Stability isn’t something you earn once you’re “big enough” or “finally staffed up.” It’s something you design on purpose—or you pay for it later in burnout, panic fundraising, and house-of-cards vibes.

In this episode, Brooke Richie-Babbage is back to flip the script on what capacity really means. Capacity is about changing the conditions under which your work happens, so the how of the work gets easier, less fragile + way more sustainable.

We’re talking broken mugs, creaky floors, cash cliffs, “build years” vs. “growth years,” and why “stability is a leadership choice” might be the most freeing (and challenging) mindset shift you make in 2026. If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll feel stable when we finally _______,” this episode’s your loving interruption.

You’ll walk away with clarity + next steps to build real capacity, including how to:

• Redefine capacity + stability as design problems, not personal failures
  → Shift from “I just need the right people / next grant / better tool” to “Where is our organization fragile, and how do we strengthen the container—systems, rhythms, decision-making—so the work doesn’t require heroics?”
• Narrow priorities + clean up decision-making so everything stops bottlenecking at the leader
  → Get practical about choosing fewer, deeper priorities; naming what you’re not doing this year; and mapping who actually owns which decisions—so your ED (or you) isn’t secretly holding six out of ten critical calls.
• Build stability through simple financial + operational rhythms (not just more hires)
  → Learn how to read your own “financial weather patterns,” plan for cash cliffs before they hit, decouple capacity from FTEs, and tap tools, fractional support, your board + community as legitimate capacity—not just “nice to haves.”

Episode Highlights:

Dive Deeper:

Episode 614: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/614

Episode 464: https://www.weareforgood.com/episode/463

Thank you to our partners 🩵

Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.

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Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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People Leave™ — and in 2026, the pace and intensity of transition is accelerating. In this episode, Naomi Hattaway, interim leader and organizational health builder, shares what it actually takes to build nonprofit health through uncertainty before someone resigns. We talk about the hidden fragility that uncertainty exposes (founder dependency, undocumented roles, disengaged boards), and the practical foundations that help teams stay aligned when everything feels on fire.

You’ll walk away with concrete tools for transition readiness, including how to:

• Treat turnover as normal — not a crisis — so you plan for departures instead of getting blindsided
• Build real financial resilience with reserves and budgets that account for searches, interims, and transition support
• Create simple documentation so critical knowledge isn’t trapped in one person’s head
• Grow “endings literacy” by talking openly about departures, loss, and what it means to leave well
• Center humanity in hard moments with grief-aware practices, dignified layoffs, and stay interviews

Because healthy systems don’t stop people from leaving — they make it possible for people to leave well.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding Uncertainty in 2026 (02:06)
• Proactive vs Reactive Approaches (05:39)
• The Importance of Infrastructure (07:54)
• Endings Literacy: Navigating Transitions (13:30)
• Creating a Culture of Grief and Loss (22:00)
• Leaving Well: The Art of Transition (28:26)
• Human-Centered Change in High-Stress Environments (31:25)
• Naomi’s One Good Thing (35:07)

Dive Deeper:

• Naomi's Website
• Transition Archetype Quiz

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/673

Thank you to our partners 🩵

Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.

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Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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Ever felt that ache of reaching out endlessly, yet still standing alone in a crowded room? You're not alone, true connection is the heartbeat nonprofits are missing right now.

In this episode of Shifts in 2026, Susan McPherson, author of The Lost Art of Connecting and Founder + CEO of McPherson Strategies—returns with her signature warmth and wisdom to explore the deeper meaning of connection in today’s world. Together, they dive into the "reconnection era," shifting nonprofits from communication overload to dialog that rebuilds trust, sparks belonging, and tackles the loneliness epidemic head-on.

Susan shares eye-opening stats, candid truths on AI's limits, and a heartfelt playbook—from leading with twice-as-much listening and empathy, to simple local salons, skills-based volunteering, and brave vulnerability. It's honest, hilarious, and that rare human spark that leaves you lighter and ready to show up differently.

If you're craving deeper ties with your team, donors, and community, this one's pure gold.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Loneliness and Disconnection (04:25)
• Evolving Perspectives on Connection (12:11)
• Shifting from Communication to Connection (15:41)
• Actionable Steps for Nonprofit Leaders (24:06)
• Susan’s One Good Thing + Homework (25:00)

Episode Shownotes: www.wearforgood.com/episode/672

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Today's episode launches our 12-part series 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over the next twelve episodes we're unpacking mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts.

Shift 1 / Metrics with Meaning: Make Better Decisions with Less Noise

Feeling buried under dashboards and drowning in data? You’re not alone, and there is a better way.

In this episode, Jon and Becky welcome back impact measurement expert Ori Carmel for a refreshingly honest conversation about shifting from “more data” to better decisions. Together, they unpack how nonprofits can move past performative reporting, reconnect with what truly matters, and focus on the metrics that actually drive mission-forward impact.

Along the way, Ori shares candid stories, practical frameworks, and even a little Pearl Jam, reminding us that impact work is as human as it is analytical. From uncovering your organization’s unique strengths to making data feel less overwhelming (and more empowering), this episode is full of clarity, wisdom, and a few good laughs.

If you’re craving less noise and more meaning in how you measure success, this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:

• Data Reckoning in Nonprofits (02:00)
• The Challenge of Impact Reporting (04:43)
• Asking Better Questions (08:54)
• Building Metrics with Meaning (18:36)
• What to Stop Doing in Data Management (23:39)
• The Importance of Stakeholder Mapping (30:28)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/671

Explore the full series at www.weareforgood.com/12shifts

Thank you to our partners 🩵

Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.

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Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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This episode is a year-end exhale.

Becky + Jon are joined by the incredible Lindsey Fuller for a cozy, heartfelt conversation as we gently close out 2025 and look toward a more grounded, intentional 2026. Together, we pause to reflect, breathe, and reconnect with what really matters.

Lindsey brings honest wisdom on navigating burnout, the constant noise of the world, and why hope and genuine community aren’t optional—they’re essential. You’ll hear what self-care actually looks like (hint: it goes way beyond bubble baths), plus a refreshing take on the messy-but-beautiful work of healing together.

Expect laughter, real talk, a few surprise shout-outs, and plenty of encouragement to step into the new year with clarity, intention, and peace. If you’re craving a reset—or just a reminder you’re not alone—this one’s for you 👊

Episode Highlights:

• Introducing Lindsey Fuller & Community Impact (02:04)
• Navigating Noise, Burnout, and Critical Hope (02:30)
• Belonging, Transitions, and Recognition (03:46)
• Coalition Building & the 2026 Vibe (05:50)
• Critical Hope and Being Yourself (07:39)
• Harm Reduction, Connection & Job Market Realities (09:52)
• The Power of Self Sync & New Year Intentions (11:52)
• Consistency in Self-Care and Recovery (17:25)
• Designing Recovery with Intention (20:26)
• The Ugly Side of Healing (22:17)
• Healing Out Loud & Community Ripple Effects (24:33)
• Special Message from Amina Mohamed (25:30)
• Collective Healing and Peaceful Intentions (27:53)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/670

Thank you to our partners 🩵

Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.

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Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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Trust isn’t built in boardrooms, it’s built in community.

In this episode, Gloria Dixon (Director of Philanthropy + Executive Director, BECU Foundation) joins us for a real talk on what it takes to share power and reimagine funding through a trust-based lens. From her journey in Milwaukee to leading community-centered giving in the Pacific Northwest, Gloria opens up about what’s shifting in philanthropy and what still needs to.

Together, they dig into why multi-year, unrestricted support matters, how authentic relationships drive impact, and what it means to show up with empathy (not just reports and metrics). It’s hopeful, heart-forward, and packed with practical wisdom for anyone navigating the changing landscape of nonprofit funding.

Episode Highlights:

• Sector Challenges and Funding Changes (00:51)
• Gloria's Background and Upbringing (03:18)
• Disconnects Between Funders and Nonprofits (05:57)
• BECU’s Community-Focused Funding Approach (08:09)
• Multi-Year Funding Importance (10:32)
• Funding Friction and Reporting Challenges (14:17)
• Trust-Based Partnership Practices (17:58)
• Employee Engagement and Community Impact (20:53)
• Advice for Nonprofits: Building Trust (23:11)
• Gloria’s Personal Story of Philanthropy (25:38)
• Gloria’s One Good Thing (29:07)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/669

Thank you to our partners 🩵

Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.

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Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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Sunsetting isn’t failure—it’s leadership.

In this episode, Becky sits down with Desiree Lyons, CEO of Namaste Direct, and Kate Flatley, Executive Director of the Women’s Justice Initiative, for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to put community at the center—even when it means changing or ending your own model. Together, they share how Namaste Direct made the difficult decision to sunset with integrity and why transitioning its economic empowerment program to WJI became a powerful unlock for greater, more sustainable impact for women in Guatemala.

This conversation challenges the idea that success in the nonprofit sector is always about scale and growth—and offers a practical look at how merging, evolving, and ending well can be an act of responsibility, courage, and mission-first leadership.

Episode Highlights:

• Kate’s Path to Guatemala and Law (02:04)
• Women’s Justice Initiative Mission and Impact (03:06)
• Namaste Direct’s Mission and Challenges (05:29)
• Turning Point: Rethinking Microfinance and Debt (09:36)
• Sunsetting and Succession: Strategic Decisions at Namaste (15:21)
• Reaching Out: Collaboration and Merger with WJI (20:55)
• Advice for Nonprofits: Mergers, Sunsets, and Impact (26:16)
• One Good Thing: Final Thoughts and Reflections (31:58)
• How to Connect and Closing Remarks (33:19)

www.weareforgood.com/episode/668

Thank you to our partners 🩵

Big gratitude to Givebutter, RKD Group, Whiteboard, and Sowen for their partnership in growing the Impact Uprising. If you’re searching for a new CRM, tech tool, brand partner, direct mail partner, or impact strategist— we’d love for you to start with our trusted recs. We’ve vetted them so you don’t have to. Head to weareforgood.com/recs to learn more.

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Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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In this rapid-fire Working Session, Jon and Becky break down storytelling as a core nonprofit skill — not a marketing tactic — and share simple, practical frameworks you can use immediately.

From clarifying your values and audience to collecting and activating stories more intentionally, you’ll learn how to move supporters from empathy → connection → action and build a storytelling system that drives trust, belonging, and long-term engagement.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Story Drives Action — Not Tactics: People don’t act until they feel something, and they don’t stay until they feel like they belong. Learn how to anchor your storytelling in empathy, identity, and shared humanity so your calls to action actually land.
2. Build a Simple Storytelling System: From collecting stories at the end of emails and donation forms to syndicating one story across multiple channels, you’ll learn how to turn storytelling into a repeatable workflow — not a one-off creative lift.
3. Tell Stories With Dignity and Trust: Ethical storytelling isn’t about rules — it’s about relationships. Centering dignity, consent, and agency protects the people behind the stories, strengthens credibility, and builds the kind of trust that fuels long-term community and generosity.

This episode is packed with practical, low-lift storytelling moves you can implement today — whether you’re writing an email, planning content, onboarding new supporters, or stewarding long-term relationships.

Welcome back to Working Sessions: hands-on, clarity-filled conversations designed to help you move real work forward inside your organization.

Let’s get to work.

Episode Highlights:

• Story as Meaning, Not Marketing (01:24)
• Preparing for Storytelling: Values, Audiences, and Action (03:07)
• Building a Culture of Storytelling (04:26)
• Ethical Storytelling Principles (06:10)
• Introducing the Impact Arc Framework (08:05)
• Practical Working Session Activities (11:42)
• Community as the Accelerant for Storytelling (15:04)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/666

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Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com

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LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter