IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast cover art

IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast

IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders' Podcast

Written by: Soukup Strategic Solutions
Listen for free

IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders’ Podcast is a dynamic and insightful series dedicated to helping nonprofit professionals navigate the challenges of leadership, fundraising, and organizational growth. Season 1 was hosted by Joe Turner, followed by Josh Hirsch, MS, in Season 2. Now in Season 3, Sheryl Soukup, President of Soukup Strategic Solutions, takes the helm, bringing her extensive nonprofit experience and deep industry insights to each episode. Sheryl engages with experts from across the sector to provide valuable perspectives and practical solutions for nonprofit professionals. From leadership and strategic planning to fundraising, operations, and more, IMPACTability delivers knowledge and inspiration to help nonprofits grow and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, discover fresh ideas, or tackle challenges with confidence, this podcast is your trusted resource for nonprofit excellence.Copyright 2025 IMPACTability, Powered by Soukup Strategic Solutions Economics Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • From Stage to Strategy: Using Creativity to Strengthen Communities

    From Stage to Strategy: Using Creativity to Strengthen Communities
    Oct 21 2025
    Creativity is more than expression—it’s impact. In this episode, United Arts Collier CEO Elysia Dawn shows how arts organizations can build stronger, more inclusive communities by using creativity as a bridge between people, cultures, and causes. Her story reminds nonprofit leaders that when we remove barriers to participation, we create space for connection, healing, and shared purpose. A former professional ballet dancer turned arts leader, Elysia has dedicated her life to sharing the transformative power of creativity. Drawing on her experiences performing with world-class companies and curating programs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she now leads a movement in her hometown to make the arts accessible for all—championing collaboration, advocacy, and community pride through United Arts Collier. Along the way, she opens up about the realities of nonprofit leadership—funding, inclusivity, and sustainability—and how creative problem-solving and storytelling can help organizations thrive. Whether you lead a nonprofit, support the arts, or believe in the power of creativity, this episode is a reminder that the arts don’t just enrich lives—they strengthen communities. Prefer Video? Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_fWCJdZtCEI Standout Quotes
    • “The arts are for everybody—we’re here to lower barriers and bring people together.” (28:10)
    • “Creative collaboration is how we stretch our reach and resources—it’s what keeps nonprofits sustainable.” (35:42)
    • “Follow your heart, but keep your eyes and ears open to how you can serve your community.” (48:08)

    Chapters & Timestamps
    • 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IMPACTability®
    • 01:04 – From Ballet to Boardroom: Elysia’s Journey into Nonprofit Leadership
    • 06:10 – Lessons from The Met: Blending Art, Strategy, and Audience Growth
    • 12:44 – Returning Home: Leading Through Creativity in Collier County
    • 17:59 – The Mission: Arts Education, Advocacy & Access
    • 22:20 – Building Community Through Collaboration & Inclusion
    • 29:10 – The Healing Power of the Arts: Wellbeing and Connection
    • 34:33 – Funding, Sustainability & Creative Problem-Solving in the Arts
    • 42:45 – Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future: The Collier Arts Archive Project

    Guest Bio Elysia Dawn believes in the power of creativity to connect people and strengthen communities. A Naples native and former professional ballet dancer, she knows firsthand how the arts can shape lives—and she’s made it her mission to ensure those opportunities are accessible to everyone. Today, as CEO of United Arts Collier, Elysia leads with both artistry and strategy, bringing people together across Collier County through arts education, community partnerships, and advocacy. Her journey from performing with Boston Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet to curating performances at the Metropolitan Museum of Art taught her that creativity isn’t just about performance—it’s about purpose. Elysia’s leadership reflects her belief that the arts can be a force for unity, healing, and economic growth. She continues to serve on statewide and regional councils that champion arts and culture, while keeping her focus rooted in community—using collaboration and inclusion to turn creative vision into real-world impact. Learn More & Connect
    • Website:
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Turning Grief Into Impact: From Personal Loss to Purpose-Driven Leadership

    Turning Grief Into Impact: From Personal Loss to Purpose-Driven Leadership
    Oct 14 2025
    When tragedy strikes, few people find the strength to turn it into something greater—but that’s exactly what Casey McGovern, Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer, has done. After losing her daughter in a preventable drowning, Casey made a promise to dedicate her life to saving others. Today, that promise has become a powerful movement to make water safety education and swim lessons accessible to every child. In this heartfelt conversation, Casey shares the story behind her mission, the challenges of growing a grassroots program into a national initiative, and the leadership lessons that have guided her along the way. From advocacy and legislation to fundraising and team building, this episode offers nonprofit leaders a rare blend of personal insight and professional wisdom. Whether you lead a nonprofit, support one, or care deeply about community safety, this conversation is a reminder that even the deepest pain can inspire purpose—and that one person’s promise can ripple into impact for generations to come. Prefer Video? Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B-vAovTqePQ Standout Quotes
    • “When times get tough, I use my pain for a greater purpose—to help someone else. That’s what keeps me going.” (10:21)
    • “Reaching a zero drowning rate would be my ultimate dream come true.” (08:12)
    • “You may hear ‘no’ repeatedly, but just keep trying to figure out the solution—don’t give up.” (23:24)

    Chapters & Timestamps
    • 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IMPACTability®
    • 01:17 – From Tragedy to Advocacy: Casey’s Promise Begins
    • 04:30 – Building Every Child a Swimmer: Access Meets Advocacy
    • 08:12 – The Dream of Zero Drownings
    • 10:21 – Turning Pain Into Purpose: Finding Strength Through Service
    • 13:15 – Leading with Heart: Building a Passion-Driven Team
    • 19:48 – Fundraising with Purpose: Growing a Mission That Saves Lives
    • 23:24 – Lessons in Leadership: Resilience, Faith & Authenticity
    • 37:11 – Empowering Boards to Champion the Mission

    Guest Bio Casey McGovern leads with extraordinary courage and compassion. As Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer, a division of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Casey has dedicated her life to preventing the heartbreak her own family endured. After the loss of her 19-month-old daughter, Em, in a tragic drowning accident, Casey made a promise to turn her pain into purpose. That promise evolved into a mission—first through her work with the Florida Department of Health, and now through Every Child a Swimmer, where she champions legislation, education, and access to swim lessons for families in need. Today, Casey’s advocacy reaches across states, communities, and generations. Her leadership is both personal and powerful—a reminder that one mother’s determination can transform grief into a movement that saves lives. Learn More & Connect
    • Website: https://everychildaswimmer.org
    • LinkedIn (Casey): https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-mcgovern-234b9b23a/
    • LinkedIn (Organization): https://www.linkedin.com/company/every-child-a-swimmer/
    • Facebook:
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • From Struggle to Service: Lessons in Authentic Leadership

    From Struggle to Service: Lessons in Authentic Leadership
    Oct 7 2025
    Authentic leadership grows from lived experience—and the courage to share it. What does authentic leadership look like when your story begins with struggle? In this episode, Maricela Morado, President & CEO of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, shares how her lived experiences as a young parent became the foundation for a career built on compassion and impact. From serving thousands of older adults and people with disabilities to navigating hurricanes, funding shifts, and community partnerships, Maricela offers a heartfelt look at what it means to lead with empathy. She opens up about finding strength in vulnerability, the importance of asking for help, and why listening and mentorship are essential for every nonprofit leader. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, supporting one, or simply passionate about community impact, this episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about service, authenticity, and leaving people better than you found them. Prefer Video? Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PWrAeJe0xKM Standout Quotes
    • “Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about creating space where everyone’s wisdom can emerge.” (18:53)
    • “Your story can inspire someone to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to share it.” (34:22)
    • “Don’t be afraid to ask questions—you don’t have to know it all.” (34:46)

    Chapters & Timestamps
    • 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to IMPACTability
    • 01:10 – From Teen Parent to Nonprofit CEO: Maricela’s Journey
    • 03:45 – Finding Purpose and Leading with Heart
    • 06:40 – Inside the Area Agency on Aging: Mission & Community Impact
    • 10:15 – Stories of Hope: How Nonprofits Change Lives
    • 14:00 – Authentic Leadership: Building Trust and Empowering Teams
    • 20:15 – Mentorship, Peer Networks & Growth for Nonprofit Leaders
    • 25:45 – Diversifying Funding & Sustaining Community Programs
    • 32:40 – Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders and Board Members

    Guest Bio Maricela Morado leads with heart and purpose. As President and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL), she works every day to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities have the resources, dignity, and independence they deserve. Her path to leadership didn’t start in a boardroom—it began with personal experience. As a teen parent who once turned to nonprofits for help, Maricela saw firsthand how compassion and community can change lives. That experience became her calling. Today, she oversees an organization serving seven counties across Southwest Florida, connecting thousands of people to meals, housing, health programs, and hope. Under her guidance, AAASWFL has expanded its reach, built partnerships, and responded to community crises with empathy and innovation. Named to Gulfshore Business’s 40 Under 40 and honored as one of the Community Foundation of SWFL’s Top 30 Nonprofit Leaders, Maricela continues to champion collaboration, mentorship, and leadership that makes space for every voice. Her story is a reminder that impact begins when we turn our struggles into service. Learn More & Connect
    • Website: https://aaaswfl.org
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maricelamorado
    • Facebook:
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet