How One Nonprofit Is Changing Lives & Rebuilding Confidence for Thousands

S2 E19 with Bonni Pomush

What if the biggest thing holding people back from success isn’t lack of skill — but the belief that they’re not worthy of a second chance?

In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes, for a powerful conversation about leadership, human dignity, confidence, and the systems that help people rebuild their lives.

Bonni shares her journey from a shy Arizona kid who often felt like an outsider to becoming the second CEO in Working Wardrobes’ 30+ year history. Along the way, she opens up about imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, learning to “wear your own damn shoes,” and why great leadership starts with truly seeing people as humans.

Together, Angela and Bonni explore what it takes to build high-performing teams without losing humanity, how data and empathy can coexist in leadership, and why nonprofit leadership is every bit as strategic and operationally complex as the corporate world.

The conversation also dives into the transformative work Working Wardrobes is doing to help people overcome barriers to employment — from career readiness and confidence building to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering the workforce with dignity and purpose.

Learn More About Bonni Pomush:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonni-pomush-1106b513/
• Website: https://www.workingwardrobes.org/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@workingwardrobes1597
• Podcast: https://www.workingwardrobes.org/rebuilding-careers-podcast/

Mentioned in this Episode: 

• Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Framework
• First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman
• Scott KartvetL https://youtu.be/S5jEUv6gLdE?si=pQCYCjtSCr4r4wxN 
• Raheem Beyah: https://youtu.be/qab7tPVmWng?si=mHzzLBCmx1vhlcBp 
• Brian Rowe: https://youtu.be/sMWZ5bhTZ0M?si=uG_uFn-en-rxg2zW 

The discussion also tackles questions…

• How do great leaders balance accountability with empathy?
• What does “strengths-based leadership” actually look like in practice?
• How do you build a high-performing team culture?
• Why do so many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome?
• What’s the difference between being “fair” and being “equal” as a leader?
• How do you step into leadership after a long-time founder leaves?
• Why do people resist data-driven leadership decisions?
• How can leaders create psychological safety on their teams?
• What soft skills are most important for people entering the workforce today?
• How do nonprofits measure success and organizational impact?
• What barriers do formerly incarcerated individuals face when re-entering the workforce?
• How can organizations support second chances and workforce re-entry?
• Why is curiosity one of the most important leadership skills?
• What does it mean to truly “see humans as humans”?
• How do you help employees discover and use their strengths?
• Why is career exploration so important early in your professional journey?
• How do leaders avoid making changes too quickly in a new organization?
• What can businesses learn from nonprofit leadership?

Themes:

• Human-centered leadership
• Strengths-based leadership
• Nonprofit leadership
• Leadership development
• Emotional intelligence
• Workforce development
• Career readiness
• Confidence and self-worth
• Imposter syndrome
• Data-driven leadership
• Organizational culture
• Team performance
• Psychological safety
• Leadership transitions
• Founder succession
• Trauma-informed leadership
• Second chances and re-entry
• Personal growth
• Purpose-driven work
• Leadership and humanity

Production

Produced by: The AGN Group

Host: Angela Gill Nelms

Producer: Katie Hart

Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.

Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com

About The AGN Group:

At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.

Social Media Channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/

Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2

Want to be a Podcast Guest?

If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/