Ep. 15 - Nonprofit Leadership

NonProfit Counsel Podcast

Mike Gellman, the founder of High Five Career Coaching, specializes in collaborating with nonprofit executives and leaders for them to reach their full potential. In this conversation, Mike and May Harris, Esq., MA, explore the essential qualities needed for effective nonprofit leadership and discuss the available resources to support these executives. They also weigh the merits and drawbacks of transitioning from the corporate sector to nonprofit work, delving into the intriguing idea of how nonprofits, often considered competitors, can form beneficial alliances.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:19] Mike explains how he became involved in the nonprofit sector and why he founded High Five Career Coaching, which serves nonprofits

• [5:10] Mike reflects that nonprofits have the same types of problems to deal with as corporate entities. It is just a matter of scale.

• [9:50] Discussion regarding the nonprofit mastermind and advisory boards

• [15:55] What should an executive working in a corporate job consider before moving to a nonprofit, and what are the advantages of taking a nonprofit position

• [24:00] Mike discusses nonprofits dovetailing with each other and sharing resources, deciding they are not in competition but can help each other

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [5:00] Nonprofits face significant challenges in determining their desired direction, employee motivation, and securing funding streams.

• [11:53] Having an advisory group is advantageous for a director as it provides a secure space to discuss matters they might be hesitant to share with their board.

• [15:42] Transitioning from a corporate role to a nonprofit position requires acknowledging that nonprofit salaries are generally lower than those in the corporate sector, and the resources available may differ from those found in the corporate world. In such a move, executives might take on a more hands-on role in various tasks. However, the upside is there is less bureaucracy, and it can be a great career accelerator with less oversight and the ability to accomplish much.

RESOURCES:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

High Five Career Coaching - Website

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

For over 20 years, Mike Gellman, Founder & CEO of High Five Career Coaching, has successfully facilitated numerous talent management and organizational development initiatives, including succession planning, high-potential leader development programs, employee engagement, team development, and organizational change efforts. With a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, he’s also an ACC credentialed coach via the International Coach Federation and author of Pipe Dreams: 7 Pipelines of Career Success.

He launched his nonprofit career in organizational development at the world-famous San Diego Zoo (now San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance). During that time, Mike also volunteered his efforts to create an award-winning mentorship program for the Association for Talent Development-San Diego (formerly ASTD), which recently celebrated its 21st year of successfully preparing future leaders. He subsequently served in capacity-building roles for Father Joe’s Villages and South Bay Community Services. Mike launched and managed a highly regarded Career Coaching & Development Center for SoCalGas in the corporate sector while also serving on the board of the Sempra Employee Giving Network, an employee-run nonprofit foundation. He’s currently serving as the Mentorship Program Chair for the North County Philanthropy Council.

In addition to being a proud dad of a bright college junior, Jonas, Mike enjoys running, hiking, nature photography, and volunteering within his community. You often find him pulling weeds at Coastal Roots Farm and leading free Nonprofit NetWalks about town. Born and raised in Cleveland, he currently resides in Oceanside.