The better you understand where your donors sit on this continuum, the better you’ll serve them and engage them in the work of your organization.. And if you use the same logic when considering innovation, you might ask yourself how well you are engaging your staff, leadership and teams before you ask them to invest in a project.

Let’s be honest: running your own venture can often feel isolating. I’ve been there. Transitioning from a high-tech performance company to working independently is a dream come true for me, aligning perfectly with my values of kindness, authenticity, and human connection. But the unexpected loneliness of solopreneurship hits hard – I have found myself yearning for the feedback and camaraderie that was once a staple in my structured work environments. To tackle this, I took deliberate steps to build a diverse personal advisory board. This group of experts in finance, branding, and personal development have become my personal board of directors, offering candid, honest feedback and fresh perspectives that have been transformative. Creating this support system wasn’t easy, but it has been crucial to my growth and success. Surround yourself with people who not only understand you but champion your values, and you’ll find the connection and support necessary to thrive, both personally and professionally.