In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host shares an inspiring journey from being dismissed in high school as unrealistic to becoming the CEO of a nonprofit organization, the Realistic Lemonade nonprofit. The guest, Megan, CEO of United Way Pioneer Valley, discusses her unexpected path to leadership, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of passion, community support, and mentorship. Megan also offers valuable advice on grant writing, building a strong board, and fostering an inclusive and passionate organizational culture. Tune in to learn about transforming dreams into reality and the essential elements of successful nonprofit leadership.
00:00 Introduction: Defying Unrealistic Expectations
00:22 Welcome to the Realistic CEO Podcast
00:28 Special Guest: Megan's Journey to CEO
00:36 Big Announcement: Launching My Nonprofit
00:59 Megan's Path to Becoming a CEO
03:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
05:21 Advice for Aspiring Nonprofit Leaders
06:18 The Importance of Passion in Nonprofits
07:11 Mastering Grant Writing
08:48 Building Community Relationships for Funding
09:40 Challenges of Transitioning to a CEO Role
10:54 Facing Public Speaking Fears
15:25 Leadership and Mentorship
16:27 Preparing for Your First Board Meeting
20:20 Building a Strong Nonprofit Board
21:04 Creating a Positive Staff Culture
22:41 Utilizing Volunteers as a Pipeline for Employment
23:31 Starting a Nonprofit in 90 Days
24:05 The Importance of Mentorship
25:53 Advice to My Younger Self
28:34 Challenges of Nonprofit Fundraising
30:21 The Long, Lonely, Boring Work of a CEO
31:48 Favorite Experiences and Overcoming Losses
36:32 Engaging with Youth Leaders
38:35 Fun Fact About Me
39:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host shares an inspiring journey from being dismissed in high school as unrealistic to becoming the CEO of a nonprofit organization, the Realistic Lemonade nonprofit. The guest, Megan, CEO of United Way Pioneer Valley, discusses her unexpected path to leadership, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of passion, community support, and mentorship. Megan also offers valuable advice on grant writing, building a strong board, and fostering an inclusive and passionate organizational culture. Tune in to learn about transforming dreams into reality and the essential elements of successful nonprofit leadership.
00:00 Introduction: Defying Unrealistic Expectations
00:22 Welcome to the Realistic CEO Podcast
00:28 Special Guest: Megan's Journey to CEO
00:36 Big Announcement: Launching My Nonprofit
00:59 Megan's Path to Becoming a CEO
03:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
05:21 Advice for Aspiring Nonprofit Leaders
06:18 The Importance of Passion in Nonprofits
07:11 Mastering Grant Writing
08:48 Building Community Relationships for Funding
09:40 Challenges of Transitioning to a CEO Role
10:54 Facing Public Speaking Fears
15:25 Leadership and Mentorship
16:27 Preparing for Your First Board Meeting
20:20 Building a Strong Nonprofit Board
21:04 Creating a Positive Staff Culture
22:41 Utilizing Volunteers as a Pipeline for Employment
23:31 Starting a Nonprofit in 90 Days
24:05 The Importance of Mentorship
25:53 Advice to My Younger Self
28:34 Challenges of Nonprofit Fundraising
30:21 The Long, Lonely, Boring Work of a CEO
31:48 Favorite Experiences and Overcoming Losses
36:32 Engaging with Youth Leaders
38:35 Fun Fact About Me
39:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ep. 69 | She Took Over the Family Business and Found Her Own Way
Realistic CEO Podcast
39 minutes 21 seconds
2 months ago
Ep. 69 | She Took Over the Family Business and Found Her Own Way
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Andrea Bordenca. Andrea shares her path from dreaming of becoming a CEO at a young age, to taking over her family business, Desco Service, under challenging circumstances. Learn about the importance of creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, overcoming skepticism in a male-dominated industry, and balancing personal struggles with professional growth. Andrea also provides valuable advice for aspiring CEOs, including the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive and honest individuals, and the impact of personal development through intentional relationships and coaching. Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with lessons on leadership, perseverance, and the power of community.
00:00 Introduction: The Dream of Becoming a CEO
00:29 Meet Andrea Bordenca: Multidimensional Leader
01:02 Creating Inclusive Spaces and Leading Desco Service
03:09 The Journey to CEO: Overcoming Challenges
09:53 Building Confidence and Setting Boundaries
19:16 Advice for Aspiring CEOs
20:16 Seeking Guidance and Learning from Others
20:35 Balancing Work and Family Life
23:25 Overcoming Personal Struggles
25:04 Starting from Scratch: Embracing Writing
26:07 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
28:57 Implementing Standards and Improving Business
31:36 Building Confidence and Overcoming Doubts
35:16 Fun Facts and Favorite Books
38:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Realistic CEO Podcast
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host shares an inspiring journey from being dismissed in high school as unrealistic to becoming the CEO of a nonprofit organization, the Realistic Lemonade nonprofit. The guest, Megan, CEO of United Way Pioneer Valley, discusses her unexpected path to leadership, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of passion, community support, and mentorship. Megan also offers valuable advice on grant writing, building a strong board, and fostering an inclusive and passionate organizational culture. Tune in to learn about transforming dreams into reality and the essential elements of successful nonprofit leadership.
00:00 Introduction: Defying Unrealistic Expectations
00:22 Welcome to the Realistic CEO Podcast
00:28 Special Guest: Megan's Journey to CEO
00:36 Big Announcement: Launching My Nonprofit
00:59 Megan's Path to Becoming a CEO
03:45 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
05:21 Advice for Aspiring Nonprofit Leaders
06:18 The Importance of Passion in Nonprofits
07:11 Mastering Grant Writing
08:48 Building Community Relationships for Funding
09:40 Challenges of Transitioning to a CEO Role
10:54 Facing Public Speaking Fears
15:25 Leadership and Mentorship
16:27 Preparing for Your First Board Meeting
20:20 Building a Strong Nonprofit Board
21:04 Creating a Positive Staff Culture
22:41 Utilizing Volunteers as a Pipeline for Employment
23:31 Starting a Nonprofit in 90 Days
24:05 The Importance of Mentorship
25:53 Advice to My Younger Self
28:34 Challenges of Nonprofit Fundraising
30:21 The Long, Lonely, Boring Work of a CEO
31:48 Favorite Experiences and Overcoming Losses
36:32 Engaging with Youth Leaders
38:35 Fun Fact About Me
39:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts