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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Rebecca Eastmond, who has experience as a a founder, a funder and a board member, provides valuable advice on how and when to talk to a funder about succession, she gives examples of how it can be done well and examples of what to avoid and she answers questions from the audience.

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

Dr. Susanna Kislenko (Director, The Founder Leadership Research Lab at the University of Oxford and Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University) shares her groundbreaking research on Founder’s Syndrome.

A rarely discussed topic in the social innovation sector, Rebecca Eastmond gives her insights on how to fund the succession challenge.

Rebecca Eastmond provides advice on talking to a funder about succession, giving examples of what to do and what to avoid.

Webinar: 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.

Dr. Susanna Kislenko (Director, The Founder Leadership Research Lab at the University of Oxford and Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University) shares her groundbreaking research on Founder’s Syndrome to help us understand it and avoid it.