• 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
  • SE01E10 - What It Takes to Merge Nonprofits and Still Inspire Your Team | With Roberto Viramontes
    Dec 2 2025

    In this conversation, Coach Marla and Roberto Viramontes discuss the complexities and challenges of merging two nonprofit organizations into one. Airplex Learning and Development Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that, in partnership with Fairplex, provides a wide spectrum of innovative and enriching educational experiences that bring learning to life, benefit our diverse communities, and prepare our participants for success.

    Roberto shares insights from his experience at the Fairplex Learning Development Center, highlighting the importance of cultural integration, effective communication, and a clear mission statement. They explore the challenges faced during the merger process, including legal and financial considerations, staff concerns, and the need for a new organizational culture

    The discussion emphasizes the significance of viewing nonprofit work as social impact rather than charity, and the importance of a strong team in navigating the complexities of nonprofit operations. Roberto also shares lessons learned from the merger process, particularly regarding fundraising and the importance of establishing a clear identity for the new organization. In this conversation, Roberto Viramontes discusses the complexities and challenges faced during mergers in the nonprofit sector, particularly in philanthropy. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, effective delegation, and balancing resources with community needs. The dialogue also touches on the resistance to change within organizations and the necessity for leaders to navigate these challenges while maintaining a focus on their vision and goals.

    To find out more go to https://fairplex.com/

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

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    27 mins
  • SE01E09 Fiscally Stress-Free: A New Approach to Nonprofit Leadership | With Kimberly Lewis
    Nov 25 2025

    In this conversation, Kimberly Lewis, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries in Texas, shares her journey into nonprofit leadership and the mission of Goodwill as a social enterprise. She discusses the importance of fiscal sustainability, innovative community programs, and the value of investing in employees. Kimberly emphasizes the need for effective communication of organizational values, strategies for preventing burnout, and the significance of supportive communities for emerging leaders. The discussion highlights how Goodwill's model serves as a blueprint for other nonprofits aiming to create impactful change in their communities.
    We hope you enjoyed this episode of What Works!
    - Marla and the What Works Podcast team :)

    Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.

    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/

    #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention

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    32 mins
  • SE01E08 - Finishing Well : Leadership, Legacy, and Lasting Impact | With Scott Sabin
    Nov 18 2025

    In this episode of What Works, host Marla Moody speaks with Scott Sabin, executive director of Plant with Purpose, about the transformative power of nonprofit leadership. Scott shares insights from over three decades of experience in community development, emphasizing the importance of local partnerships, cultural sensitivity, and the need for sustainable change. He discusses the impact of savings groups in empowering communities, the significance of finishing well in leadership transitions, and the value of maintaining relationships as organizations grow. The conversation also touches on the importance of values in nonprofit strategy and offers advice for young leaders looking to make a difference.

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

    Are you a Leader who would benefit from Leaders encouraging Leaders, Leave a comment where we can find you of go over to https://www.skool.com/value-based-leadership-8377 and join the community there.

    Connect with me:
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithmarla/

    #whatworkspodcast #nonprofitleadership #missiondriven #operations #scalingimpact #nonprofitmanagement #leadershipthatinspires #nonprofitexcellence #socialimpact #teambuilding #burnoutprevention

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    41 mins
  • SE01E07 - Unlocking Nonprofit Success: A Journey of Service | With Craig Rice
    Nov 11 2025

    In this episode of 'What Works', host Marla Moody speaks with Craig Rice, CEO of Manna Food Center, about the intersection of public service and nonprofit leadership. They discuss Craig Rice's journey from politics to nonprofit work, the challenges faced in managing a nonprofit, and the importance of developing talent within the organization. The conversation also touches on addressing burnout, the significance of storytelling in nonprofit work, and the need for compassionate leadership. Craig emphasizes the importance of community involvement and how individuals can contribute to nonprofit efforts.

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

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    41 mins
  • SE01E06 - Transforming Lives Through Equine Therapy | With Paula Del Giudice
    Nov 5 2025

    In this conversation, Coach Marla Moody interviews Paula Del Giudice, the executive director of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. They discuss the transformative power of equine therapy, the evolution of nonprofit leadership, and the challenges of talent acquisition and retention in the nonprofit sector. Paula shares insights on creating a supportive work environment, the importance of communication, and the role of volunteers. They also address the issues of burnout and compassion fatigue, particularly in nonprofit work, and encourage women to pursue leadership roles. The conversation concludes with a touching story about the impact of horses in therapy and an invitation for listeners to engage with the nonprofit community.

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    38 mins