Amber Wynn, MSPA’s Post

Ever wonder what drives a nonprofit leader to strive for growth and sustainability in their organization? It’s not just passion and vision—there’s actually a science behind it. According to the insights of Drs. Kimberley Brown and Kathleen Robinson, a leader’s intention to build future capacity depends heavily on the psychological Theory of Planned Behavior. This theory breaks it down into three major factors: personal attitude towards the growth, the social norms perceived in their community, and their sense of control over making these changes happen. Think of it like this: if a leader believes expanding their nonprofit will result in significant positive impacts (attitude), and they feel their community supports this growth (social norms), plus they’re confident in their abilities to steer the organization towards this future (behavioral control), they’re much more likely to put the wheels in motion. This trifecta of belief, community backing, and self-efficacy is crucial. Leaders don't operate in isolation—they're influenced by their own outlook, the voices around them, and their grip on the helm of change. Fascinating, isn’t it? How the blend of psychology and action shapes the future of philanthropy. #NonprofitLeadership #Sustainability #FutureCapacity #PsychologyInAction #TheoryOfPlannedBehavior #NonprofitGrowth #CommunitySupport #PositiveImpact

Insightful! Agree totally. Application of suitable and ethical psychology and behavioral sciences in organisations, including thoughtful designed corporate nudges used internally and externally through different functions - marketing, HR, fund development/sales, customer/donor management can be a key differentiation factor. How are you applying this in your organisation? #psychology #nudges #differentiation

Farzana Haque A Life of Purpose, Giving, and Impact Success and failure. Patience and calm. These are the lessons Farzana Haque lives by and shares with the world. A respected board member, investor, and philanthropist, she attributes her accomplishments not just to hard work but to a strong sense of purpose—a mindset instilled in her from childhood. Farzana believes that purpose is fundamental to life. She often recalls her father’s example: a man in his 80s who stepped back from his own ambitions to support his wife’s pursuit of a doctorate. From her parents, she learned the value of service—to feed those in need, wherever you are and with whatever you have. “You are the reason for someone else’s life,” her father told her. This profound lesson shaped her philosophy: be the reason someone believes in goodness, kindness, and ultimately, in the existence of a higher power. Her first paycheck of ₹8,000 wasn’t spent on herself but on a gift for her cousin—a laptop her mother encouraged her to buy. Her parents’ teachings always emphasized selflessness and impact, creating a legacy beyond monetary gains. “These are not investments,” Farzana says. “We give without expecting returns or ROI.” Even today, she finds joy in the lives she’s touched. A chance encounter at the airport reminded her of the scholarships she once provided—an act of generosity that left an indelible mark on someone’s future. Farzana’s journey inspires us to lead with grace, humility, and generosity. Whether in boardrooms or as an individual, she remains committed to being a force for good. Her story reminds us that success is not just about personal achievements but about how we uplift others along the way. #PurposefulLiving #Leadership #Philanthropy #WomenInLeadership #KindnessMatters #Inspiration #GivingBack #SuccessMindset #EmpathyInAction #BeTheReason

“Do we settle for the world as it is, or do we work for the world as it should be?” Michelle Obama This quote in Daily Maverick yesterday got me thinking. Are we just managing the world's problems or actively reshaping it for the better? This calls for a shift from addressing immediate needs to envisioning and working towards a world where those needs no longer exist. The ultimate goal is not just to improve conditions, but to transform the very systems that create those conditions. We need to the challenge and transform our efforts from temporary fixes to creating a world that truly reflects your deepest values and aspirations. For some of us as nonprofits we want to see immediate change and bring relief to situations where there is suffering or a desperate need. As Michelle Obama’s quote suggests, while addressing immediate needs is crucial, true impact comes from also striving to reshape the world to prevent future suffering. Balancing immediate relief with systemic change ensures we’re not just managing problems but actively working toward a better world.

I'm so excited to share insights from my journey at Harvard Business School! Initially, I embarked on this path with the noble intention of making a difference in people's lives through my nonprofit organization (Beellahy Foundation). However, what I've come to realize is that effecting change isn't solely about good intentions; it's about wielding power in the right way. Understanding power dynamics in society is paramount to creating meaningful impact. Power isn't static; it's woven within the way our society works. If we aspire to truly change the world for the better, we must comprehend how power operates and shapes our actions. This understanding is crucial for figuring out how to handle the challenges of changing organizations and society. So, whether you're ready to dive in or taking your time, knowing how power operates is KEY to making a real difference. Let's explore how power works and work together to make positive changes in our communities and beyond. #HarvardBusinessSchool #PowerDynamics #SocialChange #BeellahyFoundation #HajiaAdenikeTheUnstoppable #ImpactfulLeadership Dami Oguntade BSC/MSC/ACCA Affiliate/FMVADamilola OlaniyiJoscar Oriaro Ashoka Africa Martin Vitek Ani Blessing LAURRITTA OGOMA UWAKWE Aminu Aliyu Afunja Alok

🚨 Dear Education & Nonprofit Colleagues, I'm worried about us. As we look toward potential political shifts in 2025, we need to face a hard truth: our current pace is unsustainable. Many of us are pushing ourselves to the breaking point; we can't keep going like this. To maintain our impact and effectiveness, we must preserve and build our reserves for the challenges ahead. Here's how: 1️⃣ Streamline for Impact Narrow down to the true heart of your mission. Say no to projects that dilute your focus, even if they're tempting. 👉 Less distraction, more focus on what matters. 2️⃣ Aim for Progress, not Perfection Be ruthlessly strategic in your efforts. Choose only high-impact actions. (Funders: this demands flexible funding and lighter reporting requirements). Release the need to perfect what doesn't drive change. 👉 Less perfectionism, more purposeful progress. 3️⃣ Leverage Partnerships, Not Lone Efforts Collaboration isn't optional anymore. Pool resources and build alliances with like-minded organizations to multiply impact without depleting resources. 👉 Less solo effort, more collective strength. 4️⃣ Redefine Success for Real-Life Impact Move beyond traditional metrics. Success looks like: parents becoming advocates, community members stepping into leadership roles, and solutions emerging from within the community. Track the stories, connections, and transformations that numbers can't capture. 👉 Less emphasis on formal metrics, more focus on true impact. 5️⃣ Invest in Lasting Change, Not Immediate Fixes Build sustainable momentum through strategic and systemic action. Create rhythms of rest and reflection that fuel long-term progress. 👉 Less daily urgency, more long-term resilience. 6️⃣ Build Smarter Systems for Lasting Efficiency Invest in tools and infrastructure that eliminate administrative burden and create space for mission-critical work. 👉 Less manual work, more capacity for what matters most. The challenges ahead demand we preserve our strength. We can't afford to burnout. 💬 What's one shift you can make today to preserve your strength for the work ahead? In solidarity, Danielle #Burnout #NonprofitLeadership #EducationLeadership #SustainableLeadership #NonprofitBurnout

It's time to shift our thinking from "either/or" to "both/and." By asking ourselves how we can have both, we unlock a world of possibilities. Want to be a leader and a supportive parent? With creativity, planning, and hustle, it's possible. Remember, wealth isn't a zero-sum game. Every dollar spent strengthens our economy, creating opportunities for countless others. Let's inspire the next generation to embrace the "both" mentality and build a future where success doesn't come at the cost of happiness. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change! #abundancemindset #entrepreneurlife #successtips #philanthropy #futureofwork

Hey friends, Fear has EVERYTHING to do with the combination of UNCONSCIOUS programming and EGO telling you what's safe and what's dangerous. Being in RELATIONSHIP with your unconscious and ego can be THE thing to navigate this barrier AND get MOVING toward your future. Food for thought… ➕ Follow for more ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ 👋 We are Planning School. We’re reimagining strategic planning for the purpose-driven businesses, nonprofits, and public servants who are creating a sustainable + interconnected future. FOLLOW for lessons in #leadership, #strategy, and #being. 💙 You don’t have to struggle to do good in this world. 💙 #strategicplanning #holisticleadership #leadershipdevelopment #changemakers #climateaction #socialjustice #gotoplanningschool

The heartbeat of a nonprofit – it's not in the boardroom, not in the distant offices, but right there on the frontlines. Today, I had a conversation with Daniel Sagona about the growing challenge organizations face as they expand: decisions increasingly being made by those far removed from the heart of the issue, far from ground zero. As we grow and delegate more, I am determined not to become a distant guide. I choose to lead from ground zero. Time is never wasted when a leader steps in, not for photo ops, but for real, practical help. This is the kind of leader I aspire to be – one who works directly with the people we serve, providing tangible support and sharing in their struggles and victories. This commitment is deeply personal to me. When I was living in the former Soviet Union, I spent most of my youth emptying containers of aid and distributing them (my husband was a teen at the time and was someone who came with his family to receive the aid). I watched my parents lead this way, immersed in the work, never distant from those they aimed to help. I learned that true leadership means getting your hands dirty, feeling the pain and challenges alongside those you serve. I want to lead this way too. I want to be right there, in the thick of it, ensuring that every decision we make is rooted in real experiences and real needs. This is where real leadership happens – not from a distance, but from the ground up. #togetherwithfamilies #leadership #justhelp #familywellbeing

Definitions Matter: What is Impact? Impact isn't just a buzzword; it's the measurable change your programs create over time. It's about making a real difference and measuring that transformation. Last year, our own Lauren Vanderpool shared her insights on this topic during a presentation with iATS Payments. She delved into practical strategies on how organizations can start measuring their impact effectively. Curious to learn more? Read the blog and watch the recording using the link below! https://lnkd.in/gbaedg8x Let's drive meaningful change together. 💪 I hope this helps you today! #Nonprofit #SocialImpact #ImpactMeasurement #ChangeMakers #NonprofitLeadership