Nonprofit Leadership: Francesca's Choice

It took me 15 years, but I just finished reading the tearjerker The Bridges of Madison County. And though the famous novel has been often derided as a kitschy, cliché-ridden tome, its popularity attests to its universal themes of love, loss, and longing.



In the well-worn story, Francesca, a beautiful Italian war-bride turned Iowa housewife is treading through her seemingly mundane existence, when Robert, a muscular, proverbially romantic photographer stumbles onto her front porch. They share four passionate days together while her husband and kids are away, and fall hopelessly for each other. Though Francesca longs to break free from her perceived banality and run off with the mysterious stranger, she agonizingly chooses to remain with her family. Over time, she chooses to view the affair as a wonderful, if vexing, interlude to an overall meaningful life.



Francesca’s choice to stay does not mean that every couple should remain married, or conversely that an affair means a marriage is inescapably broken. Yet her choice was right for the people she touched….and though hard to swallow, right for her too.



So how, you ask, does this connect to the themes of Nonprofit Leadership?



Very little, except, perhaps for one salient point: Whether we are a board member, program manager, caseworker, executive director/CEO, or volunteer, we are touching people’s lives. No, not in a way a corporation does, by vainly connecting selling soft drinks to people’s happiness. We do it by going on a truck to the dark side of town, handing out sandwiches to the homeless. Or by lighting a shy nine year old child’s flame that she has a place in the classroom-and the world. And we do it in countless other ways.



Make no mistake, everyone in this world touches people. However in the nonprofit world, we have the wonderful, yet daunting opportunity to touch people in ways many people cannot or do not. Therefore, our choices must be driven by what’s best for the people we serve… and ourselves….in that order.

Secrets and Stories from the Nonprofit Secret

I will be telling stories from my book at this Wednesday's AFP luncheon-hope you can make it!

Join The Nonprofit Secret on Facebook-and Win a Free Book!

We are live on Facebook! The 100th new fan of our book will receive a free autographed copy! So join us and tell your friends, ya hear! And if you refer the 100th friend, you get a free book too!

Are you near the Beaumont-Houston-Lake Charles area? Join me on Feb 18 for the Nonprofit Secret seminar, including a signed book!

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to hear Jonathan D. Schick and receive a copy of one of his latest books!

Email lesliep@setxnonprofit.org for your registration form and reserve your seat today!


The Nonprofit Secret: The Six Principles of Successful Board/CEO Partnerships

Hosted by
The Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center


Target Audience: All levels, specifically geared to Board Members, CEOs, Executive Directors, and Senior Staff

Description: Nonprofit boards are often riddled with political and functional challenges that creep into the running of the organization, conflicting with operations and inhibiting effectiveness, despite everyone's devotion to the same set of goal.

In his dynamic presentation, Jonathan Schick shares the Six Principles that can unlock an organization's potential and lead to successful board/CEO partnerships.

Book Signing: Following the session; Participants will receive a complimentary book.


February 18, 2010 9 am-12 pm Fee $60 Nonmembers/$50 Members Auditorium in the Foundation Bldg (700 North, Beaumont)

Upcoming Webinar!

I will be doing a Webinar with the Alliance for Nonprofit Management on Jan. 19 Check it out!

Saint Augustine and Cousin Vinnie

I was pleasantly surprised to see this article in the premier private school publication in the US., where the author refers to my governance model. A fun article to read too.

Clips of my recent presentation are on YouTube!

I finally made it to the ultimate proof of existence: Youtube.

I gave a short 20 minute presentation on the Nonprofit Secret to a Dallas rotary club. There are 4 clips-I begin speaking in the middle of Clip #1, and continue through #4.

Check them out at:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4it-XUrEQw&feature=related

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3lxV0KMSjs&feature=related

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_WJyMI6loA&feature=related

4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmgDTV7luGU&feature=related

Enjoy!