• Teams Won't be Brave if They Don't Feel SAFE!
    2026/10/12

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Very Nonprofit – Very Real Podcast, with Canadian nonprofit educator, best-selling author and leadership coach, Paula J. Maclean.

    Today’s episode, focuses on the importance of creating a environment at work that makes it safe for people to use their new skills to speak up and have challenging conversations. Psychological safety results from a climate set by leaders. In the episode, we explore practical steps that leaders can take to ensure people in your teams, programs and entire organization feel safe

    Join me every week as we lift-up both your skills and your spirits on your nonprofit leadership journey. Together we will explore everything you need to know to successfully lead the people side of your nonprofit.

    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the episode:

    Tony Robbins Awaken the Giant Within

    https://www.amazon.ca/Awaken-Giant-Within-Immediate-Emotional/dp/0743409388/

    If you’d like more support as you grow as a nonprofit leader, here's the link to learn more about my one-on-one coaching https://learningforleaders.ca/coaching-with-paula/

    You can also connect with me directly via this link: https://learningforleaders.ca/contact/

    My website with lots of free resources: http://www.learningforleaders.ca

    Disclaimer:
    This information contained in this podcast reflects Paula MacLean’s professional experience working in and alongside nonprofit organizations for over 35 years. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only.

    The ideas presented here are not intended as professional, clinical, legal, or human resources advice. Every organization and situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use good judgment and should seek appropriate professional guidance when needed. Paula MacLean will not be held responsible for the use or misuse of anything contained in this podcast.

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    18 分
  • Having a Difficult Conversation without Making Things Worse - Part 3 of 3
    2026/10/05

    Difficult Conversations – Part 3 – Having a Difficult Conversation without Making it Worse

    Thank you for joining this episode of the Very Nonprofit – Very Real Podcast. I’m Canadian nonprofit educator, best-selling author and leadership coach, Paula J. Maclean.

    Today’s episode, Difficult Conversations Part 3 Having a Difficult Conversation without Making it Worse takes you through the 4 steps needed to ensure your courageous conversation is a complete success. These include, choosing your opening words, how to keep the convo less than 10 minutes long, how to handle emotion and what exactly what to say if the other person pushes back or wants to argue!

    Join me every week as we lift-up both your skills and your spirits on your nonprofit leadership journey. Together we will explore everything you need to know to successfully lead the people side of your nonprofit.

    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the episode:

    Susan Scott author of Fierce Conversation and several other excellent books: https://susanscott.io/

    If you’d like more support as you grow as a nonprofit leader, here's the link to learn more about my one-on-one coaching https://learningforleaders.ca/coaching-with-paula/

    You can also connect with me directly via this link: https://learningforleaders.ca/contact/

    My website with lots of free resources: http://www.learningforleaders.ca

    Disclaimer:
    This information contained in this podcast reflects Paula MacLean’s professional experience working in and alongside nonprofit organizations for over 35 years. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only.

    The ideas presented here are not intended as professional, clinical, legal, or human resources advice. Every organization and situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use good judgment and should seek appropriate professional guidance when needed. Paula MacLean will not be held responsible for the use or misuse of anything contained in this podcast.

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    20 分
  • Before You Say a Word: Preparing for a Difficult Conversation - Part 2 of 3
    2026/09/28

    Show Notes: Before You Say a Word: Preparing for a Difficult Conversation

    Thank you for joining this episode of the Very Nonprofit – Very Real Podcast. I'm Canadian nonprofit educator, best-selling author and leadership coach, Paula J. Maclean.

    Today’s episode focuses on the three steps you need to follow to plan for a “courageous” (or difficult) conversation.

    While “getting ready” may seem kind of obvious, in this episode well explore the How, Where, When and Who of setting yourself up for success before you even have a meeting set with another person. We also talk about how to invite someone to a conversation and how to become more confident by doing some practice before you get started.

    Enjoy the episode and make sure you don’t miss the third and final episode in the series which covers the exact steps and some scripts for making your next conversation a total success.

    Join me every week as we lift-up both your skills and your spirits on your nonprofit leadership journey. Together we will explore everything you need to know to successfully lead the people side of your nonprofit.

    My website with lots of free resources: http://www.learningforleaders.ca

    Neuroscience educator: Stefanie Faye: https://stefaniefaye.com/neuroscience-for-coaches-leaders-and-educators/

    If you’d like more support as you grow as a nonprofit leader, here's the link to learn more about my one-on-one coaching https://learningforleaders.ca/coaching-with-paula/

    You can also connect with me directly via this link: https://learningforleaders.ca/contact/

    Disclaimer:
    This information contained in this podcast reflects Paula MacLean’s professional experience working in and alongside nonprofit organizations for over 35 years. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only.

    The ideas presented here are not intended as professional, clinical, legal, or human resources advice. Every organization and situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use good judgment and should seek appropriate professional guidance when needed. Paula MacLean will not be held responsible for the use or misuse of anything contained in this podcast.

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    15 分
  • Why Difficult Conversations Feel So Hard (And How to Become Braver) Part 1 of 3
    2026/09/21

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Very Nonprofit – Very Real Podcast, with Canadian nonprofit educator, best-selling author and leadership coach, Paula J. Maclean.

    Today’s episode, “Why Difficult Conversations Feel So Hard (And How to Become Braver)” is the first of a three-part series that will fully prepare you for how to initiate and be successful when having a courageous conversations.

    Join me every week as we lift-up both your skills and your spirits on your nonprofit leadership journey. Together we will explore the tools and strategies you need to master to successfully lead the people side of your nonprofit.

    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the episode:

    My website with lots of free resources: http://www.learningforleaders.ca

    Brene Brown's website: Dare to Lead Hub: https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/

    Susan Scott, author of Fierce Conversations. https://fierceinc.com/fierce-conversations/

    If you’d like more support as you grow as a nonprofit leader, here's the link to learn more about my one-on-one coaching https://learningforleaders.ca/coaching-with-paula/

    You can also connect with me directly via this link: https://learningforleaders.ca/contact/

    Disclaimer:
    This information contained in this podcast reflects Paula MacLean’s professional experience working in and alongside nonprofit organizations for over 35 years. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only.

    The ideas presented here are not intended as professional, clinical, legal, or human resources advice. Every organization and situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use good judgment and should seek appropriate professional guidance when needed. Paula MacLean will not be held responsible for the use or misuse of anything contained in this podcast.

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    22 分
  • Introductory Podcast: Accidental Leaders: Why Many Nonprofit Leaders Feel So Unprepared
    2026/09/14

    Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Very Nonprofit – Very Real Podcast, with Canadian nonprofit educator, best-selling author and leadership coach, Paula J. Maclean.

    Today’s episode, Accidental Leaders - Why Many Nonprofit Leaders Feel So Unprepared focuses on an experience that unites almost all nonprofit leaders. Many began our careers in leadership "accidentally", with limited or no leadership training or experience. We often feel not fully equipped and not confident in our roles. "Imposter syndrome" is the phase used to describe the stress and worry we experience when we find ourselves suddenly in charge of people and programs.

    However, it's good to know that we are in good company and that, as author and researcher Brene Brown says, the skills we need are 100% teachable! This episode gives you practical steps you can take starting today as you become more skilled, confident, trusted and respected by your team, colleagues and senior leadership.

    Join me every week as we lift-up both your skills and your spirits on your nonprofit leadership journey. Together we will explore everything you need to know to successfully lead the the people side of your nonprofit.

    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the episode:

    If you’d like more support as you grow as a nonprofit leader, here's the link to learn more about my one-on-one coaching https://learningforleaders.ca/coaching-with-paula/

    You can also connect with me directly via this link: https://learningforleaders.ca/contact/

    My website with lots of free resources: http://www.learningforleaders.ca

    Brene Brown's website: Dare to Lead Hub: https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/

    Disclaimer:
    This information contained in this podcast reflects Paula MacLean’s professional experience working in and alongside nonprofit organizations for over 35 years. The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only.

    The ideas presented here are not intended as professional, clinical, legal, or human resources advice. Every organization and situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use good judgment and should seek appropriate professional guidance when needed. Paula MacLean will not be held responsible for the use or misuse of anything contained in this podcast.


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    19 分