This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.

In this interview, we get to know Carolin Gomulia, The Workroom.

Q: Tell me about yourself and your company/consulting services.

A: I'm Carolin Gomulia. I came to South Africa in 2006 after finishing my master's at the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany to finish of my second master’s UWC. I've worked in various sectors, including academia, provincial government, and civil society. In 2018, I founded The Workroom, a consulting firm offering services to NGOs. The name 'Workroom' represents a space of possibilities where we can collaborate, think creatively, and make a difference. We offer a range of services to help organisations thrive, including fundraising, organisational strategy, and organisational development and change management.

Q: What inspired you to focus your career on the nonprofit sector?

A: Initially, I was drawn to making a difference in the world. After working in government, I realised that the bureaucracy and politics weren't a good fit for my passionate nature. I found the nonprofit sector more dynamic and believed I could contribute more effectively to societal change through civil society organisations.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about working with nonprofits?

A: The most rewarding aspect of working with nonprofits is witnessing the incredible diversity of approaches and ideas people bring to solving societal issues. It's inspiring to see the passion and dedication individuals pour into their work in this sector.

At The Workroom, we offer a comprehensive set of services aimed at helping organisations thrive…. Our goal isn't just to do the work for our clients, but to help them develop the skills and knowledge to sustain improvements over the long term.

I've had the privilege of learning about many different fields and causes, and I'm constantly fascinated by the innovative ways organisations strive to create positive change. The commitment of people in this sector, often working long hours and going above and beyond for their cause, is truly admirable.

I find it rewarding to be part of a sector that's actively trying to address some of society's most pressing issues. Whether it's poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, or environmental conservation, nonprofits are often at the forefront of these efforts.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in this sector? How have you overcome them?

A: One significant challenge is the resistance to change or external advice, often stemming from the same passion that drives the sector. Many organisations have been operating in a certain way for a long time and may be hesitant to consider alternative approaches. Another challenge in South Africa is a resistance to looking beyond our borders for solutions, a kind of exceptionalism.

I try to ask tough questions, showcase examples from other countries, and engage people in discussions. I emphasise that my role isn't to criticise but to help organisations focus on creating real, transformative change.

Q: How do you help nonprofit clients accomplish their missions more effectively?

A: At The Workroom, we offer a comprehensive set of services aimed at helping organisations thrive. Ideally, we start by working on the organisation's overall strategy. This involves a deep dive into the organisation's purpose, examining its mission and vision, and setting the direction for the coming years.

Once we have a clear strategic direction, we develop supporting strategies. This often includes fundraising strategies, as resource mobilisation is crucial for most NGOs. We help identify necessary resources, both financial and non-financial, to achieve the organisation's goals.

We also look at organisational structure and processes through organisational assessments. This might involve suggesting improvements to internal systems, helping with change management, or advising on governance issues. The aim is to ensure the organisation is set up in a way that best supports its mission and strategy.

Even when we're brought in for specific tasks like proposal writing or communications support, we often end up providing broader advice. We might identify areas for process improvements or suggest ways to enhance systems and workflows.

Throughout all our work, we emphasise capacity building. Our goal isn't just to do the work for our clients, but to help them develop the skills and knowledge to sustain improvements over the long term.

We also offer training and capacity building in broader sector issues, such as decolonising aid, shifting power dynamics, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. While these topics might not always seem directly related to an organisation's day-to-day operations, they're crucial for understanding and navigating the evolving landscape of the nonprofit sector.

Q: How do you see the nonprofit sector evolving in the next 5-10 years? How are you preparing for those changes?

A: I anticipate a trend of decreasing funding availability, both in South Africa and globally. This may lead to some organisations closing down, while others will become more agile and innovative. There's a concerning trend of funding being driven by big players, with larger grants going to fewer, bigger organisations. This could disadvantage smaller, grassroots organisations.

To prepare, I emphasise the importance of collaboration, particularly in forming consortia to access funding. I also believe it's crucial to engage in global discussions about shifting power dynamics and decolonising aid, as these conversations ultimately influence funders' decisions.

The most rewarding aspect of working with nonprofits is witnessing the incredible diversity of approaches and ideas people bring to solving societal issues. 

Q: What do you wish more people understood about working with nonprofits?

A: I wish people better understood the complexity of running an NGO. Many have a simplistic view, but managing an NGO can be more complex than running a company, especially in areas like financial management due to grant reporting requirements. I also wish there was a better understanding of the necessity of overheads. The charity mindset that all money should go directly to beneficiaries overlooks the operational needs of effective organisations.

Q: The nonprofit space is challenging to work in, whether you are nonprofit staff or a service provider. What do you do to take care of yourself?

A: Self-care is absolutely crucial in this sector to avoid burnout, though I'll admit I often don't do enough of it myself.

I try to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. I have a strict policy of not working on weekends unless it's an absolute emergency. I also protect certain times of the day for family – for instance, the afternoon hours I spend with my daughter are important to me, and I avoid scheduling meetings or work during that time.

I've found that scheduling sessions with a personal trainer who comes to my house twice a week ensures that I actually do exercise. When the trainer arrives, I have to put down my work and commit to that 45-minute session.

I also try to make time for activities that I find personally fulfilling outside of work. This might be reading, meeting friends, or spending time in nature. These activities help me maintain perspective and remind me that there's more to life than work, no matter how important that work is.

• Find out more about The Workroom in our #Classifieds

• Visit The Workroom's website