Whiplash. That’s how it feels to lead a nonprofit right now. One moment, you’re planning the next bold initiative rooted in equity, community, and care. The next, a policy shifts or a grant disappears, and you’re left spinning.
In this episode, host Glennda Testone sits down with executive coach and DEI consultant Alex Love to talk about how nonprofit leaders can find steadiness in a moment that feels anything but steady. It’s not just about managing staff or programs — it’s about caring for your people, yourself, and the mission, all while navigating fear, uncertainty, and change.
Alex knows what it’s like to weather massive shifts, both personally and professionally. From growing up in a richly diverse military town to leading DEI initiatives in high-pressure media environments, Alex brings lived experience, clarity, and compassion to this conversation.
We are reminded that while leaders often feel they must hold it all together, it’s okay to name what’s hard. In fact, acknowledging the hard stuff—openly and with vulnerability—may be one of the most important things a leader can do right now.
This episode is a balm for nonprofit leaders who feel isolated or overwhelmed. With grace and humor, Alex offers tangible ways to create space for your team to process big emotions, stay connected to the mission, and move forward with integrity.
As Alex puts it: “We are in this together. We are gonna figure it out. And we’re gonna do what we can where we are.”
TUNE IN TO LEARN
HOW NONPROFIT LEADERS ARE FACING ORGANIZATIONAL “WHIPLASH” FROM RAPID, SYSTEMIC CHANGES.
The current nonprofit landscape has caused serious whiplash due to fast-moving political and cultural shifts that impact funding, DEI programs, and staff morale.
“Whiplash seems like an appropriate word to describe what we’re experiencing right now when it comes to what is in favor in our country and what is out of favor. This has changed quickly and dramatically.” (Glennda Testone)
WHY IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO CREATE SPACE FOR STAFF TO PROCESS EMOTIONS.
Leaders must acknowledge that current events affect not only the people their organizations serve but also their staff and themselves, and should create structured opportunities for reflection and support.
“It is very important for organizations to provide spaces for folks to be heard. Listening sessions, healing spaces, whatever that might be.” (Alex Love)
THE POWER OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACTIVE LISTENING AS LEADERSHIP TOOLS.
Even when leaders don’t have answers, recognizing staff concerns and offering space for dialogue strengthens team trust and morale.
“Leaders don’t always have the answers…but I think not having the answers and not acknowledging leaves a lot of potential confusion and insecurity for staff.” (Alex Love)
SUPPORT DOESN’T ALWAYS NEED A BUDGET—IT STARTS WITH RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION.
Even without formal programs or consultants, leaders can support their teams with intentional questions and check-ins.
“I would say check in on your people…Slack messages or Teams messages to say, ‘How are you doing? Is there any way I can support you at this time?’” (Alex Love)
THE COMPELLING REASON TO LEAN INTO LEADERSHIP VULNERABILITY TO BUILD TRUST AND RESILIENCE.
Being transparent about your own uncertainty as a leader helps humanize you and fosters deeper trust.
“Leadership vulnerability is also very important in this time…Where are the moments that you are showing up to show strength and groundedness? And then, when are the moments that you are being honest that you’re also, as a leader, going through a hard time?” (Alex Love)
ABOUT ALEX LOVE:
Alex Love is an executive coach and the founder of Alex Love Consulting. They use their deep background in human resources, talent strategy, and DEI expertise to advise clients on best practices related to policies, procedures, and culture to support inclusive workplaces. Alex is passionate about working with strategic leaders through individual coaching and team workshops to help them navigate team dynamics, organizational shifts, and establish team cohesion and collaboration. They help leaders explore and ground their unique leadership style, elevate people management skills, and support effective team collaboration.
RESOURCES:
- Alex Love LinkedIn
- Alex Love Instagram
- Nonprofit Leadership Lab
- Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership – 2nd Edition by Joan Garry
- FREE WORKSHOP: Let’s Build the Nonprofit Board of Your Dreams!
- FREE WORKSHOP: The 5 Practices of Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders
- Music by Jukebox the Ghost
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