Serious work, playfully done.
I’ve spent the last 35 plus years helping to found and lead social enterprises. I’ve come to see the power of a strong culture in building organizations that achieve great things, and the importance of trust and strong systems to weather significant challenges. Throughout my career I've witnessed the transformative nature of making a difference and the power of play in bringing out the best in people. Through writing, teaching and advising, I'm excited to support others for creating the conditions that enable these things to happen. I'm a serial social entrepreneur turned advisor. Over thirty-five years I founded, led and exited (with a notable lack of drama and an abundance of love and care!) three nonprofits, including Playworks, which we grew to a $40M national organization. Now I help other mission-driven leaders and boards navigate the challenging moments: founder transitions, interim leadership, and the strange, underexamined job of being a board chair.
Current Work
Workswell Design. Through Workswell, I advise organizations on governance, executive transitions, and leadership development, currently including work with Operation Outbreak on nonprofit leadership and growth, and serving for a stint as the interim Academic Director at Stanford's d.school.
The Chair Project. Board chairs hold enormous responsibility with almost no support, training, or company. The Chair Project is endeavoring to change that. Our Second Seating is underway in partnership with Camp Fire and its affiliates, and we're welcoming new chairs on a rolling basis. If you're a chair (or about to become one) and want a thinking partner for the role, please reach out!
Writing. I'm the author of three books and I publish Workswell Notes, an occasional dispatch on governance, leadership, and why play belongs in serious work. [Subscribe here.]
The Chair Project. Board chairs hold enormous responsibility with almost no support, training, or company. The Chair Project is endeavoring to change that. Our Second Seating is underway in partnership with Camp Fire and its affiliates, and we're welcoming new chairs on a rolling basis. If you're a chair (or about to become one) and want a thinking partner for the role, please reach out!
Writing. I'm the author of three books and I publish Workswell Notes, an occasional dispatch on governance, leadership, and why play belongs in serious work. [Subscribe here.]