The link’s August Circle of Creation event took a different approach for the previous ones by focusing on nonprofits as opposed to the private sector business world.
The panel on the night consisted of several local nonprofit leaders, including Patti Greenough, a retired CEO at EPIC Behavioral Care; Schuyler Seifker, CEO of St. Augustine Youth Services; Dr. Gail A. Patin, CEO of Hubbard House; and Km Jones, who has served as the chair on many nonprofits board of directors.
Cathy Newman, Executive Director of INK! was the moderator for the evening.
The approach with nonprofits is different in many ways from a business in the private sector, and this was mentioned on many occasions throughout the night.
“Yes, the mission is great, but coming to work for a nonprofit is a lot of hard work and you’re having to do it with less resources,” Patin said. “There are really so many skills that one has to have.”
However, the panel also talked about how similar the two are, and at the end of the day business is business and they shared tips they have learned over the years which can be transferable to any line of work.
“We spend a lot of time managing our funding sources and trying to make sure we remain relevant,” Greenough said. “Lead with empathy and be present and engage every person you meet.”
One the things Seifker has found helpful over the years is that she carries around a Q-tip cotton swab with her at all times, as it serves as a mental reminder for her to “quit taking it personally,” when there are people out there being negative.
The next Circle of Creation event at the ink will be Sept. 11 and will feature a TED Talks-style, a workbook of content from all the previous sessions and Women’s Business Expo.
