How do you hold people to account without damaging trust or becoming the bottleneck?

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle unpack practical ways CEOs and senior leaders can build a culture of accountability, set clear expectations, and lift performance, without micromanaging or avoiding tough conversations.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Set up accountability from the start so difficult conversations are easier later
• Shift from managing tasks to leading for outcomes
• Avoid micromanagement while still staying across delivery
• Use clear guardrails: authority, risk appetite, values and boundaries
• Build a “no surprises” culture where issues are raised early
• Hold people to account without becoming the problem-solver-in-chief
• Stop “taking the monkey” and keep accountability with the right person
• Handle underperformance in a way that strengthens, not weakens, culture
• Use accountability as a tool for leadership development, not just compliance
• Create consistency across your executive and senior leadership teams

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Starting your first CEO role is never simple and stepping into one with a powerful purpose-driven mission adds an entirely new layer of expectation, and personal growth.

In this episode, Michelle and Danielle sit down with Alex Ksugas, CEO of Mojo Crowe to discuss what it really feels like to transition from the corporate world into leading a values-based organisation founded by Ben Crowe. Alex speaks openly about pressure, people-pleasing, decision-making, team culture, and redefining success as a leader. This is a deeply human, practical, and encouraging conversation for any CEO navigating uncertainty, complexity, and the constant visibility of leadership.

• The Reality of Being a First-Time CEO
• Leadership Visibility & Human Impact
• Managing pressure while remaining authentic
• What it’s like leading an organisation built on someone else’s life’s work
• Decision-Making, People-Pleasing & Tough Calls
• Letting go of others’ opinions without losing compassion
• Shifting from fear to curiosity when facing the unknown
• Why celebrating small wins protects you and your team from burnout
• Perspective-taking as a protective factor for CEO wellbeing

Guest: Alex Ksugas, CEO of Mojo • The Perspective Company

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle unpack the essential steps for purpose CEOs can take at the start of the year to set up 2026 for success. From strategic reviews to leadership rhythm, stakeholder planning, budgeting and personal sustainability, this conversation is a practical roadmap for CEOs who want to lead with intention.

• How to start the year without carrying last year’s exhaustion
• Reviewing your strategic plan, assumptions and operational progress
• Mapping your calendar, meetings and leadership rhythm
• Reviewing budget performance and preparing early for forecasting
• Funding acquittals: avoiding mid-year scrambles
• Planning stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Choosing your CEO “signature project” for the year
• Building sustainability: personal commitments, boundaries and holidays
• Clearing old to-do lists and setting realistic goals

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn