Showing Up LLC

Helping the Helpers: Building Supportive Cultures in Nonprofit Organizations

This episode of Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community explores how nonprofit leaders and teams can continue serving others without sacrificing their own well-being. Host Jill Economou is joined by Jen Marr, founder of Showing Up and bestselling author of Showing Up and Lifting Up, for a thoughtful discussion about burnout, workplace culture, leadership, and the human need for connection.

Drawing on more than a decade of research and experience supporting communities through times of crisis and change, Jen shares insights into how people respond to stress, overwhelm, and suffering. Beginning with her work in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, she explains how even the most well-intentioned support can miss the mark and why organizations must develop practical skills for showing up effectively for one another.

The conversation explores the unique challenges facing nonprofit professionals, who often dedicate themselves to serving clients, donors, and communities while neglecting their own needs. Jen discusses the growing impact of workplace stress, the erosion of personal connection in a screen-driven world, and the critical role leaders play in creating supportive environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for recognizing burnout, improving communication, conducting meaningful check-ins, and shifting from transactional leadership to relationship-centered leadership. Jen also shares actionable ways organizations can strengthen workplace culture through simple, intentional behaviors that foster trust, connection, and resilience.

Episode Highlights:

0:23 | Why caregivers, nonprofit professionals, and helpers often struggle to care for themselves
0:56 | Introduction to Jen Marr and her research on support, stress, and human connection
2:01 | How Jen's work began in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy
3:34 | Why nonprofit professionals are especially vulnerable to burnout and exhaustion
4:06 | Understanding the difference between caring and carrying
4:26 | How technology and screen-based work have reduced meaningful human connection
6:17 | The "barbell" concept and balancing clinical care, self-care, and organizational support
7:32 | Why organizations and leaders share responsibility for employee well-being
8:47 | What gets lost when mission-driven work overshadows human connection
9:31 | The critical role leaders play in supporting overwhelmed employees
10:58 | Signs that high-performing team members may be experiencing burnout
11:55 | Understanding the "awkward zone" and common leadership blind spots
13:24 | Why compassion alone is not enough without practical leadership skills
14:58 | Why caring people often struggle to ask for help themselves
15:25 | The three biggest reasons people avoid seeking support
16:41 | The difference between a kind culture and a truly supportive culture
18:08 | Practical first steps for nonprofit leaders who want to create healthier workplaces
19:39 | Simple daily behaviors that help people feel valued and appreciated
20:38 | The power of fast, frequent check-ins between leaders and employees
22:07 | Creating space for honest conversations without making them overwhelming
23:32 | Helping employees prioritize work during periods of stress and overload
25:23 | Supporting the mission without sacrificing the people behind it
27:03 | How board members, donors, and community partners can help strengthen nonprofit teams
29:14 | The one conversation every leader should be having with their team
30:15 | What organizational data reveals about stress, burnout, and employee well-being
31:30 | Recognizing leadership blind spots and becoming intentionally attentive

SHOWING UP

Founded by Jen Marr, Showing Up helps organizations, leaders, and teams develop practical skills for supporting people through stress, change, uncertainty, and difficult life experiences. Through research, training, speaking engagements, and bestselling resources such as Showing Up and Lifting Up, the organization equips individuals and workplaces with evidence-based strategies to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build cultures of meaningful support.

Website: https://showing-up.com

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP

Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.

Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.