Nonprofit CEO SPARK Podcast
For Founders, CEOs & Executive Directors Ready to Lead with Heart, Vision & Strength
32: When Staff Push Back: 3 Practical Ways to Align Your Team
If you’ve ever felt like every decision in your organization has to go through everyone…and instead of moving forward, things slow down, stall out, or quietly stop because someone doesn’t
31: When Your Board Disagrees With You: What Nonprofit CEOs Need to Do Next
If you’ve ever walked into a board meeting with a strategic recommendation you really believed in, something you had spent time thinking through, something you could clearly see would move
30: How Executive Directors Avoid the Nice Leader Trap
When you keep a high-performing “toxic” employee because you want to be a kind, supportive leader, who actually pays the price? In this episode, we explore why protecting the wrong person is often a CEO’s biggest hidden cost—and how to redirect your kindness to protect your team’s culture instead of just one individual.
29: The 5 C’s to Leading Your Nonprofit with Confidence
You know, I want to start with something I see all the time with nonprofit CEOs and executive directors—and if I’m honest, something I’ve experienced myself. It’s that moment where
28: Culture by Default or Design: How Colorado College Hit $20M Ahead of Schedule (Episode 3 of 3)
Welcome back to the show. This is Marcia Beckner, and in the last episode I walked you through what is actually like to work with me 1:1 in the Culture
27: The Five Conditions Every Nonprofit Team Needs to Actually Thrive (Episode 2 of 3)
The High Cost of Unhealthy Culture When culture problems reach a certain level of complexity, they usually require more than advice or a random team building activity. They require thoughtful
26: I Was a Nonprofit CEO With No Roadmap. Here Is What I Built Instead (Episode 1 of 3)
The Reality of Leadership Isolation A few years ago I was giving a keynote speech about my Culture CARES model and how nonprofit leaders can build healthy, inclusive, and empowering
25: Don’t Miss This: What Nonprofit CEOs Need Before AFP ICON 2026
Kickoff: Preparing for the AFP ICON Conference Marcia Beckner: Welcome to nonprofit CEO spark the podcast for bold leaders ready to navigate growth and change with energy and confidence. I’m
24: When Executive Directors Hit a Wall (It’s Not You, It’s the System)
The Hidden Weight of Nonprofit Leadership If you’ve ever walked out of a conversation with a staff member and found yourself replaying it later… wondering if you said it wrong,
Welcome to the Nonprofit CEO SPARK
This is your weekly reset for nonprofit leaders who are ready to rise above the chaos and lead with clarity, conviction, and purpose.
Each episode delivers bold encouragement and practical insight to help you manage your energy, strengthen your team, and become the inspirational leader you’re meant to be.
We’ll explore powerful mindset shifts, cultural challenges, and the real work of building team synergy and lasting mission impact.
Subscribe now and learn how to lead with confidence, energize your staff, and reignite your passion for the work that matters most.