Lois Lerner, Director of the Exempt Organizations Division of the IRS, joined the McCuistion Program in 2009 for two episodes- on Not For Profits Under IRS and Legal Scrutiny, and other non profit challenges, (http:/// www.frtv.org, episodes 1707 and 1708).

On the program, Lerner offered an assurance that the IRS does what they can to ensure that each community nonprofit organization has easy access to the tools and resources they need to access government help and to ensure they are operating above board.

Fast forward to recent events- and we learn a different story from the position she took on our program. Ms. Lerner, who is at the center of the recent controversy to target conservative organizations for gratuitous scrutiny, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination today, May 22, at a congressional hearing examining the scandal. Yet the tax exempt division, which Lerner ran, had created a “be on the lookout” list for tax exempt applications that used “patriot”, or “tea party” in their paperwork and seemed to be primarily involved in electoral politics. Lerner had supposedly tried to temper efforts to target conservative groups and then went onto to make the issue public.

When it became her turn to speak, Lerner read a brief statement into the record, declaring her innocence. “I have not done anything wrong,” she said. “I have not broken any laws, I have not violated any IRS rules or regulations, and I have not provided false information to this or any other congressional committee.”

Because I’m asserting my right not to testify, I know that some people will assume that I’ve done something wrong. I have not,” she reiterated. “One of the basic functions of the Fifth Amendment is to protect innocent individuals, and that is the protection I’m invoking today.”

There have been many inconsistencies and misstatements in Lerner’s story. IRS officials and an inspector general have said that while there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, at least at this point, lawmakers have called for Lerner to step down.  The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the issues. Her testimony is critical, as the IRS officials who have testified so far, say they don’t know who was responsible for the targeting.

The frustration over her silence was shared on both sides of the aisle. “If this committee is prevented, by obstruction or by refusal to answer, the questions that we need to get to the bottom of this, you will leave us no alternative but to ask for the appointment of a special prosecutor or appointment to special counsel to get to the bottom of this,” Lynch, D-Mass., said. “I hope that’s not the approach of the IRS going forward because there will be hell to pay if that’s the route that we chose to go down.”

Surveys recently showed that 61% of those surveyed believe the government is out of control and threatening our civil liberties. This scandal has many concerned. Chairman   Issa has criticized the IRS for failing to meet its objective as an independent agency.

“We knew then that something seemed to be wrong. We knew then that there was smoke. We knew then that, in fact, something just didn’t seem to be right,” he said. “Many people believe that the IRS is an independent agency. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Thanks for joining us as we continue with conversations that matter….

Niki McCuistion

Executive Producer/ Producer McCuistion

Speaker, Strategist

www.nikimccuistion.com

nikin@nikimccuistion.com

214-750-5157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonprofits bridge the gap of what businesses can’t afford to do as the financial returns are too small and that it may not be government’s job to do. In challenging economic times nonprofits address a critical void, often without the tools they need to fulfill their mission.

Panelists:

• Brent Christopher: President & CEO, Communities Foundation of North Texas
• Charlotte Keany: Director of Consulting, Center for Nonprofit Management
• Robert Wright: President: Executives in Action, Co-founder: Dallas Social Venture Partners

The world of nonprofits is evolving, emulating business best practices. This evolution incorporates different models including: venture philanthropy, social enterprise and proactive hands-on involvement from business leaders who bring business management and leadership advice to nonprofits.

Involved in different aspects of this new evolution, each of our panelists brings a fresh perspective to the world of philanthropy.

What’s changing in this world and what needs to change? Bob Wright, says, “we’re seeing a blurring, a combination of best practices of some of these sectors; business moving into nonprofit sectors with social enterprise, nonprofits emulating business practices as they try to become more accountable… We need to measure charities by their impact and effectiveness.” Bob joined us about 10 years ago on a program talking about the then fairly new concept of Venture Philanthropy. To date Bob has helped start 27 Social Venture Partners around the country.

Charlotte Keany, who started the Social Enterprise Alliance – Dallas chapter, talks about social enterprise, a model which helps nonprofits strengthen their business by taking a product or service they may already have and selling it to the public, thereby creating for themselves an unrestricted earned income stream. The earned funds can be used for much needed research, product development and revenue to run the nonprofit and grow the organization. The Center for Nonprofit Management has spearheaded over two dozen such entities.

We learn from Brent Christopher that there are over 700 Communities Foundations around the country, with Dallas being one of the largest. Communities Foundation was initially called the Dallas Community Chest Trust Fund, yes just like Monopoly. Today Communities Foundations nationwide serve the charities in their community, “helping donors who are ambitiously compassionate make tomorrow better” by making grants on their behalf that give back to the community they live and work in. Or a donor can choose to be more involved through donor advised funds.

Dan Pallotta, author of Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential, joins in via a previously taped interview and addresses the controversial question of charities being more business oriented in how they operate.  His response:

“There’s been a popular admonition in the last 15 years; we want charities to act more like a business. What we mean by that is we want to draw more blood from the stone. We want them do even more with less. That’s the opposite of how businesses succeed. Apple didn’t succeed by spending less researching the multi touch screen for the iPhone and iPad. I take tremendous issue with this advice to charities; you should start acting more like business. We’re not for a moment ready to allow charities to act more like business. We get upset when they pay their people the kind of money we pay in business… we get upset when they want to spend money on advertising… or take risks… Please stop telling charities to act more like a business when we won’t give them permission to do that. It’s abusive.”

There is no question that many charities, the great majority of which have budgets under $500,000, need to look at different ways of doing business to fulfill their mission. As the economy tightens and government cuts impact social services, nonprofits fill the gap. Yet we penalize the many for the egregious and public mistakes of the few and put restraints on charities, handicapping their ability to do their best work. To continue the work that charities do- new ways must be explored, current practices examined and decidedly more conversations like this one must take place.

We challenge you to get involved in your community by volunteering and writing that check. Investigate the nonprofits that resonate with your personal and corporate mission, jump in and change the world. It is your world after all.

Thanks for joining us as we talk about what really matters with people like you who really care.

Niki Nicastro McCuistion, CSP
Co-founder/ Executive Producer
Leadership and Nonprofit Consultant/Speaker
nikin@nikimccuistion.com

***

2002 – Reaired 05.19.13

Dan Burrus is considered, one of the top three gurus in the country on the future. In the 90’s he wrote the best seller Technotrends and many of his key points have become fact. His newest book, Flash Foresight: How To See the Invisible And Do The Impossible, takes a look at what we can do to transform our lives- in this century and decade- and pokes holes at the traditional ways of looking at the world and how we run our businesses.

He asks, “wouldn’t it be amazing if you could predict the future and be right?” Dan states that we can indeed predict the future. And we can have a better future as a result. Dan who bases his predictions on scientific principles tells us, “we all have a sense of foresight, but we don’t know how to trust or use it, yet it is a sense we can accurately make sense of”.

In part two of this series Dan talks about how to see invisible opportunities and solutions to seemingly impossible problems. He covers several additional points from his book:

• The key to doing something that seems impossible is to see invisible solutions.
• Take your biggest problems and skip them. You’ll often find that if there is a recurring problem, that isn’t the real problem you have to solve.
• Opposites work better.
• Anticipate by solving tomorrow’s problems before they happen.
• Direct your future or someone else will. Take charge of it.

His rapid fire dialogue and common sense solutions to many of the quirks of life and business challenges we all share will leave you saying, “Now why didn’t I think of that?”

Tune in and hear more of these incredible insights, as we talk about things that matter with people who care…

***

1919 – Reaired 05.12.13

Our guest: Dan Burrus  is the author of Flash Foresight: Seven Radical Principles That Will Transform Your Life and is considered one the world’s leading forecasters, corporate strategists and visionaries. In the early 1990′s, he joined us for two programs based on his then best seller: Technotrends.

In his newest book, Flash Foresight, Dan Burrus takes a look at what we can do to transform our lives in this century and decade and pokes holes at traditional ways of looking at the world and how we run our businesses.

He asks, “wouldn’t it be amazing if you could predict the future and be right”?

Burrus states that we can indeed predict the future. And we can have a better future as a result. Dan bases his predictions on scientific principles. He tells us, “we all have a sense of foresight, but we don’t know how to trust or use it, yet it is a sense we can accurately make sense of.”

In Part One of Flash Foresight, Dan Burrus gives input on the key points in his book related to how to use your sense of foresight to shape a better future for yourself and your family. “Not flash hindsight because we can’t change the past,” which is what many of us do. He asks that we:

Start with Certainty:

Transformational change brings personal opportunity. We’re in the process of changing everything we do. And humans like change, contrary to popular belief. We need to blow away the thought of bad news and believe that under it all there is a tremendous need to discover opportunity.

He counsels us to:

Redefine and Reinvent your career. While it used to be job security, now it’s about adaptability. We can and must learn new things. This part one of Flash Foresight will truly help you determine the future you.

So thanks for joining us on a must watch conversation about things that matter…

Niki McCuistion

***

1918 – Reaired 05.05.13

 

Joining host, Dennis McCuistion, to talk about these innovations are:

• Jennifer Born – Public Affairs Director, American Tinnitus Association
• Ross Bogey DO – Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• Michael P. Kilgard PhD – Associate Professor of Neuroscience: UT Dallas
• Robert L. Rennaker PhD – Associate Professor of Neuroscience & Biomedical Engineering UT Dallas

New research and applications in biomedical engineering and breakthroughs in technology for the brain are resulting in devices and technology that translate to clinical solutions for those who suffer from neurological conditions.

Research is showing that just like a computer, our brain has detailed circuits and we’re discovering more about its natural tendency to re-organize. Each time we learn something or store something, the brain works to accommodate this new information. Some things we previously thought were immune to cures or rehabilitation are now not the case.

The plasticity of the brain and its environment can help drive new connections, which can help our well being. New research, technologies and devices are significantly helping stroke victims. Tinnitus is another area in which significant progress is being made. Tinnitus, a perception of sound when there is no actual external sound, is manifested by a ringing in one’s ears. Presently 50 million people suffer from Tinnitus from time to time, and 16 million are chronic sufferers.

Some people are more at risk than others, with a disproportionate number of veterans suffering from Tinnitus. Presently 840,000 Veterans are Tinnitus disabled, making it the leading service connected disability for all veterans and all periods of service. And, since 2005, Tinnitus is increasing at the rate of 16.5% per year. The disability is costly. The Veterans’ Administration paid out Tinnitus disability compensation of $720 million in 2006 and today the figure is upwards of $1.28 billion with a predicted cost escalating to $2.75 billion in 2016. Blast induced stresses result in Tinnitus, hearing loss, chronic pain, motor impairments, cognitive impairments, communication challenges, PTSD, depression/ anxiety, and epilepsy. In addition veterans may experience 6-8 of these conditions, making it increasingly difficult for them to retain their jobs.

However there is hope. Join us as we talk about cutting edge innovations in how neurological conditions are treated and the science, research and new technology that is leading to more long lasting successes.

Thank you for being with us as we continue talking about things that really matter with people who care.

Niki Nicastro McCuistion, CSP
Executive Producer/ Producer
Management Analyst, Speaker, Consultant
nikin@nikimccuistion.com
214-750-5157

***

2019 – 04.28.13

In the new information age we are all faced with an increasingly challenging issue- we want technology; we want information now, at our fingertips. However, easier access for the individual means easier access to hackers who want what we are able to access as well- in our bank accounts and medical records, in business and government. These are two competing issues that are becoming increasingly problematic and costly.

Joining host, Dennis McCuistion are:

• Mitchell Adair – Vulnerability Researcher: Raytheon’s SI Government Solutions,
• Murat Kantargioglu PhD – Director: Data Security and Privacy Labs at the University of Texas at Dallas
• Sukumaran Nair PhD – Dept. Chair: Computer Science and Engineering, Southern Methodist University

From texting to banking, any time we use the computer we are at risk. Our daily lives, economy, and national security depend on a “safe and resilient” cyberspace. Yet, the more we rely on technology, the more vulnerable we are to hostile attacks. What is challenging is that computers now control much of the necessities we take for granted; our cars, cell phones, oil and gas power plants, airplanes and the list goes on, as almost anything humans touch has a computer system “powering” it.

The same information we access and the trail we leave makes it easier for those deliberately trying to take our information for their own use.

Mitchell Adair, “a white hat hacker”, is one of the good guys who deliberately attempts to get into systems, to see where the vulnerabilities are, and prevent attacks. Mitch says, “We use that knowledge to beat bad guys to the punch.”

Dr. Kantargioglu and Dr. Nair are continually working on the research that will enable us to be more secure, help prevent attacks and be less vulnerable. However, as the complexity and easy access to technology increases, the problem becomes even more acute. Openness versus control is a continuing debate, as we want protocols to be as open as possible. Yet there is a high price to pay for this ease of access from corporate security breaches, bank hacking, phishing and other social media fraud.

This program directly affects you. Tune in to find out what you need to do to stay, “relatively” safe as increasing technology and savvy increases our vulnerability to attack. And you may want to visit the Department of Homeland Security site for more information on this growing threat: www.dhs.gov/topic/cybersecurity.

As always we’re talking about…things that really matter. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more conversations on these issues.

Niki Nicastro McCuistion, CSP
Executive Producer/ Producer
Management Analyst, Speaker, Consultant
nikin@nikimccuistion.com
214-750-5157

***

2020 – 4.21.13

 

Robert Hall, a Dallas businessman and best-selling author, who has made the study of what makes relationships work, believes that relationships are in crisis. Financial, social, psychological situations, exacerbated by the economy and disintegrating relationships are causing chaos. Broken relationships have a high cost on our social and economic welfare.

Joining host Dennis McCuistion Are Guests:

• Robert E. Hall – Author: This Land Of Strangers: The Relationship Crisis That Imperils Home, Work, Politics and Faith
• Ami Moore, PhD – Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of North Texas
• Mahmoud Sadri, PhD – Professor of Sociology, Affiliated Professor of Women’s Studies, Texas Woman’s University

The problem is universal. Dr. Ami Moore, a Fulbright scholar, says she sees the problem as universal, not just a North American problem. Recently back from extended research studies in West Africa, she talks of how changing relationships are causing new challenges as families drift further from their native roots. She says, “No-one teaches us to manage changes, we learn on the job.” Many of these changes are negative and particularly affect those with reduced incomes. She sees increased changes in male and female relationships, with marriages no longer lasting for the duration of a couple’s life.”

In the United States women are becoming more economically independent and less willing to accept relationship challenges or stay in poor relationships. Robert Hall tells us that for the first time in history, in 2012, 50% of children born in the US are born to single moms; their children face a poverty level 5 times that of their peers in two “parent” households. In friend relationships, there have been decreases in the number of friends people now have- from an average of three to now two, and the number of people without any close friends has now tripled.

Yet, Dr. Mahmoud Sadri states that he does not see a relationship crisis as such. Yes, we are in challenging times yet he sees it as a time of dynamic equilibrium- and that there is hope for the future. While we do not live in a nuclear society any longer there are new ways of relating.

The good news is that there is a 38% increase in the amount of time parents are spending with their kids. And our social media experts, Terry Brock and Gina Carr, who join us for a brief excerpt, say, we have to do things differently. They comment, “social media is a wonderful way to connect, it leverages touch and interaction.”

Join us for a brisk dialogue on the challenges facing relationships today and what we can do about it, and let’s keep talking about things that matter with people who care…

Niki Nicastro McCuistion, CSP
Executive Producer/ Producer
Management Analyst, Speaker, Consultant
nikin@nikimccuistion.com
214-750-5157

***

2022 – 04.14.13

A Tribute to the Late Margaret Thatcher

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first female prime minister in 1979 and served her nation very successfully in this role until her resignation in 1990. Known for her forceful convictions and strength of character, she became known as the Iron Lady. In July of 2011, John Blundell,  Institute of Economic Affairs Fellow, author of Margaret Thatcher: Portrait of An Iron Lady,  joined us on a McCuistion TV program, talking about her successful career and her many contributions to British society and the political system.

(His colorful recollections, respectfully told, are worth watching: http://www.frtv.org/2012/05/13/the-legacy-of-margaret-thatcher/ on the McCuistion Program).

Ms. Thatcher earned a degree in chemistry from Somerville College, Oxford, as well as a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oxford. She worked as a chemist and then  as a barrister, specializing in tax law, before being elected  to the House of Commons in 1953, where she held several ministerial appointments. She was elected leader of the Conservative Party and thus became leader of the Opposition in 1975.

Never one to back down from what she felt to be right, she was known for her strong commitment to free market economics, limited government and rule of law. The former P.M. was a strong proponent of privatization, (see the NCPA study, Privatization Around the Globe” by Peter Young.) and (Dismantling the State by Madsen Pirie, which became a privatization handbook in the United States and throughout the world during the ‘80’s).

In 1988, she “predicted the “creeping Euro- federalism”, and took steps to prevent the British pound from being pegged to then European currencies.  Prime Minister Thatcher fought against the tyranny of British unions, the lofty 83% taxes on the wealthy and IRA terrorism, among many other tough issues…

Intuitive and pragmatic, after meeting Mikhail Gorbachev, months before his ascendency to leadership, she told him, “We can do business together.” On learning of her death, Gorbachev said, “In the end we were able to achieve mutual understanding and this contributed to a change in attitude between our country and the west and to the end of the Cold War.” The remark was pure “Iron Lady.”

In 1992, she was elevated to the House of Lords to become Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven. An icon, respected stateswoman, and renowned change agent the Iron Lady will be missed.

Niki Nicastro McCuistion

nikin@nikimccuistion.com

www.nikimccuistion.com

www.mccuistiontv.com

According to Robert Hall there is a seismic shift in relationships which is rapidly trending toward the negative and imperils society. He claims this “relationship cliff” is affecting every area of our lives. The decline is costly, causing a cycle of estrangement, less trust and loyalty towards business, government and individuals; with 86% of the population saying they distrust corporations and trust in our Federal government is down to 25%.

What has caused this?

Joining Dennis McCuistion Are:

• Jim Underwood, PhD – Professor of Management at Dallas Baptist University and a prolific best selling author
• Robert E. Hall – Dallas businessman and the author of This Land of Strangers: The Relationship Crisis That Imperils Home, Work, Politics and Faith. His former book, The STREETCORNER STRATEGY for Winning Local Markets, “inspired the customer relationship management movement”.

According to Dr. Underwood, a spirit of transiency is everywhere. Two hundred of the Fortune 500 companies have relationship issues in management or in their culture, with many companies experiencing a 70% turnover rate amongst their CEO’s. Research indicates innovation suffers when teams don’t function effectively and as organizations become larger the relationship atmosphere becomes toxic if management does not align its leadership with a relationship culture.

Yet those who focus on relationships enjoy a higher return in productivity and profitability. Studies show that customers who have an emotional connection with a company “buy” 46% more from that company than those who do not have an emotional tie. So is part of the challenge the growth of technology, which has supplanted daily conversations? According to social media experts, Terry Brock and Gina Carr, who join in via a short clip, technology can enable someone to connect with people all over the world at any time. Terry, a former chief blogger for Skype, maintains technology grows relationships more effectively. Gina, known as the Tribe Builder agrees that you can speak to and connect with people you might not otherwise “speak” to.

Yet with technology comes more efficiency which takes its toll on relationships. Hall says, “We wind up being alone – together”, and cites that today young people 8-18 years old average 7.38 hours a day on electronic devices.

Is there hope? The jury’s out – still our guests state we’re starting to recognize the need for positive emotion and a return to our core values…

Join us once again for a thought provoking conversation about what really matters…

Niki Nicastro McCuistion, CSP
Executive Producer/ Producer
Management Analyst, Speaker, Consultant
nikin@nikimccuistion.com
214-750-5157

***

2021 – 04.07.13

Featuring: Dr. Richard Leblanc, Author of Inside the Boardroom
Offered by: University of Texas at Dallas, (IECG) Institute for Excellence in Corporate Governance

Dr. Richard Leblanc, award-winning Associate Professor of Law, Governance and Ethics at York University in Toronto, shared his insights from his unique research in the boardroom and from the hundreds of interviews he has conducted with sitting board members. In addition to Inside the Boardroom: How Boards Really Work, Dr. Leblanc is the author of the Coming Revolution in Corporate Governance and co-author of 20 Questions Directors of Not-for-Profit Organizations Should Ask About Board Recruitment, Development and Assessment.

Some of the topics he covered in this presentation included:

• Does your nonprofit really need a functioning board?
• How do we know if we have the “right board?” Even if we do, what is the role of board leadership and behavior?
• Who should lead the board, and what are the two major types of board chairs?
• What are the five types of functional board members and how should they be identified and recruited?
• What are the five types of dysfunctional board members and how should they be avoided or “evaluated out?”
• What are the 20 Questions Directors of Not-for-Profit Organizations Should Ask About Board Recruitment, Development and Assessment?