How Strategic Planning Helps Nonprofits Do Less, Better
Fri Jan 09 2026
Every nonprofit leader knows the feeling of too many priorities, too few resources, and a growing list of "good ideas" that never seem to get done. In this episode, Spencer talks with Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA), about how strategic planning and smart prioritization can help small nonprofits focus their energy where it matters most.
Cynthia shares how VeDA uses a three-year strategic plan paired with a one-page annual action plan to stay focused on their mission without losing flexibility. We explore her impact-versus-effort framework for deciding which projects deserve attention, how tools like Asana and documented processes create institutional memory, and what it means to lead with clarity when everything feels urgent.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by competing priorities or wondered how to say no to good ideas so you can say yes to the right ones, this conversation is for you.
About the guest
Cynthia Ryan is the Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association, known as VeDA, the leading international nonprofit dedicated to supporting people living with chronic dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. For a decade and a half, Cynthia has championed patient-centered education, advocacy, and research initiatives that help people feel seen, supported, and empowered in their health journey. Under her leadership, VeDA has expanded its global reach, launched innovative programs like the Life Rebalanced Live virtual conference, strengthened partnerships with clinicians and researchers, and grown a vibrant community of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. With a background in nonprofit management, strategic communication, and community-building, Cynthia brings a deep commitment to elevating the voices of vestibular patients and driving progress in diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. She is passionate about helping people find clarity in a world that won’t stop spinning—and ensuring that no one faces a vestibular disorder alone.
Resources
Virtual Vestibular Conference: https://vestibular.org/LRL/ The Better Fundraising Company: https://betterfundraising.com/improve-your-fundraising-capacity/National Organization for Rare Disorders: https://rarediseases.org/Agile Marketing with Lesli Proffitt Nordström of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): https://brooks.digital/health-nonprofit-digital-marketing/agile-marketing/
Contact Cynthia
cynthia.ryan@vestibular.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vestibular-disorders-associationTwitter: https://x.com/vestibularvedaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vestibulardisordersvestibular.org
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Every nonprofit leader knows the feeling of too many priorities, too few resources, and a growing list of "good ideas" that never seem to get done. In this episode, Spencer talks with Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA), about how strategic planning and smart prioritization can help small nonprofits focus their energy where it matters most. Cynthia shares how VeDA uses a three-year strategic plan paired with a one-page annual action plan to stay focused on their mission without losing flexibility. We explore her impact-versus-effort framework for deciding which projects deserve attention, how tools like Asana and documented processes create institutional memory, and what it means to lead with clarity when everything feels urgent. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by competing priorities or wondered how to say no to good ideas so you can say yes to the right ones, this conversation is for you. About the guest Cynthia Ryan is the Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association, known as VeDA, the leading international nonprofit dedicated to supporting people living with chronic dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. For a decade and a half, Cynthia has championed patient-centered education, advocacy, and research initiatives that help people feel seen, supported, and empowered in their health journey. Under her leadership, VeDA has expanded its global reach, launched innovative programs like the Life Rebalanced Live virtual conference, strengthened partnerships with clinicians and researchers, and grown a vibrant community of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. With a background in nonprofit management, strategic communication, and community-building, Cynthia brings a deep commitment to elevating the voices of vestibular patients and driving progress in diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. She is passionate about helping people find clarity in a world that won’t stop spinning—and ensuring that no one faces a vestibular disorder alone. Resources Virtual Vestibular Conference: https://vestibular.org/LRL/ The Better Fundraising Company: https://betterfundraising.com/improve-your-fundraising-capacity/National Organization for Rare Disorders: https://rarediseases.org/Agile Marketing with Lesli Proffitt Nordström of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): https://brooks.digital/health-nonprofit-digital-marketing/agile-marketing/ Contact Cynthia cynthia.ryan@vestibular.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vestibular-disorders-associationTwitter: https://x.com/vestibularvedaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vestibulardisordersvestibular.org