Insights

Leadership insights and community resources for those building capacity in themselves and others.

Newsletter Sign Up
Ten Nonprofit Leaders Close a Year of Building Trust (Hanover Township Nonprofit Leaders Forum – September 2026)

Ten Nonprofit Leaders Close a Year of Building Trust (Hanover Township Nonprofit Leaders Forum – September 2026)

A partnership between organizations is worth what it moves for the people they serve. Ten nonprofit leaders spent a year building the trust that makes that possible. In the final session of the 2025-2026 cohort, mid-level leaders from agencies funded by the Hanover Township Mental Health Board named what it produced. Partners named the order in which it happened: connection and trust first. Then, by hearing each other's needs, they better understood what could be shared. Because it is natural...

read more...
A Stay Interview, a Manager Training, and a 60-Day Goal: What Eight Agencies Built Between Sessions (Workforce Cohort – September 2026)

A Stay Interview, a Manager Training, and a 60-Day Goal: What Eight Agencies Built Between Sessions (Workforce Cohort – September 2026)

A goal of filling vacancies within 60 days. A new manager training built. A stay interview asking staff why they stay, not why they left. Onboarding restructured so training comes before exposure. These are some of the outcomes agencies accomplished since we last met, which they shared at our third workforce cohort session under the Agency Capacity Builder, a program convening agencies funded by Milton Township's Mental Health Board, working together to strengthen our community's behavioral...

read more...
Help That Exists, and the Distance to It

Help That Exists, and the Distance to It

As a leader within a social service agency, what's the challenge you came into this work to help solve that still feels out of reach? Hanover Township invited me to facilitate a session with their Human Services Coordinating Council, and that question went to the members anonymously beforehand. Every answer was read and tagged against a written codebook. The top five themes were: Quality services people can access Staying financially viable Affordable housing Finding the right help Improving...

read more...

Schaumburg Township Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum: August 2025 Highlights

Our recent Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum (www.goodworksresults.com/advisoryforum) was a special experience, warmly hosted by @GiGi's Playhouse Inc.- Down Syndrome Achievement Centers flagship in Hoffman Estates, IL. We were inspired by their bright, inviting space and their incredible dedication to offering all services for free, powered by effective use of volunteers and staff. We...

read more...

Supporting Middle Managers in Hanover Township with Actionable Strategies (Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum)

Thrilled to share key insights from the latest Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Forum (goodworksresults.com/advisoryforum), held around a dining room table at Wildwood Commons in Elgin, IL. This capacity-building program provides a robust peer network for nonprofit leaders serving Hanover Township residents (hanover-township.org) . Yesterday's session focused on challenges faced by middle managers,...

read more...

Building Consensus: My Work with a Community Mental Health Board

I recently completed a meaningful consulting project, partnering with the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board (DCCMHB) to facilitate collaborative decision-making on their organizational capacity. This project powerfully reinforced how a thoughtful, inclusive process strengthens organizational dynamics and enables vital decision-making within community organizations. My primary goal was...

read more...

Advisory Forums: A Trusted Peer Network for Leaders

Management isolation, knowledge gaps, and stalled development hold back organizations from the confident and compassionate leaders they need. Advisory Forums are a proven capacity-building program that directly addresses these challenges by delivering a trusted peer network, facilitating shared learning, and enhancing professional skills. What Do These Forums Look Like? Advisory Forums provide a...

read more...

What Community Leaders Need: My View from the Frontlines

From the entrepreneurial spirit of small business innovators to the unwavering dedication of public and social services sector professionals, I support a diverse spectrum of community leaders. My goal is to be a compassionate, capacity-building partner. What I consistently observe among these individuals is a profound commitment to their communities, often coupled with a shared set of challenges...

read more...

Questions to Draw Out Solutions

It all started when I received coaching myself.  (Thanks again, Mike!) That experience didn't just help me; it ignited a passion for coaching within me. Before I knew it, I was fully immersed in training, accumulating coaching hours, and ultimately earning a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) certification. One question I often hear, especially while training others to...

read more...

Top 10 Gains from 2025 Coaching Session

I coach business owners, executive leaders, and managers.  Here are some tangible gains my clients have experienced from our 2025 coaching sessions: Defined Business Niche: Defined a more precise target market, aligning projects for maximum impact. Conflict Resolution Skills: Applied structured, empathetic communication strategies, resulting in more constructive and effective conflict...

read more...

Executive Coaching?

I'm often asked, “So, do you give advice?” or “Is it like therapy?” when I mention I'm an executive coach. Let me share my vision for coaching and how I can help you achieve your goals. Coaching is about having a thought partner. I'm here to listen deeply, ask the kind of questions that spark new insights, and help you uncover...

read more...

Community Partner: Libraries Beyond Books

In our quest to strengthen communities, let's highlight the vital role that libraries play. The Bloomingdale Public Library  is a prime example of how modern libraries extend far beyond books, serving as dynamic community hubs that offer a wealth of resources and support.  Beyond traditional library services, the Bloomingdale Public Library provides:- A designated warming and cooling center...

read more...

Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to acknowledge that well-being is the foundation for thriving businesses, impactful nonprofits, effective schools, and vibrant communities. Since 1949, this month has served as a reminder to educate ourselves, break down stigma, and ensure that resources reach those who need them. Think about it: stress, burnout, and mental health struggles affect our...

read more...

Community Outreach Connections

I am dedicated to strengthening my community by connecting leaders across sectors for the benefit of my neighbors and community. Here is a sampling of recent discoveries: Rotary Club of Bloomingdale-Roselle Grateful for the guest invitation to the Rotary International Club of Bloomingdale-Roselle. I gained a bigger view of the impact this volunteer group has on our community.  I was also invited...

read more...

Navigating The Current Landscape Together

During a recent forum that I facilitated, we focused on well-being and capacity, which led to productive exchanges of strategies for resilience and burnout prevention. Participant feedback indicated that connecting and sharing with each other during challenging times is beneficial.     I adapted seven questions into a one-page document designed for leaders like you to utilize...

read more...

Celebrating One Year in Full-Time #SmallBusiness

There's a saying that at some point, you just have to go all in. One year ago, I did just that and made small business ownership (Good Works Results LLC) my primary vocational focus.  It has been a year of satisfying challenges and growth, and I wake up every day with gratitude to do this work!  I've learned so much along the way: The power of networking is undeniable. I'm grateful for business...

read more...

30+ Community Nonprofits in 2025

The landscape for nonprofit leaders is challenging. As they grapple with the complexities of a new federal administration, funding uncertainties loom large, and the weight of responsibilities takes a toll on dedicated staff. Amidst these hurdles, the need for leadership support and guidance is paramount. That's where my work comes in. In 2025, I'm committed to supporting over 30 nonprofit...

read more...

RECENT INSIGHTS

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER INSIGHTS