ICF Greater Austin Chapter’s Post

Whether thinking about your next role or your next hiring process, this promises to be an informative and impactful session!

Let's Have a Real Conversation About Change...some light Monday reading... There’s immense pressure as founders and business leaders to always appear “okay,” “thriving,” “winning,” and “grateful.” But today, I need to talk about something that’s not often discussed. Over a year ago, we launched a nonprofit recruitment division—a growing part of our practice that allows us to contribute our expertise to causes that truly matter to us. I also run a national nonprofit, so my passion for this industry runs deep. But here’s where the conversation gets uncomfortable. In the past 9 months, we’ve lost multiple nonprofit executive search opportunities that we were asked to bid for—searches we were honored and grateful to be considered for. And in every single instance, those searches went to large, global agencies led by white men, despite the fact that we are a Canadian, women-led, award-winning agency. The reasons? We were told we didn’t have “global reach” (false) or that our prices didn’t feel high enough compared to the competition (because apparently, higher prices equal more value?). The nonprofit sector often asks businesses like mine to show up for causes that matter. And we do. Every day. But I’m asking the same from you—from your Boards and your leadership teams. If you’re truly committed to change, diversity, and impact, I encourage you to start evaluating the decisions being made when choosing partners and leaders. This isn’t just about winning or losing a contract. It’s about who we choose to empower. Women in business. Women doing award-winning work. Women leading Canadian companies with passion, integrity, and expertise. It’s time to consider a new way forward. Food for thought, food for change. #WomenInBusiness #NonProfitLeadership #DiversityMatters #CanadianBusiness #ChangeMakers #InclusiveLeadership #SupportWomen #BusinessForGood

Let me start by saying that I am blessed with incredible allies and friends who have stood by me, offering unwavering guidance and support. Most of them come from different racial backgrounds than my own. They have never looked down on me—instead, they’ve encouraged me to think bigger, to be vulnerable, and to keep striving. They and the students we serve are why I wake up each day to continue doing this work. My board has also been exceptional. But the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I’ve faced being blacklisted, undervalued, encountering toxic people, and grappling with lies, biases, and racism. The struggles are real, particularly as a Black woman in nonprofit leadership. A troubling trend has emerged where more Black women, like myself, are exiting the organizations they founded due to overwhelming challenges. As highlighted in recent reports, these challenges include additional reporting demands from funders, lower compensation than peers leading similar-sized organizations, constant questioning of leadership, and the ongoing burden of microaggressions. According to Black Enterprise, many Black women in nonprofit leadership face unfair scrutiny and often receive significantly lower compensation than their white counterparts despite leading organizations of similar size and impact. Nonprofit Quarterly adds that this problem is exacerbated by the microaggressions and bias that Black women face daily, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Despite this, I remain committed. I refuse to let the obstacles define my journey or my impact. However, we must recognize the unique struggles faced by Black women in leadership and work together to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder progress. I am very fortunate and thankful, yet very exhausted. The work continues. I could write a book. https://lnkd.in/gTVbfWyP

April celebrates Black Women History Month, and with it, the latest Nonprofit Quarterly publication—a detailed guide spotlighting the unique challenges faced by Black women leaders in the non-profit sector. Spanning over 100 pages, this publication courageously addresses the often-ignored realities: excessive scrutiny, extreme micromanagement, and a myriad of barriers that constrict our freedom to evolve, prosper, and lead authentically. Yet, this quarterly publication is more than a chronicle of adversity; it’s a manifesto of bravery, resilience, and metamorphosis. It affirms the indomitable spirit and transformative capacity of Black women. This publication goes beyond a simple report; it’s a declaration of our lasting presence, our entitlement to lead with dignity, and our position at the forefront of ushering in an era of leadership that truly prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. This approach enhances creativity, drives innovation, and generates positive outcomes both for our bottom line and the communities in which we come. I invite you to join this critical journey toward a future where Black women leaders are acknowledged, uplifted, and esteemed for their essential contributions. Together, we need environments that not only recognize our worth but also foster conditions under which we can drive non-profit organizations to unprecedented achievements. What’s your contribution?

On Tuesday, GFS CEO Laura Sercombe joined a panel about leading inclusive organisations at the Third Sector Conference. We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with and alongside panelists from across the sector, all of whom are doing outstanding work. During the panel, Laura shared some of our thinking on EDI, including the necessity of it even before hiring - EDI should be woven in at every stage of recruitment too. Without EDI at every stage of recruitment, we cannot build an equitable organisation. And that's why GFS recently started sending out interview questions to candidates in advance - to create a fairer opportunity for people with dyslexia, high anxiety and those who struggle with interview processes. Laura said at the panel: “Nothing can be a tick-box exercise. There isn’t one thing you can do, you have to do everything you can to give people the opportunity to present themselves for a role.” Read more to find out more about the panel's discussions here: https://ow.ly/Nw8I50SlHxb #InclusiveOrganizations #DiversityAndInclusion #EquitableRecruitment #SocialImpact #EquitableOpportunities

We have a stellar lineup of conversations in the pipeline around economic mobility, education and training, and workforce development from JFF Horizons. Can't wait to share them beginning Monday right here on LinkedIn. #WorkingNationOverheard WorkingNation Jobs for the Future (JFF) EnGen

Assess power dynamics in your boardroom! On September 25, Board Diversity & Inclusion: Decolonizing Practices and Navigating Power guides you through ways to develop a culture of belonging on your board. Benefits of this workshop include: ◆ A space to be vulnerable and unpack complex terms like White supremacy and systemic racism. ◆ A unique workshop that sheds light on the nuances between colonization and board power structures. ◆ Meet and learn from other non-profit leaders who are on a relatable journey with their board. This workshop is suggested for non-profit board members, Executive Directors/CEOs, or other senior staff who have prior knowledge and experience related to board diversity and inclusion and want to advance that work. Learn more: https://ow.ly/KZbg50SwfGO

"...[Ron Hantz'] own group was inspired by the Poor People’s Development Foundation, which emerged out of the Poor People’s Campaign led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hantz noted that the foundation had sought to build a national cooperative movement for Black and Indigenous people." "The National Association of Black Cooperators’ first meeting was in October 2022, when about 35 Black co-op members came together at an initial organizing meeting in Pittsburgh. The group developed the following mission: "Build a Black solidarity economy through: * Grounding ourselves in collective principles and cultural practices * Sustaining cooperative business development * Advancing political education and a policy agenda * Exchanging knowledge * Engaging in intentional community-building."" If you're building a cooperative business in #Baltimore, learn about the Black Co-op Study Circle at https://lnkd.in/equyJg9k. #NABC #workercoop #cooperatives #cooperativeeconomics #ujamaa #ujima #solidarityeconomy #economicdemocracy #democracyatwork #cooperativeeconomics #blackentrepreneurs #blackbusiness #blackenterprise #buyblack #blackbuyingpower #bankblack #racialwealthgap #blackwealth #groupeconomics #powernomics

An inauguration day (not gonna capitalize it) virtual, interactive event for women only. I took a minute after the election to catch my breath, ground myself, and figure out what I would do next. I’ve been asked “What’s next?” many times since November 5th. While I don’t have definitive answers to the political situation, I do have definitive opinions on how we can move through the next 2 years, then the 2 years after that. I ultimately decided that I was called to fight fire with fire, by gathering women together and doing what I do best: support and coach them through what's next. Together, In Community So, on Monday January 20th at 12 noon (the exact time of the inauguration), I am offering women an opportunity to gather in a safe bubble and experience community, explore what we bring to the table during this time, share with each other in breakout groups, and identify a couple of action items that we can accomplish immediately. Note that when we take those actions, we are embodying the energy we want to see in the world. This gathering benefits two of my favorite organizations: The National Bail Out of Black Mamas and Caregivers in addition to Helping Mamas: Georgia’s Diaper Bank and provider of period products to school systems, social agencies, and those in need. Here’s the link to tickets for the event: https://lnkd.in/dWp6aTAC Looking forward to seeing you on the 20th. #womenempoweringwomen #werenotgoingback #community #womenonly #ally #womenleaders #leadership #allyleadership #leadershipdevelopment #careercoach #executivecoaching #executivecoachingforwomen #womensempowerment #women #coaching 

This fall, the Career Design Lab - Columbia University School of Professional Studies and Columbia University's M.S. in Nonprofit Management program hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring several leaders in the nonprofit sector. Panelists gave their advice to students and shared their diverse career journeys—from supporting marginalized communities through arts and culture to navigating career pivots from the corporate world to mission-driven work. Learn more about the discussion. https://bit.ly/3P7GQqR