Alumni Profiles - Customized Training and Facilitation

American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy Helps Leader Better Understand Her Style

 

"My job is about being flexible and creative, solving problems, seeing patterns and making connections."

- Edie Muehlberger
Earth Share Texas

Edie Muehlberger knows something about reinvention. As co-director of Earth Share Texas, she's helping the nonprofit environmental group adapt to new opportunities. "My job is about being flexible and creative, solving problems, seeing patterns and making connections — all for a cause I'm passionate about."

With a background in fine art and a first career in politics, Edie turned her passion for the environment into a commitment to Earth Share Texas, first as a board member and then as co-director. For years, the group, which raises money for 70 conservation and environmental organizations across Texas, focused exclusively on workplace-giving fundraising. But recently, Edie and co-director Max Woodfin have broadened the scope. New initiatives have included working with the regional grocery chain H-E-B to implement a special in-store fundraiser."

We are stepping outside of our traditional path and asking: 'In what ways should we reinvent ourselves while still raising funds and awareness for our organizations?'" Edie says.

When she was given the chance to apply for the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy, co-created by CCL and the American Express Foundation, Edie almost didn't do it. "I didn't think I could afford to take a week away. Then I realized I would be doing something positive for all the things I love."

The Academy, which ran for the first time in June 2008, combined the best of CCL and American Express knowledge.

CCL brought the soft-skills training, fashioning the curriculum after its flagship Leadership Development Program (LDP)^®, while American Express brought its expertise in business strategy and operations. The goal was to develop a program focused on building the personal, business and leadership skills needed to run a successful nonprofit enterprise. During the week, top American Express executives, including CEO Kenneth Chenault, presented on key business topics.

"The program was wonderful. The resources and guest speakers were incredible," says Edie. The personal coaching, provided during the Academy and in three follow-up phone sessions, proved particularly powerful.

"I have a better understanding of how my strengths and my style have worked for me, but I also learned that alternative approaches can be valuable," Edie explains. "For example, I can easily jump in and give my ideas and answers. But, because I work collaboratively with hundreds of organizations and passionate people, my ability to facilitate a group and let other points and suggestions be heard is often more important — especially since our work is changing. I'm excited about really exploring that."

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