KATHY ARCHER
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How to Plan for the Future—Even When You're in Survival Mode

26/3/2025

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Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

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"Who's going to lead this place when I'm gone?"

That question came from a nonprofit leader I coached last year. She wasn't planning to leave tomorrow. But she was thinking about the future, and the uncertainty around it was weighing on her.

I've heard this thought more and more over the last few years in my coaching conversations. I've noticed that many leaders are afraid to speak about it in their organization. And that fear of speaking about it is causing challenges in organizations.

We need to talk about succession planning, not as a formal HR process or a massive document but as a necessary leadership conversation. A conversation that builds hope creates sustainability and helps our sector thrive.

In a recent episode of CharityVillage Connects, I had the opportunity to speak with Mary Barroll from CharityVillage about the very real succession crisis facing nonprofit organizations.

I'm grateful for the conversation because we need to have conversations more often and more openly.

Here's some of what Mary and I discussed and a bit more to help you, whether you're the current leader thinking of stepping away or someone wondering what the future holds for your organization.
​

We're in a Succession Crisis and It's Not Going Away

Too often, no one knows what comes next.

  • Boards aren't initiating the conversation.
  • Leaders feel unsure of how to bring it up.
  • Staff are left in the dark.

The result? A lack of true leadership on the team and in the organization, lost momentum, and talented individuals walked away from roles they might have otherwise stepped into if the path had been clearer and they had felt supported to grow and step into the role.

Succession planning isn't just about choosing a replacement. It's about growing the next leader, helping them build their confidence and capacity. At the same time building confidence in that upcoming leader across the organization. Without it, we risk confusion, instability, and a big mess when something initiates the leader moving on.

  • Avoidance from the board – Many boards don't want to "poke the bear," especially if the current leader is also the founder. They aren't sure they can legally ask those questions. Or they wonder if it will give the wrong message to the leader that they aren't wanted anymore.
  • Survival mode culture – When we're all trying to keep up with reporting deadlines, funder demands, and program pressures, planning for something five years down the road feels impossible.

And yet, that's exactly why we need to start now.

We've Made Leadership Look Unappealing

Here's something we don't talk about enough, either: Leadership looks very uninviting The way leadership looks from the outside, leaders scrambling to keep up, sitting on the edge of burnout, powerless to make changes, is deterring the next generation from stepping up.

Many emerging leaders look at their Executive Directors and see burnout, endless meetings, emotional labour, and a to-do list that never ends. And think, I don't want that life.
​

We've created a culture of doing-too-much, and we've called it leadership.

But leadership can and should look different. It can be about inspiring others, developing people, and leading with integrity. It can include boundaries, collaboration, and, yes, even joy.

If we want to attract and retain future leaders, we need to start modelling leadership in a healthier, more sustainable way.

We're Not Preparing People for What Leadership Really Takes

​Another major gap? We're not developing the right skills.
When someone is promoted from the front line into a leadership role, they're often handed policies, reporting forms, and a few HR documents—and expected to figure the rest out.

But technical tasks are only part of the job.
What new leaders really need to learn are:
  • How to motivate and inspire others
  • How to manage your emotions (and your team's)
  • How to build hope during change and uncertainty
  • How to have tough conversations and deal with prickly personalities
  • How do you set boundaries when you are a people pleaser, perfectionist, or performer so you don't burn out?

We call them "soft skills," but they're foundational to effective leadership. And in most nonprofits, they're rarely taught.

That lack of preparation leaves new leaders overwhelmed and uncertain, and it reinforces the cycle of burnout and leadership avoidance.
​

If You're the Leader Who's Afraid to Say You're Leaving...

You're not alone. Talking about potentially leaving can feel risky, especially if you love your organization and your team. But keeping everything a big secret doesn't help. In fact, it can make things messier than they need to be.

Start small. You don't need a specific date. You can begin by saying, "I've been thinking about the long-term sustainability of this organization." That opens the door to deeper conversations.

Begin identifying people with leadership potential even if they're not ready yet. Invite them to shadow you, take the lead on projects, or join strategic conversations. Share the human side of leadership with them. Talk about your values and how you reflect and make decisions. It's the why behind why we do our work, not just the calendar full of meetings.

And be honest about what's hard. But also share what's meaningful. When we talk about leadership as a calling, not just a job, we reframe it as something to grow into. Not something to avoid.
​

If You're Not the Leader—but You're Wondering What's Next...

Maybe you're a team member getting that vibe that says you think your leader is considering leaving. Or you're a board member who's not sure how to initiate what you are sure will be an awkward conversation. Regardless of which side you land on, the first step is curiosity.

With a bit of courage, you can start a respectful conversation about their plans.
  • "How are you feeling about the future of your role?"
  • "What kind of support would help us plan for long-term success?"

You don't need to demand a retirement date. But you can open a conversation about what they are considering for themselves and how they see things for future employees and the team.

If you have leadership potential or a desire to be in leadership, don't wait for someone to suggest that you consider leadership. Begin your own growth journey.  Read, reflect, take online courses, join communities, and find mentors.
​

Making Leadership Development Part of Everyday Culture

Sometimes, we hear the words succession plan and visualize a big binder with explicit plans. It can be way more practical than that.

Here are some suggestions:
  • Make your 1:1s count – Don't just talk about program tasks. Ask, "What skills, both practical or soft skills, do you want to develop this year?" or "Where do you think you have the most opportunity to grow this year?"
  • Encourage mentorship – Be clear that you aren't the only one from whom they can learn leadership. Encourage them to look around for other people to learn leadership from and be open to connecting them to others.
  • Start a book club – Choose a leadership book and meet weekly to discuss it. (Character Driven Leadership for Women would work great for this!) This allows you to both learn and be open to discussing your leadership journeys.
  • Promote emotional intelligence – Talk about composure, reflection, and mindset just as much as strategy and deadlines.
When development becomes part of your culture, succession planning stops being a looming project. It becomes the natural result of how you work together.
The best nonprofit leadership book for women leaders
Develop your leadership skills and discover leadership that FEELS right!
Start reading Character Driven Leadership for Women - A 5-Step Guide to Shape Your Nonprofit Management Style with Strong Values, Ethics and Morals today and discover how to lead your team in a way that feels aligned with your values, impactful and maybe even enjoyable!

What Boards Need to Do (And Often Avoid)

Boards play a key role in succession planning, but many avoid it, especially if the Executive Director has been there forever or is the founder.

However, from a governance perspective, succession planning is, in part, the board's responsibility.

Start with simple questions:
  • "What's your vision for the next 3–5 years?"
  • "Who's on your radar in terms of leadership potential?"
  • "How can we support you in preparing for the future?"
If you're unsure how to help, get training on succession planning. There are tons of resources for boards better to understand governance, transition planning, and leadership support. It's okay not to know. 

Whether you're the one considering your exit or the one wondering who's next, succession planning starts with inner work.
It starts with self-reflection:
  • What are your values?
  • What kind of leader do you want to be (or support)?
  • How can you show up with courage and compassion, even when the conversation is hard?

No matter where you sit in your organization, you have the power to spark these conversations.

You don't need a perfect plan today. But you do need to begin. Listen to my full interview with Mary Barroll here.

And if you're looking for support as you navigate this journey, The Training Library is here for you. It's where nonprofit leaders come to build confidence, gain clarity, and grow into the leaders their organizations need, now and in the future.

~ Kathy
Do the inner work. It's worth it!

P.S. Head in the sand isn't leadership! Leading the V formation is!
Spring is here! I hear the geese flying overhead!
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The nonprofit sector doesn't always give women leaders the support and training they deserve—but that's not your fault.

I've been where you are, juggling leadership demands while trying to find balance and confidence. I created The Training Library to provide nonprofit leaders like you with practical, on-demand courses and personalized coaching, all within reach.

It's like having a trusted mentor in your corner, guiding you through every challenge.
No more second-guessing. No more struggling alone.

Inside The Training Library, you'll gain the skills and confidence to lead with ease, balance, and impact—so you can thrive at work and in life.
​
Master Nonprofit Leadership—With Training, You Can Trust.
Join The Training Library today and take the first step toward confident leadership.
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The Leadership Choice Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Make

10/3/2025

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How Nonprofit Leaders Can Lead with Confidence and Integrity

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Did you know there was a time when I didn't know if I could keep leading?

I felt lost, overwhelmed, and completely out of my comfort zone. Maybe you know that feeling too!

I had just stepped into a senior leadership role. I was managing everything relatively confidently. With things going well, I worked my butt off applying for expanded funding. My team and I were so excited when we got it.

However....

When that large new contract arrived, the increased responsibility, staffing demands, travel, and budget oversight felt hugely overwhelming. I was scrambling to hold things together, feeling like I was on a conveyor belt that just kept speeding up.

Things started to slip. I didn't always keep my word. I pushed my own agenda without truly listening to my team. I was no longer the leader they had once trusted. That year's performance appraisal was like a slap in the face: My staff clearly said, "Kathy lacks integrity." That comment hit hard.
​

My team had lost trust in me.

Engagement plummeted, and tension rose. There was whispering behind my back, and even a grievance was filed against me. I felt isolated and afraid I might lose my job.

You may feel this way, too. Maybe you've been in a meeting, putting on a brave face, all the while wondering if everyone else can tell that you feel completely lost, ready to fall apart and wondering why you are doing this job anymore but also very stuck!
​

What I Did to Turn Things Around

I knew I had a choice: I could quit, or I could do the hard work of rebuilding my leadership from the ground up. I chose the latter.

I started by doing the inner work. I took a step back, paused, and reflected on who I wanted to be as a leader. I got support from a coach who helped me see my blind spots and guided me through the process of realigning my actions with my values.

I used THE INFINITE LEADERSHIP LOOP, the same process I teach in Character Driven Leadership for Women, to help me navigate my way forward. I learned to PAUSE, PONDER, and PIVOT with intention. 

Slowly but surely, as I had the courage to PROCEED into conversations with my PEOPLE, I started to rebuild trust with my team and restore my own confidence.
​

Why This Matters for You

If you've felt like you don't know what you're doing, if you've struggled with imposter syndrome, lack of support, or fear of failing, you're not alone.

We all face moments where we feel off-balance, unsure, or overwhelmed.
But those moments are also choice points. They are opportunities to decide how you want to show up as a leader.

In Character Driven Leadership for Women, I share not just my own story but practical tools to help you:
  • PAUSE and recognize when you're in survival mode.
  • PONDER your options and choose your response with intention.
  • PIVOT from reaction to grounded, values-driven action.
  • PROCEED with clarity and confidence, knowing you've aligned your actions with who you want to be as a leader.
  • Reconnect with your PEOPLE by listening, showing up with integrity, and creating a culture of trust and open communication.
This is what THE INFINITE LEADERSHIP LOOP is all about. It teaches you to take those difficult moments and use them to build your character, confidence, and leadership impact.
​

Get the First Chapter for Free or Buy Your Copy Now!

If my story resonates with you, you don't have to wait to learn how you can make the shift!
Start reading the first chapter of Character Driven Leadership for Women and start your journey toward leading with clarity and confidence.
Or, if you're ready to dive in, you can buy the book now. It's even available on Audible!
Get Character Driven Leadership

Hear More on the Podcast

If I could give you a hug right now, I would. I'd tell you, you've got this! It's something I have told myself for years. It's the work I've done to keep believing in myself. You can do it too!!

~ Kathy 

Do the inner work. It's worth it!

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Why You Should Read Character Driven Leadership for Women
  • Transform Your Leadership: Move from feeling overwhelmed to leading with confidence and competence.
  • Build Authentic Influence: Learn how to inspire your team while staying true to your values.
  • Create Real Change: Develop practical strategies to navigate tough situations with composure.
  • Feel More in Control: Shift from surviving to thriving in your leadership role.
  • Achieve Work-Life Balance: Lead effectively without sacrificing your personal well-being.
Ready to lead with confidence and authenticity?
Buy Character Driven Leadership for Women today and start your transformation.
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Before You React: How Nonprofit Women Leaders Can Stay Grounded and In Control

20/2/2025

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Nonprofit Leadership is Tough! Here's How Women Leaders Can Stay Grounded

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Let me start with a story...

As I sat at my desk, I was fuming. She had done it again! She had tried to undermine my leadership in the meeting, throwing out a comment designed to make me look like I didn't know what I was doing. And what did I do? I shot back. It wasn't one of my finer moments‍ , and I immediately regretted it.

Fast forward a few months, and once again, I was face-to-face with this team member who wasn't happy with the way I was leading. And the truth was, she had a point. We were all stretched thin, struggling to keep up with demands, putting out fires, and trying to meet the needs of our clients. Change was coming, but it was taking time.

When she tried to throw me under the bus this time, I PAUSED and took a deep breath ‍ I had prepared for this moment. I knew it and many others like it would come. During my self-reflection time, I had PONDERED about the type of leader I wanted to be. As a result of that thinking time, I had already decided that when it did, I wanted to respond with a measured, clear response.

So this time, when the pointed comment came, I was ready to respond with intention. I thanked her for her input, validated what she was saying, and clarified where we were in the process of improving support and creating manageable workloads. I kept my cool. And I felt so much better. 
​

Self-Reflection is Key to Character Development

I was able to do this because I had done the self-reflective work required to lead with strength. And when the moment came, I used my CHOICE POINT to decide how I wanted to show up as a leader.

Leadership is full of choice points—moments where we can either react automatically or pause long enough to make a decision that aligns with the leader we truly want to be.

Too often, we race through these moments, stuck in survival mode, firefighting the next crisis, or defaulting to old habits. But here's the truth

"Engaging in self-reflection allows you to slow down and recognize your choice points, or opportunities to make decisions, and then make choices in a way that feels more aligned with who you are and who you are becoming."
Character Driven Leadership for Women

️I've seen this time and time again with the women I coach. Those who create the habit of self-reflection—who PAUSE before they PROCEED, become the leaders others trust, respect, and follow.
​

The Power of a Choice Point

Let me introduce you to Jessica. She was dreading a tough conversation with a staff member. She had been overthinking it for days, losing sleep, replaying worst-case scenarios in her mind. She worried about how the person would react, how she might get defensive, or worse, what if Jessica lost her composure and became flustered or even started crying.

But instead of letting the anxiety dictate her leadership, she chose a different path. She PAUSED

She asked herself:
  • What kind of leader do I want to be in this moment?
  • How do I want to feel after this conversation?
  • What would my most authentic, confident self do?

With this clarity, she went into the conversation grounded, composed, and clear in her message. She didn't just get through it. She handled it in a way that strengthened trust and accountability with her employees.
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Why This Matters for You

I know Jessica, and I are not the only ones who have been in a situation like this. Maybe you've had moments where you reacted in a way you later regretted. Or times when you wished you had handled a conversation with more clarity, confidence, or composure.

Self-reflection isn't about dwelling on the past. It's about actively shaping your leadership character by choosing how you show up. It's about recognizing that every challenge, every tense meeting, and every difficult conversation is a CHOICE POINT is an opportunity to decide the kind of leader you want to be.

"Decisions build our character, and we make our best character-driven decisions by pausing and pondering. "
Character Driven Leadership

That's exactly what I guide you through in my new book, Character Driven Leadership for Women. I introduce the Infinite Leadership Loop, a process designed to help you pause, reflect, and make decisions that strengthen your leadership, build trust with your team, and align your actions with your values.

This book isn't just about leadership strategies. It's about becoming the leader you were meant to be.
​

Your Next Choice Point

Right now, you have a choice:

You can keep leading on autopilot—feeling stuck in old patterns, constantly reacting to the chaos, never quite feeling in control.

Or you can choose to lead differently...
... with clarity, intention, and the confidence that comes from knowing you're making the best decisions, aligned with your values and the leader you aspire to be.

 Which choice will you make?

~ Kathy 
Do the inner work. It's worth it!

P. S. If you want to go deeper with a space to practice this work with support, join me inside The Training Library. It's where we take these ideas and make them real in your day-to-day leadership.
​
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​Ready to Lead with Confidence and Impact?

The nonprofit sector doesn't always give women leaders the support and training they deserve—but that's not your fault.

I've been where you are, juggling leadership demands while trying to find balance and confidence. I created The Training Library to provide nonprofit leaders like you with practical, on-demand courses and personalized coaching, all within reach.

It's like having a trusted mentor in your corner, guiding you through every challenge.
No more second-guessing. No more struggling alone.

Inside The Training Library, you'll gain the skills and confidence to lead with ease, balance, and impact—so you can thrive at work and in life.
​
Master Nonprofit Leadership—With Training, You Can Trust.
Join The Training Library today and take the first step toward confident leadership.
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The Leadership Quiz Every Nonprofit Woman Leader Needs to Take

13/2/2025

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Nonprofit Women Leaders: Find Out What's Blocking Your Growth

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As a nonprofit leader, I'm betting you know that feeling when you're constantly trying to meet everyone's expectations, prove your worth, or get every detail just right, only to end up exhausted, second-guessing yourself, and wondering why leadership feels so hard?

You're not alone! I've been there too!

Most nonprofit women leaders unknowingly fall into the trap of PLEASING, PERFORMING or PERFECTING at some point in their careers,
believing these behaviours will make them more effective.

But instead of helping, they often leave you burned out, overwhelmed, and disconnected from your own values.

The good news?
Once you PAUSE and recognize these patterns, you can break free from them and lead more confidently. 
​​

Which Leadership Trap Do You Fall Into? 

When you lead from a place of constantly trying to meet others' expectations, prove yourself, or avoid mistakes, you lose sight of what truly makes you a strong and confident leader, which is leading with strong character. More on that in a moment.

To get out of the trap, you need to engage in self-reflection. You can use The Infinite Leadership Loop to help you.
self-reflective model for nonprofit leaders to be more self-aware and confident by Kathy Archer

​PAUSE and PONDER to understand which tendencies you lean toward so you can PIVOT your perspectives, break free from them and PROCEED to lead your PEOPLE with authenticity.

​
Here is a quiz to help you do this self-reflection:
​

Which Leadership Trap Is Holding You Back?

A Quiz for Women Leaders in Nonprofits

​Review the questions and answer the following questions honestly.
​

When making decisions, I am most concerned about:

​A) Whether everyone will be happy with my choice 
B) Proving that I can handle it all on my own 
C) Getting every detail right to avoid mistakes 
​

When someone gives me critical feedback, I tend to:

A) Feel guilty and try to make it up to them 
B) Double down on working harder to prove my worth 
C) Ruminate on where I went wrong and how I could have done it perfectly 
​

In a team meeting, I usually:

A) Keep my opinions to myself to avoid conflict
B) Take charge and ensure things go smoothly, even if I'm overwhelmed
C) Hesitate to speak up unless I'm 100% sure I have the right answer 
​

I feel most validated when:

​A) Everyone around me is happy, and I've avoided disappointing them 
B) I'm seen as the one who gets things done and excels under pressure 
C) My work is flawless and free from mistakes 
​

When I delegate tasks, I:

A) Worry that others will be upset with me for asking 
B) Feel uneasy because I believe I should handle it myself 
C) Struggle to let go because I don't trust others to do it the right way 
​

My biggest fear as a leader is:

​A) Letting someone down 
B) Failing or looking incompetent 
C) Making a mistake or not getting it exactly right 
​

When under pressure, my default response is to:

​A) Say yes to everything to avoid conflict 
B) Push myself harder, even if I'm exhausted 
C) Get stuck in overanalyzing and delay making a decision 
​

Your Results: Which Leadership Trap Do You Fall Into?

​How did you do? Tally up whether you respond most often with (A), (B), or (C). 
Here's what your answers say about your tendencies to please, perform or perfect.
​

Mostly A's: Pleasing

​You tend to prioritize the needs and expectations of others over your own needs and desires. You want to be liked and accepted, even if it means sacrificing your own values or boundaries.
​

Mostly B's: Performing

​As overachievers with high expectations, you feel a constant need to prove yourself and put on a facade of competence and capability even when feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. You put immense pressure on yourself to prove your competence, often overworking to maintain an image of capability. 
​

Mostly C's: Perfecting

In your relentless pursuit of flawlessness, you believe every task, every project, and every decision must be perfect. This can lead to analysis paralysis, procrastination, and a fear of taking risks or making mistakes.
​

Your results give you insight into the mindset holding you back.

If you tend to PLEASE, it's time to strengthen your boundaries and make decisions based on your values, not just what others want.

​If you OVER-PERFORM, you need to shift from proving yourself to trusting yourself, knowing that you don't have to carry everything alone.

If you struggle with PERFECTIONISM, the goal is to embrace progress over perfection, allowing yourself to take action without overanalyzing.
​

Remember I said you aren't alone? Let me tell you about a time when I fell deep into the trap of performing, pushing myself to prove I was capable, even as the weight of leadership was pulling me under.  I share this story in Character Driven Leadership.

I had been confidently managing everything on my plate until a large new contract came in. The increased responsibility, travel, staffing, and budget had me scrambling to hold everything together. I felt like Lucy in that old I Love Lucy episode with the conveyor belt—things moving faster than I could handle, and no way to keep up. 

Because of that:
  • I didn't always keep my word.
  • I didn't follow through on promises.
  • I neglected to listen to people's ideas and input, instead railroading through with my own plans.

​I was so focused on proving that I could handle it all that I lost sight of how my leadership was affecting my team.

The shift was dramatic. My once-trusting team started pulling away.

  • They stopped getting behind my ideas.
  • Their work performance dropped.
  • They lacked enthusiasm when I delegated tasks.
  • There was no engagement, just tension, bickering, and whispering that stopped when I walked into the room.

​Eventually, it all culminated in a grievance being filed against me.

I remember the feeling so clearly. I was afraid I would be fired, but I also felt an overwhelming exhaustion and burnout that made me want to quit. I had been trying so hard to hold it all together, but in the process, I had lost the very trust and connection that made leadership meaningful.

It wasn't until I PAUSED and PONDERED, reflecting on what happened, that I realized the truth. I had been performing, not leading. I had been caught in the pressure to prove myself instead of trusting myself. The PIVOT came when I realized that I needed to realign with my values, communicate honestly, and create a sustainable leadership style for both my team and me.
​
Here's the truth in a nutshell. No matter where you land, the goal is to shift toward Character Driven Leadership, which is about making values-based decisions and leading authentically.

You don't need to prove yourself!

Just be yourself!


​Character Driven Leadership means making intentional, value-based decisions rather than reacting out of habit or fear. By reflecting on your results and implementing the strategies in Character Driven Leadership, you can start leading in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

Get the first chapter now!

In Character Driven Leadership, you'll discover how to lead authentically, impactfully, and with balance through step-by-step guidance. This book will help you lead in a way that feels good. Here's what Michelle Vella, CCS has to say about it:
​
Highly recommended nonprofit leadership book

Keep reading and growing as a nonprofit leader


​This information in the quiz comes from Character Driven Leadership for Women - A 5-Step Guide to Shape Your Nonprofit Management Style with Strong Values, Ethics and Morals. If it feels like it's speaking to you, grab the first chapter of Character Driven Leadership. 

When you learn to be a Character Driven Leader you will help you step into leadership in a way that feels authentic, aligned, and sustainable. I've experienced it, and so have my clients and students! Read the book and join the membership, and you can experience it too!

~ Kathy 

P.S. To learn more about how to do the self-reflective work of building your character, join The Training Library. Inside, you'll find practical, on-demand courses and personalized coaching that are always within reach. It's like having a trusted mentor in your corner, guiding you through every challenge. You'll gain the skills and confidence to lead with ease, balance, impact and character. No more second-guessing, no more struggling alone.
​
The Training Library By Kathy Archer

​​Ready to Lead with Confidence and Impact?

The nonprofit sector doesn't always give women leaders the support and training they deserve—but that's not your fault.

I've been where you are, juggling leadership demands while trying to find balance and confidence. I created The Training Library to provide nonprofit leaders like you with practical, on-demand courses and personalized coaching, all within reach.

It's like having a trusted mentor in your corner, guiding you through every challenge.
No more second-guessing. No more struggling alone.

Inside The Training Library, you'll gain the skills and confidence to lead with ease, balance, and impact—so you can thrive at work and in life.
​
Master Nonprofit Leadership—With Training, You Can Trust.
Join The Training Library today and take the first step toward confident leadership.
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Emotional turmoil often signals a misalignment with your values.

10/2/2025

0 Comments

 

The Key to Confident and Effective Leadership

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As a nonprofit leader, do you have any guesses about how many decisions you make in a day? Let's agree that it's a lot Maybe better questions are: ​
  • Do you make them decisively, quickly, and effectively?
  • How confident are you at making your decisions?
  • Are you making value-based decisions?
​

How you answer these will indicate how you FEEL about leadership.

It overwhelms you and makes you feel sick to your stomach some days, or it challenges you to stay true to yourself, and you feel you are doing a good job at that.

Decisions - Decisions - Decisions

Let's be honest, leadership is full of tough decisions, constant changes in priorities as you deal with the next crisis, and moments that test your patience, confidence, and sanity. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, keep up with all the balls you are juggling, you're not the only one! I think every leader I talk to feels that most days. The constant demands of leadership can leave you second-guessing yourself and wondering if you're making the right choices

But here's the truth. Strong, effective leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about knowing what guides your decisions, and that starts with your values.
​

Why Your Values Matter in Leadership

In Character Driven Leadership for Women, I remind us that as pleasers. . .
​

"We tend to prioritize the needs and expectations of others over our own needs and desires. We want to be liked and accepted, even if it means sacrificing our own values or boundaries."

And, it doesn't feel good when we sacrifice our values 

Your values define what's important to you and shape the way you lead. They help you:
​- Communicate expectations clearly
- Stay grounded when challenges arise
- Make tough decisions with confidence intact
- Set priorities that align with your leadership goals

Without clear values, you might find yourself constantly reacting, trying to please everyone, or struggling to make decisions. When you know your values, leadership becomes more intentional and fulfilling.
​

AN EXAMPLE: Making Decisions with Your Values in Mind


Let's look at how it works. Imagine you have two spots for a professional development opportunity, but four of your team members want to attend. How do you decide?
  • If growth and development is a core value, you might choose those who will bring back knowledge and share it with the team.
  • If fairness is a guiding principle, you might rotate opportunities based on who hasn't had training recently.
  • If team impact is your focus, you might select individuals in roles that will benefit the organization the most.
There's no perfect answer, but when you make a decision through the lens of your values, you can stand by it with confidence.
​

Leading with Values Makes Leadership Easier

In Character Driven Leadership for Women, I explain how ️ emotional turmoil is often a signal of a misalignment with your values. If you feel frustrated, resentful, or unsettled, pause and ask yourself.

"What value of mine is being tested right now?"
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For example:

If honesty is important to you, even small white lies may irritate you.
If respect matters deeply, being dismissed in a meeting may hit a nerve.
If collaboration is a top value, an "every person for themselves" mindset on your team may cause frustration.

Recognizing these connections helps you manage emotions and respond in a way that aligns with the leader you want to be.
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How to Identify Your Core Values

If you haven't clearly defined your values, here's where to start.
Reflect – Where do you naturally invest your time, energy, and attention? What books, podcasts, or causes draw you in?
Journal – If you could pass on three values to your team or children, what would they be?
Narrow it down – From a list of values, instinctively pick 10, then challenge yourself to choose just three. These are the values that truly drive your leadership.
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Character Driven Leadership for Women is Coming in March 2025

In Character Driven Leadership you’ll discover how to lead authentically, impactfully, and with balance through step-by-step guidance in this book, helping you lead in a way that feels good.
If you want to dive into the book now, you can start with the first chapter now!
Here is what Haley Cooper had to say after she read it:
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Highly recommended nonprofit leadership book Character Driven Leadership for Women

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Leading with Values Makes Leadership Easier

In Character Driven Leadership for Women, I encourage readers to "follow the steps in this book and you will get on the right track, the track that honours who you are and the work you are here to do, aligns with your values, and feels so much better!" If you want to learn how to do that, grab the first chapter of the book and start your journey to values-based decision-making and leadership.

Knowing and using your values to guide your leadership
builds trust, consistency, and confidence. It helps you lead with integrity, stay composed under pressure, and make decisions that FEEL RIGHT, not just in the moment but for the long-term impact you want to create.

~ Kathy 

P.S. Emotional turmoil is often a signal of a misalignment with your values. Please don't try to shut your emotions off. Use them to find alignment! When you do that, you will be able to manage your emotions using them to be a better and happier leader.
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Start reading and start growing as a leader today!
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​Ready to Lead with Confidence and Impact?
The nonprofit sector doesn't always give women leaders the support and training they deserve—but that's not your fault.  

I've been where you are, juggling leadership demands while trying to find balance and confidence. I created The Training Library to provide nonprofit leaders like you with practical, on-demand courses and personalized coaching, all within reach.  

It's like having a trusted mentor in your corner, guiding you through every challenge.  
No more second-guessing. No more struggling alone.  

Inside The Training Library, you'll gain the skills and confidence to lead with ease, balance, and impact—so you can thrive at work and in life.  

Master Nonprofit Leadership—With Training, You Can Trust.  
Join The Training Library today and take the first step toward confident leadership.
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