MACC Conversations

Supporting Leaders in Times of Rapid Change

In this recruitment-focused episode, Cheryl Jensen from Strategic Consulting and Coaching talks with Laurel Hansen, MACC's Program Manager, about how to lead nonprofits during times of big change. Cheryl discusses building and leading strong teams and shares what she's learned when guiding organizations through leadership change. She shares that it’s important to listen to each organization’s needs, build trust, and create a strong team where people feel supported and can grow. The two of them talk about helping leaders plan for the future, take care of themselves, and work together to keep serving their communities well.

PVLI: Resisting the Erasure of Blackness

Tune in to hear from Ashley Burris, MACC's HR Business Partner and DHop, Director of Youth Programs and Best Buy Teen Tech Center at PCYC! DHop discusses how his work resists the erasure of Blackness by ensuring that Black communities lead youth programming, not just participate in it. He reflects on growing up with Black mentors and emphasizes the importance of representation in leadership. He also highlights his organization's deep connection to its community, centering local voices and needs in all programming. They reflect on Juneteenth’s legacy and a call to continue uplifting Black communities with purpose and intention.

PVLI: Celebrating Blackness in our Communities

Tune in to hear from Ashley Burris, MACC's Human Resources Business Partner, and Sherri Green Director of Family Services from Sabathani Community Center about preserving Black history through intentional staffing, community events, and centering Black voices. Sherri highlights events like Black Wall Street and Community Day, which showcase Black-owned businesses and uplift local culture. She emphasizes the importance of leadership that reflects the communities for better support. It's important to continue celebrating Black joy and community strength.

PVLI: The Importance of Resilience

Tune in to hear from Mya Corbin, MACC's Communications Specialist and Amondo Dickerson, Managing Director of Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, about preserving Black history and building community resilience. Amondo highlights the Center’s 100-year legacy of uplifting Black voices and serving youth. He stresses the need for nonprofit solidarity and shared resources, especially as funding decreases. This episode encourages unity, support, and continued investment in Black communities.

PVLI: The Importance of Diverse Spaces

Tune in to hear from host, Mya Corbin, MACC's Communications Specialist and Karen Bauer, The Forum's Design Strategist to discuss the experience of being the only Black woman in mostly white academic and professional spaces. Karen shares the importance of uplifting diverse Black voices, resisting erasure, and creating spaces that honor both the pain and joy of Black history. The episode highlights Juneteenth as a time for reflection, resilience, and celebration, with Black joy and healing as key to building a more equitable future.

Upholding Resilience and Resistance with Values and Boundaries

Tune in to hear from Laurel Hansen, MACC's program manager, and Jean Loyd, founder of Real Life Real Talk, to discuss how our values can support our boundaries and safeguard our identities in today's challenging world. In this conversation, Jean shares her journey as a transformational coach, speaker, and facilitator, and dives into how Real Life Real Talk began as a space for women to process their stories and take ownership of their choices. She reflects on how values like family, spirituality, and curiosity serve as a compass, especially in human service and nonprofit work. Jean explores how aligning with your core values promotes self-awareness, connection, and resilience, and how organizations can foster deeper trust, collaboration, and community by creating space for real, honest conversations. We hope you feel inspired, enjoy!

Leading in an Uncertain World

Tune in to hear from MACC's Program Manager, Laurel Hansen, joined by Lisa Negstad of Negstad Consulting, to discuss what makes for successful leadership transitions, why investing in shared leadership practices is essential, and how funders can support these efforts. Drawing from the experiences of MACC and Negstad Consulting, they highlight practices and frameworks that support collaborative leadership models—and the organizational and cultural shifts needed to sustain them. Listen now!
 
*Correction: in this Podcast recording we accidentally misstated author Lisa Feldman Barrett's name. We apologize for the error! You can find more information about Lisa Feldman Barret and her books on her website: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/

Finding Your Resilience Through Mindfulness

Tune in to hear from MACC program manager, Laurel Hansen, joined by Drake Powe, professional public speaker, meditation instructor, life coach, and stress reduction consultant, as they talk about handling stress and staying healthy, especially in busy jobs like nonprofits. Drake shares how meditation has helped him feel better and manage stress. They talk about simple ways to calm down, like changing how you think and getting support from others. The 2025 MACC Summit is coming up fast and Drake's session will provide a space where people can learn easy tricks to feel better and work better with others. It explains how noticing our feelings can stop stress from getting worse. Some helpful tips include deep breathing, sitting up straight, and drinking water. Leaders should use these ideas too, so workplaces feel supportive and happy. Staying strong means paying attention to good moments, staying mindful, and using small habits to make life better at work and home. Listen today!

How Mindfulness Can Create a More Just Society

Tune in to hear from meditation facilitator and co-founder of Black Zen, Jasmine Johnson and MACC's Program Manager, Laurel Hansen to discuss how mindfulness uplifts the BIPOC community and fosters a more just society. She explores meditation’s role in reducing stress, enhancing empathy, and even decreasing prejudice. As she prepares to lead a mindfulness session at MACC Summit 2025, Jasmine shares practical strategies for integrating mindfulness into workplaces and managing the pressures of human services work. She also offers insight into Black Zen’s future and its mission to expand its impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on mindfulness as a tool for personal and social change.

PVLI: Black Leadership in Action

Tune in to listen to Executive Director of V3 Sports, Malik Rucker, as he sits down with MACC's Communication's Specialist, Mya Corbin. Malik discusses growing up in North Minneapolis, and how his journey began in the community spaces that shaped him—entering into a position where he oversees an organization that offers a sense of community for others. He'll go into why there's value in Boards investing and preparing for Black leaders to both welcome them and help them feel supported in their position. In this episode, we dive into his transition from athlete to nonprofit leader, from his early career at Big Brothers Big Sisters to becoming the first employee and now Executive Director of V3 Sports. Listen Now!