Trust and Time Off
Trust and Time Off “But what if they take advantage of it?” This is one of my least favourite phrases. I’ve found it’s typically uttered by people with pretty significant privilege and/or power, for whom whatever policy, program or process we are discussing either doesn’t apply or has little implications. Unfortunately, it’s also not an uncommon refrain in management discussions. I’ve heard this phrase about benefit programs, work from home, flexible hours, vacation days, sick time, bereavement leave, employee wellness funds…etc. Which begs the…
Who are we serving?
Who are we serving? We just can’t afford it. How many times as a non-profit leader have I thought this, wrote this, said this to my team? It’s not that it isn’t true- it often is. So many non-profits are chronically underfunded, chasing project grant after project grant, trying to find ways to fundraise with no dedicated development staff, searching endlessly for new funding opportunities – and never truly having enough. With poor systemic solutions a and support across endless issues, many of us…
Leadership in the time of heavy hearts
Leadership in the time of heavy hearts In July 2020 I was 29 years old. We were 4 months into navigating the pandemic in my community and my daughter was 10 months old. At the same time, I started my first Executive Director role. I was simultaneously experiencing many firsts, both professionally and personally. I’m so grateful that I had colleagues and mentors who I could turn to, people who understood the overwhelm of learning and leading at the same time. Who also struggled…
Soft Heart, Steady Voice 