Strong and adaptable leadership is essential for nonprofits and public sector organizations to thrive.
Each episode of our limited podcast series brings you in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders in nonprofit governance and public service, focusing on different topics.
These conversations will bring you actionable insights, fresh perspectives and proven strategies to strengthen board leadership and tackle the challenges your board faces.
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In this series I talk to different leaders to explore regulations and compliance for nonprofit and public boards, what's coming in 2026, why oversight matters and how to prepare. We cover critical areas of regulation but also how mission-driven boards need to think about managing their oversight and compliance and policy.
We hope you enjoy the conversations and find them insightful and interesting!
In this episode, Kira Ciccarelli, Senior Research and Programs Manager at the Diligent Institute, shares data on how rising regulatory risk and AI are reshaping the compliance agenda for nonprofit organizations. She shares insight on where governance professionals expect greater focus in 2026, from policy updates and targeted training to internal audits, scenario planning and tabletop exercises, and how boards can build resilience and protect stakeholder trust. A must‑listen for board members preparing their organizations for a more complex risk and regulatory environment.
In this episode, Dale Waterman, regulatory expert at Diligent, unpacks how today’s evolving “risk universe” is driving new regulation for nonprofits and why boards must shift from basic compliance to true operational resilience. He and Jill Holtz examine diverging global rules on AI and cyber, the move to risk‑based regulation, and practical ways nonprofits can use risk assessment, scenario planning and simulations to anticipate “grey rhino” risks and protect programmes and beneficiaries. A must‑listen for nonprofit leaders looking to future‑proof governance ahead of 2026.
In this episode, Kristy Grant‑Hart, Vice President for Compliance Services at Diligent, offers a compliance leader’s view on AI, cyber risk and governance for public‑facing boards, including school districts and municipalities. She shares tips for how to stay ahead of regulatory change, build a proactive culture of compliance and ethics, and use secure board technology and crisis simulations to reduce cyber exposure and strengthen operational resilience. A must‑listen for anyone responsible for public‑sector oversight and risk management.
In this episode, John Thomsen, Director of Engagement and Policy at NEOLA, explains how K‑12 school boards and other public‑sector boards can navigate fast‑moving regulations while keeping student success, mission and community trust at the center. He advises the importance of communicating the “why” behind policy changes clearly with stakeholders, and how to AI and technology can be used to support transparency, accessibility and compliant governance. A must‑listen for leaders who touch policy and want to be better stewards of public trust.
In this series we explore how AI and technology can improve governance.
Whether you’re an experienced executive or an emerging leader, these episodes offer valuable takeaways for enhancing your organization’s governance practices.
We hear from 6 experts who share their practical guidance and real-world examples. Once you have listened to the conversations, explore the additional resources on AI and technology available right here on this page.
We hope you enjoy the conversations and find them insightful and interesting!
In this episode, Darian Rodriguez Heyman, author of AI for Nonprofits, shares his insights on how nonprofit leaders can unlock greater impact through AI. Drawing on his experience of working with nonprofits across the globe, he explores how boards can embrace innovation and use tools like AI thoughtfully to drive efficiency.
In this episode, Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute and a founding member of BoardEffect and Nithya Das, General Manager of Diligent’s Governance Business Unit and Chief Legal Officer, talk through the evolving role of AI and technology for purpose-driven leadership. Drawing from their experiences in corporate and nonprofit sectors, they explore how boards can foster innovation, inclusivity and resilience while staying anchored in mission.
In this episode, Nonie Dalton, VP of Product Management, and Phil Lim, Director of Product Management at Diligent explore how mission-driven organizations can use AI to move from reactive to proactive governance. They share sneak previews of new AI-powered features coming on Diligent's products for mission-driven organizations.
In this episode, James Page, Chief Information Officer for NYSSBA and and Jay Worona, partner at Jasper Schlesinger & Narendra and former Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel for NYSSBA explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in school board governance. From boosting operational efficiency to enhancing transparency, the discussion offers practical insights for board members navigating the future of public education. A must-listen for anyone involved in K-12 governance.
From budgeting to managing risk, this series covers critical aspects of board oversight that can drive meaningful impact.
Whether you’re an experienced executive or an emerging leader, these episodes offer valuable takeaways for enhancing your organization’s governance practices.
We hear from 4 experts who share their practical guidance and real-world examples. Once you have listened to the conversations, explore the additional resources on financial oversight and risk management available right here on this page.
We hope you enjoy the conversations and find them insightful and interesting!
Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew brings a powerful perspective on purpose-driven leadership in this episode focused on financial oversight and community impact. Drawing from her deep experience in civic engagement and equity, she explores how values-based governance can strengthen trust and resilience in mission-driven institutions. A compelling listen for leaders committed to making a difference.
Heather Rich shares her expertise on building resilient financial oversight systems in her member-led association. In this episode, she discusses the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement and proactive risk management. She offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders striving to strengthen governance and drive meaningful impact.
In this episode, Dr. Chad Bledsoe shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of financial oversight and risk management in public institutions. From strategic planning to accountability frameworks, Dr. Bledsoe offers practical guidance for leaders navigating complex governance challenges. A must-listen for anyone committed to leading with purpose in education and government.
Scott Bridgen brings a compliance-first lens to the conversation on financial oversight and risk in public sector organizations. In this episode, he explores how governance leaders can build defensible programs, align with evolving regulations, and foster a culture of accountability. Tune in for actionable insights that support purposeful leadership in education and government.
Financial oversight & risk management: A 5-step guide for nonprofit boards
Master financial oversight: A cheat sheet for nonprofit leaders
Managing financial oversight: An infographic and guide for leaders
From recruiting and onboarding members to fostering collaboration and navigating complex decision-making, this series covers critical aspects of building boards that can drive meaningful impact.
Whether you’re an experienced executive or an emerging leader, these episodes offer valuable takeaways for enhancing your organization’s governance practices.
We hear from 4 experts who share their practical guidance and real-world examples. Once you have listened to the conversations, explore the additional resources on board training and development available right here on this page.
We hope you enjoy the conversations and find them insightful and interesting!
Julie Castro Abrams, CEO of How Women Lead, shares how board training can strengthen governance and board-CEO relationships.
Tune in for her advice on making training ongoing and impactful.
Cheretta A. Clerkley shares how she strengthened her board through governance training, clear communication and continuous learning. Don’t miss her top tips at the end on how to keep board members motivated in their development.
Dr. Audrey Young, Texas State Board of Education member, shares why ongoing training is vital for effective school board governance, especially in areas like AI and cyber risk. Listen to the end for her tips on keeping board members engaged and motivated in their own development.
Ben highlights the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and using technology to keep school board members informed and engaged. He shares practical tips for making training more flexible — don’t miss his advice at the end on using tech to support board development.
Board training and development for volunteer boards: 4 key focus areas
Board development & training in mission-driven organizations: Tips from leaders
Why board development matters: An infographic and guide for nonprofit leaders
