You’re the Only One Who Expects You to Be an Expert at Everything
Sometimes I read nonprofit CEO job descriptions and wonder who the board and recruiter imagine applying. The role requires expertise in fundraising, finance, human resources, strategic planning, board relations, communications, operations, program oversight, community engagement, team leadership, and crisis management. If you’re not already tired just reading this list, you might need to add event planning, technology troubleshooting, and occasionally moving tables and chairs.
Then I look at the salary range and have to shake my head. I’ve never met anyone who can excel at all of those things at once, let alone do it for that level of compensation.
Yet, many nonprofit leaders walk around believing they should.
All Purpose, watercolor by Ian Mutton
“I don’t think I belong in this job.” “I should be able to do this myself.” “I need to be better at (insert skill here) because there’s no money to hire anyone else.”
I hear statements like this in conversations all the time.
The most effective CEOs I know don't carry these expectations. They know what they're good at and lean into those strengths. They build support into their budgets. They hire people whose skills fill the gaps. They bring in consultants when specialized expertise is needed. They aren’t afraid to ask thoughtful questions. They admit when something isn't in their wheelhouse. And they're honest with their boards and funders about what they—and their organizations—need to succeed.
They don't see these choices as shortcomings. They see them as a sign of leadership. Because they know the greater good cannot be achieved if they carry everything on their shoulders alone.
Purpose-driven leadership is heavy work. You absorb setbacks, navigate uncertainty, and keep showing up because the people you serve are counting on your organization to do what it does best.
Those people benefit from far more than your technical expertise. They benefit from your humanity, your commitment, and your willingness to keep going. These are the qualities that really matter.
So, if you've been measuring yourself against an impossible standard, I hope you'll set it down for a moment. I hope you’ll recognize that you don't have to earn your worth by proving you can do it all—let alone do it all well. In honor of our nation’s celebration of its 250th year of independence, I hope you’ll give yourself a pat on the back for the courageous leadership you’ve demonstrated—leadership that has fostered independence for so many people in our communities.
As a person who has been in the CEO role and now has the privilege to support you, I also want to share my sincerest thanks for the weight you carry in pursuit of your mission, for the wisdom you've gained through experience, and for continuing to show up for hard work that matters deeply.
If now is the right time for you to invest in a confidential space to think through a challenging decision, navigate competing priorities, prepare for a board conversation, or simply step back and regain your footing, I'd be honored to serve as that thought partner. Reach out if you'd like to explore leadership advisory support designed specifically for nonprofit leaders.