What does it really take to lead a nonprofit in today’s world?
In this episode of IMPACTability: The Nonprofit Leaders’ Podcast, host Sheryl Soukup speaks with David Rhode, Deputy Director of PennPAC, about the unique consulting model that utilizes University of Pennsylvania alumni to support nonprofits. They explore the challenges of nonprofit leadership, the importance of strategic planning, and the power of effective Board engagement.
David shares his journey into the nonprofit sector, lessons from founding his own organization, and insights from his new book Passion Isn’t Enough. From the value of mentorship and storytelling to the role of AI in communication, this episode is full of practical wisdom for nonprofit professionals at every stage of leadership.
The big takeaway? Passion alone isn’t enough—clarity, strategy, and resilience are what truly empower nonprofit leaders to turn vision into lasting impact.
🎙️Standout Quotes
“Board members shouldn’t discover expectations after they join. They should know before they say yes.”
—David Rhode on Setting Up Boards for Success
“The most important skill for nonprofit leaders today is storytelling — simplifying and humanizing your impact helps you hire, fundraise, and grow your mission.”
—David Rhode on Storytelling as a Leadership Superpower
“Having generous mentors early on changed everything. Helping others now is not a favor — it’s a privilege and a gift.”
—David Rhode on The Gift of Mentorship
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to IMPACTability
01:20 – Inside PennPAC: A Unique Nonprofit Consulting Model
05:26 – Why Leadership Can Feel Lonely (and How Coaching Helps)
08:08 – Strategic Planning: Focusing Your Priorities and Engaging the Board
13:00 – Setting Expectations to Improve Board Engagement
18:20 – David’s Journey: From Corporate to Nonprofit Founder
23:57 – Hard Lessons: Early Mistakes and What They Taught
27:40 – Success Stories: Partnerships That Made an Impact
30:08 – The Power of Mentorship and Relationship Building
36:49 – Navigating Today’s Challenges: Fundraising, AI, and Storytelling
👤 Guest Bio
David Rhode is a nonprofit leader, author, and educator with over 20 years of experience in the sector. He is the author of Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders, winner of the Axiom Business Book Award Gold Medal.
David currently serves as Deputy Director of PennPAC, where he mobilizes University of Pennsylvania alumni as pro bono consultants to support nonprofits. He is also the founder of Dot Dot Org, a consulting firm specializing in CEO mentoring, and teaches Nonprofit Branding and Nonprofit Consulting at the University of Pennsylvania.
Previously, David founded and led Pitch In For Baseball and Softball, a national nonprofit that expanded access to youth sports in underserved communities. He lives in New York City with his family.
📘 Get the Book: Passion Isn’t Enough is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
🔗 Connect with David
Website: dotdotorg.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-rhode-1129183
Facebook: facebook.com/davidericrhode
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This podcast is sponsored by Soukup Strategic Solutions
Our team offers consulting and outsourcing services tailored to help nonprofits achieve both short-term results and long-term success. Learn more at soukupstrategicsolutions.com.