The Influential Nonprofit

Kirsten Stevens: Get Your Board Ready to Lead

Episode Summary

Kirsten Stevens is an accomplished philanthropy advisor and nonprofit consultant, focused on bridging the gap between philanthropic support and transformational impact in the social sector. Born in Panama and raised in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico, Kirsten's diverse background has shaped her global perspective on philanthropy and nonprofit excellence Key Takeaways: It’s important to engage new board members effectively from the start to maintain their initial excitement. Do one-on-one meetings with new board members, and try to understand their interests and potential contributions. New board members face a lot of challenges such as feeling intimidated or overwhelmed. Having a buddy system where new board members are paired with experienced members for guidance can help a lot in making sure that new board members feel supported and informed. Create a diverse board membership so that you’ll have the gift of having multiple perspectives by making the board service accessible and appealing to all. Engage the community, educate potential board members, and train and attract diverse board members. Build trust and community among board members through one-on-one meetings and social gatherings. Proximity and authentic conversations have a key role in building strong board relationships. A supportive and connected board can significantly enhance the overall impact and leadership of an organization. “Before we even have the first board meeting, I love to have a one-on-one with new board members, and we have a real, person-to-person conversation about the things we're focused on.” “Let me just speak as if I'm on a board currently, I'll just be a we. We do not currently spend enough time assessing our own performance. We don't. We just don't.” “We have to make programs that offer this type of training. We have to make those more available. Board readiness is offered every year. ” “Institute board self-assessments on a regular basis, but let's also include our community efforts. Each of us has a responsibility to get out into the community.” - Kirsten Stevens Reach out to Kirsten Stevens at: Website: www.kannico.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenstevensforglobalgood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenstevenskannico/ Ask for and receive all you want, need and deserve without feeling rejected, ineffective, or pushy. Learn to manage your mindset, lead yourself and others more effectively and have the meaningful conversations that drive your most important work. Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com Connect with Maryanne Dersch: https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect

Episode Notes

Kirsten Stevens is an accomplished philanthropy advisor and nonprofit consultant, focused on bridging the gap between philanthropic support and transformational impact in the social sector. Born in Panama and raised in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico, Kirsten's diverse background has shaped her global perspective on philanthropy and nonprofit excellence

 

Key Takeaways:

 

“Before we even have the first board meeting, I love to have a one-on-one with new board members, and we have a real, person-to-person conversation about the things we're focused on.”

“Let me just speak as if I'm on a board currently, I'll just be a we. We do not currently spend enough time assessing our own performance. We don't. We just don't.”

“We have to make programs that offer this type of training. We have to make those more available. Board readiness is offered every year. ” 

“Institute board self-assessments on a regular basis, but let's also include our community efforts. Each of us has a responsibility to get out into the community.”

- Kirsten Stevens

 

Reach out to Kirsten Stevens at:

Website: www.kannico.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenstevensforglobalgood

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenstevenskannico/