Navigating Leadership Challenges and Discovering Growth As A New Executive Director

The Practice of Nonprofit Leadership

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Imagine stepping into a leadership role with an overwhelming inbox and the task of transforming not just your job but an entire organization. That's exactly what Colleen Shaughnessy faced on her first day as Executive Director of Youth Heartline in Taos, New Mexico.
In this episode, Colleen shares her journey with Nathan, going from being a team member to leading the organization, unraveling the complexities of her new role with honesty and insight. She reveals how she tackled a number of incredible challenges, the strategic moves she made to shift from peer to leader, and the emotional roller coaster that accompanied her transition. Colleen's story unfolds with lessons in patience, intuition, and the power of relationships. She discusses her evolution in fundraising, transforming from a hesitant beginner to a confident advocate for her cause.
Listen as Colleen's experiences offer a roadmap for personal growth and organizational change as a new Nonprofit Executive Director.
Colleen can be contacted at the following:
Colleen Shaughnessy
[e-mail]
www.youthheartline.org

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The Hosts of The Practice of NonProfit Leadership:
Tim Barnes serves as the Executive Vice President of International Association for Refugees (IAFR)
Nathan Ruby serves as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children of Haiti (FOTCOH)
They can be reached at [e-mail]
All opinions and views expressed by the hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their respective organizations.

Chapter

1. Navigating Leadership Challenges and Discovering Growth As A New Executive Director (00:00:00)

2. Challenges of Transitioning to Executive Director (00:00:08)

3. Navigating Challenges of Fundraising Success (00:08:58)

4. Lessons in Leadership and Self-Discovery (00:24:37)