• S01 E12 - Managing Growing Pains in Nonprofits | Billie Wright on Cultivate
    May 20 2025

    In this episode of Cultivate, host Wendy engages with Billie Wright, Chief People Officer at the Recycling Partnership. They discuss Billie's journey into human resources, the importance of servant leadership, and the challenges of navigating change within organizations. Billie shares valuable insights on creating a culture of connection, setting realistic expectations, and maintaining resilience in leadership roles, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, Billie Wright discusses the evolving challenges in HR leadership, particularly in the context of DEIB initiatives and mental health. She emphasizes the importance of open communication within teams, the need for self-awareness in leadership, and the strategies for retaining top talent. Billie also highlights the significance of mentorship and the power of asking for help, while sharing her personal journey of growth and commitment to fostering a supportive organizational culture.

    Find Billie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billie-wright/

    I hope you enjoyed :)
    Wendy

    #nonprofit #leadership #hr #servantleadership #communityengagement #employeegrowth #challenges #corevalues #strategicplanning #funding

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    43 mins
  • S01 E11 - Empowering Communities Through Leadership | Mira Zhivkova on Cultivate
    May 13 2025

    In this episode of Cultivate, Mira Zhivkova, COO of Community Partners of South Florida, shares her inspiring journey in nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of empowerment, community development, and data-driven decision-making. She discusses the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector, particularly in mental health and affordable housing, and highlights the significance of diversity, inclusion, and critical thinking in effective leadership. Mira also reflects on her transition to COO, the innovations implemented in her organization, and the core values that guide her leadership style.

    Find Mira on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mira-zhivkova-sphr-226556142/

    I hope you enjoyed :)
    Wendy

    #nonprofit #leadership #hr #servantleadership #communityengagement #employeegrowth #challenges #corevalues #strategicplanning #funding

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    36 mins
  • S01 E10 - The Joy of Lifelong Learning in Nonprofits | Michele Freeman on Cultivate
    May 6 2025

    In this episode of Cultivate, Michele Freeman, Chief People Officer at Thinkery, shares her insights on leadership, empowerment, and the nonprofit sector. She discusses the importance of lifelong learning, the joy of working in a mission-driven organization, and how parenting influences her leadership style. Michele emphasizes the collective responsibility of workplace culture and the need for curiosity and engagement within teams. She also addresses the challenges of making tough decisions and the significance of self-awareness in leadership, particularly in preventing burnout among nonprofit leaders. In this conversation, Michele Freeman discusses the complexities of leading in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement, strategic planning, and the balance between compensation and work-life balance. She shares insights on the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations and the need for transparency in career growth opportunities. Michele also reflects on the significance of kindness and integrity in leadership, and the dual role of human resources in advocating for both the organization and its employees.

    Michele's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfreemanatx/

    I hope you enjoyed :)
    Wendy

    #nonprofit #leadership #hr #servantleadership #communityengagement #employeegrowth #challenges #corevalues #strategicplanning #funding

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    39 mins
  • S01 E09 - Transforming Employee Engagement Through Authentic Leadership | Lelia Case on Cultivate
    Apr 29 2025

    In this episode of Cultivate, Lelia Case, HR Director at the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, shares her insights on relational leadership, the role of HR in nonprofits, and the importance of proactive strategies in managing employee needs. She emphasizes the significance of understanding the business, building trust, and empowering teams to create a lasting impact in the organization. Lelia also discusses the challenges faced in HR and how to navigate them effectively while maintaining a balance between employee needs and organizational goals.

    Connect with Lelia on LinekdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leliakh/

    I hope you enjoyed :)
    Wendy

    #nonprofit #leadership #hr #servantleadership #communityengagement #employeegrowth #challenges #corevalues #strategicplanning #funding

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    38 mins
  • S01 E08 - Transforming Employee Engagement Through Authentic Leadership | Izaba Paras on Cultivate
    Apr 22 2025

    In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Izaba Paras, CEO - Paras Consulting Group. They discuss Izaba's personal journey, the importance of employee morale, and how HR can align with broader business objectives. Izaba emphasizes the significance of authenticity in leadership, the challenges of diversity and inclusion, and the need for organizations to create inclusive workplaces that reflect society. The conversation highlights the role of HR in fostering a supportive environment and leveraging human capital for organizational growth. In this conversation, Izaba Paras and Wendy F. Adams discuss the importance of human connection in leadership, the value of embracing risk and learning from failure, and the role of personal resilience. They explore how technology, particularly AI, can enhance HR practices and the significance of representation in leadership roles. The dialogue emphasizes the need for leaders to foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and innovation.

    Connect with Izaba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izaba-p-67825895/?trk=public_post_reshare_feed-actor-image

    I hope you enjoyed :)
    Wendy

    #nonprofit #leadership #hr #servantleadership #communityengagement #employeegrowth #challenges #corevalues #strategicplanning #funding

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    35 mins
  • S01 E07 - The Heart of Nonprofit Leadership | Janet Diodato on Cultivate
    Apr 15 2025

    In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Janet Diodato, HR Director at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). They discuss the importance of leadership in nonprofit organizations, focusing on communication, integrity, and the need for empathy in leadership roles. Janet shares her experiences in fostering a supportive work environment, empowering team members, and navigating the challenges of serving a community in need. The conversation emphasizes the significance of incremental growth, the value of listening to staff, and the importance of maintaining high standards in onboarding and team development.

    I hope you enjoyed :)
    Wendy

    #nonprofit #leadership #hr #servantleadership #communityengagement #employeegrowth #challenges #corevalues #strategicplanning #funding


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    33 mins
  • S01 E06 - Navigating Employee Turnover in Nonprofits | Patti King on Cultivate
    Apr 8 2025

    In this episode of Cultivate, Wendy F. Adams interviews Patti King, an HR and Operations Executive at the National Funeral Directors Association. They discuss the importance of relational leadership, understanding the 'why' behind actions, and the challenges of employee turnover in the nonprofit sector. Patti shares her journey into HR, the significance of communication and stakeholder alignment, and strategies for overcoming resistance to change. The conversation also touches on strategic planning, career development, and the need to change public perceptions of nonprofits. Patti emphasizes the importance of listening and helping others as core tenets of effective leadership.

    I hope you enjoyed :)
    Wendy

    #nonprofit #leadership #hr #servantleadership #communityengagement #employeegrowth #challenges #corevalues #strategicplanning #funding

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    36 mins
  • S01 E05 - The Power of Purpose in Leadership | Angela Cheng-Cimini on Cultivate
    Apr 1 2025

    In this episode of Cultivate, host Wendy F. Adams speaks with Paula Ayala, HR Director at MNC Inspiring Success, about her journey in the nonprofit sector, the importance of servant leadership, and the challenges faced in the ever-changing landscape of nonprofit work. They discuss the significance of core values, employee motivation, community engagement, and the need for strategic planning and funding to ensure sustainability. Paula shares her insights on personal growth, inclusivity, and the impact of nonprofit work on individuals and communities.


    I hope you enjoyed :)
    Wendy

    #nonprofit #leadership #hr #servantleadership #communityengagement #employeegrowth #challenges #corevalues #strategicplanning #funding

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    31 mins