Class is in session! Today, we’re thrilled to have Atlanta Community Food Bank founder, Bill Bolling on the podcast. Bill gives us a master class on leadership beyond that of the nonprofit sector. He explains to achieve our goals, there are parts of the process we must decentralize and that requires trust. In his words, “The way to connect with individuals is to involve them in the work.” Listen in as Bill shares highlights from his inspiring career and how we as leaders can shift the focus back to those we serve: our employees, our partners and our customers.
2:00 Meet Bill, hear about his time in the Air Force and what lead him to the University of West Georgia.
5:30 “We’re all called to do what we can with what we have in the time given to us.” – Bill
6:00 Bill explains how food was the tool but the work was around transformation.
9:00 Creating win-win situations and shifting the mindset (“I’m a business partner, not a charity”). Bill says of the nonprofit sector: you need to be a good listener, be strategic and be able to measure.
10:45 “Things that get counted get done.” – Bill
12:00 How to measure a servant leader: Are the people around you better educated and more empowered? Are you helping others achieve their dreams?
14:00 “Out in the world, things are done in relationship .” – Bill
15:00 When times get tough, Bill reminds leaders to take a moment and remember who wanted you to succeed.
18:00 Leading in the nonprofit sector vs. the corporate world. Figure how who your strategic partners are.
21:00 Questions often asked by investors: Are you going to be sustainable and how are you going to leverage this investment? Bill notes that most investors invest in the person over the organization or even the idea.
22:45 What makes this so challenging? “Culture and alignment are key.” – Bill
25:30 “The way to connect with individuals is to involve them in the work.” – Bill
29:30 Working in the business vs on the business.
34:30 Bill’s leadership hack: Collaborate is the key. (Work across sectors.)
Show Resources:
- Looking for additional guidance within your organization? Email: bsmith@myleadershipfoundry.com and rhain@myleadershipfoundry.com
- Never miss an episode – subscribe to The Leadership Foundry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
