Explore practical tools, real-world examples and mindset shifts needed to help nonprofit and community leaders turn challenges into professional and organizational growth opportunities. In a world where disruption is constant and change is the only certainty, how can leaders effectively guide themselves, their teams and their organizations toward a positive impact using courage, compassion and collaboration? Frank Whitfield, drawing from his experiences as a nonprofit CEO and mayor, shares insightful stories and strategies for leading positively during times of upheaval and significant change. His examples include navigating funding withdrawals, adapting to shifting political climates and addressing various organizational challenges.

What if everything you’ve been taught about how a nonprofit should operate is holding you back? Join us for a bold, thought-provoking conversation that challenges the long-standing norms of nonprofit management. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore what happens when nonprofit leaders give themselves and their organizations permission to think differently, embrace innovation and prioritize growth – without guilt. View powerful clips from the groundbreaking film Uncharitable, which exposes false narratives that have long limited the nonprofit sector’s potential. Together, we will confront common limiting beliefs – like the idea that low overhead equals effectiveness – and discover what becomes possible when nonprofits are empowered to scale, invest and lead with confidence.

Participants will explore how leadership clarity, influence strategy and operational discipline can position their organizations for greater resilience, sharper decision-making and sustainable growth. Nonprofit and philanthropic leaders are asked to make faster decisions, adapt to shifting expectations and lead through constant uncertainty. Many organizations have strategic plans, but today’s environment demands greater agility – pivoting thoughtfully as conditions evolve while staying anchored to mission and impact. Discover the JAYRAMON L.I.F.T. Framework (Leadership, Influence, Focus, Talent) as a strategic tool for recalibrating leadership priorities, reimagining organizational focus and strengthening alignment around what matters most.

Explore how to move beyond blind faith, wishful thinking and self-delusion and discuss how and why a new kind of optimistic leadership is needed more than ever. When we lead with love, we're called – and sometimes challenged – to remain optimistic. During times when many leaders feel confused, stressed, overwhelmed or even in crisis, contributing with optimism is a supreme act of both love and leadership.

In his second Nonprofit Summer Learning Series session, Jason Daniels will bridge the gap between reflection and execution and help leaders smartly identify and execute strategic boldness. Recalibrating leadership and strategy is a critical first step, but it means little without the ability to act. Many organizations recalibrate on paper yet struggle to translate new clarity into bold, decisive moves across their teams, boards and stakeholder communities. Participants will learn how to move from recalibration discussions to fundamental organizational shifts – mobilizing staff, aligning stakeholder expectations and sustaining leadership agility over the long term.

Shift from confrontation to connection, and leave this session equipped with mindsets and strategies to navigate difficult conversations with clarity, confidence and control. Instead of seeing conflict as a battle to win, we’ll reframe it as an opportunity for understanding, alignment and shared success. Conflict is inevitable, but our approach defines our impact as leaders. Too often, heightened emotions, misinterpretations and the need to be “right” turn disagreements into roadblocks. Yet, the best leaders don’t avoid conflict; they transform it into meaningful conversations that drive collaboration, innovation and trust.