It was this time 20 years ago, in the summer of 2003, that I was creating plans for new beginnings.
That fall, I would launch my consulting practice and begin teaching public relations courses at Ohio Dominican University. I wasn’t sure what was in store, and certainly wasn’t sure if it would be successful for two months never mind 20 years. But here we are, and the company is still making an impact.
My early Mollard Consulting business plan was to offer grant writing services exclusively. The teaching would be steady income to offset the ups and downs of clients. I believed that grant writing would be a successful focus – a clear scope of work for clients to outsource to me and a distinctive skill set that I could provide. Plus, I could manage grant deadlines as I taught coursework, and as, by the end of 2004, I became a mom.
That business plan and our services offered evolved over time, as did the teaching, but the primary purpose had not – to build capacity for nonprofit organizations and the individuals who serve them, and to work in a way that promoted balance and health. I didn’t always get it right then, and I don’t always get it right now, but the rewards of serving the nonprofit community as the owner of a consulting firm have been profound.
In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we invite you to join us on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, for a conversation on leadership. This discussion will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.
The panel of guests include people who have inspired and supported me and my team, and who give so much to the central Ohio community that we call home. The panelists are:
- Jane Grote Abell, Executive Chairwoman and Chief Purpose Officer, Donatos Pizza
- Tanny Crane, President and CEO, Crane Group
- Erika Clark Jones, CEO, ADAMH Board of Franklin County
- Tom Katzenmeyer, President and CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council
Join me as we talk with Jane, Tanny, Erika, and Tom about leadership in the nonprofit sector, and both the challenges and opportunities that they see. Their experiences as board members, donors, volunteers, and chief executives will surely allow for a meaningful conversation.
As I reflect on where the company has been, I am overwhelmed by how many people have been part of the journey. Your role in our history has also made an impact. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us realize our vision of thriving communities and families through highly effective nonprofits.
