Leadership Coaching

Confident Leadership Starts with the Right Support

Stepping into nonprofit leadership—whether as an executive director or a board chair—can feel overwhelming, isolating, or disorienting. New EDs often face imposter syndrome, unclear expectations, and the awkward shift from peer to supervisor. Experienced EDs encounter complex board politics, fundraising pressure, and issues they can’t safely discuss with staff or board members. Board leaders face their own challenges: most board chairs step into the role with little preparation, uncertain of their authority, unsure how to lead peers, and unprepared to guide the board–ED partnership. A formal mentoring relationship provides a steady hand, a strategic partner, and a confidential space to think clearly.

Even the strongest leaders need a place where they can be honest, vulnerable, and strategic without consequences. A mentor provides the “safe place” many leaders simply don’t have inside their organization—a confidential space to express frustration, explore solutions, pressure-test decisions, or talk through issues before they become barriers. Our role is to help leaders feel grounded, prepared, and fully capable as they carry the weight of organizational leadership.

Why EDs and Board Chairs Benefit from Mentoring

How Mentoring Supports Success

Nonprofit leadership requires a wide range of skills—many of which aren’t taught anywhere. We support leaders in strengthening their capabilities around:

understanding financials and building budgets
fundraising with confidence, including major donor asks
strategic planning and decision-making
communication, delegation, and staff leadership

Skill Building

A strong working relationship with the board—especially the board chair—is essential, yet many EDs struggle to communicate expectations, maintain boundaries, and engage effectively without slipping into over-functioning. With experience as both an ED and a board leader, we help executive directors:

build a clear, collaborative partnership with the board chair
navigate board personalities and politics with confidence
communicate expectations and needs without conflict
reinforce the distinction between governance and management

This support helps EDs lead with clarity and confidence while ensuring their own role remains sustainable, strategic, and aligned with the nonprofit's mission.

Executive Directors and the ED-Board Partnership

Most board chairs step into their role with enthusiasm—but little clarity about what the job truly requires. They’re expected to facilitate meetings, lead their peers, hold members accountable, partner effectively with the executive director, and build a leadership pipeline…often with no training at all. Mentoring provides the guidance, structure, and confidence board leaders need to succeed.

We help board chairs:

understand their responsibilities and governance authority
lead strategic, focused, and productive meetings
mentor emerging board leaders and strengthen succession planning
foster a culture of engagement and accountability
build a strong, balanced board–ED partnership

all skills that can be applied in their professional lives.

Effective Team Leadership for Board Chairs

An Experienced Nonprofit Leader Invested in Your Success

My goal is simple: to help nonprofit leaders—executive directors, board chairs, and emerging board officers—lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Whether you're a first-time ED, a newly elected board chair, or a seasoned leader facing new challenges, mentoring gives you the support, wisdom, and tools you need to move forward boldly.

If you're ready to strengthen your leadership, elevate your skills, and build a stronger, healthier board, let’s chat.

Learn More

What to Expect from Coaching

Coaching focuses on helping you uncover your own insights, set and achieve goals, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles.

The relationship is collaborative, and the coach uses questioning and accountability techniques to empower you to take ownership of your personal and professional development.

Executive directors and board chairs are the public face of their organizations, often without formal training in diplomacy, partnership building, or coalition leadership. With our help, leaders learn to:

build strong community partnerships
communicate with clarity and confidence
navigate complex collaborations
cultivate influence and trust externally