In this episode, we're shifting our focus from pure innovation in programs to the personal innovations required to be a leader in the volunteer sector. We are incredibly honored to be joined by the one and only Tobi Johnson, CVA.

While many of you will know Tobi from her exceptional Volpro training and the fantastic 'Volunteer Nation' podcast, this conversation goes behind the scenes. Tobi shares her personal leadership journey—the successes, the stumbles, and the crucial lessons learned from both.

We explore the realities of leadership, from battling imposter syndrome to the complexities of leading diverse teams and navigating the challenges of movement-building. This is a candid, inspiring look at what it truly takes to lead and innovate in the world of volunteerism.

Tobi Johnson is an internationally recognized expert and consultant in the field of volunteer engagement. She is the founder of Tobi Johnson & Associates and the President of VolunteerPro, an online professional development community for leaders of volunteers. Tobi is also the host of the popular Volunteer Nation podcast, providing practical tips and insights for engaging today's volunteers.

• The Leadership Journey is Not Linear: Tobi shares the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her as a leader, emphasising that learning often comes from what goes wrong.

• Wrestling with Imposter Syndrome: A frank discussion about feeling like a fraud and the strategies Tobi has used to find her authentic leadership voice.

• Leading Diverse Groups: We explore the skills and mindset needed to effectively lead diverse teams of volunteers, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose.

• From Management to Movement-Building: Tobi discusses the leap from managing volunteers to leading a movement, and the unique challenges that come with inspiring collective action.

• Lessons from Theory and Practice: We touch on key concepts from academic work in the sector and how they apply in the real world.

• VolunteerPro: Tobi's online training and coaching community for volunteer managers.

• Volunteer Nation Podcast: Tobi's podcast full of actionable tips for leaders of volunteers.

• Book: Volunteer Involvement: An Introduction to Theory and Practice by Jurgen Grotz and Ruth Buchanan.

• Follow us on Linked-in

• Visit our website: www.TimeForImpact.co.uk

• Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

Connect & Continue the Conversation:

Thank you for tuning in to Time for Impact! We are dedicated to bringing you the freshest thinking in volunteerism from professionals who are making a real difference.

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you conversations with volunteerism leaders from around the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Time for Impact on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more professionals like you.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who believes in the power of connection.

Like any creative endeavour, bringing the podcast to life involves real costs in production, editing, planning, and execution.

This podcast is our gift to the profession. However, If you find the Time for Impact Podcast valuable and wish to fuel future inspiring conversations and ideas, please consider a small, entirely voluntary contribution of £4 through our Buy Me a Coffee account: ⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi ⁠⁠⁠ . Your generosity, however small, directly supports our ability to continue producing this resource for the sector. Thank you for being part of our community. 🙏

Time for Impact has recently launched its sector wide Volunteer Experience Survey - to find out more go to https://www.timeforimpact.co.uk/volunteering-strategies/volunteer-surveys

The world of volunteerism has fundamentally changed since 2020. How can established organisations adapt to shifting demographics, motivations, and a post-pandemic market? In this episode, we go straight to the source of innovation and legacy, speaking with Karen Leies, CEO and President of The Seeing Eye, the world's oldest guide dog organisation.

Karen shares the unique challenges The Seeing Eye faced and how they refused to stand still. We take a deep dive into their transformative partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to analyse the new volunteer landscape and develop a data-driven strategy. Discover how they are now marketing volunteer opportunities to entirely new audiences, and a focus on creating meaningful roles for families. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for any leader looking to energize their volunteer program and build a resilient community for the future.

Plus, for our UK listeners, discover the foundational role The Seeing Eye played in helping to establish the UK's own Guide Dogs for the Blind association.

About Our Guest:

Karen Leies is the CEO and President of The Seeing Eye, the pioneering organisation that has been enhancing the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of people who are blind through the use of Seeing Eye® dogs since 1929. With a deep commitment to the organisation's mission, Karen leads a dedicated team of staff and volunteers in continuing a legacy of excellence and innovation in the guide dog movement.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Seeing Eye: Learn more about their incredible work, mission, and volunteer opportunities at www.seeingeye.org.

• Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Explore their work in the social impact sector at www.bcg.com.

• Guide Dogs for the Blind (UK): For our UK listeners, learn more about the organisation The Seeing Eye helped inspire at www.guidedogs.org.uk.

  
  

  Connect & Continue the Conversation:

  Thank you for tuning in to Time for Impact! We are dedicated to bringing you the freshest thinking in volunteerism from professionals who are making a real difference.

  Stay tuned as we continue to bring you conversations with volunteerism leaders from around the world.

  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Time for Impact on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more professionals like you.

  
  

  If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who believes in the power of connection.

  
  

  Like any creative endeavour, bringing the podcast to life involves real costs in production, editing, planning, and execution.

  This podcast is our gift to the profession. However, If you find the Time for Impact Podcast valuable and wish to fuel future inspiring conversations and ideas, please consider a small, entirely voluntary contribution of £4 through our Buy Me a Coffee account: ⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/chriswadetfi ⁠⁠⁠ . Your generosity, however small, directly supports our ability to continue producing this resource for the sector. Thank you for being part of our community. 🙏