Being a good dad doesn’t come with a clear scorecard, but if it did, I’d probably get bonus points for squeezing into a Grinch costume for my daughter’s birthday. When she asked for a Grinch-themed party, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into—until I was lurking around in full villain mode, much to her delight. The highlight? Seeing her face light up with joy when she saw me, a reminder that sometimes the best dad moments come in the most unexpected, slightly ridiculous forms. After all, it’s the love and laughter that leave the biggest impact, not the costume.
Read MoreAs I enter my fourth year of business, I’ve developed an end-of-year ritual that helps me cut costs without sacrificing client experience or family time. This balancing act involves distinguishing between necessary expenses, strategic investments, and savings, all while maintaining business growth and long-term stability. It’s a process driven by data, outside perspectives (especially from my wife), and a commitment to improving outcomes. If you’re looking for ways to optimize your business decisions while staying true to what matters most, this post is for you.
Read MoreHearing that an old friend is very ill is a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability and the fragility of health. It prompts reflection on the importance of living intentionally, cherishing simple moments, and nurturing connections with family and friends. Life is fleeting, and this reminder can inspire gratitude and purpose in each day.
Read MoreMom called to share the news that my great aunt, Imogene (Imy) Minier Williams, had passed away at the remarkable age of 103. She was the final member of my grandparents' generation to pass away, connecting our family to stories of history, resilience, and love. Imy’s presence was always a source of laughter and joy—her smile and infectious laugh lit up every room. Though her passing marks the end of an era, her memory and the stories she shared will always bring a comforting smile and a bittersweet reminder of family ties.
Read MoreAm I cheap, or am I a financial mastermind in disguise? As someone who shops on Amazon for everyday clothes, strategizes to cut Diet Mountain Dew costs, and dodges car purchases like it's an Olympic sport, I’d argue the latter. After all, being smart with money isn’t about spending less—it’s about knowing when to splurge on family, health, and happiness, and when to embrace the art of thrift like a true champion.
Read MoreAfter an epic storm turned my journey home into a game of 'Airline Roulette,' I found myself juggling three tickets, three airlines, and three boarding passes like a fully caffeinated travel agent. Turns out, airlines handle weather disruptions about as well as I handle assembling IKEA furniture—awkwardly and with missing pieces. While I eventually made it home at 1 a.m. (thanks, third ticket!), it’s clear that the first snowstorm of the season shouldn’t ground both planes and common sense.
Read MoreCoaching kids’ teams has taught me the profound impact of a simple “thank you.” Whether it’s a small token from a player or a moment of gratitude after a game, these gestures carry immense meaning. Expressing thanks strengthens relationships, fosters respect, and creates a ripple effect of positivity in both personal and professional life. It's a reminder that small acts of appreciation can leave lasting impressions, and we should all strive to practice them more often.
Read MoreRecent hurricanes highlight the urgent need to rethink housing in vulnerable areas. Innovative solutions like 3D-printed concrete homes and net-zero hurricane-resistant communities are proving their worth, offering durability, cost savings, and resilience against natural disasters. For example, Hunters Point's net-zero homes endured recent hurricanes without losing power, showcasing the potential of sustainable, disaster-proof housing. Think it through - embracing these advancements requires shifting perceptions toward non-traditional designs and living spaces, paving the way for a safer, more adaptable future
Read MoreOccasionally, being frugal can backfire. Take my shoes, please. Despite enduring significant leg pain for months, there was a hesitation to invest in new shoes. Recounting the old phrase, "penny wise, pound foolish." Once finally purchased, the relief of orthopedic shoes was almost immediate, proving that spending wisely can prevent greater costs later. This lesson applies broadly: small investments today can save significant trouble tomorrow, whether for health, work, or personal well-being.
Read MoreROI in philanthropy is often misunderstood when it’s understood at all. A recent client case highlights this challenge, where leadership struggled to see the value in strategic investments that don't yield immediate financial returns. However, philanthropy thrives as a long-term commitment, fostering stability, mitigating risks, and compounding benefits over time. By focusing on enduring goals, nonprofits can build stronger partnerships, enhance their brand, attract top talent and ensure sustained growth and success.
Read MoreAI's integration into education, much like the internet in the 1990s, is inevitable, but it's not without its challenges. The use of AI detection tools, while aimed at preserving academic integrity, raises concerns over privacy, accuracy, and fairness, often creating friction for students and educators alike. As we wrestle with these issues, it's clear that embracing change and adapting to new technologies is essential—resisting them only prolongs the discomfort and complexity.
Read MoreNegative expectations can shape our mindset, leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and a fear of failure that often sabotages our efforts. In contrast, embracing positivity and open-mindedness, as demonstrated by a 5th-6th grade basketball team defying low expectations, fosters growth, teamwork, and success. Shifting from a mindset of impossibility to one of possibility can transform both personal and professional outcomes, encouraging resilience and achievement.
Read MoreCoaching kids' teams joy and a chance to connect with the team, but I've noticed the physical demands are tougher as one ages. Reflecting on my coaching journey, I realize how aging affects my ability to teach and engage, while also highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from the experience. Here are a few…
Read MoreThe debate over compensating non-profit board members highlights tensions between attracting talent and maintaining the altruistic spirit of charitable organizations. Critics argue that paying board members can undermine fundraising efforts and public perception, while proponents see potential benefits in attracting diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the complexities of board compensation suggest that a voluntary board may better align with a non-profit’s mission and community trust.
Read MoreSometimes, life’s simplest yet most profound lessons come from unexpected places—in this case, a group of 10- to 12-year-old boys playing soccer. As their coach, I've seen firsthand how teamwork transforms individuals into a united force, with players learning that a great pass can be more important than a goal. These lessons in collaboration, communication, and leadership extend far beyond the soccer field.
Read MoreDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are reshaping the philanthropic landscape, offering nonprofits significant opportunities to engage donors in new ways. Yet many fundraisers are still navigating how to effectively tap into this growing source of charitable giving. With DAF contributions surging to more than $52 billion, understanding key strategies to simplify the process and educate donors is crucial.
Read MoreIn celebrating Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on his enduring contributions to philanthropy and nonprofit work after his presidency. Through founding The Carter Center, Carter championed global health, peace, and human rights, making strides such as nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease. Carter's post-presidential legacy exemplifies how one individual can profoundly impact humanitarian efforts, leaving a lasting blueprint for leadership in philanthropy.
Read MoreIt’s easy to admire our national parks, particularly Rocky Mountain National Park, which exemplifies conservation and nature’s resilience. These parks are living classrooms, offering lessons in ecology and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Beyond their environmental value, they also bolster local economies and provide peaceful refuge from the bustle of modern life, underscoring their enduring significance.
Read MoreIn a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion piece, the author talks on a critical issue: fundraisers are under siege. While fundraising is essential to nonprofit sustainability, it remains largely misunderstood by leadership, contributing to burnout and high turnover. 55% of fundraisers feel underappreciated, and 51% plan to leave their jobs within two years. The disconnect between nonprofit leaders and their fundraising teams is clear and it threatens long-term organizational success. Leaders must embrace fundraising as a shared responsibility and provide the necessary tools, training, and support to empower their teams.
Read MoreFollowing a new report for the U.S. nonprofit sector: 22% of workers struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and healthcare. While nonprofits aim to address social issues, many of their own employees face financial hardships, revealing a stark contradiction. Addressing these financial challenges could be crucial to the sustainability and impact of nonprofit organizations.
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