Podcast Summary: What the Fundraising Episode 249 – "The Cost of Disconnection: Reclaiming Your Leadership Values" with Kathy Archer

Introduction

In Episode 249 of What the Fundraising, host Mallory Erickson engages in a profound conversation with Kathy Archer, a renowned leadership development coach specializing in empowering women leaders within the nonprofit sector. The episode delves into the intricacies of authentic leadership, the importance of alignment between values and actions, and the emotional challenges leaders face when striving to lead authentically.

Guest Introduction: Kathy Archer

Kathy Archer reintroduces herself as a leadership development coach dedicated to assisting women in nonprofits who feel overwhelmed, self-doubting, and burdened by the weight of leadership responsibilities. She emphasizes the lack of leadership training tailored to the nonprofit sector, pointing out that many women ascend to leadership roles without adequate preparation, often relying on outdated, masculine models of leadership.

Notable Quote:

“We move up the ranks from frontline into leadership without the leadership training. But part of it is also that we've not been taught how to lead from our feminine nature...” ([02:28])

Authentic Leadership: Key Components

Kathy outlines the foundational elements of becoming an authentic leader. She underscores the necessity of self-discovery—identifying one's strengths, gifts, values, and how these elements inform decision-making within mission-driven work. Authentic leadership, she explains, begins with a deep understanding of oneself, free from societal conformity.

Notable Quote:

“Figuring out what are your strengths, your gifts, your talents, what do you value and what do those values mean to you?” ([03:48])

Recognizing Misalignment and Integrity Issues

A significant portion of the discussion centers on recognizing when one's actions are out of alignment with personal values and the consequences of such dissonance. Kathy shares her personal experience of being perceived as lacking integrity despite meeting professional targets, highlighting how superficial success can mask deeper integrity issues.

Notable Quote:

“So my list and what I was living were not aligned.” ([07:24])

She emphasizes that integrity isn't just about doing the right things externally but also about ensuring that one's actions are consistent with their stated values and commitments.

The Role of Emotions in Leadership Alignment

Kathy discusses the critical role emotions play in identifying and addressing misalignment in leadership. She differentiates between discomfort that arises from pushing towards better alignment and discomfort stemming from incongruence with one's true self. Kathy advocates for embracing and processing these emotions through self-reflection rather than suppressing them.

Notable Quote:

“Self reflection is the key to character development. You have to do the self reflective work to figure out what that is in the pit of your stomach.” ([09:28])

Navigating Discomfort and Continuous Self-Reflection

Mallory and Kathy explore the nuances of discomfort in leadership roles, distinguishing between productive discomfort that signals growth and unproductive discomfort that indicates misalignment. Kathy introduces the "infinite leadership loop," a tool for continuous self-reflection and adjustment, ensuring leaders remain aligned with their values over time.

Notable Quote:

“It's the willingness to develop that growth mindset that's key.” ([10:58])

Balancing Self-Acceptance with Growth

The conversation shifts to balancing self-acceptance with the pursuit of growth. Kathy acknowledges that while some personal traits may be inherent and unchangeable, leaders can work to mitigate their negative impacts and focus on leveraging their strengths. This balance fosters self-love and acceptance, essential for authentic leadership.

Notable Quote:

“It's a journey that we have to create space for. And it's a journey, not like a one and done.” ([15:28])

Handling External Expectations and Reinforcement

Kathy provides strategies for leaders whose authentic leadership styles may conflict with external expectations, such as those from boards or organizational cultures favoring traditional, masculine leadership traits. She advises approaching such conflicts with delicacy, compassion, and grace, emphasizing the importance of gradual change and the potential need to relocate if alignment remains impossible.

Notable Quote:

“Delicately, slowly, compassionately, with grace.” ([21:37])

Practical Tools for Leaders

Throughout the episode, Kathy shares practical tools and strategies for leaders to maintain alignment and authenticity. She recommends setting short-term, evolving goals focused on character development, conducting regular self-reflections, and creating personalized curricula to address specific growth areas. These approaches help leaders stay committed to their authentic selves while navigating the complexities of their roles.

Notable Quote:

“The more intentionally and the more consciously you do that, the less you're going to be five or ten years down the road really hating your job.” ([21:37])

Conclusion and Resources

The episode concludes with Kathy sharing where listeners can find her work, including her book Character Driven Leadership for Women and her online resources. Mallory expresses gratitude for Kathy's insights and emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership in the nonprofit sector.

Final Thoughts

This episode of What the Fundraising offers invaluable insights into the journey of authentic leadership. Kathy Archer's expertise provides nonprofit leaders with the tools and mindset needed to align their actions with their values, navigate emotional challenges, and foster a leadership style that is both effective and true to themselves. For leaders seeking to enhance their authentic leadership capabilities and create more resilient, value-driven organizations, this episode serves as both inspiration and a practical guide.

Additional Resources

• Kathy Archer's Website: kathyarcher.com – Access her book, Character Driven Leadership for Women, and other resources.
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @kathy.d.archer
  • LinkedIn: Kathy D. Archer
• Podcast Show Notes: Visit MalloryErickson.com/Podcast for full transcripts, quotes, videos, and additional resources from the episode.