S5 Ep. 4: Organizational Culture that Raises Multi-Millions

Hi, friend!  In this episode of Nonprofit Courage Lab, I dive into what it takes to make serious cultural shifts within your organization. If you’re committed to raising millions in the next few years and creating lasting change, this conversation is for you.  

Here’s what I cover:  

- Why culture change is non-negotiable: You can’t just hire a fundraiser and expect miracles. To raise millions, your organization needs a culture that fosters accountability, bold leadership, and strategic action.  

- The board’s role in success: Well-intentioned but unhelpful board members can derail your mission. Learn how to hold your board accountable and build a team that aligns with your bold vision.  

- Leadership starts with you: Your team’s performance reflects your leadership. I break down how to lead with courage, clarity, and a coaching mindset to bring out the best in your people.  

- The power of direct feedback: Avoiding tough conversations or waiting too long to address performance issues only holds your team back. I share tips on giving feedback that inspires growth.  

- Why coaching matters: Being a great leader isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about helping your team uncover their own solutions, develop confidence, and take ownership of their results.  

This isn’t just about hitting fundraising goals—it’s about building a sustainable culture of excellence, courage, and impact.  To create a culture capable of raising millions, start by auditing your team and board dynamics to address accountability gaps and ensure everyone is positioned for success. Invest in your people through ongoing training, coaching, and development opportunities. Shift from managing to coaching by empowering your team to find solutions and take ownership. Reassess your leadership approach, modeling the culture of excellence you want to see, and clarify expectations with your board, ensuring members take meaningful action toward supporting your goals.

Creating a culture that raises millions requires intentional leadership, direct conversations, and ongoing investment in your people. This transformation won’t happen overnight, but by addressing cultural gaps and modeling bold leadership, you can build an organization capable of achieving extraordinary impact. Now’s the time to step up, lead with courage, and build the culture that will carry your vision forward.

Quotes from the episode 

“ There is a lot of talk in our industry making really bold claims. And there is not enough bold leadership in practice.  There's a lot of bold talk.  And not a lot of bold walk.  Don't let that be you.”

“ If your team members are not performing the way that they need to, if they're not hitting their goals,  then you need to be a better manager. You need to be a better leader. You need to be a better coach.”

“ As a leader, you teach people how to relate to you. If you tolerate and allow the comments of the board and the  unhelpfulness of the board That's what you're going to get more of”

“ Part of your role as a leader is to affirm in them the good that you see, to encourage them, to literally give them some of your courage. Now, if you don't have any courage to give, that's a you problem.”

“ I coach people like they're a rock star. And they usually rise up to that. We usually see them soar.  And it elevates the culture. It elevates the whole department. It elevates the team.”