How this CEO Transformed Board Governance using a Traffic Light System

In this episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sit down with Lori Prospero, the CEO of Rising Oaks Early Learning Ontario. Lori's career didn't exactly follow a straight line—she started out thinking she'd be a chemist, but a few twists and turns later, she found herself leading a nonprofit that serves 15,500 families. Along the way, she picked up her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation and a treasure trove of lessons on leadership and governance.

Lori shares how she's helped transform Rising Oaks into a stronger, more focused organization. One of her coolest tricks? A board color card system that keeps meetings on track. Here's how it works: everyone gets green, yellow, and red cards. If the conversation starts creeping into operations, someone quietly flashes a yellow card. If things get way off track, out comes the red card. It's like a governance traffic light, and it's been a total game-changer for fostering trust and keeping everyone in their lane.

We also get into one of Lori's most stressful moments as a leader—a governance session that went sideways and led to a confidence vote on her leadership. Yep, it was intense. But Lori pushed through, leaned on her champions, and came out the other side with a stronger board and a clearer vision for the future. Her story is proof that tough times can lead to amazing results if you're willing to stick with it.

If you've ever wrestled with governance challenges, struggled to engage your board, or wondered how to balance the big picture with day-to-day operations, this episode is for you. Lori's got practical tips, relatable stories, and a whole lot of heart. Don't miss it!