Join me on a twisting road that leads to surprising
changes
A small hand-painted image of a road curving beyond a patch of trees sits on my desk. I can’t see beyond the curve what’s coming or next. I can’t see the road ahead.
There is surely something around the curve—opportunities, interesting people, and ideas. It’s time for something new, a change. It’s what’s next for me. Change is always on our road ahead.
Approaching the Curve
There’s something about a road winding into the unknown. I have questions, my constant companions, questions that beg for answers.
Approaching the curve can be terrifying and exhilarating. What is just ahead is always hidden. Life—and leadership—so often feel like the approaching curve. Plan, strategize, and then … a forced turn. We must adapt. Change is forced on us.
Embracing Change
“Change is the law of life, ”as John F. Kennedy once said, “and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
And that’s where I am today. After four decades as a nonprofit executive and the leader of several family foundations, I find myself looking ahead to the curve in the road.
Now, I’m focusing on coaching and consulting—helping individuals, families, and organizations confidently navigate change. Despite the curves, the work remains the same as do the tools of navigation: adaptability, clarity, and purpose. All are essential to thriving in uncertain times.
Navigating the Road
Change is the constant in every job I’ve had. Organizations evolve, funding landscapes shift, and leadership transitions bring challenges and opportunities.
My work now is about helping others embrace and lead through those changes with confidence.
Some say that now is the most uncertain time for nonprofit organizations. However, after years in the nonprofit sector and philanthropy world, I am sure that no matter how surprised we are, nonprofit organizations and philanthropists will prevail.
Transforming to Face Challenges
The spirit of transformation always rises from change. And change is always at the heart of nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. Winston Churchill said it well: “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”
I’ve seen firsthand how organizations succeed when they embrace evolution rather than resist it. Change is inevitable and necessary, whether funding priorities shift, leadership transitions, or impact is redefined.
So, how can we make sense of change? In the same way I did over the last year or so—plunge right in. I was taught that swimming alone is never safe, so I invite you to change with me.
Looking Ahead
I am focused on equipping leaders and philanthropists with the tools to navigate uncertainty, lead with vision, and find opportunity in transition. That’s the mission of my new organization: Dawn Franks Strategic Solutions.
In the coming months, I’ll share insights drawn from experience, nonprofit leadership and philanthropy trends, and strategies for navigating change. Whether you’re a long-time reader or just joining the conversation, I look forward to exploring this exciting road of transformation.
As Richard Branson reminds us, “Every success story is a tale of constant adaptation, revision, and change.” Let’s see what’s around the next curve—together.
To my long-time readers – welcome back! And if you’re new here, I look forward to learning and growing together.
Let’s explore what’s around the curve on The Road Ahead.
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