In today’s episode, I’m sharing behind-the-scenes lessons from a unique opportunity I had in 2024, stepping in as the Interim Executive Director of a thriving arts nonprofit in Denver.
This wasn’t my first rodeo, but it was my first time back in the ED seat since 2017, and wow, the experience gave me powerful tools and fresh perspective for anyone navigating nonprofit leadership transitions, burnout, or rebuilding staff morale.
Whether you’re stepping into a new Executive Director role, navigating a board relationship, or just trying to stop spinning out, you’re going to walk away from today with actionable tools and mindset shifts that will support you now and for the long haul.
Let’s dive in.
So last year, I said yes to a really special opportunity…I stepped in as the Interim Executive Director for a Denver-based visual arts nonprofit with the greatest mission: helping people discover their creative spark.
The Executive Director was heading out on a one-year sabbatical, and the board needed someone who could jump in and keep the momentum going.
And honestly? I couldn’t raise my hand fast enough.
This organization had a Dream Team — about 30 rockstars made up of full-time staff, instructors, and studio assistants — all wildly passionate about the mission.
And the culture? Healthy, kind, collaborative… basically the nonprofit version of a unicorn. Walking into that environment was a true gift — and I knew it.
But here’s the real reason I said yes:
This wasn’t just a leadership gig. It was deeply personal.
Years ago, when I was going through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, I took a pottery class. Not to be good at it — trust me, I was not — but because it gave me something no medical treatment could: a sense of peace.
For two hours a week, my anxious, exhausted brain got quiet in the pottery studio.
I wasn’t a patient. I wasn’t a person to be cured.
I was just… a human, shaping clay.
That’s the healing power of art.
So stepping back into the world of creativity and community felt like coming full circle.
How to Lead Effectively in a New or Transitional Nonprofit Executive Role
Whether you’re stepping in as the new CEO or pinch-hitting as the interim (like I did), those first 90 days are make-or-break.
Think of it as your leadership launch pad. Here are 5 game-changing insights I picked up along the way:
1. Learn Fast, But Don’t Rush Trust
At the start of any leadership role, my first go-to resource is The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins, basically the playbook for diagnosing where the organization is from a lifecycle perspective and mapping out a solid 30-60-90 day plan.
Remember: Listen before you leap into action, ensure regular check-ins with your leadership team, and watch those expenses like a hawk (monthly, not yearly).
Small moves now = big stability later.
2. Strengthen Board Communication
Think of your board like a group of VIPs, because they are!
Set up quick one-on-one chats with each member, not just to “check a box,” but to really build relationships.
Ask them what kind of updates they actually want to hear at meetings and be very transparent about finances, programs, and fundraising progress.
While you’re at it, clear up any fuzzy lines around who decides what. And when in doubt? Over-communicate.
Consider “clarity is kind” as a personal mantra. Clarity builds trust, keeps everyone aligned, and stops surprises before they happen.
3. Engage Staff Intentionally
Let’s talk about team culture, because even the most mission-driven staff can drift off course without a little compass check now and then.
Start by actually measuring it. Yep, measure your culture.
Not with vibes. Not with wishful thinking.
Use a proven tool…I recommend my Culture CARES® framework…to see what’s working and what needs a little love. Think of it as an X-ray for morale.
Then, keep the engine running with weekly team huddles. Not just meetings, meaningful moments to celebrate wins, align priorities, and yes, air out those little things before they become big things.
And here’s the magic move: when tension shows up (because it will), don’t run. Don’t sweep it under the rug.
Instead, lean into restorative conversations, ones grounded in curiosity, not assumptions. Neutral, compassionate, and focused on connection, not blame.
That’s how you build a team that doesn’t just work together, they grow together.
4. Activate Community Partnerships
Let’s talk about fundraising and partnerships because if you wait until the bank account dwindles to talk to a donor…it’s too late.
Don’t be the leader who only shows up only on Giving Tuesday. Introduce yourself early to funders, donors, community partners. anyone critical to your mission’s success.
Send the email. Make the call. Shake the hand. Whatever your style, just do it before you need something.
Then, and here’s the secret sauce, stay in touch even when nothing’s urgent.
Consistency builds trust. Trust builds funding.
5. Create Sustainable Systems, Not Just Quick Wins
So here’s a big one: Get really clear on your role.
Are you the bridge guiding the organization through a season of transition?
Or are you the builder laying the foundation for long-term change?
Once you know the answer, you’ll lead smarter.
Now, here’s a pro tip that’ll save you so much time:
Help your team capture the top 20% of systems that drive 80% of the work.
You don’t need to start from scratch — use AI as your assistant!
Seriously, open ChatGPT and type in:
“Improve this process for onboarding new volunteers”
Or
“Create a repeatable system for managing grant deadlines”
It’ll help you create clear, streamlined templates that every department can use. No more reinventing the wheel every quarter.
And as you lead, don’t just think about what you’re doing now, think about the leader who comes after you.
Create a simple, thoughtful transition plan. Leave a legacy of stability, not spaghetti (you know, that tangled mess of “who does what again?”).
Your future self and your successor will thank you.
Here’s this week’s SPARK PLUG SHIFT:
Schedule 30 minutes this week to decide the top three systems or processes that keep your organization running smoothly.
Ask yourself: If I left tomorrow, would the next leader know how to carry these forward? Documenting even a small piece now can become a powerful gift of stability later.
Thanks for joining me today on Nonprofit CEO SPARK.
If today’s episode gave you something to think about — a shift, a spark — share it with another nonprofit leader who might be feeling the weight of leadership right now.
Always remember: You are meant for great things, and you don’t have to burn out to prove it. See you next time.