In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle speak with Rob Barnes, CEO and co-founder of Betty AI, about what artificial intelligence looks like in real-world practice for associations, charities, and for-purpose organisations.

If you’re a nonprofit CEO or senior leader wondering where to start with AI, this conversation breaks down practical use cases, strategic thinking, and leadership lessons from the front lines of digital transformation.

1. Why AI is fundamentally changing how nonprofits manage and use knowledge
2. How associations and for-purpose organisations are uniquely positioned to benefit from generative AI
3. Practical examples of AI in advocacy, member engagement, service delivery, and knowledge management
4. How AI can increase reach, impact, and operational efficiency — not just productivity
5. Guardrails against AI “hallucinations” and maintaining trust in organisational knowledge
6. A CEO framework for deciding where to start with AI strategy
7. Lessons from launching an AI startup during rapid technological change

Guest: Rob Barnes Co - Founder, Betty AI: Betty Home Page

Book referenced in episode: Inside Scoop: The Association Knowledge Cycle Demystified

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, we unpack what disability-inclusive leadership looks like in practice, and what CEOs can do right now to build confidence, capability and impact.

Disability inclusion is often well-intentioned but poorly executed. This episode challenges leaders to move beyond policy and into CEO-led action.

• Why disability inclusion matters
• Why disability is not one experience, and why assumptions based on diagnosis fail
• How inclusive design benefits everyone, not just people with disability
• The common gaps leaders miss
• What disability-inclusive leadership looks like at CEO and board level

Resources for CEOs

Homepage - Australian Disability Network

Get Skilled Access - Disability Inclusion Consultancy

Twenty Percent Disability Inclusion Advisory

Disability Leadership Institute

Disability Inclusion @ Work 2024 | Deloitte Australia

Creating a disability inclusive workplace

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Recruiting a CEO in the not-for-profit and for-purpose sector is an important Board decision and yet for many leaders, the process can seem full of unspoken rules.

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle are joined by Rachael McLennan, co-founder of People for Purpose, to demystify how executive recruitment actually works in the social impact sector - from board expectations and search processes to interviews, psychometrics, salary conversations and the role of AI in applications.

What you’ll learn in this episode :

1. The real difference between recruitment and executive search in CEO appointments
2. How CEOs get hired for roles that are never advertised
3. What boards look for when choosing their next CEO
4. The red flags and green flags recruiters see in CEO applications
5. How to use AI when applying for senior leadership roles
6. What the CEO recruitment process typically involves from start to finish
7. Why culture fit can matter more than capability
8. When and how salary conversations really happen in the for-purpose sector
9. How board experience strengthens your CEO career pathway
10. What’s changing right now in not-for-profit executive recruitment

If you’re an aspiring CEO, a current executive thinking about your next move, or a board member preparing for a leadership transition, this episode is essential listening.

GUEST:

Rachael McLennan from Homepage - People for Purpose

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Constitutions don’t usually top the list of things CEOs want to talk about, but they should. In this solo episode, Michelle takes a practical, CEO-focused look at constitutions and the provisions that may trip leaders up, especially around AGMs, membership, and board governance.

This episode was sparked by multiple conversations with CEOs at the end of 2025 who discovered that their constitutional provisions no longer aligned with how their organisation actually operates. That misalignment can create real risk often at the worst possible moment.

This is not legal advice, but it is a walkthrough of what CEOs need to understand, watch for, and actively manage.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why constitutions matter more than you think
• Objects clauses: basic hygiene
• Membership: where things get messy fast
• Disputes and disciplinary provisions
• AGMs: the hidden traps
• Board elections and director appointments
• Board composition and structure
• Director terms, rotation, and exits
• Payments, alternates, and delegation
• Changing the constitution

As a CEO, you don’t need to memorise your constitution but you do need to understand it well enough to spot risk, plan timelines, and avoid preventable governance crises.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

How do you hold people to account without damaging trust or becoming the bottleneck?

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle unpack practical ways CEOs and senior leaders can build a culture of accountability, set clear expectations, and lift performance, without micromanaging or avoiding tough conversations.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Set up accountability from the start so difficult conversations are easier later
• Shift from managing tasks to leading for outcomes
• Avoid micromanagement while still staying across delivery
• Use clear guardrails: authority, risk appetite, values and boundaries
• Build a “no surprises” culture where issues are raised early
• Hold people to account without becoming the problem-solver-in-chief
• Stop “taking the monkey” and keep accountability with the right person
• Handle underperformance in a way that strengthens, not weakens, culture
• Use accountability as a tool for leadership development, not just compliance
• Create consistency across your executive and senior leadership teams

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

Starting your first CEO role is never simple and stepping into one with a powerful purpose-driven mission adds an entirely new layer of expectation, and personal growth.

In this episode, Michelle and Danielle sit down with Alex Ksugas, CEO of Mojo Crowe to discuss what it really feels like to transition from the corporate world into leading a values-based organisation founded by Ben Crowe. Alex speaks openly about pressure, people-pleasing, decision-making, team culture, and redefining success as a leader. This is a deeply human, practical, and encouraging conversation for any CEO navigating uncertainty, complexity, and the constant visibility of leadership.

• The Reality of Being a First-Time CEO
• Leadership Visibility & Human Impact
• Managing pressure while remaining authentic
• What it’s like leading an organisation built on someone else’s life’s work
• Decision-Making, People-Pleasing & Tough Calls
• Letting go of others’ opinions without losing compassion
• Shifting from fear to curiosity when facing the unknown
• Why celebrating small wins protects you and your team from burnout
• Perspective-taking as a protective factor for CEO wellbeing

Guest: Alex Ksugas, CEO of Mojo • The Perspective Company

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle unpack the essential steps for purpose CEOs can take at the start of the year to set up 2026 for success. From strategic reviews to leadership rhythm, stakeholder planning, budgeting and personal sustainability, this conversation is a practical roadmap for CEOs who want to lead with intention.

• How to start the year without carrying last year’s exhaustion
• Reviewing your strategic plan, assumptions and operational progress
• Mapping your calendar, meetings and leadership rhythm
• Reviewing budget performance and preparing early for forecasting
• Funding acquittals: avoiding mid-year scrambles
• Planning stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Choosing your CEO “signature project” for the year
• Building sustainability: personal commitments, boundaries and holidays
• Clearing old to-do lists and setting realistic goals

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn

In this special end-of-year episode, Michelle and Danielle wrap up 2025 with a look at the most downloaded episodes, the hottest topics for new and aspiring CEOs, and the insights listeners told us mattered most. From CEO reporting to board relationships to organisational culture, this episode reveals what resonated deeply with nonprofit leaders across Australia, the United States, New Zealand and beyond.

We’re incredibly grateful for your time, feedback and encouragement in 2025. What started over a quick coffee turned into a global community of CEOs and leaders committed to doing good work, better.

We’ll see you on 8 January 2026 for more The NFP CEO - Season 2!

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn