Published by JDLevy & Associates
Discover your organizations true potential.
Listen on Apple Podcasts17 min
In the seventy-sixth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie Levy shares key findings from JDLA’s 2026 Executive Director Health and Wellness Assessment. He explores the pressures nonprofit leaders continue to carry—including staffing shortages, funding challenges, board engagement, and leadership sustainability—while highlighting the resilience and hope that remain strong across the sector.
19 min
In the seventy-fifth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Jay Height discuss trying something surprisingly simple: making people smile. Jay shares how “Indigo the Blue Jay,” a puppet created for Shepherd Community Center, has become a creative tool for communicating with board members, donors, families, students, and staff in ways that feel personal, memorable, and strategic.
21 min
In the seventy-fourth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Bob Jones discuss how organizations can strengthen their culture and effectiveness by intentionally adopting a mission-first way of thinking. Through reflections on board service, fundraising, staffing, and leadership, Jamie and Bob Jones show that when people truly believe in and align with the mission, they build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and create a more lasting foundation for the future.
24 min
In the seventy-third episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, JDLA sits down with Zac Kester (EVP at Donum) to unpack a quietly game-changing idea: charitable gift financing—using strategic, non-recourse loans to increase giving while creating meaningful tax efficiency. If you’ve ever wondered how donors can unlock significantly larger philanthropy without “writing a bigger check,” this conversation lays out the mechanics, the risk safeguards, and why the long-term upside can benefit both charities and families.
25 min
In the seventh-second episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Holly Sullivan - CEO of Youth First - and Jamie unpack what happens when a deeply invested board member steps off the dais and into the CEO chair. Learn the inside story of a board-to-CEO succession done with transparency, intentional timing, and deep relational trust — with staff, donors, and a 30+ member board. Their dialogue challenges every board member to ask a bold question: “Do I believe in this mission enough that I’d consider working here?"
30 min
In the seventy-first episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Senator John Crane wrap up their six segment series on leadership. Having already covered The Who, Where, Why and How, Jamie and Senator Crane walk through how to put these key things into place to create a successful leadership system. Don't miss listening in as they "land the plane" on this impactful series.
21 min
On the seventieth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Senator John Crane continue on their leadership series with segment five, focusing on the "how". With only two segments remaining, you won't want to miss listening in as they continue to breakdown effective leadership.
27 min
On the sixty-ninth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Senator John Crane continue their acclaimed Leadership Series with "Segment 4: The Who of Leadership." The critical first "who" is ourselves. Senator Crane explains that our ability to impact others is directly tied to our personal disciplines, clarity of mission and purpose, and life outlook. The fundamental lesson: we must master self-leadership before we can effectively lead others. Tune in as Jamie and John deep-dive into integrating the principles of leading yourself and leading others.
20 min
On this sixty-eighth episode of The Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Senator John Crane continue their popular leadership series, focusing on the critical question: Where are you going? Many don't realize how deeply connected the "Why" and the "Where" of leadership truly are. Tune in as Jamie and John break down how to map a path forward and ensure your current direction perfectly aligns with your overall mission.
24 min
On the sixty-seventh episode of The Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie continues our journey with Senator John Crane, CEO of JBC Leadership Strategies. Over the next few months, Senator Crane and Jamie will unpack the 'why,' 'where,' 'who,' and 'how' of effective leadership. This episode dives deep into the WHY of leadership, offering actionable steps for success. Don't miss this foundational episode—it sets the stage for everything to come.
24 min
In the sixty-sixth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie Levy sits with Bob Jones, who has a plethora of experience as a high level CEO and a civic engaged volunteer, who has now entered a new season of retirement. Bob breaks down how the transition to retirement and how it can be so difficult because your life and career are so connected. Bob and Jamie talk about the importance of succession, the grieving process of retirement but also the pride that can come along with it. You won't want to miss the opportunity to learn from all Bob and his company did right. Listen in!
21 min
On the sixty-fifth episode of the Calibration Point podcast, Jamie Levy talks with Senator John Crane, who is also the CEO of JBC Leadership Strategies, about the DNA of leadership. Jamie and John break down the foundational framework of leadership and how important it is. You won't want to miss this episode outlining the building blocks you need for strong leadership.
18 min
On the sixty-forth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie welcomes back Bob Jones, who has had significant CEO Leadership roles in both corporate and non-profit spaces. Bob and Jamie discuss over Bob's career of leadership the few things in the nonprofit sector Bob wishes someone would have told him about. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from Bob's experiences. Listen in.
30 min
On the sixty-third episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie Levy and Jake Stamper dive in to part 2 of the 2-part series on branding. If you haven't already taken a listen to part one on episode sixty-one, make sure you do so! Jake has earned his title in the community as the brand guru. You won't have to wonder why when you listen in.
22 min
On the sixty-second episode of The Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie Levy sits down with Sarah Downing, Director of Philanthropic Sustainability at JDLA and a current doctoral student in Strategic Leadership. Together, they dive deep into the intersection of culture and leadership. Sarah sheds light on how good intentions often fall short of creating real impact. Drawing from research-based insights, she challenges the common belief that simply "leading by example" is enough—and explains why intentional, active leadership is essential to building a truly ethical culture. This episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement today to move beyond good intentions and start actively shaping the culture your organization needs to thrive.
20 min
On the sixty-first episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie talks with Jake Stamper, 30 year marketing expert about branding. Jake explains what a brand even is. He also breaks down how the rightly developed brand can transform human resources, organizations and philanthropy. Don't miss part 1 of this 2-part series.
13 min
In the sixtieth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie speaks with Zac Kester, managing partner and founder of Charitable Allies breaking down how to protect the interest of a founder. Jamie and Zac discuss several scenarios that Jamie encounters frequently. Zac provides a unique and valuable perspective breaking down both the legality but also as a founder himself. You don't want to miss this valuable episode.
24 min
In the fifty-ninth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie and Mason Rummel, CEO/President of the James Graham Brown Foundation dive into the concept of donor intent, exploring the ethical and legal obligations foundations have to honor the wishes of their donors. Do you ever wonder how foundations decide how to spend their money? Listen in to learn how donor intent impacts the nonprofit sector and how you can ensure your own charitable giving aligns with your values.
34 min
In the fifty-eighth episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie discusses with Zac Kester of Charitable Allies the risks non-profits face. Nonprofit organizations are facing increasing legal risks. From donor intent disputes to potential liability for program failures, it's crucial for nonprofits to have strong risk management strategies in place. This episode explores common pitfalls, such as underinsurance and inadequate documentation of donor intent. It also highlights the importance of evaluating program effectiveness to mitigate potential harm. Listen in to learn more about how understanding these risks and taking proactive measures, nonprofits can protect their missions and ensure long-term sustainability.
22 min
In the fifty-seventh episode of the Calibration Point Podcast, Jamie talks to Eric Cummings, a founder who has transitioned out of the organization he founded and into a full time role with another organization. Eric provides a unique perspective as he reflects on the challenges he faced going from leading and organization to working inside one. You won't want to miss the opportunity to listen in.