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Kari's Confessions

Kari's Confessions

Written by: Kari Anderson
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Serving the nonprofit sector is a privilege. Leading a nonprofit organization is, (in my opinion), one of life's greatest joys. And one of life's greatest sources of heartburn. Where else can you both provide a critical service to your community and fill a key need in your market? While, simultaneously, be asked to work miracles on a shoestring budget and perform the roles of CEO and chief bottle washer. Leading a nonprofit is fulfilling, satisfying and more. It's also lonely and isolating. Many leaders come into the role with limited onboarding, marginal orientation, and no manual to refer to as to "how to do the work". You're charged with leading this important organization, and not sure whom you can talk to when you need a an "offline" ear, or where to turn to ask for help. Join me, Kari Anderson, as I share my take on the nonprofit sector. In my 20+ years serving as a nonprofit Executive Director, I saw just about everything, and didn't think I could be surprised. From bad board behavior to fundraising successes, well-meaning donors to entitled staff, no-show volunteers to successful community partnerships…I've got a story to tell! I love our sector – the "third" sector. I want to create a space where you feel welcome. Where you can breathe. A place where you can laugh and see yourself continuing this good work. Consider our time together a recipe comprised of the following ingredients: one part story, one part therapy, one part self-help and one part kick in the pants!2023 Economics Management Management & Leadership Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • How to Hit the Reset Button: Yearly Organizational Audit Tips
    Jan 12 2026

    When was the last time your nonprofit truly hit the reset button

    Not the "we survived another year" kind - but a real pause to assess what's working, what's not, and what's quietly holding your organization back.

    In this episode of Kari's Confessions: A Nonprofit Exec Tells All, Kari Anderson breaks down yearly organizational audits as a practical, empowering leadership tool - not a compliance exercise. Drawing on 25+ years in nonprofit leadership, Kari reframes the internal audit as an annual health checkup for your organization's systems, people, and decision-making structures.

    You'll learn why nonprofits don't fail from lack of passion - but from nonprofit systems drifting out of alignment with mission - and how a well-designed audit can restore clarity and momentum. Kari explains the critical difference between external audits and internal organizational audits, how to right-size scope, and how to align your audit with your strategic plan for real impact.

    This conversation also explores:

    • How internal audits uncover patterns leaders are often too close to see

    • Why collaboration (staff, risk experts, and external consultants) matters

    • How strong audit programs improve organizational effectiveness, reduce risk, and free teams for mission-critical work

    If you're a nonprofit executive, board member, or senior leader ready to stop putting out fires and start building fireproof systems, this episode offers a clear path forward.

    👉 Subscribe for more practical nonprofit leadership insights
    👉 Share this episode with a colleague or board member
    👉 Follow Incite! Consulting for tools, strategies, and real-world guidance

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    🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your team or board! For more nonprofit leadership strategies, hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

    🎧 Available wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.

    ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

    Let's stay connected:

    🌐 Website: https://inciteconsultinggroup.com
    📬 Email: kari@inciteconsultinggroup.com
    💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariraeanderson/
    📞 Book a Chat: http://bit.ly/workingwithkari

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • From Resolutions to Results — Why Strategic Goals Matter for Nonprofits
    Jan 4 2026

    Good intentions aren't enough - results require strategy.

    Every January, nonprofit leaders set ambitious resolutions: expand reach, secure funding, deepen impact. But without clear strategic goals, those intentions often fade. In this episode of Kari's Confessions, Kari Anderson breaks down how nonprofit leaders can move from resolutions to results - and why strategic goals are the bridge between passion and measurable impact.

    Drawing on 25+ years in nonprofit leadership, Kari explains how vague aspirations lead to mission drift, burnout, and scattered efforts. She shares what effective strategic planning actually looks like: specific, time-bound goals that clarify priorities, align teams, and guide tough decisions. You'll learn how strategic goals create focus, strengthen stakeholder trust, and help organizations stay resilient amid uncertainty.

    Kari also explores the power of data-driven decisions - using KPIs and real metrics to measure what matters, allocate resources wisely, and continuously improve outcomes. Most importantly, she shows how to turn strategy into action through accountability, ownership, and regular review—so your plan becomes a living guide, not a document on a shelf.

    If your organization is ready to stop reacting and start leading with clarity, this episode is for you.

    ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

    🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your team or board! For more nonprofit leadership strategies, hit the bell so you never miss an episode.

    🎧 Available wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.

    ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

    Let's stay connected:

    🌐 Website: https://inciteconsultinggroup.com
    📬 Email: kari@inciteconsultinggroup.com
    💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariraeanderson/
    📞 Book a Chat: http://bit.ly/workingwithkari

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Understanding Donor Motivation: The Psychology Behind Giving
    Oct 19 2025

    Unlocking Donor Motivation: Build Deeper, Lasting Connections

    Why do people give—and how can nonprofits connect with donors in meaningful ways? In this episode of Kari's Confessions, Kari Anderson, principal at Incite! Consulting, dives into the psychology of giving and shares practical strategies to engage supporters authentically.

    Discover the core drivers behind donor behavior, from altruism and moral obligation to ego-driven motivations like recognition and legacy-building. Learn how social dynamics, peer influence, and community belonging shape giving, and why trust, transparency, and storytelling are essential for long-term donor loyalty.

    Kari also breaks down actionable tips for simplifying the donor journey, tailoring outreach through segmentation, and turning transactional donations into relational partnerships. Whether you're preparing for year-end fundraising or looking to strengthen ongoing engagement, this episode provides insights every nonprofit leader can apply immediately.

    Key takeaways:

    • Understand donor motivations: altruism, moral obligation, ego, and social influence

    • Build trust through storytelling and transparency

    • Simplify the giving process to respect donor time and energy

    • Segment your donors to personalize outreach and increase retention

    If you're ready to deepen donor relationships, boost engagement, and make every gift count, this episode is a must-watch!

    ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

    Let's stay connected:

    🌐 Website: https://inciteconsultinggroup.com
    📬 Email: kari@inciteconsultinggroup.com
    💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariraeanderson/
    📞 Book a Chat: http://bit.ly/workingwithkari

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
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