From Intern to CEO: Glenda Smith Talks What it Takes to Run a Successful Nonprofit

When working in social services you have to hear the heartbreaking stories every day from people who don’t have the resources to live a healthy life, that’s a disadvantage for me. We strive to provide them with the best care, but sometimes lack of funding prevents us from offering that help to the fullest extent.

What are the daily habits responsible for your success?
Prayer, staying humble, staying connected to staff, having a good sense of humor, keeping an open door policy, and listening more and talking less.

What’s the most important quality that a person needs to be successful in the nonprofit world?
Patience, humility, selflessness, and being a team player. Flexibility in organizational strategies to accommodate the ever-changing culture of a nonprofit environment and having an open mind.

What are the top 2-3 resources you use to help you manage your organization?
Workgroups, open communication with leadership staff, our consumers, forging partnerships with other institutions and other service providers as well as the community.

What’s the best piece of career advice that nobody ever mentions?
Nothing works in a vacuum. Getting to know other people or agencies outside of your box or circle of influence helps to broaden your perspective and diversify your thinking.