A good training experience needs a plot
Once upon a time training meant slides, a breakout, and a checklist. Every day we call that “learning.” But one day I heard about the… Read More »A good training experience needs a plot
Adult learning
The Words We Didn’t Choose
We recently recorded an episode of the Nonprofit Radio Show about a common phrase in our sector: “We’re just a working board.” It’s often said… Read More »The Words We Didn’t Choose
What interim leaders and frontline workers have in common
Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to contribute to two very different publications. One explored interim leadership and nonprofit transitions for Nonprofit… Read More »What interim leaders and frontline workers have in common
Rethinking Advocacy Education for Nonprofits
Nonprofit advocacy is often framed as a binary. You either advocate or you don’t. You are political or you are not. You testify, organize, and… Read More »Rethinking Advocacy Education for Nonprofits
The Interference Problem
A client sent me a tool the other day. “Could we use something like this?” I could tell they were excited about it. I hesitated.… Read More »The Interference Problem
Chocolate or broccoli?
No one ever says, “I have a better idea about how accounting should be done. I prefer to use a different currency every month.” Accounting… Read More »Chocolate or broccoli?
Neuro-informed teaching and learning
“To truly support people, lead teams, and design effective learning, we need a new prescription. We need a Neuro-Informed lens that helps us see the… Read More »Neuro-informed teaching and learning
Gatherings that teach, connect, and build community
I came across the book Potlatch as Pedagogy: Learning Through Ceremony in a small bookshop in Ketchikan, Alaska. In it, Indigenous educator Sara Florence Davidson and her… Read More »Gatherings that teach, connect, and build community
Information Isn’t Action: Returning to Our Theory of Change
Forgive me if I sound impatient. The world is calling us to act—boldly and urgently—with every tool we’ve got. In my line of work, that… Read More »Information Isn’t Action: Returning to Our Theory of Change
Physics vs. Engineering: Why people don’t understand your model and how to fix it
I was recently talking with an Executive Director and asked about her program. She looked at me apologetically and said that the model underpinning her… Read More »Physics vs. Engineering: Why people don’t understand your model and how to fix it
Can you put that in a graphic?
On Monday, February 24, 2025, the National Council of Nonprofits shared a timeline of actions they had taken in January and February. I love everything… Read More »Can you put that in a graphic?
Using Science to Communicate Science
Too often, focusing on adult learning is sidelined as unnecessary introspection. This belief rests on the view that the experience of learning as a child somehow… Read More »Using Science to Communicate Science