Modern nonprofit board governance -- passion is not enough! | Chris Grundner | TEDxWilmington

Summary

The speaker recounts his transformation from a corporate executive to a nonprofit founder after his wife, Kelly, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He shares his journey of establishing the Kelly Hines Grunert Brain Tumor Foundation to raise awareness and educate about early detection. The narrative delves into the importance of effective nonprofit board governance, emphasizing the need for passion, accountability, and diversity in leadership to ensure the organization's success and sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😢 The speaker's personal tragedy: The story begins with the speaker receiving a life-changing call about his wife's brain tumor diagnosis, which sets the stage for his journey into the nonprofit world.
• 🛫 A corporate to nonprofit transition: The speaker transitioned from a corporate career at JP Morgan Chase to the nonprofit sector after his wife's diagnosis and eventual passing.
• 🏥 Late diagnosis as a catalyst: The late diagnosis of his wife's brain tumor due to lack of awareness and education about the disease inspired the speaker to raise awareness and educate others.
• 🐕‍🦺 Initial nonprofit exposure: Prior to his wife's illness, the speaker's only nonprofit involvement was through pet adoption and occasional donations, highlighting his lack of understanding of nonprofit management.
• 🏆 Establishing a foundation: Following his wife's death, the speaker founded the Kelly Hines Gruner Brain Tumor Foundation and launched the 'Get Your Head in the Game' campaign to educate the public and healthcare providers about brain tumors.
• 🔑 Learning nonprofit governance: The speaker's journey involved learning about nonprofit board governance, including the volunteer nature of board members and the challenges of starting a board for IRS charity status.
• 🔄 The importance of board diversity: The speaker emphasizes the value of having a diverse set of skills and perspectives on a board, as well as the need for constructive conflict to challenge the status quo.
• 🛑 Accountability in board roles: Understanding the fiduciary and legal responsibilities of board members, implementing best practices, and holding members accountable are critical for effective governance.
• 🔄 Maslow's hierarchy applied to boards: The speaker draws a parallel between Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the components necessary for building an exceptional board, with passion for the mission being the foundational layer.
• 🔄 Succession planning: Planning for board turnover and grooming future leaders is essential for maintaining momentum and ensuring the organization's long-term success.
• 🌟 The significance of board service: Serving on a nonprofit board is a serious commitment that requires dedication and should not be taken lightly, but it can also be a highly rewarding experience.

Q & A

What was the speaker's position at JP Morgan Chase when the story took place?

The speaker was working as a Senior Vice President in JP Morgan Chase's credit card division.

How did the speaker describe his relationship with his wife, Kelly?

The speaker described his relationship with Kelly as inseparable, like one person, with a knack for finishing each other's sentences, and having a deep connection where each other's voice was the first and last they wanted to hear.

What was the initial reason for concern when the speaker could not reach Kelly after his flight?

The speaker was concerned because Kelly had an MRI scheduled earlier that day due to headaches, blurry vision, and dizziness, and she was not answering her phone.

What devastating news did Kelly share with the speaker during their phone call?

Kelly shared the news that she had a brain tumor.

What was the speaker's first step into the nonprofit world after Kelly's diagnosis?

The speaker's first step into the nonprofit world was starting the Kelly Hines Gruner Brain Tumor Foundation and launching the 'Get Your Head in the Game' campaign to raise awareness and educate about brain tumors.

What was the speaker's realization about the importance of board governance in nonprofit organizations?

The speaker realized that passion alone is not enough for board members; there must also be regular attendance, financial contributions, understanding of roles, fiduciary responsibilities, best practices, accountability, and a focus on diversity of skills and perspectives.

What is the significance of the Maslow's hierarchy of needs pyramid analogy in the context of nonprofit board governance?

The analogy is used to illustrate that having passion for the mission is the foundation, but there are additional necessary components for achieving board excellence, similar to how basic needs are the foundation for self-actualization in Maslow's pyramid.

What are some of the best practices the speaker suggests for board governance?

The speaker suggests having job descriptions for board members, term limits, annual reviews, and a continuous learning process as best practices for board governance.

Why is accountability important in the context of board governance?

Accountability is important to ensure that board members are fulfilling their roles and responsibilities, and that the structures and practices apply evenly to everyone, regardless of their influence or donations.

What does the speaker suggest about board diversity and its impact on the organization?

The speaker suggests that having a diverse set of skills and perspectives on the board is beneficial, as it allows for a 360-degree view and challenges to the status quo, leading to more constructive discussions and better decision-making.

What is the speaker's advice for individuals considering serving on a board?

The speaker advises individuals to understand the organization's expectations, ensure they can commit the necessary time and energy, and to be prepared to hold themselves and the organization accountable.