In this episode, the host discusses leadership with Dan Blakemore, the vice president of philanthropy at the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. They explore the qualities of a good leader, the importance of adapting to change, and the commitment to learning. They also discuss how leaders can motivate their teams and embrace new technologies. The conversation concludes with a discussion on succession planning and measuring the social impact of nonprofit work.

Takeaways

• A good leader is someone who lives the mission, encourages others, and leads by example.
• Leaders need qualities such as good relationship management, the ability to take direction, strategic thinking, and inclusivity.
• Leaders must be open to new ideas and adapt to changes in the nonprofit sector.
• Succession planning is important for ensuring the continuity of leadership within an organization.
• Measuring the social impact of nonprofit work involves setting smart objectives, distinguishing between outputs and outcomes, and being transparent with stakeholders.

Dan Blakemore, CFRE is Vice President of Philanthropy at the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Throughout his more than 15 years in non-profit fundraising, he has worked in museums, the performing arts and higher education. 

Dan is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where he serves as the U.S. Political Action Committee Vice Chair and a member of the Government Relations Committee. He is a board member and past President of AFP’s Northeast Ohio Chapter.  

Dan serves his community as a Diversity on Board Coach with Leadership Akron, as a Trustee of the African American Archives Auxiliary at Western Reserve Historical Society, and on the boards of Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and the National Park Friends Alliance. He is a proud graduate of both Howard University and New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

He lives in Northeast Ohio with his wife and three young kids.

Chapters

00:33 Guest Introduction

01:32 Defining a Good Leader

03:09 Adapting to Change

04:03 Commitment to Learning

05:23 Staying Connected in a Pandemic

06:20 Motivating the Team

08:19 Embracing New Technologies

09:37 Succession Planning

16:09 Identifying Future Leaders

35:15 Coaches Corner: “how can we effectively measure the social impact of our nonprofit’s work?“

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