If you’ve ever been in charge of hiring—especially at a nonprofit—you already know it’s more than filling a seat. It’s hope. It’s pressure. It’s messy spreadsheets, missed follow-ups, gut feelings, and quiet guilt. And if you’re like many of the nonprofit leaders I’ve worked with, hiring is something you’re doing on top of everything else.
This blog, Lessons from the Longlist, is where I get honest about what really happens behind the scenes of the hiring process. I’ll share reflections from my years as a recruiter and consultant, including the vulnerable moments, insights, and lessons that aren't typically shared publicly.
"Why the longlist? Because it’s a reflection of the many dimensions of nonprofit leadership. It requires resilience, a mindset of unwavering determination, and the fortitude to tackle the complexities that come with leading mission-driven organizations. The longlist captures this rich diversity of qualities, offering insights into what it truly takes to lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction. Every candidate (whether they are hired or not) reveals something valuable about leadership, mission alignment, and the essential traits that drive impactful work.
Some of these posts will be personal. Some will be practical. All of them are for folks trying to hire better, with more compassion, more confidence, and less chaos.
Whether you're a nonprofit Executive Director doing your third search this year, or someone who’s ever lost sleep over a candidate you never called back, I hope these lessons help you feel a little less alone, and a little more equipped.
Let’s get into it!
