listen or watch
A nonprofit’s board of directors has the potential to be one of its greatest assets. But without intentional recruitment, ongoing education, and a shared commitment to the mission, that same board can become a source of frustration rather than support.
In this episode of Passion Inspires, Jeff Terpstra welcomes longtime nonprofit leader, consultant, and Chief Changemaker of The Intentional Catalyst, Tamela Spicer, for an insightful conversation about what it takes to build healthy, effective nonprofit leadership.
Drawing from more than 30 years of experience, Tamela shares why strong boards begin with thoughtful recruitment, why training shouldn’t end after orientation, and how executive directors and board members can learn to work together as true partners. Along the way, she shares memorable stories from her career, including a nonprofit leader who made the courageous decision to close her organization so its mission could thrive elsewhere. It’s a powerful reminder of one of Tamela’s guiding principles: the mission must always come before the institution.
Together, Jeff and Tamela explore the role of board governance and nonprofit strategic planning, including why leaders should be asking more “what if?” questions, knowing when to let go of practices that no longer serve their mission, and building a culture where relationships and accountability go hand in hand.
Whether you’re an executive director, board member, or nonprofit professional, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on navigating change, strengthening leadership, and building organizations that can better serve their communities.
