If you’re feeling tired, stretched, or wondering how to keep going in your leadership role—you’re not alone. And you’re not failing.
The latest research backs up what many of us already know: nonprofit leadership is tough, and the way through isn’t to just push harder. It’s to work smarter, more strategically, and with more support.
Here’s what the latest research says will help you lead well—and stay well.
🧠 Burnout is climbing—but it’s not inevitable Nonprofit leaders are burning out at record levels. New research from Nonprofit Quarterly and Stanford Social Innovation Review points to blurred work-life boundaries, pressure from funders, and constant crisis mode.
💡 What helps: Leadership coaching, peer support, and trauma-informed approaches to leadership are proven to reduce stress and increase sustainability.
🎯 Strategic focus is the secret to long-term impact McKinsey.org’s research shows that NGOs who stick to their mission, plan consistently, and avoid chasing every funding opportunity are more financially and operationally sustainable.
💡 What helps: Clear planning, saying no to mission drift, and building confidence in your leadership decisions.
🌊 Boards need to adapt, not just comply Boards that focus only on compliance are falling behind. New insights from Aotearoa Centre for Leadership and Governance and Centre for Social Impact New Zealand show that adaptive governance—especially when grounded in tikanga Māori and strong Chair-CEO relationships—is key to thriving organisations.
💡 What helps: Intentional board development, clear roles, and values-based leadership.
🗣 Leadership from lived experience creates better outcomes Refugee background and migrant leaders are changing the face of community leadership. Research from Oxford and Victoria University of Wellington shows that culturally responsive coaching and participatory models build stronger, more trusted organisations.
💡 What helps: One-on-one coaching, safe spaces to build confidence, and acknowledging lived experience as expertise.
👥 Coaching works—and it’s more than a ‘nice to have’ According to the International Coaching Federation Global Coaching Study, nonprofit leaders who work with a coach report greater confidence, less burnout, and better team culture. Coaching is emerging as a key tool for building capacity across the sector.
💡 What helps: Regular coaching, peer mentoring, and a safe space to reflect, grow and lead with intention.
✨ So what does this mean for you? This research confirms what I see every day: when nonprofit leaders get the right support, they lead with more clarity, confidence, and care.
Whether you’re leading a small charity, managing a social enterprise, or chairing a board—you deserve support too.
👉 Ready to build sustainability into your leadership? Let’s talk. 📅 DM me about a free 30-minute Leadership Insight Session.