HBR On Leadership: How Nonprofits Can Navigate Uncertainty

Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Adi Ignatius
Guest: Yanti Sirypto, President and CEO of Save the Children US

Introduction to Save the Children US

In this episode of HBR On Leadership, Adi Ignatius welcomes Yanti Sirypto, the President and CEO of Save the Children US. Save the Children is a global organization with 24,000 staff members operating in 115 countries, focused on providing health, education, protection, emergency response, and advocacy services.

Evolving Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector

[03:05] Yanti Sirypto:
"We were founded in 1919. I think it's always good to keep in mind this great quote from Max Rosen, which essentially says, the world is awful. The world is so much better, and the world could still be so much better."

Yanti discusses the escalating challenges nonprofits face, from increasing conflicts and pandemics to climate-related disasters. Despite these hurdles, she emphasizes the significant progress made over the past decades, such as the reduction in under-five mortality rates and poverty levels worldwide.

Adaptability and Agility in Crisis Response

[04:38] Yanti Sirypto:
"If you're around for 105 years, you take some comfort and confidence from that because you have weathered really storms before."

Yanti highlights Save the Children's resilience, citing over a century of experience in navigating crises from world wars to natural disasters. She underscores the importance of avoiding complacency by fostering an agile culture capable of rapid response and innovation, essential for operating in volatile environments.

Building Resilient Supply Chains

[06:33] Yanti Sirypto:
"We now have a supply chain that can hold its own against large, fast-moving consumer goods companies."

Drawing parallels with the private sector, Yanti explains how Save the Children has enhanced its supply chain infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted delivery of aid, even in regions plagued by instability. This includes advanced warehouse management systems and innovative procurement processes that maintain operational efficiency under pressure.

Impact of Declining Foreign Aid Funding

[08:23] Yanti Sirypto:
"The impacts even today are disastrous... children can die. We need consistency and commitment in investing in that."

Yanti addresses the severe repercussions of reduced foreign aid, particularly from the US government, which accounts for 30% of Save the Children's global spending. She articulates the urgent need for sustained investment to prevent child mortality from preventable causes and stresses the economic and humanitarian benefits of such commitments.

Strategic Planning Amid Political Uncertainty

[10:36] Yanti Sirypto:
"You always have to keep your knees bent... stick to your mission."

In response to fluctuating political landscapes, Yanti advises maintaining flexibility in strategic planning while unwaveringly adhering to the organization's core mission. This approach allows Save the Children to prioritize controllable factors and adapt strategies as circumstances evolve.

Maintaining Team Morale in Continuous Crises

[12:35] Yanti Sirypto:
"Humanitarians tend to be quite calm in the face of crises... our mission to make sure all children have rights."

Addressing concerns about team burnout, Yanti emphasizes the inherent resilience of humanitarian workers. She attributes high morale to the clear mission of safeguarding children's rights and the fulfillment derived from witnessing both the struggles and the resilience of the communities they serve.

Metrics and KPIs in the Nonprofit Sector

[14:05] Yanti Sirypto:
"We report KPIs every month. Some are operational, and others measure outcomes for children."

Yanti outlines how Save the Children incorporates Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor both operational efficiency and the tangible outcomes of their programs. This dual focus ensures accountability and continuous improvement in delivering impactful services to children globally.

Learning from the Private Sector

[16:17] Yanti Sirypto:
"The private sector does better in leadership development and talent mobility, which this sector can learn from."

Yanti identifies areas where nonprofits can adopt best practices from the private sector, such as leadership development and maintaining a singular focus on strategic goals. She advocates for simplification and enhanced focus to improve organizational effectiveness and reduce unnecessary complexities.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

[26:11] Yanti Sirypto:
"There is a lot of innate knowledge residing in people... we try to drive home essential learning and knowledge management."

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Yanti explains how Save the Children fosters a networked organizational culture that promotes knowledge sharing and best practice adoption. This approach ensures consistency in program delivery while allowing for regional adaptations based on local needs.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

[28:54] Yanti Sirypto:
"Talent attraction and development require explicit learning and development for those coming from different industries."

Yanti discusses strategies for attracting top talent from the private sector, including open recruitment practices and comprehensive onboarding programs. She stresses the importance of mentorship and continuous learning to integrate diverse professionals into the nonprofit environment effectively.

Balancing Data and Instinct in Decision-Making

[20:06] Yanti Sirypto:
"We operate on imperfect information... sometimes you have to make a call."

When navigating crises, Yanti explains the delicate balance between data-driven decisions and instinctual responses. Save the Children utilizes robust data analytics alongside experienced judgment to make informed choices, especially when operating with incomplete information.

Private Sector's Role in Sustaining Nonprofit Funding

[22:15] Yanti Sirypto:
"There is enough private wealth in the world to make up for what is taken out in terms of government funding."

Yanti is optimistic about the potential of private donations and corporate partnerships to offset declines in government aid. She believes that with compelling storytelling and effective advocacy, the nonprofit sector can mobilize sufficient private resources to continue essential services.

Closing Thoughts

Throughout the conversation, Yanti Sirypto provides valuable insights into leadership within the nonprofit sector, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and strategic focus. Her expertise underscores the importance of maintaining mission clarity while leveraging both data and human intuition to navigate an increasingly uncertain global landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Yanti Sirypto [03:05]: "The world is awful. The world is so much better, and the world could still be so much better."
• Yanti Sirypto [06:33]: "We now have a supply chain that can hold its own against large, fast-moving consumer goods companies."
• Yanti Sirypto [08:23]: "The impacts even today are disastrous... children can die. We need consistency and commitment in investing in that."
• Yanti Sirypto [14:05]: "We report KPIs every month. Some are operational, and others measure outcomes for children."

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the leadership strategies essential for nonprofits to thrive amidst uncertainty. Yanti Sirypto's experiences offer a blueprint for resilience and effective management, making this a must-listen for leaders in philanthropy, business, and beyond.