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Patton's Pick: Lean Learning by Pat Flynn

October 14, 2025

Leadership Resources for the Philanthropic Sector

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Pat Flynn brings entrepreneurial agility to the leadership table with Lean Learning. Nonprofit leaders will appreciate his emphasis on small experiments and fast iteration—an approach that helps organizations adapt in uncertain funding and program environments. Instead of waiting for perfect plans, Flynn encourages action, reflection, and improvement in real time.

  • Apply lean startup strategies to nonprofit program and team development.

  • Use low-risk pilots to test fundraising, marketing, or engagement strategies.

  • Build resilience by treating every setback as valuable feedback.

Dr. Patton McDowell, CFRE, MBA, is the creator of the innovative PMA Mastermind Leadership Program, a unique offering designed to elevate nonprofit leaders through comprehensive training and peer collaboration. He is also the author of the best-selling book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, and host of the weekly podcast with the same name, available here. Since founding PMA Nonprofit Leadership in 2009, Patton has strategically guided over 300 nonprofit organizations to achieve their fullest potential. A Certified Fundraising Executive and Master Trainer for AFP Global, he serves as Executive in Residence at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and as Director of the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership.

 

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