I have spent most of my career in and around the nonprofit sector, driven by a deep passion for making an impact. But in 2008, I decided to step away and explore the corporate world, taking on a role that allowed me to create a government and community relations division. This kept me connected to nonprofits, but from a different point of view.

Then, I watched Dan Pallotta’s TED Talk, The Way We Look at Charity Is Dead Wrong—and it didn’t change the way I thought about nonprofit management; it reinforced what I had always believed.

Dan put into words everything I had always felt but had never heard spoken so boldly. His perspective challenged the outdated notions of how nonprofits should operate, especially around risk, innovation, and investing in their own growth. His message resonated so deeply that it inspired me to return to the nonprofit sector with a new mindset—one that embraced strategy, sustainability, and bold leadership. It also gave me the courage to invest in people, especially my leadership team, knowing that the success of an organization is directly tied to the people leading it.

When I became CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada, Dan’s words were always in my head, reminding me to lead differently. His ideas gave me the confidence and courage to challenge traditional nonprofit models, prioritize impact over outdated expectations, and create a vision that empowered both the organization and the people we served.

I believe so strongly in his message that I still watch this TED Talk at least three times a year as a reminder to stay bold in my approach. And when I was at Make-A-Wish, I made sure our board members watched it at our annual meeting—because the way we think about nonprofit work matters.

I encourage you to watch his TED Talk and reflect on how we, as leaders, can reimagine the way we approach philanthropy. If we want to create lasting change, we have to be willing to think—and lead—differently.