Advertise on podcast: Nonprofit Vision With Gregory Nielsen

What if indecision costs us more than making the wrong decision? In this episode, I sit down with Tierah “Bob” Lothbrok, author of Decide: Scenes from a Lifetime of Decisions, for a thought-provoking conversation about the choices we make—and the choices we avoid. Tierah shares why she chose to explore decision-making through a novel, what it means to become a “Decider,” and why we don’t necessarily discover the right answer—we create it. We also explore the pressure to feel “ready,” why that can become a trap, and one small decision each of us can make today to start practicing the art of deciding. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between options, waiting for certainty, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on moving forward.

What happens when a nonprofit merger becomes more than a possibility—and starts to become a reality? In this episode, I sit down with Dave LeVan, CEO of Water for Good, to explore the leadership realities of nonprofit mergers and acquisitions in a funding-constrained environment. We discuss how leaders can navigate a merger without losing sight of the mission, culture, or people who make the organization effective—and why strong Board and leadership buy-in is essential to turning a merger from a theoretical conversation into a successful reality. It’s a candid conversation about the opportunities, challenges, and leadership choices that can determine whether a nonprofit merger simply combines organizations—or creates something stronger.

What if we could stop human trafficking before exploitation ever begins? In this episode, I speak with John Molineux, CEO & Founder of Love Justice International, about the organization’s innovative approach to disrupting human trafficking at the point of risk. Operating in more than 20 countries, Love Justice uses a  transit-monitoring model to identify potential trafficking situations and intervene before individuals are exploited. John shares what they’ve learned about how trafficking happens, why traditional approaches often intervene too late, and how prevention, technology, and human connection can work together to disrupt trafficking networks and protect vulnerable people.

In this episode, Greg sits down with Allison Wyatt to explore how nonprofit compensation systems can unintentionally reinforce inequity—and what leaders can do about it. They discuss why percentage-based raises often widen pay gaps, where bias can creep into compensation decisions, what today's leaders need to know about pay transparency, and practical strategies for creating clearer, more equitable pay structures that support both employees and organizational mission. To contact Allison: Website:  www.edgilitytalent.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonwyatt/

What if the biggest barriers to nonprofit fundraising are the misconceptions board members believe? Greg Nielsen and Samantha Heffner debunk six common fundraising myths that keep nonprofit boards from reaching their full potential. They discuss why every board member has valuable connections to share, why fundraising is about relationships rather than wealth, how AI is reshaping nonprofit development, and why strong partnerships between boards and development staff are essential. Whether you're a board member, executive director, or development professional, you'll gain practical strategies to strengthen board engagement, build a culture of ambassadorship, and increase your organization's impact—without changing your mission.

In this episode of Nonprofit Vision, Gregory Nielsen sits down with The Wakeman Agency CEO, Vanessa Wakeman, to explore why communications should be treated not as a “nice to have,” but as a core governance function within nonprofit organizations. Together, they unpack how communications intersects with legal, finance, and program strategy—and why elevating it to the governance level can fundamentally reshape how organizations build trust, engage stakeholders, and advance their mission. If your organization is still treating communications as an afterthought, this conversation offers a compelling case for rethinking its role as a strategic driver of impact.

Gregory Nielsen sits down with leadership expert Dave Neumann to explore a powerful truth: mission success doesn’t just depend on strategy—it depends on culture. Together, they unpack how coaching-based leadership behaviors can transform organizational culture, strengthen teams, and ultimately amplify impact. Dave shares practical insights on what it really means to lead as a coach, how everyday leadership habits shape workplace dynamics, and why culture is often the hidden driver behind a nonprofit’s ability to fulfill its mission. Whether you’re a board member, executive leader, or emerging manager, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about how you show up—and how your leadership style influences the people and purpose you serve.

Are events still worth the effort? In this episode of Nonprofit Vision, Greg sits down with Justin Goodhew, CEO of Trellis, to explore how nonprofits can modernize event fundraising to unlock new revenue drivers, increase event ROI, and reduce operational strain. They discuss leveraging technology, rethinking auctions and sponsorships, and turning one-night events into long-term donor engagement strategies. If your organization hosts an event — or is rethinking one — this conversation will challenge you to make your biggest night work smarter and generate impact well beyond the ballroom. 🎧

Strong boards don’t happen by accident—they are built with intention over time. In this episode of Nonprofit Vision, Greg is joined by governance expert Mary Kay Delvo for a practical and timely conversation on The Seasonal Board Cycle. Together, they explore how board building is not a one-time task, but a continuous, strategic process that evolves alongside your organization. Whether your board is growing, transitioning, or simply needs a reset, this episode offers insights to help ensure your governance structure supports your organization’s current and future needs.

Dennis Miller and I dive into What Every Nonprofit CEO Needs to Know: A Guide to Achieving Your Organization’s True Potential. Together, we explore the essential competencies, mindsets, and leadership practices that distinguish high-performing nonprofit CEOs. From strengthening board partnerships and building a mission-driven team to managing strategic priorities, navigating external challenges, and fostering organizational culture, we break down what it truly takes to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. Whether you’re a new executive or a seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical insights you can put to work immediately to elevate your organization’s effectiveness and long-term success.

Greg sits down with TD Smyers, CEO of BoardBuild, to explore the transformative potential of open source board recruiting. They dive into how nonprofits can leverage transparency, community networks, and data-driven strategies to build stronger, more diverse boards—ultimately driving greater impact for the organizations they serve.

🎙️ In this episode, Greg sits down with Mitch Stein of Chariot to unpack one of the fastest-growing forces in philanthropy: donor advised funds (DAFs). Together, they explore what’s driving the rapid growth of DAFs, key trends shaping how donors use them, and practical strategies nonprofits can adopt to better engage with DAF holders. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member, this conversation offers timely insights to help your organization navigate the evolving giving landscape and unlock new opportunities for impact.

Greg sits down with Dacia Moore for an honest conversation about mental health in the nonprofit sector. Together, they explore the unique stressors nonprofit leaders face and share practical, compassionate strategies for preventing burnout, setting boundaries, and sustaining your impact over the long haul. Whether you're an executive director, program manager, or board member, this episode offers timely reminders that taking care of yourself is part of the mission.

In this episode, Greg sits down with Mark Gerson and Rabbi Eric Gerson, co-founders of African Mission Healthcare (AMH), to explore the urgent global health challenges facing underserved communities. Together, they discuss the critical role of private philanthropy in expanding access to quality healthcare, the unique mission of AMH, and the lessons learned from working at the intersection of faith, medicine, and global development.

Greg is joined by Catherine Wilson, CEO of United Way of Greater Newark, for a powerful conversation about the role of financial literacy in advancing equity and economic opportunity. Catherine shares the impact of the Newark Asset Building Coalition, a citywide effort to promote financial empowerment through free tax preparation, education, and access to critical resources. Tune in to learn how cross-sector collaboration is helping Newark residents build stronger financial futures—one step at a time.