Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications Ep. 233: Leading Through Whiplash: How to Stay Grounded in Uncertain Times
Aug 2, 2025
In this insightful conversation, Alex Love, an executive coach and founder of Alex Love Consulting, joins Glennda Testone to discuss leading amid chaos. They explore how nonprofit leaders can remain grounded and uphold their mission through continuous upheaval. Alex shares strategies for fostering inclusivity and support in organizations, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and active listening. They also address the emotional impact of current events on teams and the need for authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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A Personal Whiplash Example
- Glennda shares she once totaled her car in graduate school.
- She uses the story to introduce 'whiplash' as a metaphor for rapid change.
Career Built In Fast-Paced HR
- Alex describes rising from HR assistant to lead talent at Vice during rapid growth.
- They launched a successful apprenticeship for justice-impacted people that shaped their DEI focus.
Whiplash Creates Sectorwide Uncertainty
- Alex warns that rapid political and funding shifts create widespread uncertainty and fear in nonprofits.
- This leads to layoffs, program cuts, and questions about staff safety.