Episode 014: Do you have the courage to lead?

Running a nonprofit takes guts

Today we are joined by Lindy Hoyer, Executive Director of Omaha Children’s Museum.

Lindy first joined the museum after graduating from Doane College with a BA in Theatre. After spending a few years away, in 2002 she “came home” to head up this important educational resource located in the heart of Nebraska’s largest city. Since then, she has overseen a $6.6 million capital expansion and an explosion in annual attendance, to over 270,000 visitors.

During her tenure, Lindy has had ample opportunity to work her “courage” muscle, particularly in the decisions she has had to make. Many decisions worked out well–some extraordinarily so. On the other hand, a few didn’t work out so well.

Through it all, she has maintained one core philosophy: growth. This applies not only to the children who visit, but also to the organization, the staff who work there, members of the board–and to Lindy herself.

It takes courage to admit when you make a wrong turn, and courage to do a full and honest post-mortem. This courage is rewarded, however, because mistakes provide the greatest learning opportunities.

To learn more about Lindy or Omaha Children’s Museum, click here!

Click here to download as an MP3 (right click and choose “save as”).

In this episode, Lindy and Darren discuss:

How some people are born to lead.
When it’s okay to let your staff fail.
An important prerequisite for a strong board.
The problems with hiring friends.
Why nonprofit leaders need real, honest, feedback without bias or “positioning,” and where to get it.
Her book recommendation: Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie.
Her sneaky book recommendation: Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders by Joel Manby (we didn’t even realize she snuck it in until we did post-production!).
Her idea for a television reality show starring nonprofit executives.

Hang on to the end to hear Lindy’s Magic Moment challenge!

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

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