Learning for Good | L&D Solutions and Leadership Development for Nonprofits
Education & Explainer
About
As nonprofit learning and development leaders, we want a seat at the table. We want to be viewed as true business partners who can help solve problems. We want to create meaningful learning solutions that fit in the flow of work and yield real results for the organization and for the staff. That's why in this podcast, we will not only explore instructional design and leadership development best practices, but we will also explore change management, belonging, and influence - helping you build the case for the solutions your organization needs so you can show up confidently in conversations with other senior leaders, subject matter experts, staff, and partners. If we haven't met yet, I'm Heather, and I’ve been in your shoes. I'm a learning and development consultant and the founder and principal consultant at Skill Masters Market. Before starting Skill Masters Market, I worked for a large national nonprofit where I led learning and development leadership initiatives. I know what it’s like to need to develop your staff quickly and effectively, and to build the relationships and cut through the organizational layers to be successful. With an eye for the larger strategy and the creative design process, I've created hundreds of learning experiences - in-person, self-paced, and virtual classroom - and have worked with dozens of leaders and their staff to help them achieve their organization’s professional development goals. So if you're ready to bust through the barriers and start creating behavior change in your nonprofit, this podcast is for you. Let's dive in. It's Learning for Good. Nonprofit Management | Leadership Training | Leadership Development | Staff Management | Change Management | Instructional Design | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Learn more: www.skillmastersmarket.com Connect with me: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-burright Schedule a call: https://bit.ly/3GQT6Yg
Episodes
- Mentorship Programs for Nonprofits: How to Develop the Next Generation of Leaders with Larcy Douglas
This episode of Learning for Good with Larcy Douglas explores how to create and implement effective mentorship programs in nonprofit organizations. They discuss designing collaborative mentor-mentee relationships and embedding mentorship i…
- Why Good Training Takes Time
This episode of Learning for Good discusses why effective training, especially in nonprofits, requires time and cannot be rushed, even with AI advancements. It emphasizes that training is about behavior change and performance improvement,…
- How One Nonprofit Trains Its Volunteer Workforce with Jim Farmer
This episode features Jim Farmer, VP of Training at For the Children, discussing effective volunteer training strategies for nonprofits. The conversation covers designing training that prepares volunteers for success, incorporating trauma-…
- 5 Common Concerns About Training (and How to Address Them)
This episode of Learning for Good addresses common objections to nonprofit staff training and development, such as concerns about time, cost, and impact. It provides strategies for shifting mindsets to view training as a beneficial solutio…
- Custom AI Agents for Learning? A Look at One Nonprofit's Innovative Approach with Jorge Perez
Jorge Perez, CEO of YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, discusses how AI is transforming nonprofit learning and development. The episode covers AI's role in staff training, leadership growth, and potential concerns like ethics and security, encour…
- 5 Practical Post-Training Strategies to Make Learning Stick
This episode of Learning for Good addresses the common issue of training fading after workshops. It provides practical post-training strategies and systems to ensure learning leads to lasting behavioral change and impact within nonprofit o…
- Nonprofit L&D Leaders: Your Role is Much Bigger Than Delivering Training
This episode of Learning for Good addresses nonprofit learning and development professionals, encouraging them to embrace their role as change agents rather than mere training deliverers. It emphasizes the importance of their work in drivi…
- Inside Look: How One Nonprofit Is Building Its Leadership Development Pipeline with Jeremy Bouman
This episode features Jeremy Bouman discussing how nonprofits can develop leadership pipelines and succession plans. The conversation covers strategies for organizational development, long-term sustainability, and fostering a learning cult…
- The Value of Executive Coaching in Nonprofits with Chris Wong
This episode of Learning for Good features Chris Wong, an ICF-certified executive coach, discussing the value and application of executive coaching within nonprofit organizations. The conversation explores what executive coaching entails a…
- What Happens When L&D Stops Being Reactive and Starts Driving Strategy
This episode of Learning for Good explores how nonprofit L&D leaders can transition from a reactive to a proactive approach. It discusses the benefits of driving the learning strategy and becoming change agents within the organization.
- How One Nonprofit Used Habit Stacking to Improve Feedback Skills with Amy Glover
Amy Glover from the British Red Cross discusses using habit stacking to improve feedback skills within a nonprofit setting. The episode explores practical strategies for making learning and behavior change stick, drawing on concepts from J…
- Why It's Your Nonprofit's Culture (Not Compliance) That Drives Consistent Performance
This episode of Learning for Good discusses how organizational culture, rather than compliance, is the key driver of consistent performance in nonprofits. It offers practical advice on nurturing and strengthening existing cultures to achie…
- How to Build Your Personal Brand as a Nonprofit L&D Leader with Andy Storch
This episode features Andy Storch discussing the importance of personal branding for nonprofit L&D leaders. Key topics include how a personal brand attracts opportunities and creates influence, why it matters, exercises for building your b…
- You're Not a Training Factory. You are a Change Agent.
This episode discusses how nonprofit L&D professionals are often viewed as 'training factories' but are actually change agents responsible for behavior change. It offers four recommendations to help L&D professionals embody this change age…
- The Real ROI of Reducing Turnover (and How Training Helps) with Rachel Platt
This episode features HR leader Rachel Platt discussing the high turnover rates in the nonprofit sector. It explores the causes, the impact of employee departures, and how learning and development initiatives can help reduce turnover, enga…
- How Most Nonprofits Approach Women's Leadership Development (and What You Should Do Instead) with Marisa Ciesluk
This episode discusses the challenges faced by women in nonprofit leadership, addressing burnout and exploring effective support strategies. Guest Marisa Ciesluk shares organizational and individual approaches to leadership development.
- Is This a Training Problem? A Quick Diagnostic Tool for Nonprofit Learning & Development Leaders
This episode shares a diagnostic process for nonprofit L&D leaders to determine if a presented problem is solvable with training or if another solution is more appropriate. It covers why training is often the default solution and offers ke…
- Create Environments Where People Stay, Grow, and Thrive with Julie Winkle Giulioni
This episode of Learning for Good features author Julie Winkle Giulioni discussing how nonprofits can foster environments where employees want to stay, grow, and contribute meaningfully. The discussion covers strategies for building a cult…
- 3 Skills Your Nonprofit Needs in 2026
This episode of Learning for Good identifies the top three skills nonprofits will need in 2026, offering a process for leaders to identify and prioritize organizational skill development for resilience and mission focus.
- 2025 Was a Wild Ride. Here's What We Have Planned for 2026
This episode reflects on the past year's accomplishments within Skill Masters Market, the Learning for Good podcast, and the Nonprofit L&D Collective, while also detailing upcoming plans and transformations for 2026.
- How to Position Training as an Investment (from the Perspective of a CFO) with Rick Dahlseid
This episode features Rick Dahlseid, a nonprofit CFO, discussing how L&D leaders can position training as a worthwhile investment. Learn about the CFO's perspective on training, defining ROI for L&D, and effective strategies for securing n…
- Your Brand Is Your Influence: Building Credibility Inside Your Nonprofit with Lauren Davis
This episode of Learning for Good features branding expert Lauren Davis, discussing how nonprofit HR and L&D professionals can build their influence and strategic credibility by developing a strong personal brand. They cover the importance…
- How to Spot a Mindset or Motivation Problem (Not a Skill One)
This episode explains why training isn't always the answer to performance problems, differentiating between skill gaps and issues related to mindset or motivation. It offers strategies to identify the root cause for successful behavior cha…
- From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tools to Restore Yourself in Times of Change and Disruption with Dr. Reggie Thomas
This episode addresses the burnout epidemic, particularly in the nonprofit sector, with guest Dr. Reggie Thomas. It covers understanding burnout's symptoms and impact, and provides practical tools for prevention, recovery, and strengthenin…
- Training Isn't a Cost: Here's How Nonprofits Actually Save Money through Learning and Development with Nancy Bacon
This episode features Nancy Bacon discussing how nonprofits can save money by investing in learning and development. It challenges the notion of training as a cost, highlighting its value in moving the mission forward and providing practic…
- Build Teams that Don't Need Babysitting
This episode of Learning for Good focuses on helping nonprofit leaders build high-performance teams that do not require constant supervision. It covers five key lessons on building trust, providing clarity, developing skills, nurturing lea…
- Five Steps to Align Your People Development Efforts with Your Nonprofit Strategy
This episode outlines five steps to align learning and development (L&D) with nonprofit strategy. It covers reviewing organizational strategies, defining team needs, identifying gaps, prioritizing needs, and determining how to close those…
- How to Handle Stakeholder Conflict Without Burning Bridges
This episode shares a 4-step method for navigating disagreements with nonprofit stakeholders to avoid conflict and maintain relationships. It emphasizes the importance of strong stakeholder connections and provides tips for successful, con…
- How to Market Your Training So People Want to Take it with Hannah Clark
The Learning for Good podcast episode features Hannah Clark, a Marketing for Learning® expert, discussing strategies to create and market training programs for nonprofits that resonate with audiences and achieve intended impact.
- The Cost of Building the Wrong Training: How Nonprofits Can Avoid Wasting Resources
This episode of Learning for Good discusses the significant financial and human costs associated with poorly designed nonprofit training programs. It offers guidance for leaders on strategic planning and diagnosis to ensure training initia…
- What Executives Really Want from L&D with Danika Mitcham
Danika Mitcham, VP of Supporter Operations at Compassion International, joins Heather on Learning for Good to discuss what nonprofit executives truly desire from Learning and Development initiatives. They explore executive expectations, po…
- Why So Many Trainings Fail
This episode of Learning for Good explores why nonprofit trainings often fail. Key reasons discussed include solving the wrong problem, scope issues, missing behavior change principles, lack of support, and inadequate measurement.
- 3 Design Thinking Principles for Learning & Development Pros with Sheryl Cababa
Sheryl Cababa joins the podcast to explain design thinking for learning and development professionals. The discussion covers empathy, stakeholder management, and three core principles for improving the analysis phase in L&D.
- When Training Works and When It Doesn't
This episode of Learning for Good explores the effectiveness of training in nonprofits. It emphasizes diagnosing problems before seeking solutions and outlines situations where training is beneficial versus when alternative approaches are…
- Team Struggling to Meet Expectations? THIS is the Missing Piece with Ashley Cox
In this episode, leadership mentor Ashley Cox discusses the missing ingredient for building high-performing teams. She explores the Triangle of Trust framework and shares practical strategies for leaders to foster trust, vulnerability, and…
- Celebrating the Valuable Nonprofit L&D Insights From 150 Episodes: Tasha Van Vlack Interviews Learning for Good Host Heather Burright
In episode 150 of Learning for Good, host Heather Burright is interviewed by Tasha Van Vlack. Burright shares her career path and discusses key aspects of nonprofit learning and development, including creating meaningful learning experienc…
- Key Ingredients in a High-Performance Culture with Brett Myles
This episode features Brett Myles, a leadership coach, discussing how to build a high-performance culture that benefits both the organization and its employees. Key topics include navigating conflict, empowering leaders and teams, and crea…
- 8 Major Accessibility Insights for Your Nonprofit Learning Strategy with Nicole L'Etoile
This episode of Learning for Good features accessibility expert Dr. Nicole L'Etoile discussing how to design learning strategies that work for all learners. The discussion covers the importance of accessibility in L&D, potential barriers l…
- Stretched Thin? Three Capacity Building Strategies Every Nonprofit Leader Can Use Today
This episode of Learning for Good provides nonprofit leaders with three capacity building strategies to manage stress and maintain performance when teams are overwhelmed. It addresses the impact of stress on nonprofits and offers practical…
- How to Design Realistic Training Scenarios that Actually Work with Srividya Kumar
This episode of Learning for Good features Srividya Kumar, a learning design leader, who discusses how to create realistic and relevant training scenarios. The conversation covers defining training scenarios, their effective use, common pi…
- How to Make Learning Part of Your Nonprofit's DNA with Yogi Mueller
In this episode of Learning for Good, host Heather Burright interviews leadership coach and author Yogi Mueller about building a learning culture within nonprofits. They discuss strategies for fostering curiosity, shifting leadership minds…
- From Manager to Leader: Nonprofit Leadership Development Strategies
In this episode of Learning for Good, Heather discusses strategies for developing nonprofit managers into leaders. Topics include using competency models, coaching, enablement, and accountability to build confident staff and prevent burnou…
- Leading Across Borders? How to Build High-Performing Nonprofit Teams Anywhere in the World with Dr. Lori Beyar
Dr. Lori Beyar joins Learning for Good to discuss managing global nonprofit teams. The conversation covers building trust across cultures, the importance of awareness, acceptance, and appreciation, and strategies for maintaining consistent…
- Collaboration Without Chaos: 10 Inclusive Decision Making Practices for Nonprofit Leaders
This episode of Learning for Good focuses on 10 inclusive decision-making practices for nonprofit leaders. It discusses how to improve training and leadership initiatives through collaboration, ensuring all voices are heard while maintaini…
- Scale Smarter, Not Harder: A Better Way to Grow Nonprofit Programs
This episode of Learning for Good discusses how nonprofits can achieve sustainable growth by prioritizing learning and development strategies. It covers building infrastructure, developing staff capacity through training, and implementing…
- Not Just an HR Problem: The Role of L&D in Succession Planning
This episode of Learning for Good features transition strategist Naomi Hattaway discussing the critical role of L&D in nonprofit succession planning. They cover how succession planning ensures leadership continuity, supports operational st…
- Stop (only) Training. Start Coaching. How to Improve Staff Performance
This episode discusses how nonprofit leaders can improve staff performance by incorporating coaching, not just training. It introduces three powerful coaching questions based on the Situation-Behavior-Impact framework to foster behavior ch…
- Nonprofit L&D Pro Explains How to Create Meaningful Change and Drive Learning Strategy, an Interview with Jamie Bussey
Jamie Bussey, Senior Director of L&D at the National Audubon Society, discusses developing L&D strategies in nonprofits. She explains using needs assessments, implementing scalable solutions like an LMS and coaching, and launching manager…
- Three Non-Training Solutions that Improve Staff Accountability
This episode of Learning for Good discusses three non-training solutions to improve staff accountability in nonprofits, focusing on behavior change and habit formation. It explains why these strategies are effective for team performance an…
- Want to Work in Nonprofit L&D? Here’s What You Should Know
This episode of Learning for Good features L&D leaders Eric Wu and Matt Tod, discussing their career paths and offering advice for those interested in nonprofit L&D. They share insights into L&D roles in university and global nonprofit set…