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Ep 15 - Navigating Nonprofit Leadership with Mike Gellman

In the episode, listeners were treated to an insightful conversation on nonprofit leadership with the accomplished Mike Gellman, owner of High Five Career Coaching.

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Introducing Mike Gellman


Mike Gellman's journey into the nonprofit world began years ago with a role at the San Diego Zoo, a nonprofit organization which started his passion for the sector. Over time, his career trajectory led him through various nonprofit and corporate roles, all the while honing his skills in coaching executives to success. Eventually, driven by a desire for greater autonomy and flexibility to spend time with his family, Mike founded High Five Career Coaching, specializing in executive coaching within the nonprofit realm.

Navigating Obstacles in Nonprofit Leadership

Discussing the hurdles faced by executive directors, Mike emphasized that the greatest obstacle often lies within oneself. Executive directors may grapple with motivating their teams, balancing multiple responsibilities, and ensuring financial stability. Interestingly, Mike’s experiences coaching both for- and non-profit organizations has shown him that the challenges encountered by nonprofit leaders mirror those found in the corporate world, underscoring the universality of leadership struggles.

Executive Directors Need Support

A key takeaway from the conversation was the importance of having a supportive network for nonprofit leaders. Without the knowledge and support on how to handle certain hurdles, executive directors may be “the blind leading the blind”. Mike highlighted the value of peer advisory groups, such as his Mastermind Group, which offer a safe space for leaders to seek guidance and share experiences.

Oftentimes, executive directors feel the need to know what to do, when to do it, and how to at the drop of a hat. But this is unreasonable to expect of oneself. Many nonprofit leaders enter their roles with minimal previous experience, driven primarily by their urge to help their communities and not necessarily knowing what they’re getting into. In a sector where the pressure to appear infallible can be overwhelming, having a trusted community to lean on can alleviate isolation and foster growth.


Mike's Advice for Transitioning Professionals

May asked Mike what his tips would be for individuals transitioning from the for-profit sector to the nonprofit side, to which Mike offered practical insights. While the transition may entail financial sacrifices and increased responsibilities, it also presents an opportunity for profound impact and personal fulfillment and growth of experience. Mike himself explains how much experience and knowledge he gained by working in nonprofits. Nonprofit work, despite its challenges, offers a unique platform for innovation and leadership development, ultimately enriching one's professional journey.


Final Thoughts: Embracing Collaboration and Growth

In closing, Mike underscored the importance of collaboration and adaptability in nonprofit leadership. A topic we have covered before in The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, with limited resources, forging partnerships with other nonprofits and even for-profit entities can amplify the impact of mission-driven initiatives. May echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the evolving landscape of nonprofit collaboration and the imperative for leaders to embrace change and seek support when needed.

In essence, the conversation between May Harris and Mike Gellman served as a beacon of inspiration and wisdom for nonprofit leaders navigating the complexities of their roles. By fostering a spirit of collaboration, resilience, and continuous learning, today's nonprofit leaders can chart a path toward sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

Subscribe to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast today to stay on top of the latest insights and strategies about improving your nonprofit organization’s financial wellness and reinforcing long-term success and impact. For even more updates and valuable content, be sure to follow Nonprofit Counsel on LinkedIn and Instagram.