Mindful Leadership for the Nonprofit World

I am seasoned executive coach and consultant specializing in mindfulness, nonprofit practices, and executive leadership. 

My Approach

Whether I’m coaching executives, consulting nonprofits or teaching students, my approach is centered around the same three fundamental principles.

Active Listening
I begin every client relationship by making sure I understand their unique situation, the challenges they face and the aspirations they have.

Thoughtful Questioning
I ask questions to gain clarity and help my clients uncover new perspectives and solutions, challenge their assumptions, and ultimately, encourage self-reflection. This process allows me to delve into my client’s leadership style, goals, and areas for improvement to develop a unique plan that works for them.

Compassionate Critique
Becoming a better leader requires dedication and time, and my clients ultimately decide to take action and implement the necessary changes to elevate their career. However, I’m by their side throughout the process to act as a thought partner providing a fresh perspective, helping them make more informed choices, and giving them the compassionate and constructive criticism they need to hold themselves accountable for their own growth.  

Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash

Testimonials

  • "Theresa is a tireless advocate for social justice, a caring manager of others, a knowledgeable nonprofit expert, and a thoughtful administrator. She developed the Center for the Common Good at the University of St. Thomas from the ground up, recruiting a dedicated staff, developing loyal partnerships, and building awareness on our campus and among peer campuses of St. Thomas' community engagement and social justice efforts. She is transparent with her staff and puts their interests ahead of her own. While doing all this work, she even wrote a book on nonprofit leadership. I valued the opportunity to work with her.Theresa is a tireless advocate for social justice, a caring manager of others, a knowledgeable nonprofit expert, and a thoughtful administrator. She developed the Center for the Common Good at the University of St. Thomas from the ground up, recruiting a dedicated staff, developing loyal partnerships, and building awareness on our campus and among peer campuses of St. Thomas' community engagement and social justice efforts. She is transparent with her staff and puts their interests ahead of her own. While doing all this work, she even wrote a book on nonprofit leadership. I valued the opportunity to work with her."

    Christopher Wong Michaelson
    Business and Ethics Professor

  • "Theresa transformed our Center for the Common Good into a nationally-known center connecting St. Thomas students to projects and meaningful change around the United States and beyond. She is a strategic thinker and is adept at creating meaningful relationships and developing trust with partners and colleagues. She is not afraid to ask difficult questions and make community change more meaningful and sustainable.Theresa transformed our Center for the Common Good into a nationally-known center connecting St. Thomas students to projects and meaningful change around the United States and beyond. She is a strategic thinker and is adept at creating meaningful relationships and developing trust with partners and colleagues. She is not afraid to ask difficult questions and make community change more meaningful and sustainable."

    Hugh Smeltekop
    Leading Change in Higher Education

  • "Theresa is a transformative leader. Her work with the Center for the Common Good at St. Thomas is innovative, strategic, and impactful. Under her guidance the Center has become a leader in community-centered experiential learning opportunities and partnerships across campus. Theresa has fostered a strong network both across campus and across the community, developed mutually beneficial partnerships, and created multiple programs that benefit students, faculty, staff, and community members. Her mentoring of staff and commitment to equity and inclusion in her work is fundamental to the Center's success."

    Katharine Hill
    Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement and Research

  • "Dr. Theresa facilitated three sessions on servant leadership for a group of young Afghan women in APT’s online leadership program. I was impressed by her expertise, professionalism, and dedication. Throughout the sessions, Dr. Theresa demonstrated a deep knowledge of the subject matter and a passion for sharing it with others. Her facilitation skills were exemplary, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that allowed the participants to engage with the material fully. Her communication skills were great, making it easy for us to coordinate and plan the sessions effectively.Dr. Theresa facilitated three sessions on servant leadership for a group of young Afghan women in APT’s online leadership program. I was impressed by her expertise, professionalism, and dedication. Throughout the sessions, Dr. Theresa demonstrated a deep knowledge of the subject matter and a passion for sharing it with others. Her facilitation skills were exemplary, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that allowed the participants to engage with the material fully. Her communication skills were great, making it easy for us to coordinate and plan the sessions effectively."

    Jamal Hill
    Program Coordinator

  • "I took a Organizational Leadership and Management course with Theresa during my MA in International Peace Studies, and many, many years later am still reflecting on lessons I learned from her about the difference between 'Management' and 'Leadership.' I took a Organizational Leadership and Management course with Theresa during my MA in International Peace Studies, and many, many years later am still reflecting on lessons I learned from her about the difference between 'Management' and 'Leadership.'"

    Becca Mendez
    Director of Global Study and Experience, Saint Mary’s College

  • "Theresa has become a life-long mentor to me after she first served as my faculty advisor during my Masters of Nonprofit Administration field project. Theresa has generously shared of her vast knowledge and experience in nonprofit leadership to guide me through critical leadership transitions in the organizations I have lead. She has coached me through my own career development and helped me to become a more effective and mindful leader. Theresa has that oftentimes rare combination of skills and passion to be both an active and effective non-profit executive while simultaneously maintaining her role as a scholar and teacher. This ability allows Theresa to ultimately be the most effective of teachers to the next generation of non-profit leaders, as she reinforces the concepts that she teaches through the example of her work and her life. Theresa has become a life-long mentor to me after she first served as my faculty advisor during my Masters of Nonprofit Administration field project. Theresa has generously shared of her vast knowledge and experience in nonprofit leadership to guide me through critical leadership transitions in the organizations I have lead. She has coached me through my own career development and helped me to become a more effective and mindful leader. Theresa has that oftentimes rare combination of skills and passion to be both an active and effective non-profit executive while simultaneously maintaining her role as a scholar and teacher. This ability allows Theresa to ultimately be the most effective of teachers to the next generation of non-profit leaders, as she reinforces the concepts that she teaches through the example of her work and her life."

    Andrea McMerty-Brummer
    Associate Director, Innovation & Practice at Pulte Institute for Global Development

  • "Several years ago, after a lot of change and turmoil at the Kroc Institute, Theresa became my direct boss. During that time, she was not only a boss, but an advocate and mentor. She always made it a point to push me when she knew I was capable of doing something I wasn't so sure about. She took me under her wing and developed me and helped me to become a better professional. Even though we haven't worked together directly in years, most of what she taught me has stuck with me. When I'm in a jam, I don't hesitate to think "what would Theresa do?" Since she left Kroc, we still talk and maintain a friendship, and I still count on her to be a mentor to me. She's helped me through some tough times, and most recently helped me when I was searching for a new job. I still miss working with her, but I'm grateful for her leadership, mentorship, and kind heart. I'd highly recommend her to any professional out there!Several years ago, after a lot of change and turmoil at the Kroc Institute, Theresa became my direct boss. During that time, she was not only a boss, but an advocate and mentor. She always made it a point to push me when she knew I was capable of doing something I wasn't so sure about. She took me under her wing and developed me and helped me to become a better professional. Even though we haven't worked together directly in years, most of what she taught me has stuck with me. When I'm in a jam, I don't hesitate to think "what would Theresa do?" Since she left Kroc, we still talk and maintain a friendship, and I still count on her to be a mentor to me. She's helped me through some tough times, and most recently helped me when I was searching for a new job. I still miss working with her, but I'm grateful for her leadership, mentorship, and kind heart. I'd highly recommend her to any professional out there!"

    Kristi Flaherty
    Communications Professional in Strategic Content at Notre Dame

  • "Theresa gave a group of leaders a workshop presentation about servant leadership. She gave in-depth understanding of this leadership style. This allowed us to explore and think innovatively on how to incorporate servant leadership with colleagues, students, and St. Thomas community. Mostly, during this workshop I enjoyed learning the different characteristics of a servant leader. This was useful and Theresa's personal connecting to each characteristics gave us the opportunity to find practical ways to embed this leadership style. I personally endorse Theresa as an change agent and practitioner in servant leadership.Theresa gave a group of leaders a workshop presentation about servant leadership. She gave in-depth understanding of this leadership style. This allowed us to explore and think innovatively on how to incorporate servant leadership with colleagues, students, and St. Thomas community. Mostly, during this workshop I enjoyed learning the different characteristics of a servant leader. This was useful and Theresa's personal connecting to each characteristics gave us the opportunity to find practical ways to embed this leadership style. I personally endorse Theresa as an change agent and practitioner in servant leadership."

    Shekinah Kuhnly

  • "Theresa was my professor in Organizational Leadership at the Kroc Institute, as well as a professional development mentor in the Master's program. The content of coursework was very practical and thought-provoking, and I find myself frequently drawing from those concepts to implement in my current endeavors. She exemplifies traits of a servant leader herself, being sure to focus on the well-being of those she's working with in order to develop them and ensure they are performing at their highest level. Theresa's manner in and out of the classroom modeled the type of transformational leadership she taught us, as she always used her varied experience to empower and motivate us students. Theresa was my professor in Organizational Leadership at the Kroc Institute, as well as a professional development mentor in the Master's program. The content of coursework was very practical and thought-provoking, and I find myself frequently drawing from those concepts to implement in my current endeavors. She exemplifies traits of a servant leader herself, being sure to focus on the well-being of those she's working with in order to develop them and ensure they are performing at their highest level. Theresa's manner in and out of the classroom modeled the type of transformational leadership she taught us, as she always used her varied experience to empower and motivate us students."

    Aimee Sarah George
    Country Director, Medair Afghanistan

  • "Theresa is an outstanding colleague with vast knowledge about community engagement, global education, and the nonprofit sector. She is a gifted educator and administrator. Theresa is very bright, amiable, and a sincere pleasure to collaborate with. I would recommend her without any reservation.Theresa is an outstanding colleague with vast knowledge about community engagement, global education, and the nonprofit sector. She is a gifted educator and administrator. Theresa is very bright, amiable, and a sincere pleasure to collaborate with. I would recommend her without any reservation."

    Teresa Van Horn, Ph.D
    Educator, Administrator, Advisor

  • "Theresa Ricke-Kiely embodies professionalism and human tact that make of her a magnetic leader among those she supervises and works with. As one of her students in Organizational Leadership at the KROC Institute, I have come to deeply appreciate her caring support and compassion for her students' personal and professional development, even beyond the classroom setting. Her consistent and rich leadership experience that promotes individual and organizational excellence will remain an asset now and in her future career endeavors. Theresa Ricke-Kiely embodies professionalism and human tact that make of her a magnetic leader among those she supervises and works with. As one of her students in Organizational Leadership at the KROC Institute, I have come to deeply appreciate her caring support and compassion for her students' personal and professional development, even beyond the classroom setting. Her consistent and rich leadership experience that promotes individual and organizational excellence will remain an asset now and in her future career endeavors."

    Christian Cirhigiri
    Policy Officer Digital

  • "I am completing Theresa's course in non-profit leadership and have enjoyed her interactive on line teaching style. Our virtual classes have been absolutely amazing . The classroom included tech support as well as classmates from other parts of the country. Theresa'e knowledge, experience and subject matter expertise were outstanding. And her ability to reference the other recorded lectures and bring them into our virtual lectures made things really come together. This course is a must for anyone in non-profit leadership.I am completing Theresa's course in non-profit leadership and have enjoyed her interactive on line teaching style. Our virtual classes have been absolutely amazing . The classroom included tech support as well as classmates from other parts of the country. Theresa'e knowledge, experience and subject matter expertise were outstanding. And her ability to reference the other recorded lectures and bring them into our virtual lectures made things really come together. This course is a must for anyone in non-profit leadership."

    Ann Guillory
    Full Professor, Felician College

  • "Dr. Ricke-Kiely is a talented, energetic, committed, and effective leadership trainer and facilitator. Her extensive knowledge in leadership and management bring valuable insights to every discussion and learning opportunity. She has the unique ability of fostering effective communication amongst diverse groups of people, while also inspiring people to make assertive decisions. By sharing her knowledge, she gives students and colleagues the tools needed to believe in themselves and become leaders in their industry. She is highly respected by her students, colleagues and the agencies with which she collaborates. In short Dr. Ricke-Kiely is a model of what excellence in leadership and professorship is all about."

    Yvonne Delgadillo
    Community, Economic Development, Affordable Housing

  • "Theresa has married her deep insight into leadership and the nonprofit sector and her knowledge of reflective, intentional, and mindful practice in her new book. It is a practical and thoughtful guide for leaders and I am so grateful to have it in my toolbox as an Executive Director!"

    Lois Barrett Luke
    Executive Director at Doors of Hope

  • "Dr. Ricke-Kiely brings an unwavering sense of possibility to bear on her vision of mindful leadership and team-building. She is dynamic, insightful, and brave. Time spent with Dr. Ricke-Kiely will recenter your team and draw out new and transformative energy toward the goals of your group, whether in the context of higher education or nonprofit organizations. Be ready for positive change -- that's the promise of her book, workshops, and consultations."

    Lisa Johnson
    Director, Center for Women's and Gender Studies at USC Upstate

  • "I've had the opportunity to work with Theresa as her HR partner supporting her team and as an eager participant in her leadership seminars and have learned so much from her! A true believer in mentorship and servant leadership, she is an engaging speaker with real-world examples of challenging situations managers and employees find themselves in and works to guide her learners to a variety of possible solutions and outcomes that encourage dialog and engagement, and ultimately, growth. Her deep background working with non-profits combined with her lively speaking style, genuine connection to participants and sincere interest in learning outcomes make for a collaborative journey for learners and colleagues lucky enough to partner with Theresa."

    Molly Kelley
    Senior Human Resource Strategic Partner

  • "I had the pleasure of working with Theresa at the University of St. Thomas where we collaborated on several projects and initiatives. Theresa is a classic servant-leader who puts the needs of the community, the students, the university, and her team above her own. She brings thoughtfulness and intentionality to everything she does. Through her work at the University of St. Thomas, she elevated the impact of the university within the community, and created a space that demonstrated the values of the university in a very tangible way. Personally, I have always appreciated the care and concern that Theresa has demonstrated toward me and others. She's a compassionate, mindful, self-aware leader who is impact-driven."

    Karyn McCoy
    Human-Centered Leader and Career Strategist

  • "Dr. Theresa Ricke-Kiely has been a fantastic inspiration to me for the past 8 years in my position as a Graduate Education Instructor. Her ability to actively listen to my impressions and wonderings has been calming while providing wise, valuable and affirming insights when I've asked. In addition to this professional arena, I'm grateful to have had Theresa as a colleague in a Faculty Learning Community on Mindfulness/Contemplative meditation for many years. Her presence, knowledge, skills and leadership abilities were an incredible asset to this group as well as many relevant communities and opportunities throughout our University system for ALL constituents. My life is enriched by knowing Theresa and I'm thrilled about her new book!"

    Karen J. Kozen-Lien, Ed.D.
    The GraceVine Center for Education, LLC

  • "I have worked with Theresa for several years and in different capacities. I recently have been referring colleagues to her for leadership mentoring. Theresa is expert in supervising and managing staff, building organizations and empowering those who work with her. She has a values-centered approach to leadership that is highly effective. Theresa is adept at building teams and prooting an atmosphere that allows organizations to thrive while also allowing employees to grow in their individual capacities."

    Susan St. Ville
    Mental Health Therapist

  • "I'm thrilled to share that my colleague and friend Theresa Ricke-Kiely has a new book: The Path to Mindful Leadership: Practices for Nonprofit Success. The book showcases not only her expertise in leadership and mindfulness, but more importantly, her outstanding leadership skills. My own growth in leadership in the last several years is due in large part to knowing Theresa, seeing her in action, and hearing her wisdom. Thank you, Theresa!"

    Tonia Bock
    Associate Vice Provost for Accreditation, Assessment, & Curriculum at University of St. Thomas

  • "I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Theresa during my time at the University of St. Thomas. I first met Theresa when we both served on the university's committee on global strategy. Theresa's extensive knowledge and experience with international NGOs and international programs in higher education enabled her to share valuable insights and perspectives to inform our work. I further observed Theresa in other settings where I gained additional knowledge of her expertise and leadership ability, including professional presentations on leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement, all areas of particular strength for her. We had the opportunity to work together, along with other members of her team, on a project designed to provide student volunteers to community nonprofits who needed help during the pandemic. Theresa ensured that this project went beyond simple volunteerism on the part of the students by providing them leadership training, along with education about the systemic societal problems the nonprofits were addressing through their work. Finally, I observed Theresa putting into practice what she teaches about mindful leadership in the way she led her own team in the Center for the Common Good at St. Thomas. She is a thoughtful, compassionate, and effective leader who is able to get results without ever forgetting the humanity and dignity of those on her team. I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with Theresa for the seven years I spent at St. Thomas, and it's a privilege to be able to keep in touch."

    Lori Williamson
    Associate Vice President for Development and Comprehensive Campaigns, California State University – Fresno

  • "I came to work for Theresa at a time when I was starting a new direction in my career and in my life. She was a bold leader, unafraid to share her ideas, laser focused on equity, justice, and lasting social change. In her bold leadership I found that she had incredible care for my personal and professional development, shown not through overly sentimental celebrations or platitudes, but through consistent performance feedback, a commitment to elevating my unique personal talents, and a mutual respect that is forefront in all of Theresa's interactions. In our performance conversations, Theresa guided the talks beyond of the four walls of our office, pushing me to seek not only what I wanted from a career, but ultimately what sort of life I wanted to lead. Both my professional and personal dreams mattered to her. Beyond her uniqueness as a mentor, Theresa has the distinct leadership ability to hold a multitude of priorities in her head and heart, and to advocate on behalf of many different groups and individuals all at once. In every initiative she leads, she seeks input from an exhaustive list of stakeholders, invites lively scenario planning conversations, shares power and information with all interested parties, and seeks meaningful data points that reveal opportunities for iteration and improvement. And through all of it, she holds a seasoned and steady hand earned through decades of learning to carry the pressure of leadership with grace and mindfulness."

    Casey Gordon
    Grant Writer and Manager

  • "It’s been a privilege to work with and learn from Dr. Theresa Ricke-Kiely. From Theresa, I learned the invaluable practice of taking a breath before reacting. Her approach to mindfulness in leadership taught me the importance of pausing, reflecting, and considering multiple angles before making decisions. Theresa’s ability to listen to diverse perspectives and integrate them into her leadership style has been truly inspiring. Her leadership is marked by compassion, wisdom, and a deep commitment to holistic understanding. I am grateful for the lessons and insights I’ve gained from Theresa. She exemplifies what it means to lead with mindfulness and intentionality, and her influence continues to shape my approach to leadership and collaboration."

    Manuela Hill-Muños
    Director Social Justice & Changemaking at University of St. Thomas

  • "Theresa is an expert in the area of mindful leadership, and I have learned a lot from her. She was an excellent presenter on this topic for a higher education workshop I hosted and we received a lot of positive feedback about her session. Theresa brings ideas together in a way that is easily understood and she provides clear takeaways for individuals to implement themselves so that they too can be more mindful leaders."

    Julie Bryant
    Vice President for Student Success at Ruffalo Noel Levitz

  • "Theresa is a collaborative leader who puts her words into actions. I had the privilege of working with her at the University of St. Thomas as she led the team in creating and growing the Center for the Common Good. I witnessed her dedication to community-engaged learning and civic engagement, and was inspired by her commitment to building ethical and meaningful partnerships with local, national and global community organizations. I appreciated her transparent leadership and consistent efforts with creating a culture of collaboration within her team, and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to be mentored by someone with Theresa's experiences, skills and knowledge."

    Jessica Hodge
    Program Director | Educator | Researcher

Do you want to become a more mindful nonprofit leader?

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