When someone truly believes in something, they’re happy to sing its praises.
And that is exactly what a new small business in Lorain County aims to do within the local nonprofit community through outcome-based executive coaching and strategic planning.
Songbird Leadership in Avon Lake is led by nonprofit veteran and entrepreneur Jill Fowler, who is its founder and owner.
For 30 years, she managed a variety of aspects of nonprofit operations, focusing on strategic initiatives, general management, program development and assessment, and all things people-related.
Fowler has an extensive educational background with advanced degrees from Case Western Reserve University, and this past August, decided it finally was time to hang her own shingle.
Fowler began her nonprofit journey when she started volunteering in college.
“It was eye opening; completely life changing,” she said. “It truly lit a fire in me, having that passion for service and community.
“I’ve worked in the nonprofit community for years, focusing mainly in the natural resources arena, and I’m still volunteering to this day.”
Fowler, as even her last name may suggest, is an avid ornithophile and is in fact a licensed bird bander.
And thus, the name of her business, Songbird, was hatched.
“I’ve had such wonderful experiences in the nonprofit world, and I was on track to stay in that community,” Fowler said. “But along the way, I made a career change into the legal profession focusing on elder law and special needs, and it was transformative.
“But, I continue to volunteer, I continued to serve on boards and help with strategic planning. I always had one foot staying rooted in that passion and was finally able to launch my business.”
The business focuses on helping and inspiring nonprofit visionaries through executive coaching, strategic planning and operational consulting.
Fowler says that the stresses of juggling multiple time demands, resolving constant conflicts and coping with competing priorities, make it difficult for nonprofit leaders to feel in control.
This, combined with attending to the day-to-day needs of the nonprofit while working toward a sustainable future, had caused many to feel overwhelmed, she said.
Rough going
Many nonprofits continue to have it tough right now, Fowler said.
Funding is down for a consecutive year, and nearly three out of four small nonprofits report funding as a challenge affecting recruitment and retention, she said.
“Leading a nonprofit organization is both fulfilling and challenging,” Fowler said. “These leaders have a lot on their plate, from fundraising, community relations, board development and programming.
“But sometimes, the operational aspects of running an organization can be a little overwhelming. Are your policies up to date and in compliance? Are your team members’ goals meaningful. Is your organizational culture welcoming, inclusive and motivating to your team? It’s a lot to balance.
“You have assembled a talented team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about your organization’s mission. Sometimes, though, it seems like the group is stuck in a rut or just not completely aligned, which impacts their ability to best serve your community.
“Our coaching methodology brings back control, focus and peace of mind to your work, creating greater productivity, performance and organizational results. It can also help you get your life back, allowing for more family time, significant health improvements and better sleep.
“We’ll help you put key habits and behaviors in place to regain control of your time and be a more effective leader.”
Fowler explains that each organization has unique operational demands to which she is able to tailor services, which includes assessing volunteers, setting key performance indicators, setting goals, creating better board engagement and developing organizational culture.
She adds that she works with most any type of nonprofit from well established to organizations just getting off the ground.
“The type of people who work in nonprofit organizations are motivated by a conviction of helping, of creating an impact for good and positive change,” Fowler said. “These are things that I’m excited about and I want to help them make their organization even more effective and able to do more and serve more.”
Fowler also has a program called Wingspan where area nonprofits that have been in operation for at least three years, are a 501(c)(3) organization and have operating revenue of less than $1 million, can apply for pro bono services from Songbird Leadership.
More information can be accessed at www.SongbirdLeadership.com or by calling 440-207-0739.
