Author’s Insights with Jocelyn Davis
Author’s Insights is an opportunity for members of our Leadership Reading Group (LRG) Program to delve more deeply into leadership concepts with an author whose book was read in the program. Following the tradition set by American Booksellers Association in 1938 to provide a forum for authors to speak about their work, Author’s Insights is uniquely focused at furthering our understanding of leadership by furnishing members with a unique and intimate environment to explore the leadership concepts featured by the author in his or her book. Members are invited to examine the leadership theories posited by the author in a trade book or probe the leadership which was or was not exercised by an author’s characters in a work of fiction or non-fiction.
Today’s event featured Jocelyn Davis, author of The Art of Quiet Influence. Davis traveled from Sante Fe, New Mexico to spend time with members of Fieldstone’s Leadership Reading Group program. Members from each of the four groups currently hosted by FLNSD were in attendance, as well as a leader from our sister program in Orange County. The program was hosted at Villa Musica. Villa Musica’s Executive Director, Fiona Chatwin, is a member of LRG 3.
Drawing on the wisdom of Eastern traditions, Davis focuses on 12 “quiet influence practices”, including encouraging other to express objections and doubts, developing a shared outlook, converting adversaries into allies and doing the daily work necessary for success. Today’s discussion, facilitated by LRG 2 member Linnea Searle, highlighted the areas of interest to the members including the difference between “culture” and “climate”, the true meaning of reciprocity and the importance of demonstrating care for others. Reciprocity and Cultivation of Care are two of FLNSD’s organizational values and a rich discussion was had about how this influences and impacts our work individually and collectively.
After enjoying lunch and vibrant conversation together, Jocelyn graciously signed books for each member of the Network who was in attendance. 
FLNSD’s Leadership Reading Groups started in 2016. The 10-month program is designed purposely to develop disciplined readers, cultivate facilitation skills and build cross-sectoral relationships. Members work jointly on the facilitation of a reading group session and develop trusted relationships with each other through discussions and shared insight. To date, all groups have continued to meet regularly after the completion of the “official” program.
The next Author’s Insight will be on December 11, 2019 and feature Elizabeth Cobbs, author of The Tubman Command.
Read More
Seeking the Heart of Social Justice in Historic and Hallowed Places – A Leadership Retreat
Recognized for creating safe space for brave conversations and learning, the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego is designing a unique experience for nonprofit leaders to consider issues of divesity, equity, and inclusion and their place in the ongoing efforts to respectfully engage with others. Offered as a contribution to our community’s efforts to advance these critical issues throughout the nonprofit sector and in the broader world, this retreat will provide leaders with time and space to learn experientially, to reflect personally and to engage in communal conversations about the social justice challenges we have faced historically and are encountering currently in our country.
The retreat will be offered in Fall 2020.
Please check our website in early 2020 for additional information, including dates, registration forms and fees. If you would like to be added to our Retreat Interest List, please email [email protected] to let her know. 
Authors Insights – A New Edition to our Leadership Reading Group
We are pleased to announce that we have incorporated lunch with an author as a formal part of our Leadership Reading Group. The seeds for this program were planted by our first reading group with an invitation to local author, Brandon Black. Black’s visit to the group was so powerful, the group invited another local author, Scott A. Huesing, to join them the following year. This year, two authors will join members of three reading groups to discuss their work.
Author’s Insights is an opportunity for members of our Reading Group Program to delve more deeply into leadership concepts with an author whose book was read in the program. Following the tradition set by American Booksellers Association in 1938 to provide a forum for authors to speak about their work, Author’s Insights is uniquely focused at furthering our understanding of leadership by furnishing members with a unique and intimate environment to explore the leadership concepts featured by the author in his or her book. Members are invited to examine the leadership theories posited by the author in a trade book or probe the leadership which was or was not exercised by an author’s characters in a work of fiction or non-fiction.
After enjoying lunch and vibrant conversation together, authors are available to sign and personalize their books for each member.
Author’s Insights has featured:
Brandon Black, Ego Free Leadership – September 2017
Scott A. Huesing, Echo in Ramadi: The Firsthand Story of U.S Marines In Iraq’s Deadliest City – September 2018
2019 Author’s Insights will feature:
Jocelyn Davis, The Quiet Art of Influence – September 9, 2019
Elizabeth Cobbs, The Tubman Command – December 11, 2019
Leadership Reading Groups start each fall. The 10 – month program reads a rotation of trade books, fiction and non-fiction books through a leadership lens, includes the opportunity to learn from a professional facilitator and to personally facilitate a session with a fellow Group member. The program helps to develop disciplined readers and facilitation skills so members are able to use literature as a training tool with their organization or team. To apply, or for more information, please visit our Leadership Reading Group under the program tab.
Read More
Values to Lead By
As part of our recent organizational transformation, Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego has completed a process of evaluating and updating its organizational values. This effort lead to six values which reflect the manner in which we do our work, the type of community we are cultivating and incorporates the spirit of the original corporate values which had
guided our way since they were established in 1981 by The Fieldstone Company.
Our mission to provide reciprocal learning opportunities which build, deepen and sustain personal and professional capabilities and relationships among nonprofit professionals so they are better able to lead, collaborate, and problem solve are now driven by the following values:
- Continuous Learning – We listen to our nonprofit members, evaluate our programs and apply what we learn.
- Hospitality and Belonging – We cultivate environments for brave conversations, personal development and relationship building to occur.
- Trust and Confidentiality – We honor confidentiality as a cornerstone of our work. We trust staff, members, facilitators and partners to join us in upholding the legacy of confidentiality in all we do.
- Reciprocity – We value the give and take of wisdom, expertise, and resources between each other.
- Diversity – We commit ourselves to be inclusive, inviting nonprofit leaders of a variety of backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and agency-focus to join our work.
- Cultivation of Care – We encourage leaders to take care of themselves, so they may sustain their passion, continue the serious work they do in our community and lead others by example.
To further communicate our values, we crafted a manifesto to reflect who we are and how we lead:
We are the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego. A community of leaders united in the spirit of reciprocity and committed to continuous learning. We create spaces for brave conversations and cultivate environments of hospitality and belonging for people of diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures to nourish each other and grow together. Trust and confidentiality are the cornerstones of our work. We lead by example and cultivate care for ourselves and each other in order to sustain our passion for our work.
We believe in the transformational power of leadership.
Read More
2019 Clare Rose Sabbaticals Announced!!
We are pleased to announce the four recipients of the 2019 Clare Rose Sabbatical Award
Dawn Price, Executive Director, Friendship Shelter, Orange County
Sahra Abdi, Executive Director, United Women of East Africa Support Team, San Diego
Renato Paiva, Executive Director, Access Youth Academy, San Diego
Barbara Reuer, Chief Executive Officer, Resounding Joy Inc., San Diego
With the aim of increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations by offering time for the leader to replenish his or her energy while providing opportunities for others in the organization to take the helm in leading, the Clare Rose Sabbatical program is in its sixth year. The grant is valued at $50,000 and covers the salary and benefits for the leader to take time away to reflect and renew, an organizational consultant to assist in the planning, implementation period and the return of the leader, a fund for staff development and stipends for those leading during the three-month sabbatical. Once again, one of the four sabbaticals was awarded to a new member of our leadership community!
The four newest members of the Clare Rose Sabbatical Community join 19 other organizations in receiving a sabbatical grant, including 211 San Diego, American Diabetes Foundation OC, Families Forward, Grandma’s House of Hope, HomeAid Orange County, I Love A Clean San Diego, Ivey Ranch Park, Mainly Mozart, Make A Wish San Diego, Malashock Dance, Mama’s Kitchen, Mercy House, New Village Arts, North County Lifeline, OneOC, Pacific Arts Movement, Susan G. Komen Orange County, The Ecology Center, and transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project.
As in past years, former recipients participated in the selection process of this cohort. Our thanks to Dan McQuaid, Alberto Cortés of Mama’s Kitchen, Tonya Danielly of Ivey Ranch and John Ohanian of 211 San Diego for sharing their time and wisdom with us.
The Fieldstone Leadership Network is the only local operating foundation in the Orange and San Diego Counties to offer sabbaticals to nonprofit leaders and their organizations. The next application deadline is January 31, 2020. If you would like to participate in the next program or have any questions, please contact Janine Mason to request additional information. Applications and more information are available on our website.
Read More
Builders of the Field – Nordson Corporation Foundation
Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community. This month we are delighted to feature our friends at Nordson Corporation Foundation.
Nordson Corporation delivers precision technology solutions to help customers succeed worldwide. They engineer, manufacture and market differentiated products used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials and other materials; for fluid management; for test and inspection; and for UV curing and plasma surface treatment. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, USA, they have operations and support
offices in more than 30 countries.
Sara Vaz is the Community Relations Manager for the Nordson Corporation Foundation. In her role, she manages all of the Corporate Social Responsibility activities for Nordson in the California and Colorado regions. Sara recently shared her thoughts on partnering with Fieldstone Leadership Network.
Why do you give back to non-profits?
At Nordson, we have a long and proud history of giving back to the communities where we live and work. We strongly believe it is our responsibility as a corporate citizen to share our success with our communities, which is why we donate 5 percent of our U.S. pre-tax profits to support charitable endeavors every year. We pursue and support results-oriented opportunities that prepare individuals for full and equal participation in the economic and social mainstream. We believe these kinds of programs help improve the quality of life over the long term and produce stronger, more enlightened communities in which we live and work. We strive to fulfill these respo
As part of the Time ‘n Talent program, employees taught children at the Boys and Girls Club in Oceanside about recycling and caring for the planet, while helping them plant saplings that they could take home.
nsibilities in our communities through contributions to charitable activities with a focus on education. Other major giving categories that are supported are human welfare, civic affairs, and arts & culture.
What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
We understand that strong nonprofits make stronger communities. We also understand that investment in the professional development of leaders in our nonprofit sector is lacking. We were thrilled to support the Fieldstone Leadership Network in the work they do for our nonprofit leaders and sector. We have heard from many of our nonprofit partners how impactful participation in the Network was for them and we were happy to make this investment.
What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?
We know that the nonprofit sector fills significant gaps left by the public and private sectors and we rely on the work of these nonprofits to lift-up and strengthen our communities. When nonprofit leaders are empowered and encouraged through rigorous training and support networks like the Fieldstone Leadership Network, our entire community benefits. We are grateful to the Fieldstone Leadership Network for working to motivate and increase the effectiveness of our hardworking nonprofit leaders.
Read More
Builders of the Field – PIMCO
Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.
PIMCO’s Legal and Compliance team took part in games and mentorship activities with students from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast, in Santa Ana.
PIMCO is one of the world’s premier fixed income investment managers. Launching in 1971 in Newport Beach, California, PIMCO introduced investors to a total return approach to fixed income investing. Today they have offices across the globe. They believe in operating globally but also in supporting local organizations in the communities in which they live and work. Since establishing the PIMCO Foundation in 2000, they have worked to support hundreds of local nonprofits. They have foundations in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, and support local communities via local grant programs. Their focus is on hunger, gender equality, homelessness and college and career readiness.
We recently asked Amber Skalsky, Vice President of the PIMCO Foundation, the following questions:
Why do you give back to non-profits?
At PIMCO, we’ve always believed in giving back; it’s a value woven into the fabric of our culture. Our colleagues and executives have a long history of giving time and talent as it’s just something we’ve always believed was the right thing to do. Through our community engagement platform, Purpose at PIMCO, we seek to not only deliver on our commitment to strengthening communities, but to driving impact alongside our nonprofit partners.
What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
We understand that if we are to achieve real outcomes and positive social change, we must support the leadership and development of those who are at the helm of our partner organizations. We must arm our nonprofit leaders with the tools they need to build strong teams, impactful programs, and sustainable change in the community. Fieldstone allowed us to play a small part in helping local leaders build networks, strengthen capacity, increase confidence, and more…
What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?
Too often we hear that organizations have to choose between investing funds in either their programs or staff. Fieldstone helps solve that problem by offering leaders access to knowledge and peer networks on a monthly basis. Participants are able to take advantage of self-learning opportunities and curriculum which helps them become stronger problem solvers, strategically agile, and helps members bring back those learnings to their organizations and teams. Fieldstone Leadership Network has a vast impact on the Orange County community, and across Southern California.
Do you have any personal stories you would like to share as the result of working with or benefiting from the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
As a funder, I have not had any personal interaction with the programs, however, we have many partners who have taken part in Fieldstone programs, and we’ve heard firsthand the positive and lasting impact programming has had on them both personally and professionally. This feedback was one of the key reasons we felt compelled to invest.
Read More
Builders of the Field – Clare Rose Foundation
Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.
The Clare Rose Foundation was established in 1997 by Valerie Vincent and was inspired by her passion for empowering leaders of nonprofit organizations and educational institutions assisting under-served populations. She led the Foundation’s grant-making efforts until her death in 2007 . Valerie’s daughter, Anne, continues the work of the Clare Rose Foundation with her brothers and aunt. Based in San Diego County and continuing her mother’s legacy, Anne has formed partnerships with leaders of organizations who are committed to strengthening the nonprofit sector as well as empowering and providing resources to those impacted by trauma.
Valerie Vincent
We recently sat down with Anne Vincent, President of the Clare Rose Foundation, and asked her some questions:
Why do you give back to non-profits?
In my past life I worked as a social worker for nonprofits on the east coast and here in
San Diego. As a result, I have first-hand experience in the sector and understand how hard the staff and leadership of these organizations work to better the lives of those in need. I want to be part of providing the support leaders need to do their work.
What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
I was inspired to start a sabbatical program for nonprofit executive directors based on my past career experience as well as a chance encounter at a conference with the president of the Durfee Foundation. After hearing about their sabbatical program, I understood it was something I wanted to pursue for Clare Rose. However, I recognized we did not have the connections in the community, the infrastructure, or expertise to administer it
ourselves. When I met Janine Mason, Executive Director with Fieldstone Leadership Network, I knew immediately that Fieldstone was the organization who could help us meet our goals of establishing a sabbatical program and of providing support to nonprofit leaders. To use Janine’s analogy of the Reese’s peanut butter cup, Fieldstone was the chocolate to our peanut butter!
What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?
One of the most important things Fieldstone does (in my opinion) is build relationships and offer support to those working in nonprofit organizations. The sense of camaraderie and connection is a gift to those often working in isolation and under great pressure. In addition, by developing the leadership capacity of nonprofit leaders (through the sabbatical as well as their other programs) Fieldstone fortifies the service programs these organizations provide. This sustains our community as a whole. Fieldstone’s impact is undeniable and important.
Do you have any personal stories you would like to share as the result of working with or benefiting from the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
Professionally, it has been a gift and a joy to partner with Fieldstone on the sabbatical program and to watch the profound impact the Clare Rose Sabbatical has had on the organizations and leaders at all levels who have participated. Personally, our partnership has introduced me to so many incredible people in the sector who, in turn, have influenced and expanded the work of the Clare Rose Foundation in positive and meaningful ways.
Builders of the Field – Christopher Weil & Company
Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.
Chris Weil formed The Weil Company (now dba Christopher Weil & Company, Inc.) in 1989 to provide a platform to do his own investing and to advise and manage wealth for others; and investing “for our own account” remains an important component of what they do. The principals of CWC co-invest alongside their clients in all recommended investments.
Why do you give back to non-profits?
What people call “giving back” seems as natural to us at Christopher Weil & Company, Inc. as breathing out after breathing in. It would be unhealthy to the extreme to live by taking in only. All of life is characterized by taking in and giving out. Philanthropy is simply an instance of this. It is a healthy way to live.
What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
I have known Janine Mason for many years and have admired her work in the various venues in which we have collaborated. Therefore, when she asked to talk with me about Fieldstone and to support its work, it was an easy and informed decision.
What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?
I am not a graduate of a Fieldstone program, but I know a number of people who are. In discussions with them there is a sense that the Fieldstone Leadership Network has allowed them to make material contributions, not just to their own institutions, but to their communities as well.
Do you have any personal stories you would like to share as the result of working with or benefitting from the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
It turns out that I know three Executive Directors who are beneficiaries of Fieldstone’s Clare Rose Sabbatical program. Each has testified to a radical improvement in their leadership skills when returning to work. I don’t think it is just coincidental that, in all three cases after their sabbaticals, their organizations experienced demonstrable improvements in operations, service delivery, development and employee satisfaction.
First Republic Bank and Fieldstone @4
First Republic Bank Partners with Fieldstone Leadership Network to Sponsor the 2019 Fieldstone@4 Series
The Fieldstone Leadership Network (FLN) is proud to announce its partnership with First Republic Bank as the official sponsor of the 2019 Fieldstone@4 events in San Diego and Orange Counties. “This is a partnership with great synergy because we both share the core belief of investing in our nonprofit leaders,” said FLN Executive Director, Janine Mason.
First Republic Bank is committed to developing deeper relationships with non-profits. They believe that donating time, money and knowledge to those who are best placed to make a difference to the lives of many is the right thing to do. They also uphold a key focus in creating inclusive opportunities for our community.
The 2019 Fieldstone@4 events will be held quarterly in San Diego and Orange Counties. Based on the theory of the Third Place, each event features members of the Fieldstone Leadership Network sharing their personal wisdom and experience on a topic relevant to nonprofit leadership. Each event is open to all participants of the Fieldstone Leadership Network. For a calendar of events and topics, please visit our website at www.fieldstoneleadershipsd.org
Read More