72: What Can a Mastermind Do for Your Nonprofit Leadership? (Patton McDowell)

SUMMARY

What is a mastermind, and how could it help you on your nonprofit leadership journey? In episode #72 of the Path Podcast, Patton provides some history on the mastermind concept, and explains how PMA has adapted the model to best serve nonprofit leaders. He explains the characteristics that best describe successful participants, and the philosophies and structure that went into the design and implementation of the program. Patton also shares four key elements of the Mastermind that provide direct value to the individual members of each cohort: program design, methods of engagement, professional tools and strategic network.

ABOUT PATTON

Patton has spent his entire 30-year career helping talented individuals raise more funds and effectively lead their nonprofit organizations. Before starting PMA Consulting, he spent a decade in higher education as Vice President for Advancement at Queens University after serving in the same role at UNC Wilmington, where he was the youngest vice chancellor in the UNC system. Prior to his tenure in higher education, he worked with volunteers from 85 different counties as the state Program Director for Special Olympics North Carolina and as an Assistant for Education & Training for Special Olympics International in Washington DC, where he helped design coach and volunteer training curriculum used worldwide. Patton grew up in Elizabeth City, NC, and went to UNC Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar where he received a BA in English Education. He received his MBA from the McColl School of Business while working at Queens, and his Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change & Leadership) from the Rossier School at the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Master Trainer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International. He also serves as the Lead Faculty Member for the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership in Charlotte, where he works with aspiring nonprofit leaders through the New Development Directors program and coaches an annual cohort of Executive Directors and Chief Development Officers through Leadership Gift School.

EPISODE RESOURCES

• PMA Masterminds FAQ’s and Application
• Napoleon Hill’s book Think and Grow Rich
• Patton’s episode #56 10 Essential Skills & Experiences for Nonprofit Leadership