Secrets of Social Impact Communicators: A Silver Maple Strategies Podcast with Nate Birt

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Dec 2025

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Coloring outside the lines to uplift, coach, and grow the impact of discerning social purpose professionals and the people who depend on them. I'm Nate Birt, founder of Silver Maple Strategies, a consultancy focused on nonprofit communication strategy social impact storytelling, and leadership development. As a strategist, copy writer, coach (read: encourager), and public speaker, I help mission-driven leaders tell their stories, strengthen their teams, and grow their visibility where it matters most. As a husband, father of four, and growth junkie, what I love best is helping people achieve their dreams, both at work and at home with the ones they love. Join me for conversations with incredible human beings who share real-world insights and practical lessons--designed to help you lead with clarity, communicate with purpose, and make our world a whole lot brighter.

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26 recent

December 17, 2025Episode 2733 min

S1:E27 - Reflect, Reimagine, Reignite: Your Nonprofit's Year-End Reset for 2026

It's been a tough year for many nonprofits. Yet here you are! Still standing, still serving, and still dreaming about a brighter future. In this special end-of-year solo episode, Nate Birt, founder of Silver Maple Strategies, guides nonprofit leaders through a reflective, energizing reset for 2026. This is not your average strategy podcast. It's a hands-on series of guided journaling prompts you can use to evaluate where you've grown, what you've overcome, and where your organization is headed next. You'll also learn about some key trends affecting nonprofit giving, donor behavior, and funding diversification. Keep an eye on these factors in 2026 and beyond so you can creatively grow your revenue and deliver even greater impact in the New Year. This episode is for you if you: Want to hit pause, take a breath, and reflect before jumping into planning mode Crave more alignment and greater morale across your team and board Need practical ideas for adapting to donor trends and funding volatility Want a clear framework to set meaningful, motivating goals for 2026 You'll Walk Away With: 10 powerful journaling prompts to use with your board, team, or just for yourself A resilience framework you can apply to any season of uncertainty Emerging trends in donor behavior, DAFs, and general operating support A renewed sense of purpose for the year ahead Bonus: Hear Nate's personal Word of the Year and find out why this practice can be a great way to unlock sustained inspiration to fuel your next chapter. Then, choose your own personal Word of the Year. Take the Next Step: Share your feedback on this episode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ View and register for future webinars: www.silvermaplestrategies.com/webinars Get Nate's newsletter: www.silvermaplestrategies.com/newsletter Book Nate to speak or facilitate a strategy session with your nonprofit or association: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/speaking-engagements Connect with Nate: 🌐 SilverMapleStrategies.com 📧 nate@silvermaplestrategies.com 💼 Connect on LinkedIn Special Thanks Big thanks to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode, and to Audrey for helping bring these ideas to life through thoughtful design and marketing. I'm grateful for your partnership!

December 8, 2025Episode 2654 min

S1: E26 - Leading Big Change, Communicating Across Divides, and Staying Grounded with Sheila Voss

How do you lead transformative change in a complex, fast-moving world without losing your sense of purpose? In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, host Nate Birt talks with Sheila Voss, Senior Vice President of Communications at the Good Food Institute, about what it takes to lead mission-driven work with courage, clarity, and heart. Sheila's career spans environmental education, biodiversity, and global nonprofit leadership. Although her current work focuses on protein innovation and reimagining the food system, her insights apply to any nonprofit leader navigating systems change and seeking to make a meaningful impact. In this conversation, you'll hear: A powerful mindset shift for reducing polarization in public-facing work Practical strategies for communicating complex ideas with clarity and compassion How to lead through uncertainty while building long-term partnerships Why regional collaboration and cross-sector engagement matter more than ever A fresh take on sustaining your energy and motivation in purpose-driven work Whether you work in health, education, environment, or human services, Sheila offers timely wisdom on how to connect your mission to what people care about most. Resources Mentioned Learn more about the Good Food Institute: gfi.org Recommended reading: Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie Follow food systems strategist Jack Bobo More from Nate Subscribe to the free newsletter: Secrets of Social Impact Communicators Take the free Nonprofit Resilience Quiz Book Nate as a speaker or facilitator for your next event Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode and to Audrey Anderson for podcast publishing support! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate & review the show to help us grow!

November 24, 202543 min

S1: E25 - Art Meets Impact: Balancing Mission, Money, and Audience in Nonprofit Leadership

How do you stay true to your mission and pay the bills? How do you engage your community and challenge them to think differently? And how do you do all that without burning out? In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, I'm joined by Sara Dean, Artistic Director at The Pear Theatre in Silicon Valley, CA, and a board member of Theatre Bay Area. Sara brings an incredible mix of creative courage, business pragmatism, and heart-centred leadership to nonprofit work, offering takeaways for anyone navigating mission-driven challenges. We talk about: Navigating the tension between program impact and financial sustainability Leading through complexity in one of the most expensive regions in the U.S. Rethinking traditional nonprofit models to serve evolving audiences and communities How storytelling, inclusivity, and data work together to inform programming decisions The reality of nonprofit burnout and how Sara holds space for balance and joy You'll walk away inspired by Sara's leadership journey and equipped with real-world lessons on balancing stakeholder needs, delivering impactful work, and sustaining your own energy and vision as a nonprofit leader. Plus: Sara shares strategies for achieving representation in casting, insights on the process of reimagining classics such as Henry V, and best practices for listening deeply to audiences to shape future programming. Looking for a human-centered and ethical way to use artificial intelligence tools in your nonprofit? Email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com and I'll share a free action guide + access to a ChatGPT tool we've built just for you, packed with ready-to-use prompts for grants, donor appeals, project planning, and more. Connect + Learn More Visit The Pear Theatre website: https://www.thepear.org/ Visit Silver Maple Strategies' website: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/ Follow Silver Maple Strategies on LinkedIn and Facebook! Hosted by Nate Birt, founder of Silver Maple Strategies Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode and to Audrey Anderson for podcast publishing support! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate & review the show to help us grow!

November 10, 202552 min

S1: E24 - The AI Tool Built for Nonprofits—Not Big Tech, with Aram Fischer of Change Agent AI

Artificial intelligence is evolving fast, but today's expert guest tells us AI is also entering a new phase of stability, making now the ideal time for nonprofit leaders to get comfortable and curious with this technology. In this week's episode, I chat with Aram Fischer, co-founder and CEO of Change Agent AI, an alternative to tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Change Agent AI is purpose-built from the ground up for nonprofits, advocacy groups, and social impact professionals. We talk about what makes Change Agent AI different: from stronger privacy and anti-bias safeguards to a smaller environmental footprint. And Aram shares how his documentary filmmaking and political communications background informs a tool that supports mission-driven teams rather than replacing them. You'll learn: Why nonprofit leaders should not view AI tools as static or a one-size-fits-all solution The importance of values alignment in choosing tech tools How Change Agent AI is designed for the real-world needs of fundraising, communications, reporting, and multistakeholder collaboration Why the recent slowdown in AI innovation is actually good news for social sector adoption What AI trends to watch (and avoid) in 2026 and beyond We also discuss the tension many social impact leaders feel around AI, especially around data privacy, bias, and environmental impact, and how Change Agent AI is intentionally tackling these head on. If you've been unsure about how AI fits into your mission-driven work, this episode will give you a values-aligned path forward and some powerful new ideas to scale your team's capacity without sacrificing your impact. Resources & Links Try Change Agent AI or learn more: thechange.ai Connect with Aram Fischer on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aramfisher Email Aram: aram@thechange.ai More from Nate Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89566490 Thanks To 🎧 Lee Williams, for producing this episode 🗣 Audrey Anderson, for making sure it reaches the right people 💛 And to you—for the impact you're making in your community

October 27, 2025Episode 2321 min

S1: E23 - Economic Uncertainty and Your Nonprofit: 5 Actions You Can Take, No Matter What's Happening Around You

Episode Summary: In this teaching episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, host Nate Birt, founder of Silver Maple Strategies, coaches nonprofit leaders navigating an increasingly uncertain economy. What can you as a nonprofit leader do to navigate volatility and come out ahead? A lot, actually! Here are five practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately whether you're up against government shutdowns, mixed economic signals, or donor unpredictability. And you can take these actions without burning out or losing your mission-driven focus. Whether you're in survival mode or looking to build new momentum during choppy economic waters, this episode will offer you both clarity and encouragement for leadership in challenging times. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The five essential actions every nonprofit leader should prioritize during economic uncertainty How to apply the "four walls" budgeting principle from personal finance to your organization Why preserving current relationships is often more valuable than chasing new ones How to differentiate between a cost and an investment in your budget The underestimated power of saying no and practicing deep focus How creativity can serve as a survival tool Tools & Resources Mentioned: Silver Maple Strategies Capacity Pricing Calculator: Get a transparent quote for nonprofit support spanning fundraising, communications and marketing, and artificial intelligence-forward operations in under 3 minutes: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/pricing-calculator Book Recommendations: Essentialism by Greg McKeown and Deep Work by Cal Newport ⭐️ Enjoyed this Episode? Please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more nonprofit leaders like you discover strategies for navigating uncertainty with confidence and clarity. Thank you! As always, special thanks to Lee Williams for producing the podcast and to Audrey Anderson for her marketing excellence in reaching the nonprofit leaders who can benefit from it.

October 13, 2025Episode 2249 min

S1: E22 - Nonprofit Leadership Amid Rapid Change: Lessons from Extension Foundation CEO Beverly Coberly

How do you lead a nonprofit with clarity, morale, and flexibility when the world around you is rapidly changing? In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, Nate Birt sits down with Beverly Coberly, CEO of Extension Foundation, for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on what it means to lead through complexity without losing your values, your vision, or your team's energy. Bev brings deep insight from her decades-long career in the U.S. Cooperative Extension System. She shares insights about nonprofit leadership from her days growing up on a Missouri dairy farm to leading a national nonprofit that partners with land-grant universities, federal agencies, and local communities. You'll hear about her personal mission, her take on what makes collaboration effective, and her call for the next iteration of nonprofit leadership models. Whether you're leading a local nonprofit, overseeing a national initiative, or operating from somewhere in between, this episode will give you renewed energy and practical tools for staying resilient, no matter how winding the path to your horizon might be. In this episode, you'll learn: Why having a point on the horizon matters more than having a perfect strategic plan What Extension Foundation is doing to embrace change and lead with flexibility How to balance visibility, impact, and humility in community-based work Why data isn't enough and what's needed to tell your story effectively Bev's take on artificial intelligence (AI), the value of critical thinking skills, and the future of cultivating trust with evidence-based insights How nature, pets, and faith can keep you grounded in the ups and downs of mission-driven work One of our favorite quotes from Bev: "The path to the horizon isn't straight... But if you stay focused on where you're going, you'll find the flexibility to get there, even if the road bends." Resources & Links: Learn more about Extension Foundation Take the Nonprofit Resilience Quiz Sign up for the Secrets of Social Impact Communicators newsletter Thanks to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode!

September 29, 2025Episode 2154 min

S1: E21 - How Compassion Can Rebuild Communities: Mike Servello's Model for Ending Hunger with Dignity

Episode Summary In this episode of Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, host Nate Birt speaks with Mike Servello, Founder and CEO of Compassion Coalition, Inc. Mike shares how his nonprofit has grown from a providential beginning in Utica, New York, into a model for feeding millions of people without taking on debt or relying on ongoing government funding. You'll hear how a donated warehouse and early support from Walmart launched an innovative system of community grocery stores that transformed entire neighborhoods once labeled as "food deserts." Mike also unpacks why restoring dignity matters just as much as providing food, how bipartisan collaboration is possible when people unite around shared values, and why entrepreneurial approaches can radically reduce waste and increase access to nutritious food. This wide-ranging conversation is full of inspiration and practical lessons: from working with policymakers across the aisle, to empowering neighbors to help neighbors, to envisioning what it would look like if Compassion Coalition's model were replicated across the United States. If you're a nonprofit leader, a social entrepreneur, or simply passionate about strengthening your community, you'll leave this conversation inspired with both hope and actionable insights. Topics We Cover The remarkable $1 warehouse story that launched Compassion Coalition Building grocery stores that bring dignity to people who live in food deserts How to sustain your nonprofit without ongoing government funding Whether a plan for government-run grocery stores proposed by New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani would work Strategies for engaging policymakers across the political spectrum The staggering scale of food waste and how to turn it into opportunity How community-led solutions can restore both trust and safety The positive ripple effects of affordable, nutritious food on health and neighborhoods How the Compassion Coalition model might be applied in rural locations Resources Mentioned Compassion Coalition / Bargain Grocery: distributehope.org Free Fundraising Confidence Cheat Sheet: email nate@silvermaplestrategies.com or grab it at the end of our YouTube webinar Silver Maple Strategies Website: www.silvermaplestrategies.com Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode.

September 15, 2025Episode 2044 min

S1: E20 - Bringing People Together for a More Sustainable Future with Carrie Vollmer-Sanders

Soil health. Sustainable ag. Regenerative practices. These topics are no longer niche. They're front and center in conversations about the future of food, farming, and resilience. This week on Secrets of Social Impact Communicators, I sit down with Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, president of Field to Market, a nonprofit coalition of nearly 200 organizations working to advance sustainable agriculture. Carrie is a sixth-generation farmer, coalition-builder, and lifelong learner who is passionate about helping farmers thrive while stewarding the environment. We explore what it means to lead in a complex, often-polarized ecosystem, and how Carrie has learned to build trust, slow down, and focus on long-term impact—lessons every social impact communicator can apply. In this episode, you'll learn: How to listen deeply without losing sight of your mission What it takes to convene unlikely partners across a wide value chain Why storytelling—especially personal storytelling—can build trust and fuel resilience Carrie's inspiring pivot from a would-be college athlete to a nationally recognized ag leader Why slowing down can be a surprisingly effective leadership strategy How her mom's "say yes and learn as you go" mindset shaped her approach to purpose-driven work We also discuss the growing interest in soil health, why now is the perfect moment to lean into people's curiosity about food and agriculture, and how organizations can lead with empathy and authenticity. Plus, Carrie shares the story of how a miscommunication over the word "shed" became a powerful metaphor for listening better in our personal and professional lives. Resources + Mentions: Learn more about Field to Market: https://fieldtomarket.org Connect with Carrie on LinkedIn Take the Nonprofit Resilience Quiz – get your free, personalized roadmap for growing your organization Subscribe to my newsletter, Secrets of Social Impact Communicators: Join here Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode!

August 31, 2025Episode 1953 min

S1: E19 - Breaking the Hiring Mold: How Bus Stop Mamas Is Redefining Work for Moms with Mary Kay Ziniewicz

Too many hiring systems are broken, and moms are often the ones getting left behind. But what if there was a better way? In this inspiring episode, I talk with Mary Kay Ziniewicz, founder and CEO of Bus Stop Mamas, about how she's radically reimagining what work can look like for mothers. From her early career in law firm marketing to building a national platform that connects talented women with flexible, meaningful jobs, Mary Kay is a force for challenging outdated assumptions and rebuilding the hiring process with humans at the center. You'll hear how Mary Kay's personal transformation led her to purpose-driven work, why remote work isn't the silver bullet we think it is, and the untapped business case for hiring moms. We also explore how employers can be part of the solution, saving money, increasing retention, and building stronger teams by hiring differently. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a social impact entrepreneur, or a working parent yourself, you'll walk away from this conversation encouraged, challenged, and ready to take bold steps forward. In this episode, we cover: The origin story of Bus Stop Mamas and why it's changing lives Why 43% of women still leave the workforce after having children How social conditioning and hiring algorithms marginalize moms—and how to fix it What employers get wrong about childcare and workplace flexibility The power of vulnerability, creativity, and community in leadership Why being wrong might be the best thing for your career Fast-cash gigs, pinch hitters, and how Mary Kay is redefining modern hiring Links & Resources: 🔗 Visit Bus Stop Mamas 🔗 Connect with Mary Kay on LinkedIn 📝 Read our related blog post: The Courage to Ask: Rethinking Sales and Your Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy 📩 Subscribe to Secrets of Social Impact Communicators newsletter: Join here Thank you to Mary Kay and the team at Bus Stop Mamas for this powerful conversation. Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode!

August 14, 2025Episode 1851 min

S1: E18 - Shared Prosperity, Capital Truths, and Letting Go of the Ego: A Conversation with Alfredo Mathew III

What if the path to real social impact began with letting go? In this episode, I sit down with Alfredo Mathew III, founder and CEO of SPCC One—the world's first Shared Prosperity Community Corporation. Alfredo is a former public school educator turned social entrepreneur who's building a bold, transformative model that reimagines capital, ownership, and community. Alfredo shares how his work empowers small businesses—especially Black and Brown-owned enterprises—to band together, unlock capital, and drive systemic change through shared prosperity models rooted in economic democracy and collective ownership. We also dive into: What small businesses and nonprofits get wrong about capital The mindset shift founders must make to stop playing small How to spot when your business model needs a pivot What it takes to build local economic engines that last Why ego is holding the social sector back—and what to do about it A life-threatening health scare that gave Alfredo powerful clarity on impact, legacy, and humility Alfredo doesn't just talk systems change—he's living it. You'll walk away from this episode challenged, inspired, and equipped with actionable ideas for growing your impact while staying grounded in purpose. More from our conversation: Connect with Alfredo Mathew III on LinkedIn Visit Alfredo's website: alfredomathew.com Email him: alfredo@spcc.one Learn more about SPCC One Related Resources: Read my article: "Breaking Through Bottlenecks" Watch recent webinars on the Silver Maple Strategies YouTube Channel Sign up for my free newsletter, Secrets of Social Impact Communicators: Subscribe here Thanks as always to Lee Williams for editing and producing this episode! Visit the Silver Maple Strategies website Follow Silver Maple Strategies on LinkedIn Book Nate Birt as a speaker or facilitator