How to Handle Founder’s Syndrome with Grace

Author: Marian Urquilla
Publisher: Nonprofit Quarterly
Resource Type: Article/ blog
Principle: Normalize Succession Planning

This Nonprofit Quarterly piece offers practical guidance for nonprofit boards and leaders navigating the complex dynamics of founder’s syndrome. Drawing on real questions from nonprofit leaders, the article outlines ways to address leadership attachment and advance succession planning with empathy, honesty, and structural clarity.

Boards/ nonprofits can use this resource to:

• Understand how to communicate change without triggering defensiveness.
  • Frame transition conversations around organizational health and stewardship.
  • Support strategic evolution while honoring legacy leadership.