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Episode #324: Leadership and Listening with Dan Tocchini

What do gang intervention programs, tech startups, and fly fishing have in common? Leadership—and a whole lot of curiosity. In this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership, Sarah Olivieri is joined by Dan Tocchini, a transformational leadership expert who’s spent over 40 years helping founders and changemakers navigate conflict, unlock potential, and take on problems that won’t leave them alone. From candid conversations to building trust through better language, Dan shares wisdom that nonprofit leaders can apply right now to lead more effectively—without burning out or backing down.

Episode Highlights

03:29 Leadership Insights and Team Management
06:14 Working with Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits
10:06 Navigating Conflict and Candid Communication
17:57 Understanding Future Expectations
18:39 Mediation in Africa: A Case Study
20:46 The Power of Feeling Heard
22:10 Conflict Resolution Through Shared Concerns
26:45 Complaints as Frustrated Requests

Meet the Guest

Daniel Tocchini is a distinguished entrepreneur and executive with a career spanning over four decades in transformational leadership and organizational development. As the Founder and a Senior Partner at TNG, Daniel has pioneered innovative approaches to team dynamics and leadership training, emphasizing authentic engagement and candid feedback. Daniel was also a Co-Founder, executive, and Board Director for The Grid, a pioneering developer of AI technology to design, construct, and maintain dynamic websites. His expertise extends to his role as Co-Founder & Chairman of Culture ROI, where he specialized in sales and negotiation training, productivity enhancement, and fostering transformational change in corporate cultures.

With a legacy of over 20,000 hours dedicated to training leaders, facilitating workshops, and mentoring executives, Daniel’s impact is evident in his transformative work with companies like Virgin Hyperloop, where he also served as interim Chief of Staff. His methods are not just theoretical; they are grounded in practical application, having been honed through extensive experience with leading enterprises and NGOs alike.

Daniel’s commitment to leadership development is further showcased through his published works and his contributions to the field of transformational technologies and techniques. His vision and dedication to cultivating courageous leadership and resolving conflicts creatively have established him as a venerated figure in the industry.

Connect with Dan:

Website: https://takenewground.com/#team

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_tocchini

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantocchini/