Micro-Series Pt3: How To Start Fixing Your Design Deficits
Thu Feb 05 2026
Every February, I see the same thing: high-performing nonprofit leaders suddenly feeling like everything is falling apart. After the December push and the excitement of new-year, reality hits — and it hits hard.
In this micro-series of the Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, I talk about what’s really behind that collapse.
Spoiler: it’s not your fault — and you didn’t plan wrong. What you’re experiencing is the breaking point of unsustainable systems, not a leadership failure.
I unpack the concept of the “design deficit” — the hidden lack of infrastructure that becomes painfully clear when the adrenaline fades. And I walk you through exactly how to rebuild: with systems, structure, and sustainable leadership practices.
If you’ve ever felt like your team is slipping before the year even gets going, this one's for you.
What You’ll Learn
Why chaos and burnout are a systems issue — not a personal failingThe hidden psychological trap of “cognitive simplification”How to transition from hustle to sustainable infrastructureA step-by-step: how to step off the tightropeWant to work together?
Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Mastermind, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations with $1M+ budgets that are ready to design for impact sustained at scale.
Budget under $1M? Join Elevate and get proven step-by-step playbooks + coaching support to build each of the core elements of your nonprofit's operating system - strategic clarity, a fundraising engine, a high-performance team, and an active and engaged board!
Connect with me!
LinkedIn Instagram YouTube
More
Every February, I see the same thing: high-performing nonprofit leaders suddenly feeling like everything is falling apart. After the December push and the excitement of new-year, reality hits — and it hits hard. In this micro-series of the Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast, I talk about what’s really behind that collapse. Spoiler: it’s not your fault — and you didn’t plan wrong. What you’re experiencing is the breaking point of unsustainable systems, not a leadership failure. I unpack the concept of the “design deficit” — the hidden lack of infrastructure that becomes painfully clear when the adrenaline fades. And I walk you through exactly how to rebuild: with systems, structure, and sustainable leadership practices. If you’ve ever felt like your team is slipping before the year even gets going, this one's for you. What You’ll Learn Why chaos and burnout are a systems issue — not a personal failingThe hidden psychological trap of “cognitive simplification”How to transition from hustle to sustainable infrastructureA step-by-step: how to step off the tightropeWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Mastermind, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations with $1M+ budgets that are ready to design for impact sustained at scale. Budget under $1M? Join Elevate and get proven step-by-step playbooks + coaching support to build each of the core elements of your nonprofit's operating system - strategic clarity, a fundraising engine, a high-performance team, and an active and engaged board! Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube