Das ist eine totale Scheißshow
Das ist eine totale Scheißshow (4-mInute Read) My grandpa used “colorful language” at times to make a point. He would speak in German when he didn’t want us grandkids to hear him curse in English. He would have used the title phrase in referring to the leadership situation I’m writing about today that holds some […]
AI… To Use or Not Use – It’s Not Even a Question
Top Seven Takeaways for Today on AI (5 minute read) I recently had two very different experiences when talking with business people about the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Business Person #1 is a very successful business person who said, “I would never use it. It dumbs us down. It is killing our creativity.” This […]
What’s Water?
(3 minute read) What’s Water? Here’s a short story from Chapter Seven of my new book, Igniting the Powder Keg: Seven Keys for Nonprofit Board Engagement. There’s a vital leadership lesson here—not just for nonprofits, but for leaders of every organization. Read the story first, and then I’ll unpack the challenge beneath it. Carla, a […]
Igniting the Powder Keg: Seven Keys for Nonprofit Board Engagement
Igniting the Powder Keg: Seven Keys for Nonprofit Board Engagement (3 minute read) Yeah! The book officially launched in paperback yesterday. Yes, the book describes “seven keys,” but there are more than seven chapters and the keys are intentionally not made explicit until late in the book. For those who are curious, here are the […]
A Tale of Two Boards: Transforming Board Engagement
A Tale of Two Boards: Transforming Board Engagement Four-Minute Read I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the implications of being highly intentional about strengthening the board of directors versus what happens when a board functions “by accident” or even “by neglect.” The accompanying chart paraphrases comments from executive directors in two scenarios: first, when […]
Above or Below the Line… Where Are You?
Above or Below the Line… Where Are You? 4:00 minute read – April 10, 2026 I know I’ve written about this before, but this week it feels more relevant than ever. Before you read on, please take three minutes to watch this clip—it might genuinely change your life. What follows is a brief section from […]
The Art of Playing Catch by Yourself
The Art of Playing Catch by Yourself (3 minute read) I recently had lunch with a senior executive from an multi-million international nonprofit. The conversation left me feeling that a lot was at stake. We talked about the organization’s apparent lack of effort to build a stronger, more engaged board of directors. I could sense […]
Three Minutes That Will Change Your Life…and Your Organization’s Culture
Three Minutes That Will Change Your Life…and Your Organization’s Culture Original Post: November 17, 2023 I recently was introduced to this short but very powerful three-minute video that literally can change your life and your organization’s culture. Of course, changing your company’s or nonprofit’s culture is a bit more challenging than just watching this video, […]
Seven Steps to Organizational Health
Seven Steps to Organizational Health (3 minute read) Recently I’ve had some really challenging issues with several clients. In one organization we encountered significant resistance to change in the board of directors and one in the staff leadership. This blog outlines seven keys for leadership to focus on, which will guarantee that OH will improve. […]
Corporate Values Don’t Matter… Until They Do!
Corporate Values Don’t Matter… Until They Do 5 Minute Read Do you remember Enron? What’s hard to fathom is that in 2001 their annual revenues were over $100 billion. They had over 20,000 employees and were one of the largest energy companies in the world. And none of that mattered. The corporation imploded in just […]