Strategic Advising

We provide trusted strategic advising and coaching to help nonprofit leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area think through difficult situations, clarify priorities, navigate change, and move forward with greater confidence and effectiveness.

Our strategic advising and coaching supports nonprofit executive directors and CEOs as they:

• Clarify organizational purpose, priorities, and direction

• Think through complex decisions and organizational challenges

• Navigate change, uncertainty, and competing priorities

• Strengthen organizational culture and leadership

• Balance competing personal and professional demands

• Prepare for and navigate challenging conversations

• Expand their leadership capacity and effectiveness

• Work through complex negotiations and find paths forward that advance their organization’s mission while maintaining and strengthening important relationships

Negotiation Support for Nonprofit Leaders

Nonprofit leaders negotiate all the time — with funders, partners, employees, boards, vendors, collaborators, and other stakeholders. We help leaders prepare for and navigate important negotiations, from clarifying goals and understanding the interests of others to developing strategy, considering options, and preparing for difficult conversations.

Our approach recognizes that nonprofit negotiations involve much more than reaching an agreement. You’ll want to consider your relationships and power dynamics, as well as your mission, values, and purpose. The broader interests of the communities you serve, your partners, and movement allies are also important factors. We help leaders approach negotiations thoughtfully, ethically, and strategically, so they can advocate effectively for their mission while seeking common ground, exploring ways to expand what is possible, and finding solutions that strengthen relationships and advance shared goals.

Experienced, Practical Guidance

Strategic advising and coaching services are provided by our principal, Belinda Lyons-Newman, MBA. A former nonprofit executive director and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Belinda understands the pressures and complexities facing nonprofit leaders. She brings more than 30 years of nonprofit experience and a practical, caring, and thoughtful approach to helping social impact leaders navigate challenges, make decisions, and build their capacity to lead effectively.

We offer our nonprofit strategic advising services primarily to existing and past clients, allowing us to build on our understanding of their organization, history, relationships, and goals.