The Disruptor Podcast
"The Disruptor Series," your blueprint for groundbreaking innovation, started as a periodic segment of the Apex Podcast. This is not your standard conversation around Design Thinking or Product Market Fit—this is the series that dares to go beyond conventional wisdom, confronting the status quo and exposing the raw power of disruptive thinking.
Our journey begins with intensely provocative dialogues that set the stage for the unexpected. With a focus on Experience Disruptors, Product Market Fit, and a host of other captivating topics, we bring you face-to-face with the ideas that are flipping the script on traditional buying and selling experiences.
But we don't stop at ideas; we dive into their real-world applications. "The Disruptor" brings you an unfiltered look into the lives and minds of those who are either being disrupted, creating disruption, or strategically navigating through disruption.
Our guests range from industry veterans to daring newcomers, all willing to share their experiences in shifting the paradigms that define their stakeholders' experiences.
If you're tired of business as usual and eager to question the preconceived notions that hold back innovation, "The Disruptor Series" is your ticket to a transformative journey. Tune in, disrupt yourself, and become an agent of change in an ever-evolving landscape.
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The Disruptor Podcast
Chapter 3: Identifying the Beneficiaries of Board Insights
In this episode of Board Room Bound, host John Kundtz takes you inside Chapter 3 of The Board Builder's Blueprint to uncover a critical element of nonprofit leadership: understanding who benefits from your board’s insights and how to ensure those benefits are maximized.
Drawing from over 30 years of board experience, John outlines five key groups nonprofit boards must serve to achieve high performance and lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
- Identify and Empower Stakeholders: Learn the five key beneficiaries of board insights – board members, executives, staff, volunteers, and the community you serve.
- Cultivate Open Communication: Foster clear channels informing and engaging all groups.
- Avoid Micromanagement: Support your executive team by offering strategic guidance, not oversight.
- Inspire Passion in Volunteers: Discover how sharing successes connects volunteers to the mission and drives retention.
- Community-Centered Leadership: Ensure your board’s decisions directly enhance the lives of the people you serve.
Episode Highlights
- John explains the importance of board members feeling heard and valued to contribute their best ideas.
- Why the executive team thrives when boards act as resources rather than overseers.
- Insights on creating transparency and connection between boards and nonprofit staff.
- Strategies to recognize and engage volunteers, strengthening their dedication to your cause.
- Real-world examples of how board insights translate into community impact.
Featured Resources:
Read the entire chapter on Medium, LinkedIn, or Substack.
Now available on Amazon
This book is perfect for board members, chairs, executive directors, and aspiring nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their organization's governance and impact.
This episode is part of The Disruptor Podcast's new Board Room Bound series, focusing on innovative nonprofit leadership and governance approaches.
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Identifying the Beneficiaries of Board Insights. Welcome to Boardroom Bound, a special series of the Disruptor podcast in which we explore the essential elements of building exceptional nonprofit boards. Here is your host, john Kuntz. Today we're highlighting Chapter 3, identifying the Beneficiaries of Board Insights. Of my book, the Board Builder's Blueprint, board Leadership A Strategic Guide to Creating Exceptional Nonprofit Leadership.
Speaker 1:As someone who's served on nonprofit boards for over 30 years, I've learned that understanding who benefits from your board's wisdom and how they benefit is crucial for creating a high-performing organization. Let's break this down into the five key groups that should be benefiting from your board's insights. First, your fellow board members. These individuals bring diverse skills and experiences to the table. Creating an environment where they can openly share thoughts and perspectives isn't just good practice. It's essential for success. I've found that when board members feel heard, they're more likely to contribute their best ideas and efforts. Second, your executive team. Your CEO, executive director and leadership team are on the front lines daily. They need your strategic guidance, not micromanagement. I've seen the most success when boards position themselves as resources rather than overseers. Third, your staff. In my experience, nonprofit employees are incredibly passionate about the mission, but they often feel disconnected from board decisions. Clear communication about your board's insights and direction can dramatically improve their engagement and motivation. Fourth, your volunteers. These dedicated individuals give their time and energy, often without recognition. When you share strategic insights and successes with them, they feel more connected to your mission. I've seen volunteer retention soar when they understand their role in the bigger picture. Finally, and most importantly, the community you serve. Every board insight should ultimately enhance your impact on the people you're trying to help.
Speaker 1:I've learned that incorporating community voices into board discussions isn't just good practice. It's essential for avoiding missteps and ensuring your services truly meet community needs. Now you might wonder how do I implement this? Here's what I've found works. Establish clear communication channels. Here's what I've found works. Establish clear communication channels. Regular updates through newsletters or meetings. Keep everyone informed and engaged. Make these communications actionable. Don't just share what's happening, but what it means and what steps people can take. Create an environment where questions and diverse opinions are welcomed.
Speaker 1:In my experience, the best insights often come from unexpected sources. Remember, mistakes are part of the journey. I've made plenty over my years of board service. The key is to turn those lessons into shared knowledge that prevents future missteps. Before we wrap up, here's your call to action After this episode, assess how well your board's insights reach each of these five key groups. Are there gaps, opportunities for improvement? Join us next time on Boardroom Bound as we continue exploring strategies for creating exceptional nonprofit leadership. Exceptional nonprofit leadership. I'm John Kuntz and this has been a special edition of the Disruptor Podcast. If you would like to read the entire chapter, they are available on my blog, on Medium Substack and LinkedIn. Follow the links in the show notes. Thanks for listening.
