We don’t like to talk about it—but we should. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to transformation in a nonprofit isn’t lack of funding, staff turnover, or outdated systems. It’s leadership.
In this candid episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson and CFO Teresa Guest explore what happens when nonprofit CEOs fail to engage, set expectations, and lead with accountability.
Strong Leadership is Principle #1—for a Reason
At The Charity CFO, we’ve analyzed hundreds of nonprofits and found one undeniable truth: strong leadership is the common denominator in every successful organization. That’s why it’s the first principle in our Financial Blueprint. Learn how to build a high-performance leadership team here.
But what does strong leadership really look like?
From Silos to Alignment
Whether you lead a $500K nonprofit or a $50M one, your departments don’t naturally align themselves. Fundraising, programs, admin—they’re often pulling in different directions unless leadership creates a strategic plan and unifies the mission.
As Theresa notes: “Strategic planning isn’t optional—it’s how you bring everyone to the table and show them how their roles tie into the bigger picture.”
Communication Can’t Be One and Done
One of the biggest pitfalls for leaders is assuming that saying something once is enough. In reality, your team needs repetition, clarity, and communication through multiple channels. If your priorities aren’t being echoed weekly, monthly, and quarterly, they’re probably being forgotten.
Delegation Without Accountability is a Disaster
Leadership isn’t just about delegating tasks—it’s about transferring responsibility and setting clear success metrics. Whether you’re onboarding a new team member or rolling out a finance system, if you’re not involved in vision and accountability, don’t expect it to stick.
Financial Processes Are a Leadership Issue
If you’re struggling with compliance, reporting, or grant management, chances are it’s not just a bookkeeping issue. It’s a leadership issue. Find out why your nonprofit finance team might feel overwhelmed—and what to do about it. Your CFO or bookkeeper cannot enforce processes without your backing.
Tosha shares, “We’ve seen organizations fall apart not because the financial person didn’t do their job, but because leadership didn’t back them up.”
Final Thoughts
Transformation starts at the top. Whether it’s financial literacy, strategic alignment, or people development, leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about creating the systems, setting the tone, and empowering others to own the results.
Download our Financial Blueprint to see how your leadership measures up—and what you can do to lead with more clarity, accountability, and impact.
Get in Touch with Teresa and The Charity CFO Team here: https://thecharitycfo.com/
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