The Nonprofit Show
The Nonprofit Show is the nation’s daily broadcast for the business side of nonprofits — bringing you practical insights, expert interviews, and real-world strategies to help your organization run smarter, lead stronger, and fund better.
Each weekday, our co-hosts and guests break down the most current topics in fundraising, board governance, leadership, staffing, technology, communications, and financial strategy — giving nonprofit professionals the tools they need to build sustainable, high-performing organizations.
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The Nonprofit Show
Everybody Leaves! Why Most Nonprofits Are Unprepared
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Nonprofit succession planning strategy isn’t just a governance exercise—it’s a core risk management function that directly impacts mission delivery. Joan Brown (Third Sector Company) and Erick Seelbach break down how nonprofits can proactively prepare for leadership transitions without creating fear or disruption.
Too often, succession planning is treated as a reactive process—something triggered by a resignation or crisis. But as Joan explains, “A succession plan is a set of shared understandings and activities…that ensures we have the right people in the right places to deliver on our mission.” When embedded into organizational culture, succession planning becomes a stabilizing force—not a threatening one.
This important convo draws a clear distinction between succession planning and transition planning—two concepts frequently confused but critically different. Succession planning focuses on long-term leadership continuity across the organization, while transition planning addresses the tactical steps when a specific role changes hands.
The reality is sobering: fewer than 35% of nonprofits have a formal succession plan, and only 13% have plans for board leadership. At the same time, 86% of executive directors report they would leave for better professional development opportunities. That combination creates significant organizational vulnerability.
Erick emphasizes the importance of shifting mindset: “We make better decisions when we’re not in the emotional response to a crisis.” By integrating succession planning into performance reviews, strategic planning, and talent development, nonprofits can reduce risk while strengthening retention.
Key takeaways include:
Why succession planning should be position-based, not person-based
How to build an emergency leadership plan immediately
The role of professional development in retaining top talent
How to align succession planning with strategic goals
This is not about replacing people—it’s about protecting your mission!
00:00:00 Introduction to Succession Planning
00:02:00 What Is a Nonprofit Succession Plan?
00:03:15 Should Succession Planning Be Transparent?
00:04:40 Position-Based vs Person-Based Planning
00:06:00 Overcoming Fear in Leadership Planning
00:07:00 Succession Planning as Risk Management
00:09:10 Succession vs Transition Planning Explained
00:10:30 Building Transition Plans for Every Role
00:12:00 Connecting Talent Development to Succession
00:14:00 Why Leaders Leave: The Professional Development Gap
00:16:00 What Goes Inside a Succession Plan
00:20:00 How to Start Without Overwhelming Your Team
00:24:00 Emergency Planning and Interim Leadership
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