Over the years, I’ve had people reach out quietly to talk through things they didn’t feel comfortable raising anywhere else. These weren’t casual questions. They were often experienced leaders who had already thought things through, weighed the options, and understood the risks. What they were struggling with wasn’t a lack of information. It was the weight of the decision. When the stakes are real, every option comes with consequences. People are affected. Relationships matte

Let’s not pat ourselves on the back too quickly. Yes, more women are stepping into leadership roles. Yes, we’re having louder conversations about equity and inclusion. But scratch the surface in many of our organizations, and you’ll see a harder truth: Women of colour are still being dismissed, overlooked, and silenced even in spaces led by other women. The New Gatekeepers In nonprofit, public health, education, and social service sectors white women now often hold the power.

Leadership sets the tone for an organization, shaping workplace culture and determining how employees experience their daily work. When leadership is strong, ethical, and supportive, employees thrive. But when leadership is weak, toxic, or outright abusive, the consequences are severe productivity plummets, morale crumbles, and psychological safety disappears. One of the most damaging manifestations of bad leadership is workplace bullying. It is often dismissed as “tough mana

As I returned from a well-needed 10 day break in beautiful Arizona to recoup, I found myself reflecting on the personal and professional...

What is Mission Creep? Mission creep refers to the gradual shift in an organization’s focus away from its original mission or goals. In...

In the dynamic world of nonprofit organizations, adapting to changing needs and challenges can be daunting. One innovative solution...

At Spark Creative Solutions, we believe that every employee deserves to work in an environment where they feel valued, respected, and...

Working under a bully can be one of the most challenging experiences in the workplace. A bullying boss can create a toxic environment...

Transitioning from my role as an Executive Director to a governance consultant has allowed me to reflect on the critical lessons learned...

As an Executive Director, I witnessed firsthand the critical role governance plays in organizational effectiveness. This post outlines...

In my role as an Executive Director, I learned that the relationship between the board and the ED is foundational to an organization’s...

Effective financial management is crucial for nonprofits, where organizations often rely on diverse funding sources and must navigate...

In today’s world, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is no longer just a moral imperative—it’s a business necessity....

Effective board governance is crucial for the success and sustainability of non-profit organizations. At Spark Creative Solutions, we...