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What Works: Conversations on Nonprofit Leadership with Marla Moody

What Works: Conversations on Nonprofit Leadership with Marla Moody

By: Marla Moody
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About this listen

What Works by Marla Moody is a bold, insightful podcast for nonprofit leaders who want to go deeper than surface-level conversations. Each episode dives into the operational heart of mission-driven work - exploring leadership, management, systems, and scaling impact. Hosted by Marla Moody, a seasoned operations executive, this show uncovers what truly drives success in nonprofits, featuring strategies, stories, and best practices from real leaders making a difference.© 2025 Marla Moody Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • SE01E13 - Going Upstream: A New Approach to Child Advocacy | With Mark Dhooge
    Dec 23 2025

    In this conversation, Marla Moody interviews Mark Dhooge, the President and CEO of Kids in Distress, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting families. Mark shares his journey from law enforcement to child advocacy, emphasizing the importance of an upstream approach to child welfare. He discusses the challenges of shifting organizational focus, the significance of metrics in demonstrating impact, and the necessity of fostering a supportive culture to combat burnout. Mark also reflects on leadership transitions and the importance of empowering team members to find solutions.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

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    39 mins
  • SE01E12 - The Ripple Effect of Care: Building Community & Collective Courage | With Denise Spivak
    Dec 16 2025

    In this conversation, Coach Marla and Denise Spivak discuss the importance of building community and supporting individuals within the nonprofit sector, particularly focusing on LGBTQ centers. Denise shares her journey with CenterLink, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, the balance of leadership roles, and the significance of fair compensation for nonprofit workers. They also explore the challenges faced by caregivers and the emotional toll of working in this sector, highlighting the need for self-care and support for those providing care. In this conversation, Denise Spivak discusses the importance of organizational support for employees, particularly in times of crisis. She emphasizes the need for reminding staff about available resources, such as employee assistance programs, and the significance of providing time off to alleviate stress. The discussion also highlights the role of community resilience and the ripple effects of support within the LGBTQ community, showcasing how individual acts of care can lead to broader societal benefits.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

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    32 mins
  • SE01E11- Conducting Change: How a New CEO Orchestrates the Company’s Future | With Justus Zimmerman
    Dec 9 2025

    In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody speaks with Justus Zimmerman , the CEO of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by nonprofit leaders, particularly in the arts sector. Justice shares his journey from a background in acting and entrepreneurship to leading a historic organization. They discuss the profound impact of the arts on society, the importance of empathy, and the challenges of engaging a diverse audience in a rapidly changing city. Justus emphasizes the need for clear mission definition, navigating resistance to change, and the significance of developing talent within lean organizations. The conversation concludes with reflections on community engagement and the responsibilities of leadership in the nonprofit sector.

    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

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    38 mins
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