The Succession Question: Essential Conversations Every Nonprofit CEO Needs to Have

Succession planning remains one of the most avoided conversations in the nonprofit world, yet this critical episode explores the essential questions every board member, executive coach, and nonprofit leader should be asking about leadership transition—from building internal pipelines to preparing boards for their transition role, transforming succession planning from a dreaded risk exercise into an opportunity for organizational renewal and strategic growth. We'll dive deep into both practical and emotional dimensions of leadership transition, including preserving organizational culture while embracing change, creating realistic timelines, and addressing the legacy questions that keep CEOs up at night. Whether you're a CEO considering transition, a board member knowing this conversation is overdue, or a consultant guiding organizations through change, this episode provides a roadmap with actionable questions and strategies for moving from emergency succession planning to proactive leadership development—a game-changing discussion that could determine your nonprofit's future sustainability and impact.