Ego, Legacy, and Impact: The Truth About Nonprofit Board Members

What really motivates nonprofit board members to serve? In this eye-opening episode, Mark Buzan, founder of the Society of Nonprofit Board Directors, joins us to unpack the psychology behind board service. With decades of experience managing associations and interviewing hundreds of board members, Mark reveals that legacy, ego, and a desire to be part of something bigger often drive board participation more than pure altruism.

From exploring why boards struggle with micromanagement or disengagement to how executive directors can build trust and empower boards, this episode offers practical insights into strengthening board-staff dynamics. Plus, Mark previews the upcoming Nonprofit Board Summit, designed exclusively for board members to learn, reflect, and lead better.

00:00:00 Intro: Mark Buzan, Society of Nonprofit Board Directors
00:03:00 Mark’s backstory
00:05:38 Board dynamics: micromanagement vs. disengagement
00:07:17 Why board members really serve
00:08:18 Prestige, ego, and legacy: the unspoken motivators
00:11:36 Professional contributors vs. volunteers
00:14:57 Board isolation: hiding dysfunction
00:16:22 Challenging board bashing
00:18:24 Staff presence in board meetings
00:20:44 What board members aren’t passionate about
00:23:01 Creating safe spaces for honest discussions
00:25:23 How to recruit board members
00:26:23 Preview: Nonprofit Board Summit and how to get involved #TheNonprofitShow