Social Entrepreneurs Celebrating Progress & Learning from Challenges

Inspired by the webinar, There’s just so much more to do, hosted by the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs.

We’ve all felt it: that overwhelming sense of having too much to do, the endless list of tasks and goals still unachieved. This can feel particularly pronounced in the social innovation sector, where there is a constant drive to create meaningful change for the benefit of others but amid this pressure, it's essential to take a moment to recognise the journey, celebrate the successes, and learn from the failures. The webinar "There's just so much more to do" brought together three seasoned social entrepreneurs to explore the complexities of transition, leadership, and organisational growth in the realm of social impact. Taffy Adler ( , Andrea Coleman, and Gretchen Ki Steidle shared their rich experiences, each offering unique perspectives on the challenges they've faced and the strategies they've employed to overcome them.

Taffy Adler: Learning to Let Go of Overanalysis

Taffy Adler's journey through post-apartheid South Africa exemplifies the power of decisive action and consistent practice. His work in social housing and his broader view as a chair of charitable trusts has taught him that success is not about grand gestures, but rather small, daily disciplines. Adler's philosophy, encapsulated in that oft-quoted wisdom about success being a result of simple disciplines practised every day, resonates deeply with the realities of social entrepreneurship. He emphasises that non-profit doesn't mean accepting losses, stressing the importance of financial sustainability in mission-driven organisations.

Supporting African-Led Leadership

Andrea Coleman's story highlights the critical importance of local leadership in international development. Her 35-year journey in improving healthcare logistics in rural Africa has provided her with the profound understanding: initiatives work best when led by those who intimately understand the local context. Coleman's experience in navigating the challenges of aligning UK-based leadership with African needs ultimately led to the creation of separate organisations - one focused on on-the-ground work and another on advocacy and fundraising. 

For Coleman, embracing African leadership wasn’t just a moral choice; it also created more effective solutions.

This structural innovation allowed for more effective support and better outcomes. Coleman also brings attention to the often-overlooked aspect of self-care and community building among social entrepreneurs, recognising the toll that such demanding work can take.

Gretchen Ki Steidle: From Founder to Facilitator

Gretchen Ki Steidle's work with Global Grassroots offers a powerful testament to the effectiveness of ground-up approaches in social change. Starting with little knowledge but a strong desire to help, Steidle learned the invaluable lesson of letting the communities she aimed to serve guide the organisation's direction. This led to a complete transformation of Global Grassroots, shifting to African leadership at all levels, from the board to the staff. Steidle's experience underscores the importance of addressing power dynamics in international development work and truly embracing the culture of the communities being served.This shift not only empowered the women in the communities they were serving but also helped dismantle harmful power dynamics that often accompany international development projects. 

All three speakers touched on the theme of transition and succession in social enterprises, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of this work. They discussed the emotional and practical challenges of letting go, the importance of building organisational cultures that celebrate successes while learning from failures, and the ongoing desire to remain helpful and effective even as their roles evolve. This reflects a mature understanding of leadership - recognising that true success often means working oneself out of a job by empowering others to take the reins.

The webinar's title, "There's just so much more to do," captures a sentiment familiar to many in the social impact sector. It's a feeling that can both motivate and overwhelm. However, the speakers emphasised the importance of celebrating the journey and looking forward to the future. This positive outlook, reminiscent of the resilience expressed in Elton John's "I'm Still Standing," serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit required in social entrepreneurship.

The challenges faced by these social entrepreneurs are numerous and complex. Transitioning leadership from founder-led models to more diverse, locally-led structures requires intentional effort and often a complete rethinking of organisational design.Cultural adaptation is an ongoing process, requiring humility, openness to learning, and a willingness to change course based on local feedback. Balancing social impact with financial sustainability remains a perennial challenge, requiring innovative thinking and sometimes tough decisions.

Personal transitions, too, form a significant part of the social entrepreneur's journey. As organisations grow and evolve, founders must navigate their own emotional journeys of letting go and redefining their roles. Support structures like the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs, mentioned by Andrea, play a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs through these transitions.

Addressing power dynamics, particularly in international development work, emerged as a crucial theme. 

The speakers' experiences highlight the importance of consciously shifting decision-making power to local leaders and communities, recognising that sustainable change comes from within.

As these organisations scaled their impact, maintaining their vision and effectiveness presented new challenges. The entrepreneurs addressed this by creating clear organisational structures, sometimes splitting functions between different entities and continually refining their approaches based on experience.

The Conclusion: Resilience and Learning from Failure

All three speakers have had to navigate major transitions in their work, whether it’s letting go of overanalysis, stepping aside for local leadership, or learning from failure.Whether passing the baton to a new generation, or simply adapting to new circumstances, the ability to transition smoothly is crucial for long-term impact. 

The speakers also stressed the importance of celebrating success, even when it feels like there is so much more to do. In a sector that’s driven by passion and purpose, it can be hard to pause and recognise progress, but doing so is essential for long-term sustainability. Celebrating small wins can provide the momentum needed to keep going, especially when the ultimate goals are still far off. Coleman’s emphasis on wellness and community echoed this sentiment. She spoke about how the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs was created to help social entrepreneurs navigate these transitions, providing support and guidance for those facing burnout or struggling with the pressures of always needing to do more.

In conclusion, while the work of social entrepreneurs may never feel complete, there is immense value in reflecting on achievements, learning from challenges and adapting to new roles as organisations evolve. The experiences shared in this webinar underscore the importance of local leadership, cultural sensitivity, and personal resilience in creating lasting social change. They remind us that while there may always be more to do, celebrating the journey and the impact already made is crucial for sustaining the energy and passion needed for this vital work. It’s the combination of resilience, community, and learning that allows social entrepreneurs to keep moving forward.

Author: Chanelle White
Editors: Chris Underhill & Katelynne Kirk