A woman I spoke with recently said something heartbreaking:
“Lucy, this sounds like exactly what I need, but it feels selfish to spend money on myself when my organization needs so much.”
I understand this feeling deeply. As nonprofit leaders, we’re wired to put our missions first, our teams second, and ourselves… somewhere down the list.
As women? The list can look the same: family first, friends second, community next, and so on.
Is your cup empty?
You know intellectually you can’t pour from an empty cup. But the combination of external pressures and internal voices to keep putting everyone else first can drown out what you know.
Just consider what that stress is already costing you:
- Muddled decision-making that affects your entire organization
- Strained relationships with your board, your team, your family
- Health issues that will only get worse without intervention
- Missed opportunities because you’re too overwhelmed to see them
- That constant feeling that you’re not bringing your best self to work that matters
And here’s what it’s costing your organization:
- A leader who’s running on fumes
- Decisions made from stress instead of clarity
- A culture that mirrors your burnout
- The very real possibility that you’ll leave the sector entirely
The least selfish thing you can do for your mission is to show up as the calm, confident, clear-headed leader your organization deserves.
When you invest in yourself, everyone benefits.
Sustainable leadership
Imagine walking into work energized, knowing you’ll tackle challenges with clarity—not confusion. Imagine ending your day on time, guilt-free, with energy left for the people you love.
This is sustainable leadership, not selfishness.
The Calm Confident Nonprofit Leader program gives you the framework, tools, and support to make this shift in just 7 weeks.
You deserve to feel:
- Self-confidence so you don’t constantly second-guess yourself
- Equanimity in the face of multiple pressures
- Balance so you can enjoy your work and your home life
- Courage to step into your authority and wisdom
- Joy to keep your passion for your mission alive
These are the results of effective executive coaching for women nonprofit leaders who know that sustaining their organizations means sustaining their leadership.
You’re not just investing in yourself—you’re investing in your organization’s future.
Registration closes February 27. We start March 2.
P.S. If you’re still wrestling with this question, connect with me and let’s talk about it.