ADHD, Football, and Building a Nonprofit You Actually Love – with Dan Johnson

Hey Business Nerds,

🎯 Main Quest:

You ever have a conversation that sneaks up on you in the best way?

That was my chat with Dan Johnson—nonprofit sustainability coach, Detroit Lions superfan, and fellow brain-that-does-the-most.

We started out talking mission statements and fundraising strategy (you know, the usual business-for-nerds fare). But then Dan started sharing about living with ADHD, and how he’s had to build his business around his brain—not the other way around.

I was already super interested… and then my brain lit up.

Because this conversation?
It’s about way more than nonprofits.

---

🧠✨ Side Quest Alert: Mission-Centered Giving

While talking to Dan, I immediately thought of my friend

Penny Harris ACC

who is also doing incredible work in the nonprofit world.

She created a powerful system called Mission Centered Giving that helps fundraisers and CEOs build long-term donor relationships rooted in shared values and community. Her approach aligns beautifully with what Dan and I talked about—leading with authenticity, focusing on impact, and creating systems that actually work (yes, even for brains that zigzag).

👉 Check out her latest Substack post here:

The Mission Centered Giving System: A 4-Step Approach

---

🎮 Main Quest Resumes:

Now that you’ve completed that side quest (thanks, Penny 💜), let’s rejoin Dan on the trail of neurodivergent leadership and mission-driven business building.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🧠 Why ADHD isn’t a weakness in business—it’s a superpower (if you learn how to work with it)
🏈 How flag football and the Detroit Lions inspired Dan’s leadership style
🛠️ The 5 Levels of Nonprofit Sustainability—and how they apply even outside the nonprofit world
💡 What it really means to build a business around your brain—not despite it
❤️ Why you don’t have to be everything to everyone—and how to stop overgiving without losing your mission

---

🧑‍⚕️✨ Therapist Side Quest Unlocked!

Private practice therapists: there’s a whole subplot in this episode just for you. We talk about how starting a nonprofit can help you serve more people, avoid burnout, and stay aligned with your mission—without overextending yourself. Compassion fatigue? We see you, and we’ve got thoughts.

---

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

To help us focus and avoid the TL/DR... because we get it. 😅

0:00 – Intro & Nerd Alert: Meet Dan Johnson, nonprofit coach and Detroit Lions fan
2:30 – What Do You Nerd Out About?: Dan’s football love & leadership parallels
5:50 – Leadership Lessons from Dan Campbell: How culture turns teams around
9:20 – Dan’s ADHD Journey: How he’s built systems around his brain
14:00 – Overgiving & People-Pleasing: The burnout trap for helpers
17:45 – The 5 Levels of Nonprofit Sustainability: Dan’s roadmap for mission success
23:00 – Vision, Volunteers & Saying No: Boundaries that support your mission
29:15 – Fundraising Tips for Newbies: Why fall is prime time for donors
33:30 – What He’d Do Differently: Mistakes, growth, and honest reflections
38:00 – Nerding Out on Purpose: Freebie alert + how to connect with Dan

💻 And check out Dan’s site: https://nextlevelnonprofits.us

---

🎉 Ta-da-da-DA!

You made it through the main quest (or at least skimmed like a pro). Gold stars and bonus XP all around.

Now for something extra special...

✨ Gamified Business Nerd Update!

Hey y’all! I’m seriously geeking out because epic things are brewing behind the scenes.
I’m working closely with my trusty GPT helper-bots (hi 👋) to gamify the Business for Nerds experience—think:

• 🗺️ Interactive maps

• 🧠 Wisdom drops

• 🧩 Secret zones

• 🕹️ Business quests

This whole adventure is about helping us build businesses with less burnout and more joy. I talk about this more in my last post:

---

✨ Portal Opens: LIVE HANGOUT @ 3:30 PM ET — TODAY!

A portal opens TODAY—and you’re invited. Join

Jake Anderson

with Build with Jake and myself for a cozy nerd-out where we’ll explore:

• 🛠️ Building your business universe (and maybe a side hustle moon)

• 🌀 Navigating entrepreneurial plot twists, side quests

• 💜 Supporting each other through burnout, breakthroughs, and big ideas (like business nerdiverses)

Snacks welcome. Capes optional.

🧭 Join us here.

Let’s build this nerdy biz multiverse together. You’re not alone. The map is unfolding. 💜

---

Business Nerd Signing Out,
Dr. Brie