Succession, Legacy, & the Next Generation: A Conversation with Steve Woodworth

Many leaders build for today. Strategic leaders build for tomorrow.

Steve Woodworth is one of those rare leaders who’s spent his life focused on legacy—measuring success not just by what happens during his time, but by what’s made possible for those who come after.

“Did I set the organization up for the next generation to do even more than what we've done in my generation of leadership?”—Steve Woodworth

Steve is a longtime leader in faith-based nonprofit marketing and organizational development. From early innovation at World Vision to building Masterworks, he has spent his career helping nonprofits create deep, meaningful, and sustainable impact. 

Most recently, he is also the author of Lost in Transition: Lessons from the Most Disastrous and Successful Ministry Successions.

Today, Steve is navigating a pivotal succession at Masterworks, gradually moving from his position as CEO to an advisory role.

In this conversation, he shares:

• Timeless principles for nonprofit marketing (many of which he learned while running cable TV programs for World Vision in the ‘80s!)
• How he’s navigated a years-long succession process in Masterworks
• Why a “toe in the water” testing method is strategic for nonprofits
• How he schedules time for mentorship of his team

Steve is a leader with decades of wisdom to share around leadership and innovation. I (Ted) was honored to hear a portion of that wisdom in this episode.

Find links to resources mentioned and key takeaways in the show notes for this episode: www.futurenonprofit.com/steve-woodworth