I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members

Available Episodes

5 of 118

How People-First Leadership Actually Works in Nonprofits with Charlie Imbergamo
What does it really take to move from trusted insider to CEO while keeping your board focused on strategy instead of “sausage-making”? In this episode of the I 501(c)You podcast for nonprofit board members, Michael sits down with Charlie Imbergamo, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Center, to unpack his journey from faith-based education leader to head of a regional hub for nonprofit talent development. Charlie shares how he navigated a rigorous internal succession process, leads with a “people first, mission always” mindset, and keeps both his board and small staff aligned around the what of strategy instead of getting lost in the how. You’ll hear practical rhythms for board communication, how pre-reads transformed their meetings, why they only meet when decisions are needed, and how tools like Asana and virtual training help them serve 700+ nonprofits a year. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Charlie Imbergamo, CEO of Nonprofit Leadership Center (05:45) Living what we teach (08:40) Approaching transitioning from staff to CEO (12:15) Charlie’s approach to strategy (15:15) Keeping your organization focused on the ‘what’ (18:50) Creating an engaged board (23:00) Approach to board meetings (26:30) Communicating with staff (30:00) What is the Nonprofit Leadership Center? Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast
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37:28
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37:28
No Marketing Team? No Problem - AI for Nonprofits with Sam Stern
Small nonprofits often feel outmatched in brand and communication work. This week’s conversation with Sam Stern shows why that gap is closing fast. Sam is the CEO of Magnify Good and the creator of Connection Works. He explains how AI can give small organizations the clarity, confidence, and steady output that used to require a full communications staff. We look at why brand is more than colors and logos, how AI can match your voice, and how stronger storytelling leads to stronger fundraising. For nonprofit leaders working with limited time and capacity, this episode offers a realistic view of what is possible and why now is the right moment to move forward. Check Out Connection Works Here: https://www.magnifygood.com/aifornonprofits/ Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Sam Stern, Chief Executive Officer, MagnifyGood (03:00) Opportunities for technology in nonprofits (06:15) Getting introduced to AI (09:00) Training the AI on your information (11:05) What is a brand? (12:30) How does the product work? (16:00) Should board members be concerned about AI? Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast
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21:26
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21:26
Boards Gone Right: Sandra Bograd on Governance, Compliance, and Culture
This week on I 501(c) You, Michael sits down with Sandra Bograd, Of Counsel at Genova Burns, to unpack the often-misunderstood world of nonprofit and corporate board governance. Drawing from decades of experience in law, compliance, and ethics, Sandra breaks down what makes boards effective, how governance in nonprofits and for-profits overlap, and why board members must lean into their fiduciary roles, paid or not. If you've ever wondered what separates a high-impact board from a passive one, this episode is essential listening for nonprofit leaders, board members, and governance professionals. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Sandra Bograd, Esq., Of Counsel, Genova Burns, LLC (08:00) How did you navigate stakeholder relationships? (10:30) What is good governance? (12:45) Ensuring good governance (15:00) Getting the board on board (18:40) Is governance different on for-profit and nonprofit boards? (20:45) Role of the board chair (23:05) Prepping for board meetings (24:30) Benefits of strong board governance (29:15) Risks of joining a board (35:25) Thoughts when nonprofits are victims of fraud (39:35) Board speaking with senior staff Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast
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46:52
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46:52
What Great Nonprofit Boards Get Right (And Most Miss) with Wendy Deming
In this episode of I 501(c) You, host Michael Corley interviews Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop Parker Foundation and a widely respected governance expert. Wendy shares her 25+ year journey through the nonprofit world, the strategic importance of board governance, and why strong leadership and effective board dynamics are key to nonprofit success. She explains how governance directly influences donor trust, organizational sustainability, and even board recruitment. If you're a board member, nonprofit executive, or funder, Wendy’s insights are a masterclass in turning governance into a powerful asset. Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Wendy Deming, CEO of The Bishop Parker Foundation (06:55) Governance is the bedrock for a solid foundation (08:15) How can Governance be a strategic asset? (10:45) Indications that boards need to improve governance (13:20) What traits make a good nonprofit leader? (17:30) As a funder, what do you look at before you fund an organization (23:45) Biggest surprise as the CEO (26:20) Recapping with Read Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast
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28:04
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28:04
Nelle Miller on Mission, Management, and the Reality of Feeding a Community
In this episode of I 501(c)You, Nelle Miller shares what it really takes to lead a nonprofit from the inside out. From her deep experience as a board member to taking on tough interim CEO roles, and now leading All Faiths Food Bank, Nelle walks us through the messy, meaningful, and mission-driven work of nonprofit leadership. She talks governance, the importance of boundaries between boards and staff, and how staying connected to purpose fuels her every day. It’s a rich, honest look at what it means to lead with humility, clarity, and conviction in the nonprofit world. www.allfaithsfoodbank.org Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Nelle Miller, President & CEO of All Faiths Food Bank (03:00) Compare and contrast leading for-profit and nonprofit organizations (06:00) The work of the board (07:00) Evolution of the All Faiths Food Bank board (09:15) What experiences as a board member made you a better CEO? (11:20) Your role as an Interim CEO (13:30) How do you communicate with the board? (15:30) How do you stay motivated? (18:50) How did growing up influence your career? (20:50) Recapping with Read Join us every other week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization. Listen to the podcast on any of the following platforms: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Amazon iHeartRadio Visit us at: www.thecorleycompany.com/podcast
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22:34
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22:34