Lessons That Shape Great Nonprofit Leaders (Garrett Cathcart)

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What does it take to build something from the ground up - and lead it with purpose, humility, and vision? In episode 342 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Garrett Cathcart shares the lessons he’s learned in creating and scaling organizations that strengthen communities and unite people across divides. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led nonprofit rebuilding civic and social trust through connection, service, and engagement, Garrett explores the power of starting from zero, leading volunteers with accountability, and measuring impact through both empathy and data.

"The PhD of leadership is volunteers--you can only inspire, not command.”

ABOUT GARRETT

Garrett Cathcart is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of +More Perfect Union, a veteran-led movement to strengthen communities and heal the divides in our country through meaningful connections built on service, civic engagement, and leadership development. He also co-founded 550 Capital Partners, a venture firm investing in early-stage startups led by military veterans. Previously, Garrett served as the founding Executive Director of Mission Roll Call and as Southeast Regional Director of Team Red, White & Blue. A U.S. Army Cavalry officer for nine years, Garrett is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served in multiple combat leadership roles and earned three Bronze Stars and the Meritorious Service Medal. He continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves and teaches leadership and military science at Georgia Tech. A graduate of West Point and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, he is a Truman National Security Fellow and a George W. Bush Veteran Leadership Scholar. 

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• It Worked for Me by Colin Powell
• Looking for Alaska by John Green
• Learn more about +More Perfect Union
• Learn about our sponsor TowneBank's Nonprofit Services
• Explore our Mastermind Program, now accepting applications for 2026!

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