This article, written by Dr Susanna Kislenko, explores the phenomenon of Founder’s Syndrome and what it can mean for an organisation.

Molly Melching (founder of Tostan) and her successor, Elena Bonometti discuss the succession process and how they both have a role to play in Tostan. We discuss this exciting journey and how they arranged matters to deliver Tostan’s incredible programmes.

In this webinar Ma. Ceilia Flores-Oebanda discusses the trauma of fighting for freedom in the Philippines, working through her experiences and emotions with the Wellbeing Project, her work to tackle human trafficking and how she has approached her transition into retirement.

She also provides fantastic insights into choosing a board and the importance of respect and setting boundaries in succession. 

Areeba Hamid, Joint Executive Director at Greenpeace UK, joined us to talk about how she and Will McCallum decided to apply for the leadership role together, and how it works in terms of practicalities and relationship management.

Rachel Harrington and Andrea Coleman, discuss key insights on succession, leadership, funding, boards and the private sector, as well as exploring the differences and similarities between family-businesses and social enterprises.

Elders of the social innovation community (experienced social entrepreneurs of any age) discuss wisdom and what it means to them. This webinar features Kathryn Hall-Trujillo (Founding Director, Birthing Project USA: The Underground Railroad for New Life), Valeria Duflot (Social Innovator – Entrepreneur, Advocate, Strategic Adviser and On-demand Leader) and Marc Freedman (President / Co-CEO, CoGenerate) and a special message from Jeroo Billimoria (Founder, One Family Foundation and Catalyst 2030 - now known as Catalyst Now).

Elders of the social innovation community (experienced social entrepreneurs of any age) discuss wisdom and what it means to them. This webinar features Mark Cheng (Founder / Managing Partner, Social Innovation Circle), Andrea Coleman (Co-founder, Riders for Health and Co-founder / CEO, Two Wheels for Life) and Wietse van der Werf (Founder / CEO, Sea Ranger Service) and a special message from Jeroo Billimoria (Founder, One Family Foundation and Catalyst 2030, now known as Catalyst Now).

An article reflecting on the key elements to consider in a founder’s emotional decision to leave an organisation. Inspired by the discussion with Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, Ruth Ibegbuna and Rupert Roniger in the webinar ‘What if my successor doesn’t work out? What can I learn?’

The Founder of a social enterprise does many things – the visionary, the fundraiser and they bring the magic. What can we pass on from our experiences and what do you need the successor to bring? Most importantly, how do you collectively maintain the culture and mission? Inspired by the song “I Can See Clearly Now” (sung by Jimmy Cliff) we reflect on all these aspects of succession planning with Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, Ruth Ibegbuna and Rupert Roniger.

In this webinar, Elaine Miller-Karas and Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda share ideas of how to navigate transition out of an organisation when difficult feelings or memories are stirred. They discuss practical tools to provide relief from stressful and traumatic symptoms and Ma. Cecilia shares her own experiences in this touching and important conversation.

Carole King’s song “You’ve got a friend” beautifully epitomises the care and support that we as social entrepreneurs need while we look at the best way to celebrate our eldership in our succession and our leadership. Dr. François Bonnici, Adriana Craciun and Tim Hanstad discuss this fascinating topic.

We hear insights from Dan Viederman (an award-winning social entrepreneur) who shares his experiences of the succession process and his learnings from being on boards across the non-profit and commercial sectors.

For a social entrepreneur, transition out of an organisation is an opportunity to reflect but it can also stir feelings that could be stressful or recall difficult memories. Elaine Miller-Karas and Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda talk about navigating this and discuss practical tools to provide relief from symptoms of trauma.

DY Suharya describes her powerful founder journey, how her organisation works with the government in Indonesia and practical insights into her succession plan.

Mark Cheng tables some ideas on how we can change the culture within the social sector - to address the unhealthy martyr complex, the lack of financial recognition for founders and how we can support social entrepreneurs to prepare for their eldership.

Facing bankruptcy or similar is a scary prospect but Attila von Unruh and Tracey Chambers provide important practical advice about what to do in preparation, and even when the crisis is imminent. This article explores some of the insights they shared.

Gary Cohen and Neelam Chhiber discuss this important question. Just some of the points covered - how social entrepreneurs come to be labelled as 'heroes'; how this affects their wellbeing; that it’s organisations, networks and movements (not lone 'heroes') that create systems change and the importance of recognising and empowering others.

As a social entrepreneur, how often do you think about money? Not funding for your organisation, but instead the impact of money on you as an individual. Mark Cheng explains that economics of personal care for a social entrepreneur can be just as important as the economics surrounding your organisation.

Monica Culen provides insights into her detailed approach to succession. Collince Dundo tells us why he believes transition and succession planning is a critical component of the sustainable impact of his young, vibrant organisation.

This article explores the insights Gary Cohen and Neelam Chhiber shared on the pressing issue of hero culture in the social impact sector.