Elevatr

Ever felt the tension between board oversight and overstepping? It can be one of the most draining aspects of nonprofit leadership. Getting it right is worth the effort—because a strong board-staff partnership is key to a thriving organization. ? Boards set strategy, staff put it into action. ? Boards offer insights, staff make the calls. ? Boards focus on mission-driven solutions, not personal preferences. Are you and your board working in the right lanes? Our latest blog offers strategies to strike the right balance. https://lnkd.in/djVzbSXz #nonprofitleadership #boardgovernance #strongertogether #missiondriven #mindfulleadership

What if we measured success not just by what we accomplish, but by how we feel at the end of the journey? Maria Branyas Morera, who passed away at 117 (as the oldest living person at the time), reflected: “Death will find me worn out from having lived so long, but I want it to find me smiling, free, and satisfied.” Leading well isn’t just about impact—it’s about living in a way that leaves us fulfilled, not just busy. What’s one small shift you can make this week to lead with greater joy and intention? #mindfulmonday #mindfulleadership

February was a whirlwind of travel—in the best possible way ???? Work took me to Charleston, Miami, and Columbia (SC), and while it’s good to be home for a stretch, the real highlight was connecting with incredible peers and clients along the way. Spring has a lot in store, too: Beaufort, SC, Towson, MD, and something I’ve been planning for a long time—a bucket-list trip to northern Italy and Switzerland! Travel grounds me, while also expanding my world and perspective. It reminds me how important it is to step outside of the day-to-day, take in new ideas, and reconnect with what inspires me.

Looking for a great read with your a.m. coffee? ?? Our e-newsletter is on its way tomorrow morning! This edition is all about fueling your progress with practical tips, including: ? Strategies to strengthen your board-staff partnership ? Starting your day with good vibes ? Helping your team grow through personal development ? Taking back control of your time as a busy executive ? And your last chance to enroll in the Purpose-Driven Peer Advisory! If you’re not on the list, now’s a great time to join us at the link. ?? https://lnkd.in/dUDudhaF

Ruminating. Thought spirals. Making things more complex than they have to be. I get caught in this trap a lot. Instead, I've been trying to stop myself and ask this simple question: What could I do to make this easy? It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about finding a simpler, clearer way forward—one that sparks a new perspective and gets me out of my head and into action. It's brought me answers like asking for help, simplifying a process, or letting go of something that’s not serving me. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, give it a try. I hope it delivers an "aha" for you, too.. #mindfulleadership #simplify #worksmart #essentialism #mindfulmonday

What a joy to join friends, colleagues, and clients at the Together SC Nonprofit Summit. Together, we are #alliesforgood ?? #nonprofits #strongertogether #mindfulleadership

There's a saying—assume good intent—that is often true. But even well-intentioned behaviors can quietly sabotage our success. If you're a purpose-driven leader, watch out if you're: ?? Doing it all yourself You want to lead by example and take on the tough stuff. But when you do everything yourself, you not only burn out—you send the message that others can’t step up. Delegation isn’t just practical, it’s a way to grow your team’s confidence and skills. ?? Going with the flow Flexibility is a strength, but when it turns into a lack of direction, it can leave your team spinning. Clear priorities and boundaries help everyone focus on what matters most. ?? Thinking you understand Assuming you know how your team feels or what they need can lead to blind spots. The antidote? Ask more questions, listen deeply, and check your assumptions. Clarity comes when you take the time to truly understand. What habits would you add to the list? #mindfulmonday #habits #goodintentions #mindfulleadership #success #teamwork

Saying no can be hard—but ultimately liberating. What if there was a way to decline and feel good about the way you did it? Enter the 2+1+1 rule: ? 2 Positive Statements, so you can start by showing appreciation or enthusiasm. ?? “Thanks for the invitation to your event. It sounds like you’re really excited about it!” Plus... ? 1 No Statement, so you can clearly and simply say no—without over-explaining. ?? “I’m sorry, I can’t make it that night.” Plus... ? 1 More Positive Statement, so you can end on a high note. ?? “I hope it’s a huge success!” This framework lets you say no without guilt or unnecessary details. It’s kind, respectful, and keeps the focus on the other person’s excitement—not your reasons for declining. How do you handle tough “no’s”? Would this rule make it easier for you? #mindfulleadership #boundariesmatter #saynogracefully #mindfulmonday

How do you show love to the people you serve? ?? On New Year's Eve, we took a spontaneous trip to western NC to ring in 2025 in a peaceful, restorative setting. Little did we know that the AirBnB hosts were going to be a model for customer service. A bottle of wine. Farm fresh eggs from the barn out back. Plentiful snacks and cooking basics. Music playing and an aromatherapy diffuser scenting the air when we walked in the door. PLUS a beautiful photo shoot in the pasture to capture the experience. All this added up to a stay we'll never forget, courtesy of Farm Trouvaille in Burnsville, NC. Even the name means "a chance encounter with something wonderful." It was a great reminder that we all have the power to delight and be delighted. Hope you're showing love to someone today! #happyvalentinesday #love #customerservice #mindfulleadership

Putting yourself first means you care about others. This may seem like a contrary concept to purpose-driven leaders who place the demands of their missions ahead of their own self-care. But the toll that burnout is taking on nonprofits and service-based businesses offers another perspective. In our latest blog, read why this strategy is a game-changer to strengthen your leadership presence and organizational outcomes ?? We'll also share more about scholarship support you can receive when you join our Purpose-Driven Peer Advisory. We launch in March, and it may be just the self-care you've been looking for as a leader! https://lnkd.in/ezUhQFcP #mindfulleadership #leadershipdevelopment #wellbeing #selfcare #nonprofits