Over the past two months, I interviewed 29 nonprofit leaders and gathered short survey responses to answer a practical question: what does it really take to build an AI-ready culture? The headline: Culture, not tools alone, predicts whether AI reduces busywork and accelerates mission outcomes. In nonprofits, where expectations for timely, evidence-based reporting keep rising while capacity stays tight, that difference matters.

Today, I’m adding another passion that’s been on my heart for years: coaching Christian leaders across every sector using my Triple Loop Leadership framework.

Why This, Why Now?

Two reasons. First, I love meeting new people and hearing their stories, the real stories, where calling meets pressure, purpose meets complexity, and faith meets decision-making. Second, I enjoy helping others whenever possible by sharing my experiences and expertise. After the great response to my book, Reimagining Learning: The Power of Triple Loop Leadership, it became clear that many Christian leaders were asking, “How do I bring this into my faith and my work today?” This new offering is my answer.

In the social sector, the pace of change has never been faster, and AI is at the forefront. Front-line teams across nonprofits are already discovering creative ways to harness generative AI: drafting personalized volunteer communications in seconds, analyzing program feedback to uncover emerging needs, and automating routine reporting. Yet all too often, these grassroots experiments stall in middle management or fail to scale, leaving organizations scrambling to catch up. The AI-Ready Leadership Accelerator is designed to close that gap by equipping nonprofit executives with the mindset, skills, and cultural foundations to turn pockets of innovation into enterprise-wide advantage.

From executive suites to shop floors, Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s transforming the very fabric of how we work, make decisions, and deliver value. Gone are the days when leaders could afford to ignore AI’s potential; today, integrating AI into strategy and operations is no longer optional but imperative. Organizations that hesitate, risk being outpaced by more agile competitors as AI-driven enterprises accelerate their innovation cycles and unlock new efficiencies.

When I asked a group of leaders, “By a show of hands, how many of you have been taught how to be a leader?” only approximately one or two out of every hundred leaders could say they had been taught how to lead.

I’ve asked that question countless times for the past 10 years to senior executives, middle management, and first-time leaders. The reactions are always the same. After considering the question, most individuals admit that they have never been taught how to be a leader; they were simply promoted or hired for that role. This stark reality is impossible to ignore.

Over the past month, I’ve engaged with higher education from three perspectives—first as a parent watching my son become a college graduate in Pittsburgh, PA, then as faculty taking part in commencement, and finally as a board member at a foundation supporting high school seniors with scholarships as they transition to colleges and universities in Arizona. Each role offered unique insights, yet together they reinforced one clear message: our community thrives when we invest in its emerging leaders.

The underlying message is clear: effective leadership in uncertain times calls for a blend of strategic acumen and genuine empathy.

Empathy has emerged as the cornerstone of modern leadership. By putting themselves in the shoes of those they lead (and most leaders are facing the same fears), compassionate leaders are building environments that focus on economic survival and sustaining the well-being of every team member. This human-centric approach is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. To help leaders turn this philosophy into actionable strategies, here are some steps they can take:

Every nonprofit leader desires a breakthrough—that spark that illuminates the path ahead while also opening doors to extraordinary funding possibilities. Imagine a leadership approach that challenges the status quo and actively transforms how your organization generates fresh ideas and uncovers untapped funding streams. Triple loop leadership does just that! It’s

Focusing solely on money-making investments might build your fortune, but it often leaves you without the personal growth you truly deserve. Ever notice how TV channels obsess over financial gains? Let’s face it: we are a society that worships stocks, property, and money. However, the ultimate investment—investing in yourself—often gets overlooked.

Envision a reality where nonprofit leaders go beyond merely addressing issues; they revolutionize the systems influencing our communities. Over the past several months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work side-by-side with visionary prevention experts in the nonprofit space in California and Arizona, rethinking how we approach challenges at their core. Drawing on the insights from my book, Reimagining Learning: The Power of Triple Loop Leadership, I’ve discovered truly how transformative triple loop leadership is. It’s not just a leadership concept—it’s a bold call to transform our beliefs, our strategies, and, ultimately, our world.

Most transformative journeys begin with a moment of frustration and a desire for something better. For me, that moment arrived when I realized just how ineffective traditional leadership development programs had become. Despite their widespread adoption, these programs often left organizations disheartened and leaders feeling neglected. This frustration was further compounded by a Harvard Business Review survey revealing that a staggering 70% of organizations found their leadership development initiatives ineffective. It was clear that something fundamental was missing. Leaders were struggling to meet their goals and feeling unsupported and overlooked in their development journeys. Determined to uncover the root of this ineffectiveness, I embarked on a personal transformational journey that would ultimately lead to the creation of my book, "Reimagining Learning: The Power of Triple Loop Leadership."

Leadership is more than a title or a role—it’s a practice, a commitment to evolving and inspiring others through action. In the framework of triple loop leadership, the fourth topic, Leading by Example, stands as the most transformative. It challenges leaders to question strategies and assumptions and reexamine the foundational beliefs and values that guide their actions. For me, embracing this principle has been a deeply personal and professional journey.

Picture this: a leader walks into a room not with a rigid script, but with genuine curiosity and an open heart. They’re not just managing; they’re transforming. Welcome to the world of triple loop leadership, where the final stage is all about driving significant, transformative changes within organizations by leveraging self-awareness, vulnerability, and a relentless learning-oriented mindset. Let’s dive into how these leaders are reshaping their organizations and how you can join the revolution!

I have realized that staying stagnant means falling behind. Over the past few years, I’ve been on a transformative journey, discovering the immense value of continuous learning. This commitment has shaped me personally and professionally to become a key cog in our consulting and training firm. I’m excited to share a piece of this journey, hoping to inspire other leaders and teams to embrace continuous learning as a pathway to ongoing achievement.

Let’s discuss something crucial yet often overlooked in many organizations: the power of continuous learning and adaptability. Imagine your team keeping up with the times and staying ahead of the curve, constantly leveling up their skills and flexing their problem-solving muscles. That’s the dream, right?

I’m not talking about your typical boring training program. It’s all about sparking a mindset that values growth for everyone, from entry-level team members to seasoned leaders. I’m talking about a culture where personal and professional development isn’t an annual checkbox on a review form but an ongoing, dynamic part of everyday work life.

Leaders, let’s talk about something that might flip your perspective on leadership upside down: vulnerability. Yep, you heard me right! In a world where leaders often wear their “tough leader” badges like armor, incorporating vulnerability can be your secret weapon to building a dynamic team culture. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into why showing your softer side is actually a brilliant strategy.

Over the next four months, I’ll be diving into the four critical elements of our Triple Loop Leadership framework. This journey is designed to help you, as a leader, navigate the complexities of modern leadership. Each month, we’ll explore a different topic, starting with the foundation of it all: self-awareness. Without it, everything else becomes shaky and uncertain. So, this month, let’s take a closer look at ourselves—our motivations, values, and biases—to ensure our leadership is rooted in self-reflection and authenticity.

What are some common challenges that can impact productivity and overall employee morale in your workplace? If you guessed stress and employee turnover, you guessed correctly!

Bangladesh, a nation known for its vibrant culture and resilience, is now teetering on the brink of a full-blown political and humanitarian crisis.

Titan CEO and headline sponsor Wipfli LLP are pleased to announce Dr. Jeff McGee, CEO, Cross-Cultural Dynamics as a 2024 Phoenix Titan 100.