“Capacity Building” is a phrase that gets tossed around quite a bit in the nonprofit world, but what does it really mean, and how do you know if it’s even working? In episode four of our Capacity Building 2.0 series, Tucker and Sarah reconnect with Jess Verplank, Deputy Director of Kids on Bikes, who participated in the THRIVER program earlier this year. Throughout the discussion, Jess reflects on the pivotal moments and lessons she learned that have since shaped her leadership approach, and what “capacity building” has meant for her. With the guidance and insights from executive coaches Melissa Caddell and Laura Groen of Novus Global, Jess navigated challenges and discovered new strategies to enhance her organization's impact. Together, the group digs deep into Jess's experiences, emphasizing the importance of having a clear vision in leadership. They discuss the difference between expectations and genuine agreements and how, without a clear vision, feedback is just an opinion. Additionally, they touch upon the "athlete" mindset, a perspective where work is seen not just as a task, but as a practice ground for continuous growth, development, and mastery.Key takeaways from the episode include:
The role of executive coaching in guiding leaders out of burnout.
The significance of having a clear vision and knowing how it serves as a guiding light for organizations.
Understanding the difference between expectations and agreements and why the latter is more beneficial.
The importance of challenging the assumptions of limited resources in nonprofits 
The idea of increasing fun as a remedy for burnout.
Encouragement for leaders to aim for seemingly impossible goals.
Join Tucker, Sarah, Jess, Melissa, and Laura in this episode as they explore the depths of capacity building, the power of executive coaching, and the endless possibilities that arise when one is equipped with the right tools, mindset, and guidance.Listener Links/Resources:BOOK -- Beyond High Performance: What Great Coaches Know About How the Best Get Better - https://amzn.to/3rCHWCY
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