Today is the Day Changemakers

Too Important to Fail

January 09, 2021 Jodi
Today is the Day Changemakers
Too Important to Fail
Show Notes Chapter Markers

Welcome to Today is the Day Changemakers episode 3! 

This week Jodi interviews Toni Pergolin, President & CEO of Bancroft, and author of the book titled "Too Important to Fail: Leadership Lessons for Nonprofits".  Toni has won several awards including being honored as a Women of Excellence by SJ Magazine and winning the Campbell's Soup Extraordinary Leadership Award. 

Bancroft is a leading regional nonprofit provider of programs and services for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and those in need of neurological rehabilitation. The organization has 3,000 employees and serves over 2,000 people. Bancroft's tagline is "One World. For Everyone." 

During our conversation, Toni shares how she took Bancroft from financial meltdown, when she first arrived, to building a $75M campus where those they serve can continue to grow and thrive. Bancroft profoundly impacts children and adults living with disabilities by delivering high-quality services to empower them to realize their best life.

Toni knew that Bancroft's mission was "too important to fail" and she truly believes that of all nonprofits as they offer so many important services to the communities that they serve. 

In the book Too Important to Fail, Toni mentions her mantra that not all nonprofits utilize and that is "No margin, No Mission".  The word margin for many makes them think of the for-profit sector, but this statement is something all nonprofits need to remember as they continue to raise funds to support their programming. 

With the huge responsibility of turning around the organization, Toni also shares how  essential it is to believe in your team and allow them to lead in their areas of expertise. They are your biggest asset. 

Toni also talks about how being a leader of a large organization can truly tip the work/life balance scale, especially when you are a parent. She touches on how she managed the juggle and shares an important practice that parents can adopt. 

I was honored to have the opportunity to sit down with Toni and share some of her amazing story. I recommend her book Too Important to Fail: Leadership Lessons for Nonprofits to anyone who works in the non-profit sector, or anyone who really wants to understand what it is like to carry the responsibility of mission oriented work on your shoulders. You can purchase Toni's book at www.amazon.com or www.goodreads.com.

Congratulations to Toni and her amazing team for working everyday to make the world a better place for those with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and those in need of neurological rehabilitation.

As I always say, please remember, Today is the Day! You cannot go back to yesterday, and you do not yet own tomorrow. Changemakers take steps every day towards reaching some very ambitious goals and you can too!

Jodi is a not-for-profit consultant, motivational speaker, provides workshops for development and sales teams, and is an executive and personal development Certified Professional Coach. Please email jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com with any questions.  Please reach out if you are a changemaker and feel you have an important story to share. 

 Like and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/todayisthedayliveit, on Instagram @todayisthedayliveit, and join us on LinkedIn at Today is the Day Changemakers Group. 

Hope you will join us next week when I interview Rashad Malik Davis, award winning children's book author and illustrator. His book Carefree Like Me is the winner of the 2017 Best Indie Book Award in the children's category. Rashad shares how listening and watching for the signs that you are given can truly change your life. 

Introduction to Toni & Bancroft
Dealing with the Pandemic
Engage with Bancroft
The Story of Too Important to Fail
The New Campus
No Margin No Mission
The Misunderstanding of Non-Profits
A Special Moment
Mentorship/ It's Lonely at the Top
The Leader's Toolbox
Advice About Finding Balance as a Working Parent
If You Knew Then What You Know Now