Nonprofit CFOs

I Have a Secret: I Haven’t Worked for the Past 6 Weeks – and No One Missed Me. Today, I returned to the office after being out for 6 weeks due to a medical procedure. During that time, I completely stepped away, physically and mentally, from my role as CEO. The best part? Everything ran smoothly in my absence. Here’s how I was able to step away without worry: 1. The Gift of Time I found out in the summer that I would need this procedure. Having time on my side allowed me to prepare thoroughly and inform the appropriate people well in advance. 2. Systems and Processes At our agency, we don’t wait for the unexpected to hit before planning. We have clear systems and processes in place, including a succession plan for short- and long-term absences. When the time came, we simply worked the plan. Our leadership team operates on a structured, well-thought-out calendar, planned a year in advance. This gave us time to adjust workflows, schedule key decisions, and even pre-write messages for agency publications. 3. The Right People Our executive and leadership teams stepped up, and they didn’t just maintain the status quo; they thrived. I appointed an interim CEO who did an incredible job leading in my absence, and everyone else focused on excelling in their roles. I believe in hiring great people, empowering them, and trusting them to do the job they’re capable of without micromanagement. And they delivered. Because of these three things, I could truly disconnect for six weeks, knowing the agency was in excellent hands. Today, I walked back into the office refreshed and full of energy, running from room to room, catching up with my team, sharing hugs, and hearing all the wonderful things happening in their lives. The funny thing? Some people didn’t even realize I was gone. This isn’t a reflection of how “replaceable” I am. It’s a reflection of the strength of our systems, the preparation we invested in, and the incredible team we’ve built. For some, job security means making sure everything falls apart in their absence. But I believe the true measure of success as a leader is creating a workplace that runs just as well, if not better, without you. If you stepped away from your job today, could it thrive without you?

At Relatable Nonprofit, we joke about the ups and downs of nonprofit life because, let’s be honest, it can be A LOT. We know the struggles are real—but so is the heart behind it all. Nonprofit work isn’t easy, but the people make it worth it—team members, volunteers, and the communities we serve. ❤️ They’re the heart of the mission. #NonprofitLife #PeoplePower #MissionDriven