In this powerful follow-up episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson continues her insightful conversation with Jenni Field, diving deeper into the leadership principles that drive meaningful change, especially for those managing volunteers.

Together, they unpack the nuanced differences between authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, highlighting how empathy, flexibility, and consistent action can earn trust and credibility with both volunteers and colleagues.

Tobi and Jenni also offer guidance on recognizing signs of credibility challenges and what to do about them. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to volunteer management, this episode is full of practical wisdom you can use right away.

Full show notes: 161. Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 2 with Jenni Field

Leadership Principles - Episode Highlights

• [01:50] - Authenticity vs. Vulnerability in Leadership
• [05:40] - The Importance of Being Genuine
• [11:51] - Diagnosing Credibility Issues in Organizations
• [14:35] - Navigating Challenges in Inclusivity and Belonging
• [19:58] - Volunteer Managers: Gaining Buy-In and Credibility
• [22:53] - Building Credibility and Respect
• [25:02] - Strategic Planning for Volunteer Engagement
• [26:43] - Addressing Challenges in Volunteer Management
• [32:05] - Empathy and Flexibility in Volunteer Leadership
  

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #84: Building an Inclusive Culture at Your Volunteer Organization with Advita Patel
• Edleman Trust Barometer 2025
• The Fish Rots from the Head: The Crisis in Our Boardrooms: Developing the Crucial Skills of the Competent Director
• Find Jenni on LinkedIn
• Find Jenni on Instagram
• Jenni's Website
• Buy Jenni’s Book
• Take the Credibility Gap Assessment: How credible are you?
  
  
  

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson sits down with leadership and communications expert Jenni Field for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to lead with credibility in the nonprofit world.

Jenni shares practical, research-backed strategies for building trust, fostering supportive team cultures, and leading with clarity—especially during times of change. Drawing from her extensive experience and her latest book, she unpacks how values-driven leadership can guide organizations through uncertainty and strengthen internal culture.

This is part one of a two-part series you won’t want to miss!

Full show notes: 160. Leadership Principles for Sparking Change – Part 1 with Jenni Field

Leadership Principles - Episode Highlights

• [01:42] - Leadership and Influence with Jenni Field
• [05:56] - The Importance of Trust and Credibility
• [14:22] - Navigating Trust Challenges in Nonprofits
• [18:08] - The Role of Credibility in Volunteer Recruitment
• [23:17] - Eight Practices of Credible Leadership
• [24:26] - Diagnosing Training Program Failures
• [25:47] - The Importance of Visionary and Supportive Practices
• [34:56] - The Role of Values in Leadership and Culture
• [42:23] - Practical Tips for Volunteer Managers
  

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #84: Building an Inclusive Culture at Your Volunteer Organization with Advita Patel
• Edleman Trust Barometer 2025
• The Fish Rots from the Head: The Crisis in Our Boardrooms: Developing the Crucial Skills of the Competent Director
• Find Jenni on LinkedIn
• Find Jenni on Instagram
• Jenni's Website
• Buy Jenni’s Book
• Take the Credibility Gap Assessment: How credible are you?
  
  

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson breaks down exactly what it takes to hire a future proof volunteer coordinator who can lead with confidence and adaptability. Given how vital this role is in representing your organization and engaging your volunteers, hiring the right person matters more than ever!

Tobi walks you through 8 essential steps to build a strong hiring foundation. From understanding volunteer coordination best practices and deciding if the position should be paid or volunteer, to writing a compelling job description and offering a fair wage. She also dives into how to assess both credentials and those often-overlooked people and paperwork skills.

You’ll also learn why emotional intelligence, clear boundaries, and smart use of technology are game changers in this role. If you’re looking to build a thriving volunteer program, this episode is your go-to guide for hiring a future-proof leader who’s ready to grow with your mission.

Full show notes: 159. How to Hire a Future Proof Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator - Episode Highlights

• [00:50] - The Importance of Hiring a Future-Proof Volunteer Coordinator
• [03:38] - Understanding Job Titles and Definitions
• [07:48] - Why Future-Proofing Matters
• [12:21] - Eight Steps to Hiring Success
• [31:08] - The Role of Credentials and Emotional Intelligence
• [39:08] - Supporting Your New Hire
• [44:01] - Free Hiring Guide

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #93: The 5 Phases of Successful Volunteer Coordination
• Volunteer Nation Episode #96: Volunteer Work or Staff Position How to Decide
• Volunteer Nation Episode #026: Hiring? What to Include in Your Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
• Volunteer Nation Episode #119: Volunteer Manager Salary & Career Paths with Megan Vixie
• Volunteer Nation Episode #055: How to Get Your CVA Credential with Faiza Venzant
• Volunteer Nation Episode #67: How to Set Up a New Volunteer Coordinator for Success
• Volunteer Nation Episode #145: Build Your Program with the NEW VolunteerPro Volunteer Impact Lab!
• FREE Hiring Guide - How to Hire a Kick A** Volunteer Manager
  
  
  

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.