experienced speaker, facilitator, and consultant, Rebecca is passionate about building

Nov 27, 2023 • 30:43

Your Organization's Training And Development Project Meetings Are Going to Be VERY Different after THIS!

Your Organization's Training And Development Project Meetings Are Going to Be VERY Different after THIS!

Have you ever left a meeting thinking that could have been an email? As a nonprofit consultant working on training and leadership development projects, I lead a lot of meetings. And my goal is to make them an effective use of time, every time. Today, I want to share some ways you can make your meetings more effective. So no one leaves thinking it could have been an email. You’re going to want to take notes during this one!▶️ Your Training and Development Project Meetings are Going to be VERY Dif

Nov 20, 2023 • 16:10

Three Tips for Running a Global Learning Cohort in Your Nonprofit Organization with Tommy Lee

Three Tips for Running a Global Learning Cohort in Your Nonprofit Organization with Tommy Lee

How do global nonprofits bring people together for a global learning cohort, despite the challenges, for the good of all involved? That's what we're going to explore on today’s episode of Learning for Good with Tommy Lee.Tommy is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in the areas of faith and work integration, organizational development, and strategic planning and he has a wealth of knowledge on running global cohorts. ▶️ Three Tips for Running a Global Learning Cohort in Your Nonprofit Or

Nov 13, 2023 • 28:07

Need to Cut Content? How to Work with SMEs Without the Frustration

Need to Cut Content? How to Work with SMEs Without the Frustration

Most subject matter experts are open to redesigning activities and interactions, but when you talk about cutting content, that can be a challenge because it feels personal. So how do I navigate situations like these? And what can you do to navigate similar situations as you are working with your subject matter experts? I have three tips to share with you today.▶️ Need to Cut Content? How to Work with SMEs Without the Frustration ▶️ Key Points:03:49 Establishing expectations upfront05:15 Setting

Nov 6, 2023 • 10:12

Leadership Training: Strategic Planning And How to Prepare Staff for Implementation with Carol Hamilton

Leadership Training: Strategic Planning And How to Prepare Staff for Implementation with Carol Hamilton

One of my favorite things is when a nonprofit comes to me with a strategic plan that specifically mentions developing their people, their staff. But this isn’t always the case. Regardless of whether Learning and Development has been written into your strategic plan or not, it still has a large role to play.In today's episode, Carol Hamilton and I sit down to discuss the strategic planning process and how you prepare staff to implement it once your nonprofit strategic plan is done. ▶️ Leader

Oct 30, 2023 • 28:26

Leadership Training vs. Leadership Coaching - When to Use Which Solution in Your Nonprofit Organization?

Leadership Training vs. Leadership Coaching - When to Use Which Solution in Your Nonprofit Organization?

Depending on your experiences with training or coaching, you might have a preference for one over the other. But should we make organizational decisions based on our preferences? I'd argue no. Which is why I wanted to bring this episode to you. It's an episode where we will compare leadership training versus coaching and explore when to use which solution in your nonprofit organization.▶️ Leadership Training vs. Coaching - When to Use Which Solution ▶️ Key Points:03:19 Comparing leadership train

Oct 23, 2023 • 14:18

Using Your Competency  Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program (And Boost Workforce Development)

Using Your Competency Model to Develop a Comprehensive Training Program (And Boost Workforce Development)

You know you need a comprehensive training program based on your organization's prioritized competencies. But if you don't know how to get there, it can be overwhelming to start.This is one of the common questions I get when working with my nonprofit clients to create competency models. It's that now what question. Today, I want to explore how you can use your competency model to develop a comprehensive training program and boost workforce development. ▶️ Using Your Competency  Model to Develop

Oct 16, 2023 • 9:34

Helping Nonprofits Achieve Their Staff Development & Training Goals - Behind the Scenes at Skill Masters Market

Helping Nonprofits Achieve Their Staff Development & Training Goals - Behind the Scenes at Skill Masters Market

We made it! Today is the 50th episode of the Learning for Good podcast and we’re taking a behind-the-scenes look at Skill Masters Market, my consulting business that powers this podcast and helps nonprofits all over the country achieve their staff development and training goals.I’m also giving you a sneak peek into my plans for the future!▶️ Behind the Scenes at Skill Masters Market: Helping Nonprofits Achieve Their Staff Development & Training Goals▶️ Key Points:03:30 Why I do what I do06:3

Oct 9, 2023 • 13:46

Ask Me Anything! Questions from the Learning for Good Audience

Ask Me Anything! Questions from the Learning for Good Audience

I am so excited for today's episode; it's an Ask Me Anything episode and I've collected some great questions from listeners just like you, as well as from past clients. There's one thing you should know. You can ask me anything, anytime.But in today’s episode, we cover questions on everything from custom competency models and competency assessments to email training for nonprofit organizations.▶️ Ask Me Anything! Questions from the Learning for Good Audience ▶️ Key Points:03:23 Using a custom co

Oct 2, 2023 • 22:16

Want L&D Solutions And a Network of L&D Professionals Available 24/7? An Inside Look at the Nonprofit L&D Collective

Want L&D Solutions And a Network of L&D Professionals Available 24/7? An Inside Look at the Nonprofit L&D Collective

Today we're getting an inside look at the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective - a free virtual community for talent management, DEI, and learning and development leaders to share ideas and learn from each other. I’ll be sharing what the Nonprofit L&D Collective is (and what it isn’t), the value of the Nonprofit L&D Collective, and what exactly goes on inside of it.▶️ Want L&D Solutions And a Network of L&D Professionals Available 24/7? An Inside Look at the Nonprof

Sep 25, 2023 • 12:32

What is the Real Value of Training? Real Stories from Learning And Development Leaders

What is the Real Value of Training? Real Stories from Learning And Development Leaders

As Learning and Development leaders, we spend so much of our time thinking about training.Who needs training? What do they need? How will it benefit them? How will it benefit the organization? What is the value and ROI?Today, I want to explore the qualitative impact of training. That's why I'm bringing the stories of impact from across my network. These are stories that were shared with me by previous guests and listeners just like you and I'm so honored to share them with you her

Sep 18, 2023 • 20:28

Do You Really Need Another Training? Why You Should Proactively Identify Skill Development Opportunities

Do You Really Need Another Training? Why You Should Proactively Identify Skill Development Opportunities

We need a training. You've probably been approached by someone in your nonprofit telling you this. They didn't come saying we have a problem, or can you help us? They said, “we need a training.” But we all know that training isn't always the answer. And while we can set up processes to help mitigate how often this happens, it still happens. And this is one reason it's helpful to proactively identify skill development opportunities in your nonprofit.That's what we're

Sep 11, 2023 • 7:54

Is Your Nonprofit Working with New American Communities? Three Methods This Nonprofit Used to Identify Learner Needs with Trang Truong-Hill

Is Your Nonprofit Working with New American Communities? Three Methods This Nonprofit Used to Identify Learner Needs with Trang Truong-Hill

When I decided to do an episode on identifying learner needs, I wanted to showcase an organization that used multiple approaches and saw results from their work. That's why I've invited Trang Truong-Hill from the YMCA of the USA to join me today to explore a project that we've worked on together as well as many other projects they have going on inside of this nonprofit. Trang shares how her nonprofit identified what staff needed to be able to do to work with New American communiti

Sep 4, 2023 • 25:13

Creating a Custom Competency Model to Establish a Common Language for Staff Performance

Creating a Custom Competency Model to Establish a Common Language for Staff Performance

When you say you expect good communication skills, do your staff know what you mean? Is it verbal communication or written? Do you mean that they are using clear concise language or that the communication is error-free? When you talk about communication, are you talking about with their colleagues, or with organizational partners, or industry leaders? There are so many ways you can communicate. So how does your staff know what you mean? Are you using the same language?That’s exactly what we’re g

Aug 28, 2023 • 8:56

Is Learning and Development a Valued Business Partner in Your Nonprofit? Three Ways to Know For Sure

Is Learning and Development a Valued Business Partner in Your Nonprofit? Three Ways to Know For Sure

In our house, we have a good couch and an everyday couch. Our good couch is taken care of. And it's lasted for years. Then we have our everyday couch. It's also used to watch movies or lounge around on. But we are a little less careful about spilling popcorn on it and kids jumping on it. This couch is also part of our story, but we don't expect it to last as long. It's easy to know which couch is more valuable. It's the one we care for. But is it that easy to know if your Learning and Developmen

Aug 21, 2023 • 8:02

3 Reasons to Use Intrapreneurship to Build Skills In Your Nonprofit's Early Career Staff with Emily Glasgow and Alanna Hughes

3 Reasons to Use Intrapreneurship to Build Skills In Your Nonprofit's Early Career Staff with Emily Glasgow and Alanna Hughes

Do you remember your first real job?I was probably a strange combination of timid and overconfident.  I probably hesitated to speak up at first. Thankfully, I gained experience, skills, and competence over time. What if we could help our early career staff gain some of those invaluable skills earlier in their career? Imagine the impacts that could have on your nonprofit. That's what we're exploring on this week's episode of Learning for Good with Emily Glasgow and Alanna Hughes.Em

Aug 14, 2023 • 26:57

Not Sure Where to Start with Personalized Learning? Three Tips for Nonprofits

Not Sure Where to Start with Personalized Learning? Three Tips for Nonprofits

I knew I wanted to record an episode on personalized learning. So I asked myself, why do people want that? Why do people want personalized learning? And why does it work?When I started thinking about things in my life that have been personalized like birthday parties, or baby showers, things that were just for me - I cherished them. Our learners want that. They want something that is for them, that feels like the perfect fit for exactly what they need when they need it. But for those of us who w

Aug 7, 2023 • 10:09

Three Tips for Juggling Multiple Training Projects at Once with Jami Yazdani

Three Tips for Juggling Multiple Training Projects at Once with Jami Yazdani

I can remember when working internally at a national nonprofit, managing up to 10 projects at once.  They were in various stages of the process. They had different subject matter experts and different people approving the projects. They all had different modalities. And I had to keep up with all of them.  Project management is a key skill in Learning and Development teams.  So when Jami Yazdani and I connected about bringing you an episode on project management, I knew we had to get it scheduled

Jul 31, 2023 • 21:21

Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies

Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your Nonprofit's Core Competencies

Role clarity, career development, and accountability - are just a few of the most common reasons a nonprofit reaches out to me about creating a custom competency model. Here's the thing, a competency model can do all of those things if it's created with your organization in mind and implemented correctly. It has to be specific to your nonprofit. That's why today, we are focused on two questions you can ask to identify your nonprofits core competencies ▶️ Ask These Two Questions to Identify Your

Jul 24, 2023 • 7:22

Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari

Dealing with Corporate Burnout? One Easy Way to Manage Stress as a Nonprofit Leader with Jessie Pagliari

As nonprofit learning and development leaders, there are so many reasons we may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or even burned out. And to overcome burnout, we need to be able to identify the underlying causes of it. That's why I've invited special guest Jessie Pagliari to talk about dealing with corporate burnout and managing stress as a nonprofit leader. Jessie is the founder and CEO of Everyday Bliss, a personal and corporate wellness company. She is an ex-top performer in the Fortu

Jul 17, 2023 • 17:37

Two Ways to Keep Your Staff Development Projects On Time And Within Budget

Two Ways to Keep Your Staff Development Projects On Time And Within Budget

I remember many years ago, working on a tough project – like all caps, screaming at the microphone tough. I was working internally at a national nonprofit on a high-profile project. I had a difficult subject matter expert, things kept changing, and decisions were hard to come by.  And yet, I somehow managed to keep the project on time and within budget. How did I do it? That's what we're focusing on in this week's episode of Learning for Good. ▶️ Two Ways to Keep Your Staff Development Projects

Jul 10, 2023 • 8:03

How Nonprofit L&D Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change with Acey Holmes

How Nonprofit L&D Leaders Can Use Play to Create Organizational Change with Acey Holmes

If your nonprofit or association is undergoing organizational change, you know that it can feel heavy and overwhelming. That's where play comes in. As nonprofit learning and development leaders, we can use play to bring curiosity and fun back to the workplace. I'm so excited to have play expert Acey Holmes here with me today to explore how we can do just that. Acey believes that adults deserve (and need) more play. As a former speech and language pathologist, Acey has decades of experi

Jul 3, 2023 • 21:19

Training Your People Managers? Three Ways to Identify the Skills They Need

Training Your People Managers? Three Ways to Identify the Skills They Need

People managers are critical to your organization. They have the greatest influence. They have the ability to help initiatives go well. They hear from both the senior leaders and the support staff. I've heard from several nonprofits that they are focused on developing their people managers this year. But how do you know what to focus on? That's what we're going to explore in this week's episode of Learning for Good. ▶️ Training Your People Managers? Three Ways to Identify the Skills They Need

Jun 26, 2023 • 8:23

Workforce Development: Get Clear on Staff Expectations with This Fundamental Resource

Workforce Development: Get Clear on Staff Expectations with This Fundamental Resource

I've worked with dozens of nonprofits as a consultant. And one thing I hear over and over again is the need for clear staff expectations. And you might be thinking, but isn’t that what the job description is for? Isn't it all laid out there? A job description is a great first step – and it's an input into the fundamental resource I often recommend, a competency model. In this episode, I’ll share what a competency model is and how it can help your staff thrive.▶️ 34: Get Clear on S

Jun 19, 2023 • 7:00

Misconceptions, Barriers, and Solutions to Creating Accessible Learning in a Nonprofit Organization with Dr. Saeide Mirzaei

Misconceptions, Barriers, and Solutions to Creating Accessible Learning in a Nonprofit Organization with Dr. Saeide Mirzaei

As nonprofit L&D leaders, we are investing time and money into creating engaging solutions for our learners. But all of our learners are not the same. Their needs are not the same. Their likes and dislikes are not the same. Their goals are not the same. And their abilities are not the same. So how do we create solutions that are accessible to everyone?  That's what we’ll explore today with Dr. Saeide Mirzaei on this episode of Learning for Good. Dr. Saeide's journey is inspiring. She grew up in

Jun 12, 2023 • 43:28

5 Coaching Questions to Spark Behavior Change in Your People Managers

5 Coaching Questions to Spark Behavior Change in Your People Managers

Are you investing in your people managers this year? They have a central role in the organization – taking the vision and strategy from leadership, and helping your teams put all of that into action. It requires a lot of skill and leadership. Yet, people managers don't always have the training or the support they need to be successful. So, in today's episode of Learning for Good, we'll explore five coaching questions you can ask to spark behavior change in your people managers. ▶️ Top 5 Coaching

Jun 5, 2023 • 7:24

Staff Not Ready to Change? This One Practice Creates Buy-In for Workforce Development

Staff Not Ready to Change? This One Practice Creates Buy-In for Workforce Development

Have you ever created a training, but realized staff just didn't want to attend? Maybe you facilitated or observed and saw the hesitation, or worse, the resistance from learners. Sometimes our staff isn't ready to change. So, today, let’s talk about creating buy-in for staff development.In this episode of Learning for Good, I'm going to share an approach that I used in a virtual instructor-led training for a national nonprofit focused on the early childhood years. ▶️ Staff Not Rea

May 29, 2023 • 8:08

Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger

Why Well-Being Is The Secret Sauce to Change Management with Mandy Sharp Eizinger

We keep hearing that burnout is at an all-time high, especially within nonprofit organizations, yet changes continue happening and can sometimes add to our stressors in the workplace. That's why today I've invited Mandy Sharp Eizinger to talk about staff well-being and what nonprofit organizations can do to help prevent burnout even in the midst of a change. In this episode, we talk about shifting the narrative around rest, how staff well-being affects your nonprofit culture and bottom

May 22, 2023 • 30:26

Mediocre Training? Improve Your Staff's Presentation Skills with Author Dave Powell

Mediocre Training? Improve Your Staff's Presentation Skills with Author Dave Powell

If your nonprofit or association is delivering in-person or virtual instructor-led training, you probably have trainers who lead that experience. This one role can make a big difference in the outcome of the training. And while we focus a lot on creating the training for impact, it's also important to support the trainers. That’s why I invited Dave Powell, nonprofit veteran and author of The Presenter’s Dilemma, to talk about presentation skills for nonprofit trainers in today’s episode of

May 15, 2023 • 25:12

Dealing with Toxic Staff? Why Training Is Not the Answer

Dealing with Toxic Staff? Why Training Is Not the Answer

We've all been there. You're working on a project or initiative, and you find yourself working around someone on the team. It's a pain, but it's easier than working with them. So, let’s talk about dealing with toxic staff today. Do they need training? Maybe. Training can help create cross-functional relationships needed to get work done. It can help motivate staff to contribute in new ways. It can build the skills and confidence needed to be effective, but it won't fix a toxic team member.  What

May 8, 2023 • 7:22

4 Easy Habits to Improve Employee Performance and Culture with Veronica LaFemina

4 Easy Habits to Improve Employee Performance and Culture with Veronica LaFemina

When I first started working with nonprofit organizations, I thought that the shared mission would instantly create a positive work environment. But it takes more than a shared purpose. There’s more that goes into creating a positive culture, and that’s why I invited Veronica LaFemina, non-profit executive strategic advisor, to talk about it on today’s episode of Learning for Good.   In this episode, we talk about what we’ve learned about creating and maintaining a positive culture that improves

May 1, 2023 • 31:02

From Poor Performer to High Achiever? Three Staff Development Solutions to Create Behavior Change

From Poor Performer to High Achiever? Three Staff Development Solutions to Create Behavior Change

When we have a performance problem, we often go straight to training as the solution. And while training can certainly be A solution, it’s not THE only solution. Today, I want to explore three staff development solutions that can create behavior change in your staff, aligning them with the ADKAR change management model. ▶️ From Poor Performer to High Achiever? Three Staff Development Solutions to Create Behavior Change Key Points:  00:57 Training isn’t the ONLY solution 02:00 Are your learners a

Feb 28, 2023 • 7:32

Three Questions to Ask to Center the Learners' Needs in Your Nonprofit Training

Three Questions to Ask to Center the Learners' Needs in Your Nonprofit Training

Our world is so often centered and tailored around us.  And I don't know about you, but I've attended training sessions where that felt the furthest from the truth. But I've also attended others where I left feeling like it was exactly what I needed. So how do you create more of THAT scenario – where learners feel like they got exactly what they needed? ▶️ Three Questions to Ask to Center the Learners' Needs in Your Nonprofit Training Key Points:  02:01 Do THIS before anything else. 03:29 Knowle

Feb 21, 2023 • 9:47

Does Your Training Make a Difference? 5 Tips to Increase Staff Development and Training Effectiveness

Does Your Training Make a Difference? 5 Tips to Increase Staff Development and Training Effectiveness

Imagine this. You do the work. You invest so much time and energy into creating this training. You send it out into the world. Crickets. It doesn’t have to be this way. You have to step up and find out whether it worked or needs improvement. I want you to set yourself up for success by doing these five things. ▶️ Does Your Training Make a Difference? 5 Tips to Increase Staff Development and Training Effectiveness Key Points:  00:13 Never expect a dull training launch again 02:18 Do these to get

Feb 14, 2023 • 9:48

Improving Employee Performance: How I Tailor Staff Development Solutions to Your Organization

Improving Employee Performance: How I Tailor Staff Development Solutions to Your Organization

I’ve been in your shoes. Since starting my consulting business, I’ve worked with dozens of nonprofits that needed to develop their staff to achieve specific goals. But it’s not always easy because of the barriers our staff face on a daily basis. To cultivate effective employee performance, we need a tailored staff development solution that produces measurable and actionable outcomes. ▶️ Improving Employee Performance: How I Tailor Staff Development Solutions to Your Organization Key Points:  00:

Feb 7, 2023 • 8:10

22. How People Managers Can Improve Employee Performance and Job Satisfaction

22. How People Managers Can Improve Employee Performance and Job Satisfaction

We’ve heard the saying, “People don’t leave bad jobs, they leave bad managers.” In fact, there is existing data that supports this. Does that mean the opposite is true? Here’s what I know. People want to feel heard, respected, and valued in your organization. And people managers are an important way to achieve that. So how do we develop our people managers into the leaders we need? Let’s find out. ▶️ How People Managers Can Improve Employee Performance and Job Satisfaction Key Points:  01:51 Dev

Jan 31, 2023 • 8:32

21. Three Professional Development Trends in 2023

21. Three Professional Development Trends in 2023

Moving into 2023, I’ve conducted market research calls and found out so much about what nonprofits are thinking about and are struggling with. I know I won’t get to work with every single nonprofit out there. But I’m doing the research and this podcast to know what resonates with you. I can’t wait to share with you what I heard from nonprofits and these new trends gearing toward the new year. ▶️ Three Professional Development Trends in 2023 Key Points:  02:09 Now’s the time to invest in people m

Jan 24, 2023 • 7:55

20. How to Determine Which Competencies are Right for You

20. How to Determine Which Competencies are Right for You

Emotional intelligence. Digital maturity. Communication. Collaboration. Data-based decision making. Adaptability. So many competencies. But how do you know which of them should be included in your competency model? Let’s dissect two important components so you can decide the right competencies to implement in your organization. ▶️ How to Determine Which Competencies are Right for You Key Points:  02:00 External landscape 03:36 Internal landscape 05:05 Conversation Watch: One Nonprofit’s Honest O

Nov 22, 2022 • 6:37

One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model with Kristi Burnham

One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model with Kristi Burnham

Have you ever wanted an inside look into another nonprofit’s competency model? Kristi Burnham, UNICEF USA’s Vice President for Professional Learning and Leadership, is here to talk about what competencies are working for them, the challenges they face in implementation, and their strategies for reinforcement. ▶️ One Nonprofit's Honest Opinion after 6 Months with a Competency Model with Kristi Burnham Key Points:  02:20 Kristi’s career journey to UNICEF 04:48 What prompted UNICEF’s competenc

Nov 15, 2022 • 22:54

18. Four Reasons Your Competencies Don’t Work

18. Four Reasons Your Competencies Don’t Work

Often, organizations have competencies in place that are ineffective. But why is that? My experience as a nonprofit consultant helped me discover four strong reasons why your competencies don’t bring the results you want, and what you can do about it. Are you ready to start using a competency model that actually works? Let’s dive in. ▶️ Four Reasons Your Competencies Don’t Work Key Points:  01:46 #1 Competencies are not tailored to your organization 02:36 Outdated and not tailored to individual

Nov 8, 2022 • 9:07

Why Storytelling Changes Everything for Training with Monique Purnell

Why Storytelling Changes Everything for Training with Monique Purnell

Virtual training, when designed poorly, can be boring.One effective element you can incorporate to make your virtual or in-person training engaging and effective is storytelling.Listen as Monique Purnell, Learning and Development Manager for Alpha Gamma Delta International Headquarters talks about why stories work and how to create them in your next virtual training.▶️ This One Element Changes Everything for Training with Monique PurnellKey Points: 01:52 Monique’s career and background07:01 Two

Nov 1, 2022 • 25:09

16. Use THIS Process if You Want to Change Behavior with Training

16. Use THIS Process if You Want to Change Behavior with Training

Behavior change is complex, but it isn’t impossible. Whether they’re New Year’s resolutions or using new software at work, you can create behavior change with a good strategy in place. Keep in mind what happens after the transformation matters as well. Tune in to discover this three-step process that you can implement to facilitate behavior change during training in your organization. ▶️ Use THIS Process if You Want to Change Behavior with Training   Key Points:  02:47 Imagining the new behavior

Oct 25, 2022 • 10:38

15. 8 Hours in the Worst Training Ever

15. 8 Hours in the Worst Training Ever

Picture the last training you attended. Were you engaged? Hands-on in practicing a new skill? Or were you bored, yawning, and even multitasking? It might have felt like the slowest eight hours of your life. However, we can learn from that experience to create training that people actually want to attend. Tune in to learn and be inspired to craft a training program that’s relevant, meaningful, and fun, and the tools and techniques that you can utilize to make it happen. ▶️ 8 Hours in the Worst Tr

Oct 18, 2022 • 10:08

14. Breaking Down the Good, Bad, and Ugly of Diversity Assessments with Dr. Hedy Lemar Walls

14. Breaking Down the Good, Bad, and Ugly of Diversity Assessments with Dr. Hedy Lemar Walls

Challenging our own mental models is a way of life. This is why Dr. Hedy Lemar Walls is committed to helping organizations engage deeper cultural understanding of themselves and others. Instead of training, she creates “learning experiences” as opportunities for growth and accountability in the diverse 21st-century workplace. Dr. Hedy Lemar Walls is the chief social responsibility officer for the YMCA of the North. She also leads the United Health Group Equity Innovation Center, using Intellectu

Oct 11, 2022 • 28:34

Leadership Training: The Secret to Making Leadership Assessments Work

Leadership Training: The Secret to Making Leadership Assessments Work

What you do after assessments matters.You’ve selected the right assessment, offered it to your leaders, and received their results. The three things that should happen next are the secret to making leadership assessments work.Tune in to Learning For Good —  The Secret to Making Leadership Assessments Work.What You Will Discover: ✔️ Coaching. Have a coach who can debrief results with your leaders and support them over a period of time. This step is important because it will be harder for leaders

Oct 4, 2022 • 8:19

Self-Assessments vs. 360 Assessments: A Deeper Dive into Competency Assessments

Self-Assessments vs. 360 Assessments: A Deeper Dive into Competency Assessments

Let’s take a deeper dive into competency assessments.Today, we’ll be talking about two different types of competency assessments that you can use in your organization: self-assessments and 360 assessments, the advantages of each, and how to know which assessment is right for you.Tune in to Learning For Good —  Self-Assessments vs. 360 Assessments.What You Will Discover: ✔️ Self-Assessments. Your leaders will answer a series of questions about their own perceptions of their competency strengths a

Sep 27, 2022 • 7:10

11. Three Types of Assessments that Pay Off for Your Hybrid Workforce

11. Three Types of Assessments that Pay Off for Your Hybrid Workforce

Welcome to Season 2! In the previous season, I had so much fun talking about DEI in virtual training and leadership development topics. I hope you enjoyed it as well. In the first few episodes of this season, we will focus on leadership assessments, starting with the three best types of assessments that pay off for your hybrid workforce and why. Tune in to Learning For Good —  Three Types of Assessments that Pay Off for Your Hybrid Workforce. What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Strengths assessments. Th

Sep 20, 2022 • 5:36

Two Virtual Learning Activities To  Develop Collaboration Skills

Two Virtual Learning Activities To Develop Collaboration Skills

One of the top 3 skills needed in a hybrid environment is collaboration. Collaboration is a skill that is also used in the in-person environment, but it looks different when hybrid. Hybrid collaboration requires clearer expectations, open communication, and thoughtfully designed and productive co-working sessions. So today, we’ll explore two virtual learning activities you can implement to develop your team's collaboration skills.   Tune in to Learning For Good —  Two Virtual Learning Activ

Jun 21, 2022 • 9:13

Top Three Skills of the Hybrid Workforce

Top Three Skills of the Hybrid Workforce

Many nonprofits are now operating in a hybrid environment. However, the skills needed to be successful in this new normal are different than being in-person. I reflected on my past experiences and did some research to identify the top skills needed for this hybrid way of work. And today, I'm sharing what I learned with all of you.  Tune in to Learning For Good — Top Three Skills of the Hybrid Workforce. What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Build relationships. Strong relationships are a must. The go

Jun 14, 2022 • 5:35

Future-Proof Your Nonprofit's  Leadership Development Training

Future-Proof Your Nonprofit's Leadership Development Training

Over the last two years, organizations have shifted things to a virtual or hybrid environment out of necessity, and now we have an opportunity to create the best version of that environment for our staff. In today's episode, we’ll be learning three ways you can future-proof your nonprofit's leadership development training. Tune in to Learning For Good — Future-Proof Your Nonprofit's Leadership Development Training. What You Will Discover:  ✔️ Commit to developing your leaders. Our

Jun 7, 2022 • 6:27

Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again

Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again

We have found ourselves in a virtual or hybrid environment, which means our meetings and training have also gone virtual in many cases. How do we create a virtual experience that doesn’t put everyone to sleep? In this episode, we hear from another virtual expert, Melissa Dinwiddie, to share her FUN method – so you can be sure you never have a boring virtual training again. Tune in to Learning For Good — Do THIS and You Will Never Have a Boring Virtual Training Again. What You Will Discover:  ✔️

May 31, 2022 • 30:20

One Simple But Effective Virtual Learning Activity

One Simple But Effective Virtual Learning Activity

Now that you’ve figured out how to create a relevant and meaningful virtual training, it's time to think about tactics.   That's where today's episode comes in. We're going to talk about this one simple but effective tactic you can use in your virtual training – WHEN to use it, HOW to use it, and when NOT to use it.   Tune in to Learning For Good — One Simple But Effective Virtual Learning Activity.   What You Will Discover:    ✔️ Virtual breakouts are effective when used cor

May 24, 2022 • 12:41

3 Things You Must Have in Your Organization's Virtual Training

3 Things You Must Have in Your Organization's Virtual Training

Over the last two years, organizations have been using virtual training platforms more and more.But what they've found is that virtual training is different from in-person training.In today's episode, we will learn three important things you must have in any virtual training.Tune in to Learning For Good — Three Must-Haves in Any Virtual Training.What You Will Discover: #1 - Be intentional. Have a purpose with what you create and how you create it to keep the training relevant and meani

May 17, 2022 • 14:01

4. How to Build Trust among Your  Nonprofits Hybrid Workforce

4. How to Build Trust among Your Nonprofits Hybrid Workforce

Many nonprofits have spent the last two years in a hybrid model with some staff in-person and some virtual. It’s time to be intentional about our new hybrid workforce, and building trust is foundational to a great hybrid culture. In today's episode, we will learn three ways you can build trust among your nonprofit's hybrid workforce AND what nonprofit L&D leaders can do to create this environment for staff. Tune in to Learning For Good — How to Build Trust among Your Nonprofits Hybrid Workforce.

May 10, 2022 • 9:18

What One Nonprofit Did to Kickstart Their DEI Training Initiative with Kay Meredith

What One Nonprofit Did to Kickstart Their DEI Training Initiative with Kay Meredith

After 10 years in marketing communications supporting social justice organizations, Kay Meredith’s role at the University of Illinois pivoted her into the world of DEI training. “I fell in love with helping employees feel confident and competent in their work,” she says. In this episode, Kay Meredith shares her experiences and advice in getting your DEI training started within your organization. Tune in to Learning For Good — What One Nonprofit Did to Kickstart Their DEI Training Initiative with

May 3, 2022 • 24:08

3 Instructional Design Principles That WIll Help You Deliver A Great Virtual Diversity Training

3 Instructional Design Principles That WIll Help You Deliver A Great Virtual Diversity Training

Diversity training has become a priority for many nonprofits.Are you planning to implement it for your nonprofit organization?It may sound overwhelming at first. Diversity and inclusion can be very sensitive topics for most people.But don’t worry. There are ways to facilitate diversity training in a way where everyone feels a sense of belonging.Tune in to learn more 🎬 watch the full episode of Learning For Good — Three Instructional  Design Principles for Your Virtual Diversity Training.What Yo

May 3, 2022 • 12:04

1. Five Things Nonprofit Leaders Can Do to  Create Lasting DEI Change

1. Five Things Nonprofit Leaders Can Do to Create Lasting DEI Change

Please note my dog makes a guest appearance in the beginning My #1 fan! You can watch this episode on YouTube too - https://youtu.be/kSELSCXjnqY. So many nonprofits are starting to see the importance of inclusivity. Leaders are releasing DEI statements, creating diversity goals and training, and working to create a culture where everyone feels belong. Even in the current virtual world, you can still create a great impact that continues for years to come. Tune in to learn more 🎬 watch the full e

Apr 29, 2022 • 13:12

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