Posts by Mackenzie Lyons
When Everyone’s Busy but Nothing Moves Forward
There’s a point many organizations reach where everyone is working hard—but it’s unclear what’s actually getting done. Calendars are packed. Teams are responsive. Tasks are constantly being checked off. And yet, key initiatives stall, priorities blur, and progress feels slower than it should. It’s not a lack of effort. It’s a lack of focus on…
Read More“How Much Reserve Is Enough? A Simple Scenario-Planning Exercise for Nonprofits Facing Funding Shocks”
Nonprofits that survive funding shocks rarely do it by luck. They do it because, long before the crisis hits, someone has asked a very specific question: “Given our risks, how much operating reserve is enough—and how do we get there?” This blog walks through a simple, realistic exercise to answer that question, and shows how…
Read MoreThe Hidden Cost of Wearing Too Many Hats
In many organizations—whether a scaling business or a nonprofit—the “HR department” isn’t a dedicated role. It’s an extra bullet point on someone’s already full job description. The office manager runs payroll on Fridays. The executive steps in for hiring. Someone else handles “whatever comes up” between client work, fundraising, or program planning. It works… until…
Read MoreWhy “Financial Partner” Is Confusing—and How to Choose the Right Mix of Bookkeeper, Controller, and CFO Support
Why “financial partner” is confusing Many nonprofit leaders know they are overwhelmed by finances, but not exactly what problem they are solving. Some are drowning in day-to-day transactions but have no clean reports. Others get financial statements but still don’t fully understand their margins, cash runway, or risks. Boards and funders often ask for more…
Read MoreBuilding the Next Generation: How Nonprofits and Small Businesses Can Create Impactful Internship Programs
Internships aren’t just an extra set of hands — they’re one of the most powerful ways nonprofits can build future talent pipelines, expand organizational capacity, and contribute to the professional development of the next generation. Yet many nonprofits and small businesses struggle to create internship programs that are structured, equitable, and truly beneficial for both…
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