Episode 36: Empowering Nonprofit Teams

Empowering nonprofit teams starts with trust and intentional leadership. In Episode 36, Lindsay speaks with Leti McNeill Light about how to lead with influence, cultivate ownership, and inspire collaboration across an organization. Her insights offer a roadmap for building strong, engaged teams that can drive lasting impact.

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The Six Dimensions of Power

“If you want to change the world, power is necessary” Share on X

Why Power Matters—for You and Your Team

Whether you call it influence, confidence, or even freedom, power is essential for your personal growth and your team’s success. If you want to change the world, you’ll need to understand and embrace it.

In this episode, I’m joined by my colleague and friend Leti McNeill Light for a thoughtful conversation about group dynamics, leadership, and what power really means—especially in creating access for women and others traditionally excluded from power structures.

Power Isn’t About Ego—It’s About Impact

Power and teamwork go hand in hand. It shows up in different ways for different people, and each individual has a unique way of expressing it. That’s why leaders must reflect on their own influence and actively empower their teams toward shared goals.

It’s not about money, status, or recognition. True power is about influence that drives change—for better or worse.

Meet Leti McNeill Light

Leti is the Executive Director for Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives at UC Berkeley and a passionate advocate for philanthropy. A natural leader, she brings deep insight into group dynamics, collaboration, and leadership development.

In this episode, Leti unpacks the Six Bases of Power and encourages us to recognize power as a form of currency—one we can use intentionally and wisely.

Use Power Wisely

Understanding these types of power helps leaders amplify positive influence while avoiding the negative effects of coercion or manipulation. With self-awareness and intention, power can be a tool for equity, collaboration, and transformation.

Key Takeaways:

(03:50) – On Leti’s first encounter with philanthropy and how it fuels collaboration.
(11:28) – The benefit of community: How a common goal brings diverse individuals together to do good.
(15:40) – 100% Battery Powered: The creation of a group in favor of women who aim towards power, leadership and influential roles.
(16:58) – The Six Dimensions of Power: On the diverse sources of power and how it manifests in people.
(24:14) – Leti’s high impact questions to guide others towards conscious empowerment.
(31:17) – How practicing gratitude can expand our emotional generosity and enrich our relationships.