In this insightful episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I'm joined by Lacey Kempinski, a former fundraiser turned entrepreneur, to explore the evolving concept of work-life balance in the nonprofit sector. Lacey shares her personal journey of navigating motherhood while maintaining her career and the founding of Balanced Good, a company that supports nonprofit leaders, particularly women, with parental leave solutions.

Topics We Cover:

• The challenges of balancing work and parenthood in the nonprofit sector
• Work-life integration: Why it’s a more sustainable solution than work-life balance
• How nonprofit leaders can manage parental leave without causing burnout or resentment
• The importance of offering flexible work environments to reduce burnout
• Differences between parental leave policies in Canada vs. the U.S.
• The difficulties of filling senior roles temporarily during parental leave
• The importance of grassroots advocacy and systemic changes for better parental leave policies
• Collaborating with organizations and policymakers to improve parental leave benefits

To Learn More and Connect with Lacey:
Lacey Kempinski on LinkedIn
Balanced Good on LinkedIn
BalancedGood.com
@BalancedGood on Instagram

Support the show

In this special New Year episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I'm joined by my niece Ruby for a refreshingly candid conversation about artificial intelligence, technology’s impact on jobs, and the possibilities of a utopian future.
Ruby, a bright and curious sixth-grader, shares her concerns about robots replacing humans in the workforce and discusses her hopes for a world where people can pursue their passions without financial worries. Together, they dive into topics like Universal Basic Income, the ethics of AI-generated art, and what it might mean to live in a society without money.
This engaging special episode blends thoughtful musings with a dash of youthful imagination - and next week we continue with our regularly scheduled episodes with the regularly scheduled format.

Support the show

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I speak with Puneet Luthra, a government relations expert with a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector. Puneet discusses the critical role these relationships play in influencing policy, securing funding, and driving change on social issues. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Puneet provides practical advice on building strategic partnerships with government bodies, aligning nonprofit goals with public priorities, and fostering long-term, collaborative efforts to create lasting societal impact.

Topics We Cover:

• Puneet’s journey into nonprofit-focused government relations and his early experiences with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
• The importance of aligning nonprofit goals with government priorities
• How nonprofits can influence public policy and secure funding through strategic government relations
• Navigating the complex dynamics between nonprofits and government entities
• Understanding the motivations of high-net-worth individuals and government bodies to foster better relationships
• Real-world examples of nonprofit persistence in addressing long-standing societal issues
• The value of maintaining neutrality and avoiding partisan stances when engaging with the government
• Practical steps for nonprofits starting their government relations efforts, including identifying key stakeholders and reaching out to local representatives

To Learn More and Connect with Puneet:
GovernmentRelations.ca
Puneet.Luthra@gmail.com

Support the show