Cultivate Effective Hiring and Feedback Practices with Casey Johns
“I feel leadership bodes really well with people that have a growth mindset. And are looking to be in places outside their comfort zone and to grow. It’s a continuing journey.” Casey Johns
Episode 6: Cultivate Effective Hiring and Feedback Practices
In this week’s episode of the “Cultivate Your Team Podcast,” I had the honor of interviewing Casey Johns, the Chief Development Officer at Cross Purpose, who shared profound insights into leadership and team development within the nonprofit sector. Casey’s journey from communication studies and marketing to a significant role in philanthropy, leading a team from a $5-6 million budget to an impressive $13 million, truly inspired me. Her approach to building a culture of meaning, accountability, and growth at Cross Purpose offers invaluable lessons. Here are three key takeaways that resonated with me:
- The Importance of Culture and Accountability: Casey emphasized the critical role of creating a positive work environment through a balanced mix of fun, work, and regular team-building activities like fiestas and staff retreats. Her strategy for maintaining a high-performance team involves setting clear KPIs, conducting trimester reviews, and fostering transparency and open communication, which have been key to their success.
- Personal Growth and Team Dynamics: Reflecting on her “poverty of meaning,” Casey’s journey underscores the necessity of personal evolution in leadership. Her self-awareness and the intentional cultivation of a team culture that prioritizes well-being, morale, and meaningful work illustrate the depth of his commitment to not just organizational but personal growth as well.
- Flexibility, Work-Life Balance, and Community Impact: Casey’s leadership style, characterized by flexibility, a no-meetings Thursday morning, and encouragement of vacation time, highlights the importance of work-life balance. Cross Purpose’s unique approach to team building, focusing on personal connections and making a local impact, showcases the power of community and shared values in fostering a flourishing team environment.
My conversation with Casey Johns left me inspired by the possibilities that arise from leading with purpose, transparency, and a deep commitment to team and personal development. Her insights into creating a culture that values kindness, transparency, and growth are a beacon for any leader looking to make a meaningful impact in their organization and beyond.
Resources Mentioned
About Our Guest
As the Chief Development Officer at CrossPurpose, a nonprofit organization that empowers people to overcome poverty, Casey Johns is responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to increase revenue, awareness, and engagement. I am motivated by the mission of CrossPurpose to create a more equitable and compassionate society, and I bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the team, having lived and worked in different countries and cultures.
CrossPurpose is a non-profit organization in the heart of Denver, CO. Our mission is to abolish relational, economic, and spiritual poverty through career and community development.
You can email Casey at cjohns@crosspurpose.org or find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-johns/
