What does it take to lead a creative organization where artistry, business discipline, and community impact must all coexist?

In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney is joined by Lacey Huszcza, President and CEO of the Richmond Symphony, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on leading creative teams. Drawing from her experience as both a musician and nonprofit executive, Lacey shares how effective leadership in the arts requires fluency in both artistic and business languages, deep respect for creative professionals, and a clear commitment to alignment over consensus.

Throughout the episode, Lacey explores how leaders can navigate the tension between artistic ambition and financial reality, make difficult decisions when resources are limited, and build organizational alignment without requiring universal agreement. She also discusses the importance of authentic community connection, from commissioning locally rooted works to meeting audiences where they are, both inside and outside the concert hall.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Balancing artistic integrity with financial sustainability

• Building alignment without stifling creativity or healthy conflict

• Engaging communities in meaningful, non performative ways

• Leading highly skilled, independently minded professionals with clarity and trust

• Creating space for creativity alongside systems and processes

This episode offers valuable lessons not only for arts leaders, but for any nonprofit or mission driven leader guiding talented teams whose work is deeply personal and purpose driven.

In this episode of Lead for Good, nonprofit strategist and executive coach Nancy Batterman shares a rich set of lessons shaped by more than three decades as a CEO and six years of coaching leaders across the sector. Nancy reflects on her early journey in special education, her unexpected rise to leading a large nonprofit organization, and the mentors who shaped her approach to leadership. She emphasizes how confidence, curiosity, and a strong commitment to personal development help leaders grow over time.

A major theme throughout the episode is the role of self awareness. Nancy explains how blind spots often hold leaders back more than any external obstacle, and she describes practical ways to identify and address these areas through assessments, coaching, honest conversations, and inviting feedback. She also explores how affirmations, reflection habits, and peer support systems help leaders overcome imposter feelings and build resilience.

Nancy also discusses culture building, decision making, and employee engagement. She shares stories from her own leadership tenure, including navigating the 2008 economic crisis, keeping teams aligned during high pressure seasons, and creating environments where staff feel recognized and valued. Her insights highlight that great leadership is both people centered and growth minded, and that leaders must stay grounded in curiosity, care, and consistent learning.

If this conversation resonates with you, or if you are looking for a place where nonprofit leaders learn from one another and share real life experience, check out Fulcrum Nonprofit Leadership. Fulcrum brings executives together for peer learning, leadership development, and practical support that helps leaders thrive in their roles and strengthen their organizations.

Lead for Good Podcast: A Conversation with John Kozyra, CEO of Avera Health

In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with John Kozyra, CEO of Avera Health in Nebraska. John is known for leading with clarity, compassion, and a long term vision for strengthening community health systems. His leadership has guided major growth initiatives, fostered strong local partnerships, and built a workplace where people feel valued and supported.

This conversation explores three essential themes for nonprofit and health care leaders:

Growth Strategies and Momentum How to recognize when momentum is strong or slipping, keep teams focused over long time horizons, and balance the pressures of innovation with daily operational demands.

Employee Engagement and Making People Feel Valued How to listen well, respond with honesty, create systems that capture real employee experiences, and stay approachable as an executive.

Community Engagement and Responsive Leadership How to listen to community voices, align programs with local needs, strengthen trust, and make presence and responsiveness part of a leadership culture.

Whether you lead a nonprofit, manage a health system, or guide teams through change, John’s insights offer practical guidance and inspiration.

If you find value in this conversation, please subscribe to the Lead for Good podcast and explore our other shows on nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational culture.