Archives

This is a critically important time to communicate with your supporters. But enough text-only emails. More videos like Bridget’s. More handwritten notes. More phone calls.  I gave [...]

Now more than ever, applying an equity lens to leadership and decision-making is essential. In times of crisis, it’s easy to stop or disregard diversity, equity and inclusion work as less [...]

Year-End Appeals: My Client Got It Right I received a year-end fundraising letter on October 30 from one of my clients, Playworks Pacific Northwest. While simple and produced on a budget, it [...]

Thomas, just because you have a thought doesn’t mean you have to speak it. – Paul Bruner, my dad Despite my dad’s attempts to teach me otherwise, I used to confuse talking with [...]

49 Men and Women, Orlando.  Alton Sterling, Baton Rouge. Philando Castile, Minnesota. 5 Police Officers, Dallas. 3 Police Officers, Baton Rouge. The last month has been a mind-blurring series of [...]

Most diversity programs aren’t increasing diversity. Why Diversity Programs Fail, Harvard Business Review. July-August 2016. An article in the most recent issue of the Harvard Business [...]

“I have two main criteria for hiring: Are you smart? Are you nice?“ – Gail McGovern, President & CEO, American Red Cross. Gail McGovern is whip smart. She was Executive Vice [...]

“Don’t be one of those organizations that talks to me only when you want more money.” – Paul Bruner, My Dad. I had taken a CEO job in a business where my responsibilities would include [...]

“We were naïve. I had to admit that I made a mistake. I figured that was part of my job…admit mistakes and move on quickly.” – Ryan Carson, CEO, Treehouse. Now this is a corporate [...]

This woman changed my life. Years ago I partnered with Dr. Joy DeGruy to help the organization I led improve its cultural competency. We had had a sometimes-tense relationship with communities of [...]