In this episode, we explore the world of for-purpose reporting, where your numbers and data come alive to tell a story of your impact. Our conversation delves into the nuances of segmenting service delivery, analyzing outcomes, and gathering feedback – all essential elements of a comprehensive report that drives meaningful results.

Segment 1: The Story Begins

We discuss the importance of understanding the limitations of traditional output-based reporting. We explore how shifting focus to outcome-based reporting can help demonstrate the true impact of NFP programs.

Segment 2: The Power of Outcome-Based Reporting

We examine the benefits of tracking outcomes, including demonstrating program effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. This approach helps funders understand the value of their investment and informs policy decisions at higher levels.

Segment 3: Gathering Feedback and Case Studies

We delve into the importance of gathering feedback from clients, partners, and stakeholders through case studies and testimonials. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of program impact and enables data-driven decision-making that benefits both the NFP organization and the individuals served.

Segment 4: Influencing Policy and Driving Change

We explore how for-purpose reporting can influence policy changes that support NFP missions. By sharing findings with policymakers and stakeholders, organizations can drive positive change in society and make a greater difference in the lives of individuals they serve.

Segment 5: The Future of For-Purpose Reporting

As we conclude our conversation, we reflect on the growing importance of for-purpose reporting in driving meaningful impact. We discuss the benefits of prioritizing this type of reporting and how it can empower NFPs to make a greater difference.

Pull out those reports, pour a drink and listen in to this special episode where Danielle and Michelle talk about the one task we never want to do, but demonstrates impact.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Welcome to The NFP CEO, where we dive into the latest strategies and studies for For Purpose CEOs looking to drive growth, improve culture and governance, and build strong leadership teams.

In today's episode, Danielle and Michelle are going to explore how you work with your executive team and the Board: when and how you bring your leadership team into the boardroom.

First the pros. By having your senior leadership team attend board meetings, you can gain:

• Stronger Alignment: Execs get firsthand insight into board thinking around strategy and their expectations, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• More Informed Decision-Making: The board gets direct exposure to company culture, exec skills, and real-time challenges, leading to more informed decisions.
• Improved Governance: Execs see the board in action and vice versa - hopefully helping to understand each other’s roles.

You'll also benefit from:

• Reduced burden of relaying board priorities to the team.
• Preparing your exec team for future leadership roles, they can step up when you are away (or leaving!)
• Execs better understand how their reports are used, leading to more effective reports and communication.

But, there are also cons to consider. You'll need to think about:

• Time: More prep and post-meeting debriefs with the exec team may be needed.
• Board Scrutiny: Your Board will be assessing your team as well as you - which may be an issue if…..
• The Execs may express views that don't align with organisation’s strategic goals.

Hopefully running down this list in light of your own team and organsiation you can make a decision about how you bring your team into the boardroom in a way that benefits you, the Board and the organisation. It may require some adjustments to your leadership style and operations, but the benefits can be transformative.

Join us on The NFP CEO as we explore more strategies for CEOs of For Purpose organisations looking to drive growth, build strong leadership teams, and deliver value to their stakeholders.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode, Michelle and Danielle dive into a critical question for any CEO: do you truly understand your organisation’s culture?

They explore the best ways to get across your organisation’s culture, when to assess it, the importance of not sending out a survey that everyone hates,, alternative feedback channels, and how CEOs can provide meaningful insights to their boards.

Key topics include:

• The role of the CEO in shaping and measuring culture
• How to design a culture survey that is useful (and not overwhelming and gets responses)
• The balance between internal and external surveys for trust and anonymity
• Interpreting culture survey results—what they reveal and what to do next
• Turning employee feedback into meaningful action

Before you schedule that culture meeting with HR, tune in to this week’s episode on the when and how to survey your organisation's culture.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode, Michelle and Danielle talk about the pros and cons of hiring an executive coach - why you would - or would not - and the importance of building a strong support network as a NFP CEO.

It's easy to get caught up in the demands of your role and this can feel isolating. This can lead to burnout, decreased creativity, and reduced effectiveness. How do you combat this?

In this episode we talk why a network and why - and when - an executive coach can help.

Michelle and Danielle talk through the benefits of a strong network, including:

• accessing expertise and different perspectives
• opportunities to think about collaboration or partnerships
• insights into industry trends and best practices

Having a peer group is so helpful for leaders - you learn about others’ experiences and gain insight.

We talk how a peer group can help with:

• a safe space to discuss challenges and successes
• opportunities to learn from others
• support and encouragement when you need it

Whether you're considering hiring a coach or not, investing time and resources into your personal development is crucial. If you are thinking about an executive coach there are certain things to look for - and some to avoid.

An executive coach may help:

• Clarify your priorities and alignment with organisational goals
• Identify areas for your improvement and growth
• Provide a sounding board for innovative ideas and solutions

By embracing networking, breaching isolation, sharing experiences, and utilizing coaching, you'll be better equipped to lead your organization with confidence, creativity, and purpose.

Do yourself a favour, stop doom scrolling on your phone and tune into this week's conversation on the benefits of an executive coach.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Sustaining Your CEO Energy: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Being a CEO is a high-energy role that demands a lot - focus, strategic thinking, decision-making, and constant engagement with stakeholders. Many For Purpose CEOs complain there is no down time. So how do you do it?

If you have ever felt like you're just going through the motions, or waiting for your energy to magically recharge so you can tackle another day of leading your organisation - then this episode is for you.

Sustaining your energy isn't just about endurance; it's about working smarter. Finding ways to boost your productivity, reduce stress, and maintain your focus so you can lead with both impact and longevity.

In this episode we are talking:

Time Management: The first step to energy preservation.

How do you spend your day? Are you a slave to your calendar, do you control your time?

Delegation & Resourcing: Build Capacity, Not Dependence

How do you delegate effectively? How to build capacity. How to avoid micromanagement. How often should you check in?

Rest & Renewal: rebuild (and preserve) your energy.

Rest and renewal are just as important as productivity if you are talking sustaining your energy. How do you take care of yourself?

Meeting Culture: Quality Over Quantity

Meetings are an inevitable part of being a CEO, but not all meetings are created equal. How do you ensure that your meetings are productive and focused?

Flexibility: More than a Buzzword

Not everyone thrives in a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. How to flex your work rhythms and build a team culture that supports flexible work patterns while maintaining responsiveness.

Crisis Management: How to handle Pressure Without Burnout

When crises hit, time pressure increases. Prioritising, communicating, and delegating are needed to sustain energy in high-pressure situations.

Wellbeing: How to Ensure Long-Term Sustainability

Sustaining energy as a NFP CEO isn't just about getting through the day; it's about growing and improving over time. What works? How to determine what helps your decision-making and resilience .

Sustaining energy as a for purpose CEO isn't about pushing harder; it's about leading smarter.

Take some time for yourself and join Danielle and Michelle on The NFP CEO for more conversations on leadership, sustainability, and what it takes to thrive in today's fast-paced world as a NFP CEO.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In our latest podcast, "The CEO-Board Chair Relationship: It Matters," we dive into the world of the Chair - CEO relationship from the CEO’s viewpoint and explore what makes this partnership tick.

As the two key leaders of a purpose driven organisation this relationship is fundamental to the success of the organisation. It impacts culture, goals, and potentially the lives of the people at the heart of your mission. Get this relationship wrong and you are going to struggle as a NFP CEO.

In this episode of the NFP CEO we talk building trust, open communication, leveraging each other's strengths and look at the secrets to a successful CEO-Board Chair dynamic.

As a new NFP CEO you'll learn how to:

• Build a strong foundation for your organisation by fostering a culture of trust and open communication with your Chair
• Leverage your Board Chair’s experience for you and the organisation
• Collaborate with your Board Chair to build better stakeholder relationships

A strong CEO-Board Chair partnership can help drive growth, innovation, and impact - which is what we are all here for. A key part of the governance framework - ensure you get this relationship right.

So, join us as we talk how to build a successful CEO-Board Chair dynamic.

Grab your headphones or earpods and listen in to our latest podcast, "The CEO-Board Chair Relationship: It Matters," and discover how you can build a strong partnership that drives success.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

While every CEO's journey is unique, there are certain truths that apply to us all. CEO reporting is one of them. A good board reporting structure can be the difference between success and stagnation. So this week, Michelle and Danielle are talking effective board reporting.

In this episode, we focus on why clear and concise reporting matters, how it can help build trust with the board, ensure strategic focus, and streamline decision-making. Good board reporting will make your life easier as a For Purpose CEO.

Michelle and Danielle share their experience on optimising reporting, how to assess inherited processes and how to work with the Chair and give the Board what they need. They give practical tips and insights to help you create a better report that drives impact and supports good decision-making.

If you're struggling to find your footing as a new For Purpose CEO, or if you want to take your board reporting to the next level, this episode is for you. Join Michelle and Danielle as they explore the world of board reporting, and discover how to make it a strategic tool that drives success.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• The importance of clear and concise reporting in building trust with your Board
• Strategies for optimising reporting processes
• How to keep the Board engaged through regular updates and check-ins
• What question to ask about each report you plan sending to the board

Whether you are on your commute, or your daily workout, tune in now, and start building an effective board reporting structure.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Ever wondered what happens when the CEOs of purpose-driven organisations sit down together for a chat? With 30 years of experience in the for-purpose space, we understood the urgent need for a space where invaluable information could be shared and recorded.

We tackle the real, gritty questions: How do you build and sustain a thriving organisational culture? How do you manage relationships with your board, your chair and preserve your peace of mind while carrying the weight of responsibility?

For those who are new to the role or eyeing it on the horizon, the importance of a support network cannot be overstated. This is why we envision our podcast as a cornerstone in your resource kit – providing support, offering ideas and enabling you to implement insights within your organisation.

From our own success stories to those of our guests, we’ll discuss the myriad barriers we face, with every episode an opportunity to learn and grow.

Wherever you are in your CEO career, there’s something here for you. Your journey in the for-purpose world is one we’re passionate about supporting. Let’s learn, connect and lead together.

LINKS

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn