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Patton's Picks: Passion Isn’t Enough by David Rhode
Leadership Resources for the Philanthropic Sector
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One of my favorite recent podcast conversations was with David Rhode, author of Passion Isn’t Enough, on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership Episode #326: “5 Essential Topics Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know”. Rhode has led organizations that use sports and education to transform lives, and his book is a heartfelt, clear-eyed look at what it really takes to sustain purpose-driven work. He reminds nonprofit leaders that passion is essential - but without structure, focus, and accountability, it won’t carry your mission very far.
Three reasons nonprofit leaders should read this book:
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Balance passion with practical leadership. Rhode highlights how purpose without planning can quickly lead to burnout or mission drift.
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Build resilient teams rooted in shared accountability. Learn how to channel collective energy toward measurable, sustainable results.
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Reconnect with your “why” without losing your edge. This book helps leaders reignite motivation while staying grounded in systems that work.
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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