Blog

A strong board starts with a thoughtful recruiting process. In this 23-minute podcast, Jon Simons and Mary Ramirez from DBD Group discuss three principles to help your board members succeed... thereby helping your organization to succeed.

Leaders of non-profit organizations across the country have faced tough questions about how to successfully navigate disrupted plans and services due to Covid-19.  How do you lead with confidence in times of uncertainty?  How do you support your team, reconnect with your "why", and move boldly towards positive change and opportunity?  

In the Fall Forward DBD Podcast series, Jon Simons interviews leaders about how they were able to innovate and serve their community during the pandemic.

In the third and final part of the series, Jon Simons interviews founder and DBD Group President Bruce Berglund.

In this twenty-one minute episode, Bruce gives insights into how he was able to stay connected and provide unwavering service to clientele in midst of a crisis, move with confidence despite the uncertainty of the times, and support his team.

The pandemic has made strategic planning a challenging prospect for organizations across the country.   Many teams have had to revisit their mission, vision, or even their values.  Pre-Covid plans no longer fit the times and leaders have had to take a fresh look at community needs.  Given the current landscape, how do we "fall forward" with purpose and planning?    

In part two of the Fall Forward DBD Podcast series, Jon Simons interviews executive coach and fellow DBD Group partner Kellie Wardman about strategic thinking and planning for the modern era.

In this seventeen minute episode, Kellie shares insights about how leaders and teams can get unstuck and take new, energized approaches to thinking and planning for the future.

Covid-19 disrupted plans and services for non-profit organizations across the country.  Many programs had to be re-conceived and significant changes were made under pressure.  With these unprecedented circumstances, some significant lessons were learned and in some cases, opportunities occurred.  What creative problem solving arose for leaders and teams and what new community partnerships emerged?  

In the Fall Forward DBD Podcast series, Jon Simons interviews leaders about how they were able to innovate and serve their community in challenging times.

In part one, DBD Group's Jon Simons interviews Justin Ihne, CEO of YMCA Plattsburgh in New York.

Justin shares insights into how he and his team were able to choose "creation" over "crisis", pivot, and deliver exceptional service to their community.

As a non-profit, how can you connect with local government policy makers who share your vision to serve your community? 

What knowledge as a "boots on the ground" organization can you contribute to your collaboration with city or state government elected officials to serve your community better?

In this month's episode of the DBD Podcast, Jon Simons interviews two leaders in the Richmond, VA area who share their insights about successful partnerships between the non-profit sector and local government: Abigail Farris Rogers,  President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Richmond, and Eva Colen, Manager of Office of Children and Families for the city of Richmond, VA.

This insightful podcast will give you practical ways to engage with your local government to create partnerships that help to serve your community in deeper ways and help officials to solve problems with more efficient, informed solutions, and better policies.

After a year of constraints, there are new opportunities awaiting non-profits. Before you decide to start - or delay - your next fundraising campaign, listen in as Bruce Berglund and Laura De Vries from DBD Group answer such questions as:

• What's next for the US economy?
• How will these economic indicators impact philanthropy?
• When is the right time to re-engage with a strategic initiative? 
• How should you participate in stimulus efforts in your community?
• How will you thank those who showed up for you in the past year? 

What are the questions you should ask before engaging in a collaboration? 

What are the characteristics of successful - and not successful - partnerships?

In this month's episode of the DBD Podcast, Bruce Berglund, Kellie Wardman and Jon Simons discuss the opportunities and challenges that come with partnering or  collaborating with other organizations. 

This engaging 24 minute podcast will give you, your team and your volunteers a solid background to making the most of collaborative opportunities that come your way. 

In this month's episode of the DBD Podcast, Bruce Berglund and Jon Simons discuss three leadership axioms that guide our work:

• Vision Leaks
• Program vs Purpose
• Numbers and Names

If you or someone on your team need some encouragement in their leadership or resource development efforts, this 21-minute podcast offers wisdom for nonprofit, education and faith-based leaders of all kinds. 

In this week's episode of the DBD Podcast, Bruce Berglund and Jon Simons discuss two additional leadership axioms that guide our work:

• Blue Flame Case
• Who Really Cares?

If you've worked with us in the past these might sound familiar. Is there someone else on your staff or volunteer team who could benefit from learning these important concepts?

In the latest episode of the DBD Podcast, Jon Simons talks to DBD teammates Brian Keel and Jim Mellor about managing nonprofit finances in the coming year. From budget forecasting to working with your bank, their forthright advice will help you make better decisions now and in the future.