It's very common for leaders to throw training at every performance problem we see. Yet not all performance problems result from a skill gap.

In fact, many are due to other factors, such as mindset or motivation. The problem with this is that performance won't change if you offer training in these cases.

So, in this episode, I'm breaking down how to  determine if something is a mindset, motivation, or skill gap problem, and why this matters for successful behavior change.

▶️ How to Spot a Mindset or Motivation Problem (Not a Skill One)

▶️ Key Points:

0:00:00 Why training isn't always the right solution

0:02:44 A quick lesson on behavior change

0:05:18 Four questions to spot the root cause of a problem

Resources from this episode:

Check out The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.

Learn more about James Clear and his book Atomic Habits.

Catch up with these previous episodes if there's a lack of trust or psychological safety in your organization:

• Episode 151: How to Build a High-Performance Team Starting with Trust
• Episode 149: Key Ingredients in a High-Performance Culture

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇

Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms

In times of change and disruption, burnout has become a major epidemic. In fact, according to statistics, over half of the workforce is burnt out, with the nonprofit sector being hit the hardest.

Because we must address this issue, I have Dr. Reggie Thomas with me today. He is the founder of PeakePotential, Inc., and a professional speaker  who gives keynote talks and teaches workshops on burnout prevention and recovery, and workplace wellness.

You will understand burnout and its symptoms, discover how it impacts both the individual and the organization, and learn practical tools to prevent burnout, support recovery, and strengthen your and your people's well-being.

▶️ From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tools to Restore Yourself in Times of Change and Disruption with Dr. Reggie Thomas

▶️ Key Points:

0:00:00 From his own burnout to helping others recover

0:07:33 The increase in burnout across the workplace

0:09:52 How burnout impacts individuals and organizations

0:12:57 Strategies to prevent burnout and support recovery

0:20:25 Normalize burnout and pay attention to the symptoms

Resources from this episode:

Check out Dr. Thomas' best-selling books, People Pains and Burnout Pains.

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇

Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗

Connect with Guest

LinkedIn: Dr. Reggie Thomas

Website: peakepotential.com

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms

 Nonprofits often view training as a cost. I've heard it, and I'm sure you've heard it as well. However, it's actually an investment in the very thing that moves your mission forward: your people.

That's why, in this episode, I'm sitting down with Nancy Bacon to debunk the idea that training is a cost and highlight all the value it brings when done right. She is a teacher, instructional designer, and learning strategist who has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years.

This episode is a game-changer for nonprofit leaders who are struggling with the decision to invest in training, and for nonprofit L&D pros who are struggling to frame up the value of what they do to secure the partners and funding they need.

▶️ Training Isn't a Cost: Here's How Nonprofits Actually Save Money Through Learning and Development with Nancy Bacon

▶️ Key Points:

0:00:00 How Nancy became a nonprofit learning strategist

0:06:05 Cost vs. investment: the ROI of training

0:11:02 Hidden costs of  not investing in L&D

0:16:48 Effectively communicate the real value of training

21:31 The need to shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance

Resources from this episode:

Check out Mark Nilles and Nancy Bacon's ebook  Conferences That Make a Difference.

Catch up with Episode 156 of Learning For Good, where I talk about the cost of training.

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

If you're a nonprofit leader who's ready to invest in your people, complete our consulting application form.

Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇

Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗

Connect with Nancy

LinkedIn: Nancy Bacon

Website: nancybacon.com and nonprofitlearning.center

Podcast: Nonprofit Radio Show

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms

Do you ever feel like you have to constantly babysit your team instead of focusing on your own job? It's like you can't take your eyes off them, so you always find yourself in their work and in their decisions, double-checking everything.

If that's your case, then this episode is for nonprofit leaders like yourself. I'm bringing five lessons from past clients and past podcast episodes to help you build high-performance nonprofit people managers.

This way, you'll get to finally operate as the leader and executive you are, and not the babysitter you've been forced to be.

▶️ Build Teams that Don't Need Babysitting

▶️ Key Points:

0:01:20 What teams that need babysitting look like

0:04:14 Building trust

0:05:09 Providing clarity

0:05:55 Building skills

0:06:59 Developing your leaders

0:08:08 Using coaching techniques

Resources from this episode:

 If you want my support  in building teams that are aligned, efficient, and consistent, fill out this form so we can work together on your organization.

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇

Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms

Your nonprofit has a strong 2026 strategy. But is your team ready to bring it to life? If your team isn't fully equipped to deliver on your goals, you could be missing the bridge between strategy and success.

That's why, in this episode, I'm sharing a little of what it takes to align your L&D efforts and your nonprofit strategy by breaking down the five steps you can take to build a training plan that enables your organization and your people to achieve those 2026 goals.

▶️ Five Steps to Align Your People Development Efforts with Your Nonprofit Strategy

▶️ Key Points:

01:20 The value of getting support to build  the right training plan

04:38 Step 1: Review your organization's strategies

05:15 Step 2: Define what your people need to do

05:48 Step 3: Identify the gaps, roadblocks, or pain points

07:08 Step 4: Prioritize the needs

08:41 Step 5: Determine how to close the gaps

Resources from this episode:

 If you want to learn more about how I can support you  in creating a plan for your team, fill out this form.

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇

Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms

We have all disagreed with our nonprofit stakeholders at some point in our careers,  but speaking up and sharing that disagreement can feel hard because we tend to want to avoid conflict and not burn any bridges.

However, there are times when voicing your disagreement is necessary because it's what's best for the organization and the mission.

That's why, in this episode, I'm sharing a 4-step method to disagree with your stakeholders without causing division, along with powerful tips to make these conversations successful.

▶️ How to Say "This Isn't a Training Issue" Without Burning Bridges with Your Nonprofit Stakeholders

▶️ Key Points:

03:02 The importance of having a strong relationship with your stakeholders

04:34  When you need to speak up if you disagree

06:36 Step 1: Discover

07:34 Step 2: Align

08:21 Step 3: Compliment

09:11 Step 4: Propose

11:48 How you can prepare yourself for these conversations

13:12 Five things to keep in mind when having these conversations

Resources from this episode:

Catch up with these episodes to learn how to build a strong relationship with your stakeholders:

• Episode 134: What It Means to Be a Good Partner in Learning and Development
• Episode 108: 3 Ways to Turn Your Subject Matter Expert into Your Biggest Asset
• Episode 54: How Can Learning and Development Teams Work with Subject Matter Experts Without Frustration?

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective Catalyst Tier this November to attend our upcoming group coaching session: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇

Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms

Have you ever created a training only to launch it into the world and be met with crickets?

I see this happen often in learning and development. However,  I know how hard you work, and I know you're doing good, meaningful work in the nonprofit sector, so I don't want you to release a learning experience and be met with silence.

That's why, in this episode, I'm joined by Hannah Clark, Marketing for Learning® expert and strategist, and podcast host.  We talk about how you can avoid that silence and how you can create and market your learning so it really resonates with your audience and has  the impact it's intended to make.

▶️ Avoid the Silence: How to Create and Market Your Learning So It Resonates with Hannah Clark

▶️ Key Points:

03:16 Hannah's love for marketing and how she fell into the L&D niche

07:39 Why learning experiences fail or fall flat

10:02 How to make sure you create learning that resonates

17:14 What to do to get your learning experience in front of learners

24:27 Copywriting and design: how to use these crucial marketing tactics

28:38 Simple tips for when marketing feels overwhelming

Resources from this episode:

Tune in to Hannah Clark's podcast, Marketing for Learning®, which I love.

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇

Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗

Connect with Hannah

LinkedIn: Hannah Clark

Website: maas-marketing.co.uk

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms

Creating impactful training programs for nonprofit teams takes more than good intentions; it takes strategy.

In this episode of Learning for Good, we’re diving deep into the hidden and high costs of getting training wrong. From budget overruns to burnout, I’m breaking down what nonprofit leaders risk when they don’t start with the right diagnosis—and how to get it right.

This conversation is especially critical for leaders focused on nonprofit leadership development, staff training and development, and building a culture of learning that drives mission impact. Whether you're exploring learning and development strategies or already implementing instructional design in nonprofit organizations, this episode gives you a practical lens for avoiding costly missteps.

▶️ Key Points:

01:52 Training doesn't always work

02:31 Wasted resources

06:32 Hidden costs

08:20 Missed impact

09:21 How to ensure you don't build the wrong thing

Resources from this episode:

Catch up with Episode 152: When Training Works and When It Doesn't and Episode 154: Why So Many Trainings Fail.

Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective Catalyst Tier before November to attend our group coaching session around solving the right problems with the right solutions: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collective

Was this episode helpful? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review! 👇👇👇

Know anyone who would benefit from this episode? SHARE this with your friends. 🔗

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn: Heather Burright

Website: skillmastersmarket.com

Book an interest call with Heather here.

Learning for Good is the podcast for nonprofit leaders seeking practical L&D solutions. Hosted by Heather, an experienced consultant, we dive into leadership development, instructional design, change management, and staff management strategies tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Discover how to implement impactful learning solutions, foster belonging, and influence senior leaders. Each episode provides the tools you need to confidently navigate high-level conversations and drive meaningful change within your organization.

Let’s create lasting impact through innovative L&D solutions!

Produced by Ideablossoms