Leadership in 2026 won’t be defined by having all the answers–it will be defined by how leaders respond when certainty is off the table.
In this episode, Glennda and I reflect on what 2025 revealed about nonprofit leadership and how those lessons must shape the year ahead. After a year marked by disruption, pressure, and real harm to communities and organizations, they explore why returning to “business as usual” isn’t an option–and why reactive leadership isn’t sustainable.
Instead, we make the case for adaptive leadership: leaders who can hold short-term urgency and long-term vision at the same time, build power through partnership rather than control, and resist the pull to lead alone.
Drawing on real examples from nonprofit leaders across the country, they examine how strong leaders stayed grounded, made intentional choices, and used uncertainty as a catalyst for change.
This conversation is not about bracing for what’s next–it’s about leaning in to leading differently. From scenario and shared leadership to cultivating curiosity and community, this episode offers a steady, practical framework for nonprofit leaders preparing for 2026 and beyond.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
- What adaptive leadership looks like in practice: Leading with flexibility, intention, and curiosity instead of control.
- Why reacting less can actually move your organization forward: Shifting from constant urgency to thoughtful, strategic decision-making.
- How shared power strengthens leadership: Building capacity through partnership, community, and collaboration rather than going it alone.
- Why curiosity is becoming a leadership advantage: Asking better questions when clear answers don’t exist.
KEY QUOTES:
- “[I]n 2026, I want all of you to think about this phrase, if then. Think about if then, because if then is actually at the heart of scenario planning. If this happens, then this is the path.”
– Joan Garry
- “I think the folks who are going to get it right in 2026 are actually going to, in fact, invest and build like a real group of village people, if you will. That they’re really going to recognize that being a control freak, believing that you can do it all yourself, has never been a winning strategy.” – Joan Garry
- “Why don’t you imagine that you don’t have all the answers and that the power doesn’t come from your head, it comes from all around you.” – Joan Garry
ABOUT GUEST:
Glennda Testone is a nonprofit leadership expert who spent 14 years as the Executive Director of New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. Over the course of her tenure at The Center, she tripled the organization’s budget, strengthened its programs, and completed a $9M capital building renovation to transform the LGBTQ community’s home on West 13 Street. Additionally, she partnered with Google to launch the virtual reality experience of Stonewall Forever, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, and helped lead a racial equity transformation of the organization.
Testone previously served as Vice President at The Women’s Media Center and Senior Director of Media Programs for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
RESOURCES:
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
- Glennda Testone LinkedIn
- 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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Sponsored By DRG Talent Consulting Experts
DRG is a talent advisory group helping nonprofit organizations to identify, attract, and nurture innovative, diverse leadership. Our team of 40+ experts serves over 200 nonprofits a year of all sizes and in various sectors across the country. Learn more at drgtalent.com.
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