The GatenbySanderson Not for Profit practice recently hosted an exclusive session on “Leading Transformation”, bringing together senior leaders from across the not-for-profit sector.
The event explored how leadership behaviours and relationship dynamics can drive success, or risk failure, during times of disruption. Using behavioural data from hundreds of leaders, the discussion uncovered practical insights for building trust, empowering teams, and aligning strategically while staying focused on real-world impact.
Key Themes from the Evening:
- Leading Through Uncertainty
Leaders must balance innovation with risk. Data from over 500 not-for-profit leaders shows strong curiosity and agility, but challenges remain in managing financial trade-offs and risk during transformation. - Building Resilient, Values-Driven Cultures
Futureproofing talent and fostering diversity emerged as top strengths. However, balancing “social heart and rational head” continues to be a critical gap. - Navigating Complex Stakeholder Relationships
Collaboration and trust-building were highlighted as essential for sustainable change.
Panel Highlights
The evening featured powerful insights from sector leaders:
“The way you build a community of colleagues and the trust patterns that exist are utterly critical to the success of transformation.”
Keith Valentine, CEO, Fight for Sight
“We are in an emergency and need to lead as if we’re in an emergency, that means disrupt positively.”
James Wallace, CEO, River Action UK
“Sometimes leaning into the shadow side, being bold, even mischievous, gets people to sit up and take notice.”
Natalie Campbell MBE MIH, CEO, Belu Water
Chancellor of University of Westminster and Chair of Trussell Trust
“Charities must embrace commercial discipline without losing sight of their values.”
Sander Kristel, COO, PDSA
Data-Driven Insights
Marie Blakesley shared findings from GatenbySanderson’s leadership profiling:
Top Strengths: Futureproofing talent, curiosity and agility, relationship-building.
Key Risks: Balancing social heart with commercial head; managing innovation vs. risk.
Actionable Takeaways
- Invest in commercial acumen alongside mission-driven leadership.
- Foster shared endeavour and collaboration across sectors.
- Embrace adaptive behaviours to navigate uncertainty.
Thank you to our incredible panel and attendees for sparking fresh thinking on leadership in times of disruption.
For more insights, explore GatenbySanderson’s leadership resources.