Good morning from Chicago! I hope this message finds you well amidst the ever-changing tides of life. (I love the poetry of that sentence. It makes me feel like I am singing a song.)

As we sail through the currents of existence, I reflect on the profound shifts shaping our journeys. Allow me to reintroduce myself and share the compass points guiding my nonprofit operations management work.

Those who have been with us for years may remember me as the Chief Chaos Whisperer—a title that encapsulates my passion for untangling organizational complexities.

Our Mission

At Olinda Services, we believe that every local or global nonprofit deserves operational excellence. Our mission is to empower organizations with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to thrive. We’re committed to making a difference from Chicago to Chennai and New York to Berlin. We start with the tools you already have and refine them as needed. You don't have the tool in place? That is no problem. We have the expertise to find a solution for your organization. The mission remains unwavering: to bring order to chaos, clarity to confusion, and purpose to every endeavor.

Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program

Polished Pebbles—a name that evokes resilience, strength, and the promise of transformation. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with this nonprofit for over five years. In the past nine months, I have taken on a larger role, serving as the Operations Manager for this remarkable Chicago-based organization. Together, we empower young girls, nurturing their potential and polishing them into brilliant gems. The hashtag for their 15th Anniversary is #getpolished.

In the past nine months, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities, diving deeper into the heart of our mission. The laughter, the tears, the milestones—we share them all as we shape futures and build bridges to success.

ISEE: A Journey of Two Decades

ISEE is an international nonprofit that serves ecological economics. I’ve walked alongside this organization for over two decades, supporting its amazing secretariat, Anne Aitken. We’ve weathered storms, celebrated victories, and woven a tapestry of impact. As I continue this journey, I remain committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Beyond the Horizon: Writing and Insights

As the seasons shift, so do my priorities. In the coming quarters, I’ll focus more on the written word. Expect insights, musings, and practical wisdom on nonprofit operations matters. From data management to employee relations, I’ll unravel the threads that bind our work. And perhaps, just perhaps, we’ll uncover hidden gems—those polished pebbles of knowledge—that illuminate our path.

Seeking HR Wisdom

Recently, I embarked on a project involving an HR service provider. Looking back, I wish I’d possessed the knowledge I have now.

If you’re venturing into similar territory, consider these questions when seeking an HR partner:

1. Services: What services do they offer, and do they align with your needs?
2. Company Size: Are they experienced in supporting organizations of your size?
3. Staff Qualifications: Who will be handling your projects, and what are their qualifications?
4. Geographic Coverage: How do they handle remote partnerships?
5. Reporting Frequency: How often will you receive reports?
6. Technology Access: Can you access their technology?
7. Implementation Timeline: How long does implementation take?
8. Additional Support: What other services do they provide?
9. Compliance Expertise: How do they stay current on compliance matters?
10. Agreement Terms: Understand the agreement terms and cancellation policy.

One of the "surprises" in hiring this vendor was the amount of work that firmly remained in my lap. Templates are provided, advice is given, but the "tasks" remain with me. I wish I had asked more detailed questions on roles and responsibilities.

May these questions serve as your compass as you navigate the HR landscape.

Thank you for being part of the Olinda Services community. Together, we’ll continue to whisper order into chaos, one polished pebble at a time.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Lisa Olinda, Chief Chaos Whisperer

Olinda Services

P.S. If you have any burning questions or topics you’d like me to explore, reply—I’m all ears!