As college football season kicks off, the excitement is dampened by stories of players prioritizing financial gain over the game. Recent comments by Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy and a rumored incident with Alabama’s Nick Saban underscore a shift in focus from football to money, highlighting misplaced priorities. These stories remind us that while financial success is important, relationships, trust, and honor should come first, both in sports and in life.
Read MoreNearly 20 years ago, an old family friend and community leader highlighted the issue of local nonprofits competing against each other rather than collaborating, which stuck with me. This insight aligns with recent efforts highlighted in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where organizations like Citizen’s University are working to unite nonprofits to address community challenges more effectively. Trust and collaboration are essential for nonprofits to maximize their impact, but achieving this requires overcoming significant leadership challenges and silos.
Read MoreIn the nonprofit world, we often encounter disciplinary actions, but a court imposing a multi-million dollar fine on an individual is unprecedented. Recently, a New York state court fined a non-profit leader $2 million for mismanagement issues, raising questions about accountability and stewardship. While such measures reinforce accountability and protect public trust, they could also deter qualified individuals from nonprofit leadership roles due to fears of personal liability.
Read MoreTwo moments caused me to pause and reflect on the importance of being genuine: vibrant nail polish and an episode of Bridgerton.
Read MoreExperiences make us unique and they can be powerful tools in teaching and consulting. Sharing personal stories, particularly those involving failures, can build trust and authenticity, essential for philanthropic relationships.
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