Michael Corley worked in health care and human resources for some 10 years before starting his own leadership consulting business, The Corley Co., in 2009. The Corley Co. works with nonprofit and some for-profit leaders, in addition to nonprofit boards on topics like creating engaged board members; bringing clarity to roles and responsibilities; and developing strategic focus areas. On this episode Michael and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talked about how he got into podcasting, the valuable lessons he learned from his father and other mentors and what he learned from getting laid off from a high-level corporate job.

3 Takeaways:

1. (08:30) Leadership is not that different in a for-profit versus nonprofit
2. (12:15) Great leaders have humility, make decisions, and communicate clearly
3. (15:10) Never burn a bridge

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Michael Corley, President of The Corley Company

(03:10) What is The Corley Company?

(05:20) Developing your ability to become a thought-partner

(06:20) About I501(c)You - The Podcast for Nonprofit Board Members

(08:15) What have you learned about leaders from your interviews on I501(c)You?

(10:20) Michael’s Career

(11:55) What are some good leadership characteristics?

(14:00) How do you handle setbacks?

(15:00) Mentors

(16:35) How do you overcome setbacks?

(19:40) The Corley Company in 2025

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