Ep. 19 - How Social Enterprise Intersects with Governance

NonProfit Counsel Podcast

Dr. Crystal Trull, the head of CT Consulting, a company that offers expert guidance to nonprofit entities for their long-term viability, meets with May Harris, Esq. to discuss crucial topics relevant to anyone engaged with nonprofits. Crystal delves into the array of resources accessible to nonprofits and explores the intricate dynamics of board membership, emphasizing the crucial interplay between board members and the CEO. Additionally, they delve into the often underutilized roles within nonprofits, addressing duties and responsibilities. This episode is packed with valuable insights nonprofit leaders would find indispensable.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:47] May introduces Crystal

• [4:42] Crystal shares why she pursued her Ph.D

• [7:12] Discussion of different resources coming from academia

• [7:53] Crystal expands on why nonprofits come to her firm

• [11:29] Crystal shares some tips she gives nonprofits

• [14:10] Crystal talks about bringing on new board members and bringing different identities to the board that meet your mission

• [20:34] Discussion regarding a high-functioning board and a positive relationship with their CEO

• [24:14] Discussion regarding the underutilized position of a vice-chair and final advice is for board members to take themselves out of the equation and focus on the mission.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A person in leadership doesn’t need to have a Ph.D.,but that knowledge gave Crystal more tools as she worked with various nonprofits.

• Nonprofits seek agencies’ help because they realize they need it. Running a nonprofit isn’t as easy as one would think.

• Knowing your mission is vital to staying on track while operating a nonprofit

RESOURCES:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

Crystal Trull - LinkedIn

CT Nonprofit Consulting - Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Crystal Trull is the Principal of CT Consulting, a consulting firm that provides leadership and expertise while engaging nonprofit organizations to ensure sustainability. With more than 20 years of experience as a nonprofit professional with experience in all aspects of leading, managing, and development, Crystal combines her academic and practitioner skills to provide solutions for small and large nonprofit organizations. Her clients range from all-volunteer run to large organizations in the fields of arts and culture, social services, community development, academia, faith-based, and civic engagement.

Dr. Trull is also a lecturer in the Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program and the Master of Global Position and Strategy Graduate program at the University of California, San Diego. She teaches courses on nonprofit management, leadership, and governance.

Trull received her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego. Her research focuses on nonprofit organizations and philanthropy, specifically nonprofit governance, regulation, and social enterprise earned income programs. Crystal is active in her community, having served on numerous nonprofit boards as Board Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian, Member, and Committee Chair and Member.