Sep 29, 2026
A staff member unhappy with one of your decisions skips you and goes straight to the board chair. If the chair entertains it, your ability to lead takes a hit that is very hard to repair.
In this episode I share when this happened to me as a chief executive, as well as what I’ve learned about responding in a way that...
Sep 22, 2026
A staff member knocks on your door and asks you to settle a disagreement with a coworker. Saying yes feels good, and it is one of the few things in your week that ends cleanly. It also teaches your team to bring you every dispute, and it pushes the fundraising, board, and strategy work that only you can do into your...
Sep 15, 2026
Most executive directors put off planned giving because it feels like a time consuming and expensive project that requires a consultant, a gift acceptance policy, board training, a recognition society, and more. And after investing so much into planned giving, you won't receive a gift for years.
Tony Martignetti has...
Sep 8, 2026
If you’re in the chief executive seat long enough, something will eventually go wrong. A cash-flow crisis, the loss of a key funder, a serious audit finding, critical news coverage, or an on-site disaster can test both your leadership and your relationship with the board.
In this episode, I lay out a practical way to...
Sep 1, 2026
If you are a CEO responsible for moving your mission forward in a polarized environment, this conversation will sharpen how you lead.
Your ability to communicate with people who don't share your or your nonprofit's values and views can determine whether your organization gains traction or stalls out.
In this episode, I...