E111: Mastering Difficult Conversations & Building Trust in Nonprofit Leadership with Chris Wong

I am so excited to welcome Chris Wong to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Chris is a licensed therapist, executive coach, and host of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations podcast. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and health sectors, Chris specializes in helping purpose-driven leaders navigate difficult transitions, rebuild trust, and lead culture change that actually lasts.

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of mastering hard conversations, the psychology behind conflict, and how nonprofit leaders can strengthen trust and resilience in their teams. Chris shares practical strategies for bridging generational differences, navigating hybrid workplaces, and leading with clarity when the stakes are high.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES

“The more clarity you can provide, and the more ability to create an environment where you are recognizing and acknowledging and bringing in all those different points of view and styles, can help the process of building trust within the team and organization and with each other as well.” – Chris Wong

“Where a lot of people get hung up is that they don’t understand what the goal or outcome of a conversation should be. They think that venting is a goal of the conversation.” – Chris Wong

“It’s not your job to make everybody feel happy in [a crisis]. What you can do is help everybody at least understand that you care for them and that you want to help them in the best way possible and that you’re going to work through this process together.” – Chris Wong

RESOURCES

E7: Focusing on Emotional Connection to Boost Performance in Your Organization with Lola Gershfeld

The EmC Masterclass developed by Dr. Lola Gershfeld is for everyone looking to enhance their communication and collaboration skills to raise more revenue for their mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations like ICF HRCI, and SHRM. Use the code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a generous 10% discount.

Imagine a fundraising partner that not only helps you raise more money but also supports you in retaining your donors. A partner that helps you raise funds both online AND on-location. Donorbox is a comprehensive suite of tools, services, and resources that gives fundraisers, just like you, a custom solution to tackle your unique challenges. Helping you…help others. Visit donorbox.org to learn more.

CONNECT WITH CHRIS

LinkedIn: Chris Wong

Podcast: The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations

Website: http://www.myleadershippotential.com/

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser

LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE

Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com