Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

How Boards Can Lead Through Turbulent Times with Christal Cherry

Julia Campbell Season 2 Episode 186

In times of uncertainty—whether due to political shifts, economic downturns, or crises—strong nonprofit boards are more essential than ever. But how can boards step up, adapt, and lead with equity, inclusion, and power-sharing at the forefront?

In this episode, I sit down with Christal M. Cherry, Principal & CEO of The Board Pro, to explore how nonprofit boards can navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster leadership that drives real impact. Christal brings years of experience coaching and training boards, and she’s passionate about ensuring boards reflect the communities they serve.

We also dive into:

 ✔️ The biggest mistakes boards make during times of crisis
 ✔️ How to create a board culture of trust, transparency, and inclusion
 ✔️ The power dynamics that often hold boards back—and how to fix them
 ✔️ Why diversity and lived experience matter in board leadership
 ✔️ How to keep fundraising strong in the face of uncertainty

If your nonprofit’s board is struggling to lead effectively through turbulence, this episode is a must-listen!

In This Episode, We Discuss:

🔹 What “turbulent times” look like for nonprofits today
 🔹 The role of a board during uncertainty—and how to step up
 🔹 Why some boards freeze instead of taking action—and how to overcome it
 🔹 How to ensure your board reflects the community it serves
 🔹 Practical ways to empower board members to be bold, engaged leaders
 🔹 How to fundraise effectively, even in the face of political and economic challenges
 🔹 The future of nonprofit governance—where do we go from here?

Hit play now, then subscribe to Nonprofit Nation for more expert insights!

Connect with Christal Cherry:

🌐 Website: www.theboardpro.com
📩 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/christalmcherry
📖 Read Collecting Courage, a collection of stories from Black fundraisers

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