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In challenging times, abundance isn’t about having more. It’s about defending what matters most.

Recently, I met with an Executive Director I’ll call Susan. She had been in her role just a few months when the funding landscape shifted in a way that couldn’t be ignored. This wasn’t a temporary disruption—it was a permanent change that forced hard decisions forward.

Susan reviewed the financials and knew layoffs were coming. She also knew her team would struggle—not from lack of commitment, but because uncertainty makes all of us reach for what feels familiar.

And she understood something that sat heavily with her.

She hadn’t been hired to protect the status quo.
She had been hired to ensure the organization could endure and continue serving its community.

Standing in that tension, Susan designed a pathway forward that protected the mission.

Today, I want to share what she did, why it mattered, and how you can move through difficult seasons with the same steadiness if you’re facing something similar.

You can find the full transcript and show notes at CultureCARES.com/14.

Marcia Beckner helps nonprofit executives lead with confidence and create healthy, thriving workplace cultures, especially during times of growth and change.

After nearly 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she’s seen far too many talented, hard-working leaders burn out and walk away.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Nonprofit CEO SPARK is your invitation to pause, pivot, and reignite your energy so you can lead with clarity, courage, and balance.

Feeling exhausted and on the edge of burnout?

Grab my free guide - 4 Strategies for Nonprofit CEOs to Reduce Burnout, Unify Your Team & Build a Culture That Lasts. Go to https://culturecares.com/guide.

If this episode resonated, I invite you to join my Tuesday newsletter. Each week I share the podcast topic, practical leadership insights, and occasional special offers and event invitations designed to help you lead with clarity without burning out.

If you know another nonprofit leader who could use this support, please pass it along. And if you’d ever like to connect directly, you can reach me at https://culturecares.com.