Strix Insights
@strix.ca
Your hub for social profit Board innovation | Where volunteer Directors are catalysts for governance change
www.strix.ca/newsletter
www.strix.ca/newsletter
Sorry Simon Sinek, during the The Calgary Stampede we know it doesn't start with "why" it starts with "Howdy!" 😉
Last week, a couple from Belgium flagged us down on the pathway. They were walking downtown without GPS and needed a directional helping hand.
It was a special Stampede moment...
Last week, a couple from Belgium flagged us down on the pathway. They were walking downtown without GPS and needed a directional helping hand.
It was a special Stampede moment...
Sorry Simon Sinek, during the The Calgary Stampede we know it doesn't start with "why" it starts with "Howdy!" 😉 | Alli Marshall
Sorry Simon Sinek, during the The Calgary Stampede we know it doesn't start with "why" it starts with "Howdy!" 😉
(💐 coming for you Simon at the end)
Last week, a couple from Belgium flagged us down...
www.linkedin.com
July 26, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Sorry Simon Sinek, during the The Calgary Stampede we know it doesn't start with "why" it starts with "Howdy!" 😉
Last week, a couple from Belgium flagged us down on the pathway. They were walking downtown without GPS and needed a directional helping hand.
It was a special Stampede moment...
Last week, a couple from Belgium flagged us down on the pathway. They were walking downtown without GPS and needed a directional helping hand.
It was a special Stampede moment...
"Sneak-A-Peek" - a genius soft-launch strategy doing heavy lifting for decades.
The setup: 200+ acres, 3,500 new workers, new midway, and 7,500 new livestock.
Sneak-A-Peek opens the park one day early at 50% off to test operations.
NFP Boards: What "weakness" could become your greatest strength?
The setup: 200+ acres, 3,500 new workers, new midway, and 7,500 new livestock.
Sneak-A-Peek opens the park one day early at 50% off to test operations.
NFP Boards: What "weakness" could become your greatest strength?
Here's some "Sneaky" Stampede Strategy we can all learn from. | Alli Marshall
Here's some "Sneaky" Stampede Strategy we can all learn from. How does the 10-day Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth get an 11th day head start?
Tonight, the The Calgary Stampede opens with "Sneak-A-Peek...
www.linkedin.com
July 26, 2025 at 1:22 AM
"Sneak-A-Peek" - a genius soft-launch strategy doing heavy lifting for decades.
The setup: 200+ acres, 3,500 new workers, new midway, and 7,500 new livestock.
Sneak-A-Peek opens the park one day early at 50% off to test operations.
NFP Boards: What "weakness" could become your greatest strength?
The setup: 200+ acres, 3,500 new workers, new midway, and 7,500 new livestock.
Sneak-A-Peek opens the park one day early at 50% off to test operations.
NFP Boards: What "weakness" could become your greatest strength?
🎆 Yahoo for every volunteer Board member showing up to safeguard their organization’s future! Your generous service – especially during these complex times – is invaluable. 🎆
Yahoo! | Alli Marshall
Yahoo! It’s Stampede season in Calgary...
Try to frown while saying "Yahoo!" – I don't think it's physically possible.
This got me thinking about celebration in organizational life. Too often, we’re...
www.linkedin.com
July 26, 2025 at 1:21 AM
🎆 Yahoo for every volunteer Board member showing up to safeguard their organization’s future! Your generous service – especially during these complex times – is invaluable. 🎆
Status quo NFP strategic planning misses all the good stuff...
The stuff that makes strategy a force multiplier for NFP Boards.
Strategy transforms limited resources into extraordinary impact.
💘 Strategy knows what it is trying to accomplish and how it will win. 💘
The stuff that makes strategy a force multiplier for NFP Boards.
Strategy transforms limited resources into extraordinary impact.
💘 Strategy knows what it is trying to accomplish and how it will win. 💘
How to create a winning strategy for NFP Boards | Alli Marshall posted on the topic | LinkedIn
Many non-profits have a strategic plan. Very few have actual strategy.
Have you seen this in strategic planning?
➡️ Planning processes that waste time treating every step as equally important
➡️ Inte...
www.linkedin.com
May 26, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Status quo NFP strategic planning misses all the good stuff...
The stuff that makes strategy a force multiplier for NFP Boards.
Strategy transforms limited resources into extraordinary impact.
💘 Strategy knows what it is trying to accomplish and how it will win. 💘
The stuff that makes strategy a force multiplier for NFP Boards.
Strategy transforms limited resources into extraordinary impact.
💘 Strategy knows what it is trying to accomplish and how it will win. 💘
Yes, I did roll my own eyes when I wrote “strategy hack.” 👀
We know the issues with status quo strategic planning. Resource-draining efforts that create long to-do lists, mission statement copywriting by committee, cloudy future visions, to name just a few…
💥 So, I know some hacking is needed. 💥
We know the issues with status quo strategic planning. Resource-draining efforts that create long to-do lists, mission statement copywriting by committee, cloudy future visions, to name just a few…
💥 So, I know some hacking is needed. 💥
How to hack strategic planning for NFP Boards | Alli Marshall posted on the topic | LinkedIn
Check out this strategy hack for NFP Board Members committed to responsible stewardship.
And yes, I did roll my own eyes when I wrote “strategy hack.” 👀
We all know the issues with status quo strat...
www.linkedin.com
May 26, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Yes, I did roll my own eyes when I wrote “strategy hack.” 👀
We know the issues with status quo strategic planning. Resource-draining efforts that create long to-do lists, mission statement copywriting by committee, cloudy future visions, to name just a few…
💥 So, I know some hacking is needed. 💥
We know the issues with status quo strategic planning. Resource-draining efforts that create long to-do lists, mission statement copywriting by committee, cloudy future visions, to name just a few…
💥 So, I know some hacking is needed. 💥
What happens when we suck all the life out of something sacred and important?
When I walk on the pathway nearby and I watch cars driving safely by, planes landing and departing, seeing emptied trash bins and organized soccer teams - I see governance at work, protecting us daily. ❤️
When I walk on the pathway nearby and I watch cars driving safely by, planes landing and departing, seeing emptied trash bins and organized soccer teams - I see governance at work, protecting us daily. ❤️
What happens when we suck all the life out of something sacred and… | Alli Marshall
What happens when we suck all the life out of something sacred and important?
We've done this to NFP Boards - reducing governance to complicated processes and vague "good governance" la...
www.linkedin.com
May 1, 2025 at 11:37 PM
What happens when we suck all the life out of something sacred and important?
When I walk on the pathway nearby and I watch cars driving safely by, planes landing and departing, seeing emptied trash bins and organized soccer teams - I see governance at work, protecting us daily. ❤️
When I walk on the pathway nearby and I watch cars driving safely by, planes landing and departing, seeing emptied trash bins and organized soccer teams - I see governance at work, protecting us daily. ❤️
Looking at NFP Boards, I see inspiration – people coming together around common cause, giving their time and talents.
And untapped potential.
At a time when social impact orgs need the best contributions from Directors, Boards need to be willing to hold up a loving mirror to their practices.
And untapped potential.
At a time when social impact orgs need the best contributions from Directors, Boards need to be willing to hold up a loving mirror to their practices.
There is one thing that would drastically improve every NFP Board’s… | Alli Marshall
There is one thing that would drastically improve every NFP Board’s performance.
A loving mirror. 🪞
I first learned of this concept when certifying in David Drake, PhD's Narrative Coaching for ...
www.linkedin.com
April 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Looking at NFP Boards, I see inspiration – people coming together around common cause, giving their time and talents.
And untapped potential.
At a time when social impact orgs need the best contributions from Directors, Boards need to be willing to hold up a loving mirror to their practices.
And untapped potential.
At a time when social impact orgs need the best contributions from Directors, Boards need to be willing to hold up a loving mirror to their practices.
A Stanford study of 900+ NFP Directors revealed something striking: 86% joined simply to serve the organization and contribute to its success.
So…why have we let Board “best” practices become so fixated on tasks and processes rather than impact?
Time to flip the script...with servant leadership?
So…why have we let Board “best” practices become so fixated on tasks and processes rather than impact?
Time to flip the script...with servant leadership?
I’m in need of some roadside assistance for my three-hour trip to… | Alli Marshall
I’m in need of some roadside assistance for my three-hour trip to Edmonton, can you help?
What is rolling around in my mind: why do people volunteer for NFP Boards?
A Stanford study of 900+ NFP Dire...
www.linkedin.com
April 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM
A Stanford study of 900+ NFP Directors revealed something striking: 86% joined simply to serve the organization and contribute to its success.
So…why have we let Board “best” practices become so fixated on tasks and processes rather than impact?
Time to flip the script...with servant leadership?
So…why have we let Board “best” practices become so fixated on tasks and processes rather than impact?
Time to flip the script...with servant leadership?
Boards are *teams.* Not committees or collections of experts.
💡 When we recognize Boards as high-stakes teams making complex decisions together, everything simplifies – including conflict, which stems from a lack of clarity on teamwork basics. 💡
💡 When we recognize Boards as high-stakes teams making complex decisions together, everything simplifies – including conflict, which stems from a lack of clarity on teamwork basics. 💡
This “aha!” about NFP Board effectiveness was over 20 years in the making… | Alli Marshall
This “aha!” about NFP Board effectiveness was over 20 years in the making for me.
The most transformative insight in my governance journey?
Boards are *teams.* Not committees or collections of exper...
www.linkedin.com
April 22, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Boards are *teams.* Not committees or collections of experts.
💡 When we recognize Boards as high-stakes teams making complex decisions together, everything simplifies – including conflict, which stems from a lack of clarity on teamwork basics. 💡
💡 When we recognize Boards as high-stakes teams making complex decisions together, everything simplifies – including conflict, which stems from a lack of clarity on teamwork basics. 💡
In my research, I heard two shocking words multiple times:
“Never again!”
…from talented professionals describing their one-time service on a not-for-profit Board. 😔
🎁 Today, more than ever, we can’t afford to waste the precious gift of volunteer Directors’ time and energy.
“Never again!”
…from talented professionals describing their one-time service on a not-for-profit Board. 😔
🎁 Today, more than ever, we can’t afford to waste the precious gift of volunteer Directors’ time and energy.
In my research interviews on not-for-profit governance, I heard two… | Alli Marshall
In my research interviews on not-for-profit governance, I heard two shocking words multiple times:
“Never again!”
…from talented professionals describing their one-time service on a not-for-profit B...
www.linkedin.com
April 15, 2025 at 3:36 PM
In my research, I heard two shocking words multiple times:
“Never again!”
…from talented professionals describing their one-time service on a not-for-profit Board. 😔
🎁 Today, more than ever, we can’t afford to waste the precious gift of volunteer Directors’ time and energy.
“Never again!”
…from talented professionals describing their one-time service on a not-for-profit Board. 😔
🎁 Today, more than ever, we can’t afford to waste the precious gift of volunteer Directors’ time and energy.
Confidence during chaos comes from the top - sign up now so you don't miss out on the special Board-boosting resource to clarify *no regrets* strategic positions for 2025.
www.strix.ca/newsletter
www.strix.ca/newsletter
Alli Marshall on LinkedIn: I'm not going to bite on yesterday's BIG headline.
Which one, you ask?…
I'm not going to bite on yesterday's BIG headline.
Which one, you ask? 😅😭
Exactly. That's the point.
2025 is already a circus of chaos, and we're only…
www.linkedin.com
January 8, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Confidence during chaos comes from the top - sign up now so you don't miss out on the special Board-boosting resource to clarify *no regrets* strategic positions for 2025.
www.strix.ca/newsletter
www.strix.ca/newsletter
At the start of 2025, there's one precious gift every volunteer NFP Board member received during the holidays...
...Time to reflect. 💭
As we navigate the halfway point of this rollercoaster decade, one thing is crystal clear: the old playbook for Board governance isn't cutting it anymore...
...Time to reflect. 💭
As we navigate the halfway point of this rollercoaster decade, one thing is crystal clear: the old playbook for Board governance isn't cutting it anymore...
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #boardgovernance #socialprofit #leadership #communityimpact #notforprofit
At the start of 2025, there's one precious gift every volunteer NFP Board member received during the holidays...
...Time to reflect. 💭
As we navigate the…
www.linkedin.com
January 3, 2025 at 3:57 PM
At the start of 2025, there's one precious gift every volunteer NFP Board member received during the holidays...
...Time to reflect. 💭
As we navigate the halfway point of this rollercoaster decade, one thing is crystal clear: the old playbook for Board governance isn't cutting it anymore...
...Time to reflect. 💭
As we navigate the halfway point of this rollercoaster decade, one thing is crystal clear: the old playbook for Board governance isn't cutting it anymore...
🎉That's a wrap on the 2024 edition of Festivus for NFP Boards!
Thank you to everyone who joined in to amplify the appreciation for incredible volunteer Directors, Board leaders, and Chief Staff Officers. Special thanks to everyone who acknowledged additional governance superstars in the...
Thank you to everyone who joined in to amplify the appreciation for incredible volunteer Directors, Board leaders, and Chief Staff Officers. Special thanks to everyone who acknowledged additional governance superstars in the...
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #nfpgovernance #socialprofit #festivus2024
🎉That's a wrap on the 2024 edition of Festivus for NFP Boards!
Thank you to everyone who joined in to amplify the appreciation for incredible volunteer…
www.linkedin.com
December 24, 2024 at 7:25 PM
🎉That's a wrap on the 2024 edition of Festivus for NFP Boards!
Thank you to everyone who joined in to amplify the appreciation for incredible volunteer Directors, Board leaders, and Chief Staff Officers. Special thanks to everyone who acknowledged additional governance superstars in the...
Thank you to everyone who joined in to amplify the appreciation for incredible volunteer Directors, Board leaders, and Chief Staff Officers. Special thanks to everyone who acknowledged additional governance superstars in the...
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 7
Let's celebrate... the Boards that look beyond the horizon, working to ensure their organizations can sustainably serve and create value for the communities they serve, far into the future.
And yet... in this decade of permacrisis, volunteer Boards struggle to...
Let's celebrate... the Boards that look beyond the horizon, working to ensure their organizations can sustainably serve and create value for the communities they serve, far into the future.
And yet... in this decade of permacrisis, volunteer Boards struggle to...
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #futureready #socialprofit #nfpgovernance #nfpboardfestivus
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards, Day 7: Celebrating Vision
Let's celebrate... the Boards that look beyond the horizon, working to ensure their organizations can…
www.linkedin.com
December 20, 2024 at 3:54 PM
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 7
Let's celebrate... the Boards that look beyond the horizon, working to ensure their organizations can sustainably serve and create value for the communities they serve, far into the future.
And yet... in this decade of permacrisis, volunteer Boards struggle to...
Let's celebrate... the Boards that look beyond the horizon, working to ensure their organizations can sustainably serve and create value for the communities they serve, far into the future.
And yet... in this decade of permacrisis, volunteer Boards struggle to...
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 6
Let's celebrate... the Boards that harness their collective power, bringing diverse voices and perspectives together to tackle complex issues, especially when the stakes are highest.
And yet... there are countless barriers to meaningful discourse, and many...
Let's celebrate... the Boards that harness their collective power, bringing diverse voices and perspectives together to tackle complex issues, especially when the stakes are highest.
And yet... there are countless barriers to meaningful discourse, and many...
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #boarddynamics #socialprofit #nfpgovernance #healthyconflict…
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards, Day 6: Celebrating Teamwork
Let's celebrate... the Boards that harness their collective power, bringing diverse voices and…
www.linkedin.com
December 19, 2024 at 3:07 PM
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 6
Let's celebrate... the Boards that harness their collective power, bringing diverse voices and perspectives together to tackle complex issues, especially when the stakes are highest.
And yet... there are countless barriers to meaningful discourse, and many...
Let's celebrate... the Boards that harness their collective power, bringing diverse voices and perspectives together to tackle complex issues, especially when the stakes are highest.
And yet... there are countless barriers to meaningful discourse, and many...
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 5
Let's celebrate... the dedicated leaders who tirelessly serve as social profit executives, skillfully translating Board vision into organizational action to make our communities better.
And yet... these servant leaders wear multiple hats, navigating complex...
Let's celebrate... the dedicated leaders who tirelessly serve as social profit executives, skillfully translating Board vision into organizational action to make our communities better.
And yet... these servant leaders wear multiple hats, navigating complex...
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #chiefstaffofficers #executiveleadership #socialprofit #nfpgovernance…
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards, Day 5: Celebrating Chief Staff Officers
Let's celebrate... the dedicated leaders who tirelessly serve as social profit executives,…
www.linkedin.com
December 18, 2024 at 5:02 PM
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 5
Let's celebrate... the dedicated leaders who tirelessly serve as social profit executives, skillfully translating Board vision into organizational action to make our communities better.
And yet... these servant leaders wear multiple hats, navigating complex...
Let's celebrate... the dedicated leaders who tirelessly serve as social profit executives, skillfully translating Board vision into organizational action to make our communities better.
And yet... these servant leaders wear multiple hats, navigating complex...
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 4
Let's celebrate... the Boards that transcend operational details to focus on strategic impact, keeping their eyes on delivering meaningful value to communities served.
And yet... many Boards get pulled into day-to-day tactics and projects, losing sight of the...
Let's celebrate... the Boards that transcend operational details to focus on strategic impact, keeping their eyes on delivering meaningful value to communities served.
And yet... many Boards get pulled into day-to-day tactics and projects, losing sight of the...
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #impactdriven #socialprofit #nfpgovernance #nfpboardfestivus
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards, Day 4: Celebrating Impact
Let's celebrate... the Boards that transcend operational details to focus on strategic impact, keeping…
www.linkedin.com
December 17, 2024 at 2:59 PM
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 4
Let's celebrate... the Boards that transcend operational details to focus on strategic impact, keeping their eyes on delivering meaningful value to communities served.
And yet... many Boards get pulled into day-to-day tactics and projects, losing sight of the...
Let's celebrate... the Boards that transcend operational details to focus on strategic impact, keeping their eyes on delivering meaningful value to communities served.
And yet... many Boards get pulled into day-to-day tactics and projects, losing sight of the...
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 3
Let's celebrate... every volunteer Director who takes their fiduciary duties to heart and embodies them in their Board service, acting with care and intention to safeguard their organizations.
And yet... we've made fiduciary duties unnecessarily complex with an...
Let's celebrate... every volunteer Director who takes their fiduciary duties to heart and embodies them in their Board service, acting with care and intention to safeguard their organizations.
And yet... we've made fiduciary duties unnecessarily complex with an...
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #boardservice #socialprofit #nfpgovernance #fiduciary #nfpboardfestivus
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards, Day 3: Celebrating Service
Let's celebrate... every volunteer Director who takes their fiduciary duties to heart and embodies them…
www.linkedin.com
December 16, 2024 at 4:36 PM
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 3
Let's celebrate... every volunteer Director who takes their fiduciary duties to heart and embodies them in their Board service, acting with care and intention to safeguard their organizations.
And yet... we've made fiduciary duties unnecessarily complex with an...
Let's celebrate... every volunteer Director who takes their fiduciary duties to heart and embodies them in their Board service, acting with care and intention to safeguard their organizations.
And yet... we've made fiduciary duties unnecessarily complex with an...
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 2
Let's celebrate... the enduring strength of Indigenous governance systems that have existed on Turtle Island since time immemorial, successfully stewarding resources and communities for thousands of years.
And yet... when we say "governance" today, we often...
Let's celebrate... the enduring strength of Indigenous governance systems that have existed on Turtle Island since time immemorial, successfully stewarding resources and communities for thousands of years.
And yet... when we say "governance" today, we often...
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #indigenousgovernance #socialprofit #nfpgovernance #nfpboardfestivus
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards, Day 2: Celebrating Indigenous Wisdom in Governance
Let's celebrate... the enduring strength of Indigenous governance systems that…
www.linkedin.com
December 16, 2024 at 4:35 PM
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: Day 2
Let's celebrate... the enduring strength of Indigenous governance systems that have existed on Turtle Island since time immemorial, successfully stewarding resources and communities for thousands of years.
And yet... when we say "governance" today, we often...
Let's celebrate... the enduring strength of Indigenous governance systems that have existed on Turtle Island since time immemorial, successfully stewarding resources and communities for thousands of years.
And yet... when we say "governance" today, we often...
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards | Day 1: Celebrating Volunteers
Let's celebrate... the dedicated ~2 in 100 people currently serving on not-for-profit Boards, joining a proud legacy of volunteers who step up to safeguard organizations that make our communities better.
Let's celebrate... the dedicated ~2 in 100 people currently serving on not-for-profit Boards, joining a proud legacy of volunteers who step up to safeguard organizations that make our communities better.
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: #nfpgovernance #boardservice #socialprofit #nfpboardfestivus
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards | Day 1: Celebrating Volunteers
Let's celebrate... the dedicated ~2 in 100 people currently serving on not-for-profit Boards…
www.linkedin.com
December 12, 2024 at 7:12 PM
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards | Day 1: Celebrating Volunteers
Let's celebrate... the dedicated ~2 in 100 people currently serving on not-for-profit Boards, joining a proud legacy of volunteers who step up to safeguard organizations that make our communities better.
Let's celebrate... the dedicated ~2 in 100 people currently serving on not-for-profit Boards, joining a proud legacy of volunteers who step up to safeguard organizations that make our communities better.
Who says governance can't be both impactful AND fun?
Over the next 7 days, let’s celebrate the incredible work of NFP Board members + leaders, while exploring fresh perspectives on governance. Because protecting the future of organizations that make our world better shouldn't feel like a chore.
Over the next 7 days, let’s celebrate the incredible work of NFP Board members + leaders, while exploring fresh perspectives on governance. Because protecting the future of organizations that make our world better shouldn't feel like a chore.
Strix Insights on LinkedIn: 🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: A 7-Day Celebration Begins!
Who says…
🎉 Festivus for NFP Boards: A 7-Day Celebration Begins!
Who says governance can't be both impactful AND fun?
Over the next 7 days, let’s celebrate the…
www.linkedin.com
December 11, 2024 at 10:02 PM
Who says governance can't be both impactful AND fun?
Over the next 7 days, let’s celebrate the incredible work of NFP Board members + leaders, while exploring fresh perspectives on governance. Because protecting the future of organizations that make our world better shouldn't feel like a chore.
Over the next 7 days, let’s celebrate the incredible work of NFP Board members + leaders, while exploring fresh perspectives on governance. Because protecting the future of organizations that make our world better shouldn't feel like a chore.