Meeting the Leadership Moment
By Jennifer Epps-Addison, Founder, Synergy Power Consulting
Over the last two years, Navigating Change largely existed programmatically, hosting conversations with CEG grantee peers or at times, bringing in specialized consultants. Jennifer Epps-Addison was a CEG grantee peer and is now Founder and Chief Imagineer at Synergy Power Consulting. As a Content Fellow, she has developed her own podcast series. In each of these three episodes, Epps-Addison speaks to multiple movement leaders from different organizations to continue the conversation around the theme of leadership.
Leadership Transitions & Transformation
Hosted by Jennifer Epps-Addison
With Guests: Betsy Lin-Beelinning Strategies, Justin Myers-Uplift Strategies & Blue Leadership Collaborative, and Sarah Audelo-Open Society Foundation
In the first episode of her Navigating Change podcast, host Jennifer Epps-Addison explores the pivotal moments of change leaders face within the social change ecosystem. Joined by a panel of seasoned experts, including Betsy Lin of Beelinning Strategies, Justin Myers from Uplift Strategies and Blue Leadership Collaborative, and Sarah Audelo of the Open Society Foundation, the conversation delves deep into the intricacies of navigating leadership shifts. From personal anecdotes of growth and adaptation to practical advice for incoming leaders, the episode illuminates the challenges and opportunities of leadership transitions. The panelists discuss the importance of succession planning, the impact of transitions on organizational culture, and the role of funders in supporting a smooth transition. Through this rich dialogue, listeners gain insights into how leaders can leverage transitions as opportunities for transformation, ensuring their organizations thrive in times of change. Whether you're a current leader contemplating a transition or an aspiring leader preparing for your moment, this episode offers valuable lessons on steering organizations toward a brighter, more adaptive future.
Meeting the Leadership Moment
Hosted by Jennifer Epps-Addison
With Guests: Karundi Williams-Re:Power, Anathea Chino-Advancing Native Leadership, and Chris Melody Fields Figueredo-The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.
In the second episode of her Navigating Change podcast, host Jennifer Epps-Addison orchestrates a powerful and intimate conversation with trailblazing leaders Karundi Williams, the Executive Director of Re:Power, Anathea Chino, the Executive Director of Advance Native Political Leadership, and Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, the Executive Director of The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center. These women share their experiences and strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership in a world grappling with unprecedented challenges. From the global pandemic to social justice uprisings, climate crises, and beyond, they delve into the importance of leading with vulnerability, grace, and a steadfast commitment to their communities. This episode explores how leaders maintain their organizations' focus amidst the chaos, offering insights into the balancing act of caring for their teams while pushing forward transformative agendas. They also discuss the critical role of self-care and community support in sustaining leadership and preventing burnout. Join us as we uncover the resilience, power, innovation, and joy that define leadership in times of profound change and challenge. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art and soul of leading with integrity, courage, and vision.
Leading and Building After Crisis
Hosted by Jennifer Epps-Addison
With Guests: Maya Neal-Wisconsin Civic Power Table, Markasa Tucker-Harris-African American Roundtable (AART), and Angela Lang-Black Leaders Organizing Communities (BLOC)
In the final episode of her Navigating Change podcast series, host Jennifer Epps-Addison facilitates an enriching dialogue with Maya Neal, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Civic Power Table, Markasa Tucker-Harris, the Executive Director of the African American Roundtable (AART), and Angela Lang, the Executive Director of Black Leaders Organizing Communities (BLOC). These exceptional women share their journey of founding and steering organizations through crises toward remarkable growth and impact. From the unique challenges each faced, to the resilience and innovation they harnessed, this episode explores the depths of crisis management and the rebirth of organizations under visionary leadership.
Our guests dive into the origins of their organizations, reflecting on their missions and the values that have anchored them through turbulent times. The conversation spans topics from unexpected hurdles and personal resilience to rebuilding trust and redefining leadership in the wake of organizational crises. Listeners will glean insights into the complexity of navigating distrust not born of their actions but inherited from past harms and the strategies employed to heal wounds to forge ahead. This episode also delves into the aftermath of a crisis, discussing the balance between stability and innovation while offering advice for emerging leaders facing storms.
Join us for "Building and Leading After Crisis" as we explore leaders' compelling stories of navigating change, rebuilding after setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, organizational development, and the transformative power of resilience and vision in times of crisis.
To watch the all the videos in the podcast series, please visit the YouTube channel Synergy Power Consulting.
Return to the main page to see more highlights from “Navigating Change: Toward Equitable, Democratic Organizations,” a series on bridging generations, expanding leadership, and envisioning the future by ten Content Fellows.