Solving the ‘Founder’s Syndrome’ Problem in Nonprofits

When a founder plays a significant role in building and running a nonprofit, it’s easy for people to think that the founder “is” the nonprofit.

They often have an out-sized influence on the board, the staff and even donors. When that happens, it makes the transition to new leadership very hard, when they do decide to step down.

Darcella Craven of VetBiz joins me for this episode to talk about the warning signs for when a founder is “too important” to a nonprofit and how to handle the transition when you’re taking over for the founder of an organization.

Darcella is the President of VetBiz and replaced a founder when moving into her role 17 years ago. Now she helps counsel nonprofit leaders on how to make their transition successful. In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Darcella’s 3 tips when taking over for a founder (4:05)
• The first things to do when moving into the leadership role (14:00)
• Why you MUST have uncomfortable conversations with your board members. (19:20)
• What is “Founder’s Syndrome” and the key words that let you know if you have it. (23:35)
• The 3 signs that it’s time for a founder to step away from their leadership role (28:20)

Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe for new episodes every week!

For more nonprofit accounting resources check out www.thecharitycfo.com

For more information on Darcella and the good work she and her team do, go to https://vetbiz.com/ or follow VetBiz on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn!

For more nonprofit accounting resources check out www.thecharitycfo.com