leadership — Around with Randall — Hallett Philanthropy

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Listen to the weekly podcast “Around with Randall” as he discusses, in just a few minutes, a topic surrounding non-profit philanthropy. Included each week are tactical suggestions listeners can use to immediately make their non-profit, and their job activities, more effective.

Find “Around with Randall” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Email Randall with a show topic: podcast@hallettphilanthropy.com

Email Randall with a thought regarding a specific show: reeks@hallettphilanthropy.com

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Posts tagged leadership

Episode 223: Who Actually "Owns" a Non-profit and Why is that Really Important?

Who really owns a nonprofit? Unlike for-profit businesses with clear ownership, nonprofits are technically owned by no one—but that doesn't mean responsibility is absent. In reality, the community is the true owner, and the board of directors serves as its steward.

But what happens when boards become passive? CEOs can gain too much control, leading to governance failures, weakened oversight, and long-term risks for the organization. What makes this shift happen? What are the consequences? And—most importantly—how do you restore strong nonprofit governance?

Randall HallettMarch 25, 2025ownership, governance, accountability, oversight, leadership

Episode 218: How Emotions/Life Perspective of Others Affect You: How to Deal with Negative People

In this week’s episode of Around with Randall, we discuss the impact of positive and negative influences in our personal and professional lives, especially in the nonprofit sector. What is the science of emotional contagion, how others' emotions affect our well-being and productivity, and the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive individuals? We end with some practical advice for evaluating potential hires based on their emotional impact, highlighting the value of creating a supportive, uplifting environment for personal and organizational success.

Randall HallettFebruary 18, 2025emotional, influence, leadership, philanthropy, workplace

Episode 217: Endowing Positions Outside of Higher Education - Strategic priority but terribly underused

In this week’s episode, we focus on the importance of endowing positions, particularly outside higher education, to create financial stability and attract top talent to nonprofits. Look at universities that have successfully endowed faculty chairs. How much could those endowments help nonprofits manage rising costs and ensure critical roles are funded? The goal is to help nonprofits adopt this model, enabling long-term sustainability and greater impact in their communities.

Randall HallettFebruary 11, 2025endowment, leadership, non-profit, strategy, planning

Episode 216: To Automate and/or Individualize Stewardship - Maximum Output with Outside Assistance

Balancing personalization and automation in donor stewardship is a challenge every nonprofit faces. In this episode, Randall dives into the critical question of how to effectively engage donors at all levels—ensuring major donors feel valued while nurturing smaller donors with potential. He explores practical tactics for segmenting, automating, and personalizing stewardship efforts, from data-driven donor screening to leveraging volunteers for thank-you calls. The key takeaway? Thoughtful stewardship isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about strategically building relationships that elevate giving over time.

Randall HallettFebruary 4, 2025leadership, non-profit, fundraising, strategy, community, impact, relationships

Episode 214: Institutionalist vs. Change - How to Keep the Basic Core of who you are While Embracing Change

This episode of Around with Randall explores the balance between preserving core institutional values and embracing necessary change in the nonprofit sector. While institutions serve as the foundation of trust, mission, and community impact, stagnation leads to decline. Drawing from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Franklin Roosevelt, illustrates how institutions can evolve through strategic process changes without compromising their core missions. As a BONUS, explore a roadmap for nonprofits, focusing on identifying sacred values, engaging stakeholders, incremental change, and consistent communication to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.

Randall HallettJanuary 21, 2025change, leadership, values, mission, sustainability

Episode 205: Partnering with the Easy Referral Agents or the Correct Referral Agents

In this week’s episode, we look at the importance of leveraging referrals from board members, clinicians, and data to maximize major gift fundraising efforts. Learn how referrals significantly increase the likelihood of donor engagement and gift size, with studies highlighting how connections from trusted sources like board members and physicians improve fundraising success. Finally, we answer the question: What are the strategic approaches can you use today to select the right referral sources?

Randall HallettNovember 12, 2024Boards, referral agent, clinicians, leadership

Episode 203: What I Would Tell My Younger Self About Professional Success - And How to Get There

This week on Around with Randall, we share invaluable advice for younger nonprofit professionals. What is the importance of staying observant and proactive, keeping your heads down and ears open to understand the dynamics of a workplace? We’ll also bring key recommendations, how to strategically take chances, and prioritize skill development over career advancement. Integrity, mentorship, and continuous learning are essential for long-term success in the nonprofit sector.

Randall HallettOctober 29, 2024Advice, leadership, career development

Episode 197: Selecting Board Members - The Correct Ones in the Correct Timeframe

Let’s talk about boards. Beyond traditional governance roles, board members' primary responsibility is connecting the organization with the community. It is mission critical to understand the importance of having a board who can build relationships, make introductions, and actively engage in the organization's mission. Create a diverse, well-connected board, visualizing community representation, and developing a long-term, strategic process for recruitment and good things will follow.

Randall HallettSeptember 10, 2024Boards, management, leadership, executive

Episode 193: Aesop was Right 2500 Years Ago – Why I Tell so Many Stories

Stories create connections by sharing personal experiences and vulnerabilities, helping others see their own paths through self-discovery. They are more memorable and engaging than mere lessons, as they evoke emotions and foster empathy. Effective storytelling should include personal failures, be relevant, concise, and provide a clear summary to ensure impact. Ultimately, storytelling builds trust and rapport, which are crucial for meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings.

Randall HallettAugust 13, 2024story telling, leadership, communication, connection

Episode 191: Collaboration – Important, Underutilized, and Needed for Success

In this edition of Around with Randall, we focus on collaboration. From the moon landing to scientific discoveries, all rely on a collective effort rather than individual achievement. We will also address the benefits and challenges of collaboration, stressing the importance of clear roles, effective communication, and trust to overcome obstacles and achieve shared goals.

Randall HallettJuly 30, 2024Collaboration, leadership

Episode 170: Randall’s Dream Leadership Dinner Table: And What We Might All Learn

If you could have a conversation with anyone you want, who would it be? See who Randall would invite first. His choice might surprise you.

Randall HallettMarch 7, 2024leadership, management

Episode 169: How to Properly Ask for that Raise

Perhaps you're due for a raise, but your performance review isn't for quite some time. Or maybe your review is right around the corner and you want to make the case for a raise. Whatever the circumstance, this podcast will ensure you're prepared to have a conversation with your boss. Listen now.

Randall HallettFebruary 27, 2024leadership, management

Episode 168: Critical Thinking - Challenging the Status Quo in Philanthropy

If you're anything like Randall, you're always looking for ways to improve. How can critical thinking ensure you're challenging the status quo with every move? Listen to this podcast for Randall's tips on challenging the status quo.

Randall HallettFebruary 20, 2024leadership, philanthropy, management

Episode 165: New Organization Structures - What Philanthropy Must Do

What does your org chart look like? Philanthropies must rethink their organizational structures to meet the needs of today's donors. Listen to this podcast to learn what your organization should do.

Randall HallettJanuary 30, 2024philanthropy, business, management, leadership

Episode 160: When The Bad Leader Finds You, or You Find the Bad Leader

What do you do when you work with a bad leader? How do you work through this challenge? In this episode, Randall addresses leadership challenges and what you can do when a bad leader finds you.

Randall HallettDecember 12, 2023leadership, management

Episode 159: The Simplicity and Benefits of Hard Work

There is no substitute for hard work. Listen to this podcast as Randall gets back to basics with the simplicity and benefits of hard work.

Randall HallettDecember 5, 2023management, leadership

Episode 158: Setting Expectations - Good for Leadership and Staff Alike

Setting expectations is vital to the success of any organization. Your team will work harder and smarter if they know what their goals are. Listen to this podcast for Randall's thoughts on setting expectations and how you can set realistic expectations for your team.

Randall HallettNovember 28, 2023non-profit, leadership, management

Episode 156: Hiring the Right People - What to Look For to Avoid the Square Peg in the Round Hole

How can you make certain you're hiring the best team for your organization? Follow these simple guidelines to ensure you're next hire is the right hire.

Randall HallettNovember 14, 2023management, leadership, hiring

Episode 155: Leadership Basics - Leaning in to Make a Difference

What makes a great leader? Listen to this podcast for tips and tricks to become the leader you've always aspired to be.

Randall HallettNovember 7, 2023leadership, management

Episode 154: Being in the Moment - Building More Meaningful Relationships

With so many distractions - world events, the economy, the computer in your pocket constantly chirping at you -it can sometimes be difficult to be in the moment. Listen to this podcast for Randall's tips for staying in the moment and how this can help you create more meaningful relationships in your professional and personal life.

LeadershipRandall HallettOctober 31, 2023leadership, non-profit