In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson sits down with leadership and communications expert Jenni Field for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to lead with credibility in the nonprofit world.

Jenni shares practical, research-backed strategies for building trust, fostering supportive team cultures, and leading with clarity—especially during times of change. Drawing from her extensive experience and her latest book, she unpacks how values-driven leadership can guide organizations through uncertainty and strengthen internal culture.

This is part one of a two-part series you won’t want to miss!

Full show notes: 160. Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 1 with Jenni Field

Leadership Principles - Episode Highlights

• [01:42] - Leadership and Influence with Jenni Field
• [05:56] - The Importance of Trust and Credibility
• [14:22] - Navigating Trust Challenges in Nonprofits
• [18:08] - The Role of Credibility in Volunteer Recruitment
• [23:17] - Eight Practices of Credible Leadership
• [24:26] - Diagnosing Training Program Failures
• [25:47] - The Importance of Visionary and Supportive Practices
• [34:56] - The Role of Values in Leadership and Culture
• [42:23] - Practical Tips for Volunteer Managers
  

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #84: Building an Inclusive Culture at Your Volunteer Organization with Advita Patel
• Edleman Trust Barometer 2025
• The Fish Rots from the Head: The Crisis in Our Boardrooms: Developing the Crucial Skills of the Competent Director
• Find Jenni on LinkedIn
• Find Jenni on Instagram
• Jenni's Website
• Buy Jenni’s Book
• Take the Credibility Gap Assessment: How credible are you?
  
  

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson breaks down exactly what it takes to hire a future proof volunteer coordinator who can lead with confidence and adaptability. Given how vital this role is in representing your organization and engaging your volunteers, hiring the right person matters more than ever!

Tobi walks you through 8 essential steps to build a strong hiring foundation. From understanding volunteer coordination best practices and deciding if the position should be paid or volunteer, to writing a compelling job description and offering a fair wage. She also dives into how to assess both credentials and those often-overlooked people and paperwork skills.

You’ll also learn why emotional intelligence, clear boundaries, and smart use of technology are game changers in this role. If you’re looking to build a thriving volunteer program, this episode is your go-to guide for hiring a future-proof leader who’s ready to grow with your mission.

Full show notes: 158. How to Hire a Future Proof Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator - Episode Highlights

• [00:50] - The Importance of Hiring a Future-Proof Volunteer Coordinator
• [03:38] - Understanding Job Titles and Definitions
• [07:48] - Why Future-Proofing Matters
• [12:21] - Eight Steps to Hiring Success
• [31:08] - The Role of Credentials and Emotional Intelligence
• [39:08] - Supporting Your New Hire
• [44:01] - Free Hiring Guide

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #93: The 5 Phases of Successful Volunteer Coordination
• Volunteer Nation Episode #96: Volunteer Work or Staff Position How to Decide
• Volunteer Nation Episode #026: Hiring? What to Include in Your Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
• Volunteer Nation Episode #119: Volunteer Manager Salary & Career Paths with Megan Vixie
• Volunteer Nation Episode #055: How to Get Your CVA Credential with Faiza Venzant
• Volunteer Nation Episode #67: How to Set Up a New Volunteer Coordinator for Success
• Volunteer Nation Episode #145: Build Your Program with the NEW VolunteerPro Volunteer Impact Lab!
• FREE Hiring Guide - How to Hire a Kick A** Volunteer Manager
  
  
  

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson sits down with Diana Villarreal and Gail Cavallaro from the Community Foundation for greater Richmond to explore how strategic volunteer engagement is shaping the future of nonprofits.

Diana and Gail share the foundation’s mission and walk us through its inspiring history, along with the wide range of programs designed to support nonprofit growth at every level—from individuals to entire networks.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer manager, or simply passionate about community building, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s possible when philanthropy and volunteerism work hand in hand!

Full show notes: 158. Nonprofit Capacity Building with the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond

Nonprofit Capacity Building - Episode Highlights

• [00:32] - Introduction to Today's Topic: Nonprofit Capacity Building
• [03:12] - Meet the Guests: Community Foundation for Greater Richmond
• [04:51] - The Importance of Volunteerism
• [13:00] - About the Community Foundation for Greater Richmond
• [21:07] - Programs and Strategies for Volunteer Engagement
• [29:10] - Educating Volunteers for Maximum Impact
• [32:30] - The Give Back Guide and Civic Circle
• [36:17] - Organic Program Development
• [37:51] - Community Foundation's Impact and Collaboration
• [40:18] - Hybrid Model for Volunteer Management
• [44:03] - Course Design and Implementation
• [55:26] - Tips for Implementing Volunteer Programs
  
  

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #071: Partnering with Funders to Support Volunteer Engagement with Jane Justis & Betsy McFarland
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Website
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Volunteer Center CFengage
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond LinkedIn
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Facebook
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Instagram
• CFengage Facebook
• CFengage Instagram
• Final Gail on LinkedIn
• Find Diana on LinkedIn
• Email - civic@cfrichmond.org

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.