Home Blog & Media Strategies for trust, collaboration, and lasting change in NGOs

Strategies for trust, collaboration, and lasting change in NGOs

May 23, 2024

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Lynne Gilliland


Lynne Gilliland Consulting

Lessons From Leaders host Lynne Gilliland shares insights and actionable strategies from her conversations with Julia Roig, Founder and Chief Network Weaver at The Horizons Project, and Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator. These conversations will guide you toward fostering trust, collaboration, and lasting change within your organizations.

Nonprofit Boardroom and Beyond | Building Trust and Collaboration

My conversation with Julia Roig, the visionary behind The Horizons Project, has left me deeply inspired and energized.

Julia’s insights immediately grabbed my attention. She spoke about how embracing risks, rather than just facing them, can often lead to transformative outcomes. It’s like a lightbulb went off in my head—I realized that sometimes, it’s the challenges that push us to grow the most; as Julie shares:

“Don’t just face risks but embrace them. Risks often unfold into transformative successes.”

On the art of networking and collaboration, Julia emphasizes the importance of careful relationship-building, urging leaders to embrace gradual networking and fostering genuine connections. Her words echo as a call to collective empowerment and shared responsibility.

She adds, “Collaboration isn’t easy. We’ve taken for granted that putting people together will make it happen. The reality is, it’s hard work, a long-term commitment, and we must slow down in building relationships and understanding.”

Julia places a significant value on intentional excitement in board engagement and organizational culture. She paints a vivid picture of vibrant, substantive board meetings that foster camaraderie and drive meaningful discussions. Her words remind us of the importance of creating an energized community within any organization.

Julia’s guidance also sparks a renewed sense of purpose and desire to approach work with more courage and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to continue following her journey and learning from her insights.

If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration and practical wisdom, I highly recommend tuning in to our conversation. It might just reignite your passion for making a difference in the world.

Catalyzing Impact: NGO Leadership Strategies, Board Engagement, and Mission Alignment

Are you deeply passionate about your mission statement?

Get ready for a journey into the world of global development, guided by Michael Thatcher, the CEO of Charity Navigator. Our conversation sheds light on how embracing your mission and setting ambitious goals serve as powerful motivators, and can drive meaningful change within NGOs.

“Falling in love with the mission fuels our passion, while setting impossible goals ignites our imagination and determination—both are the driving forces behind unstoppable motivation.”

Michael’s wealth of experience, spanning from Microsoft to Charity Navigator, offers unique perspectives on accountability, resilience, and people-centered leadership, making his insights invaluable for NGO leaders.

“At Microsoft, I’m learning that people are not just a bullet point on a slide—they’re our first priority. Supporting our teams through challenges, building psychological safety, and fostering a mission-driven culture are pivotal moments that drive success.”

Are you in search of practical strategies for effective change management? Look no further. Michael shares real-world perspectives that provide a roadmap for immediate application in your strategic planning.

We also explore CEO-board dynamics, trust-building, and leveraging board support effectively. Michael’s growth journey and leadership wisdom offer a compelling guide for NGO leaders striving for lasting impact.

“Effective board engagement is about mutual value, meaningful connections, and shared contribution.”

In these two episodes, discover lessons about trust, collaboration, and mission alignment as you discover strategies for embracing risks, fostering an energized culture, and driving positive change within your organization.


Real talks. Timely topics. Transparent leaders. Available on all podcast platforms. Tune in for expert advice from leaders worldwide. Lynne and guests cover success, failure, fear, courage, and growth. Start listening today!

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