Episode #72 | Creating Psychological Safety with Ian Adair

The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

In this episode mental health advocate and nonprofit executive Ian Adair discusses psychological safety in nonprofit workplaces. Ian shares practical strategies for creating safer environments, including modeling vulnerability as a leader, encouraging risk-taking, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing contributions. He extends these principles to donor relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding what others might be experiencing before making requests.

In this conversation, we explore how prioritizing psychological safety not only improves organizational culture but also enhances overall performance and retention in the nonprofit sector. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, manager, or team member, these insights can help you create more supportive, open, and effective work environments.

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This Episode Brought to You by:
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

Speakers

Samantha Swaim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Kristin Steele

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Ian Adair

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianadair2010/

| RESOURCES |
Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting

Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/

Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book

Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

Strategy 27: www.strategy27.com

Ian Adair’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ian_adair_the_intersection_between_leadership_and_mental_health_jan_2021

Center for Creative Leadership—Empathy in the Workplace: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/empathy-in-the-workplace-a-tool-for-effective-leadership/

Hacking HR—Organizational Culture: https://www.youtube.com/live/CcEaqb7Ra6w?si=oByl_Ofl73e2FHnA

Upcoming FREE Webinar Stewardship Intensive April 23-24, 2025: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X9NB9kl_RtewHoqNoNag7w