Leading with Resilience in Times of Uncertainty

Recently, my family spent a few days in Berlin. While we were there we stayed in a historic building that had a pretty unique claim to fame - it was the only building left standing on its street after all the bombings during World War II. It got me thinking, what does it take to remain standing during times of chaos and hardship?

A section of the wall that remains in Berlin as a reminder of the division that once existed. 

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing where to focus when the path ahead feels unclear. The past few weeks have been a stark reminder of the challenges we face, but they’ve also underscored the principles that guide effective leadership in turbulent times.

First, prioritize connection. Building strong relationships—whether with your team, your community, or your donors—creates the foundation for impactful work. As leaders, we need to invest in spaces where people feel valued, heard, and supported.

Second, embrace rest as a strategic necessity. Burnout undermines the very missions we aim to serve. Just as the military prioritizes R&R for its soldiers, social organizations must prioritize rest to sustain their teams and their work. A rested leader is a resilient leader.

Finally, hold onto hope. While the challenges before us are daunting, there is immense beauty and goodness in the world—and in the people committed to making it better. Seek out those doing restorative work, align with them, and let their stories inspire you. Leadership is about fighting for what is good and right, even when it feels like an uphill battle.

These are the truths grounding me right now. What lessons have you learned during these times? How are you leading your team, your organization, and your community toward a brighter future?

Here’s my challenge to you: let’s share our insights and strengthen one another. Whether it’s through peer networks, one-on-one conversations, or even social media, now is the time for our collective wisdom to light the way forward. Together, we can create the change we want to see.