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Interview Series: Executive Leadership

Featured this week is an interview with Mick, the director of a grassroots nonprofit organization that operates in the realm of human rights and legal advocacy. As is the case with many new organizations, the role of a leader often changes on a frequent basis as procedures are developed, mission statements are crafted, and new opportunities are pursued. Our interview is transcribed below:

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Q: As the Director of a nonprofit organization, what does an average day look like for you?

A: Once I get settled in at my desk, I start by planning my day. I usually spend the morning doing administrative tasks and fundraising work, then I spend the afternoon communicating with clients and collaborating with members of my team. 

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: I would have to say that my favorite part of my job is that I'm able to directly help families who are in need. Helping people navigate difficult circumstances is something that I find very meaningful. While the job definitely has challenges, I never have to wonder if I'm making a difference. 

Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?

A: Working with families in crisis can sometimes take a toll. It's sometimes hard to separate from my job at the end of the day, and there are times I wish I had a more lighthearted job. 

Q: How did your previous experiences in work, school, and life prepare you for what you are doing today?

A: This job really brings together all aspects of my past training. I have a diverse work background in broadcasting, writing, and project management; and I have an undergraduate degree in political science and a masters of public administration. Each of these has helped me with various parts of my current job.

Q: What advice do you have for students entering the professional world?

A: I think that students really need to think big. If they can identify what they love doing, they can truly design a career around it. I love communicating and helping people, and I've been able to make a career of it.  

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This is a great reminder that sometimes your job won't look exactly how you expect it to–especially if you're working on developing a new business, project, or organization. While leadership is not always easy or straightforward, it can be very rewarding. If you are seeking a leadership role, remember that you will need to remain flexible and dynamic to meet the needs of your team and the clients you serve.

- JS

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 5, 2022 at 10:30 PM

    Hi James,

    Really enjoyed the transcribed interview style of your blog! I think it helps the reader grasp the personality of the interviewee, Mick seems like a real character and I could tell how much he enjoys what he does. Like you mentioned, I think it's important to not get so stuck on the idea of a dream job because chances are we will all eventually have to pivot and even end up somewhere we did not expect. Also, loved his advice about "thinking big," I think it is super encouraging. Thanks for sharing!

    -Anai Salgado

    ReplyDelete
  2. Marco Blancas 391 MTGApril 6, 2022 at 12:26 AM

    I really love keeping up with your Blogs every time I read them I enjoyed them. This one reminded me of a apprenticeship I had in high school where we painted murals in the Southside neighborhood. We helped paint the neighborhood while keeping kids out of trouble. However, I remember my boss leaving and moving into a different position elsewhere.
    He was hurt as well because although it was his dream to help kids he knew as mentioned above by Anai we soon have to move onto something bigger. This was a good read!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 6, 2022 at 11:08 AM

    This was very interesting to hear from a leader of a non-profit; typically we don't get to hear much about the people who are running these organizations because they aren't the focus. It is important to get the perspective the wonderful people behind-the-scene who are making sure everything is running smoothly. It sounds like a very stressful kind of job and I am grateful for the kind of leaders like Mick!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownApril 6, 2022 at 11:41 AM

    I love your blog posts! They are so different from everyone else's because of the style! This interview was also very interesting to me. I think it's super important to hear from the leaders of non-profits because theres so much that goes on and we don't even know it! -McKenna O'Hearne

    ReplyDelete

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