Happy New Year! As we begin 2025 and I prepare to devote more time to my philanthropic coaching and advising practice in the year ahead, I have been reflecting on the power of transitions. During the recent holiday break, I found myself both taking time to restore and consciously clean and clear physical and mental spaces. This clearing has allowed me to pave the way for creativity to flow including the production of this monthly newsletter – the first after laying down the proverbial pen for the better part of the last three years. Ultimately, it is about making room for what can now flow through – gratitude, purpose, and meaning.
I have been drawn back to what compelled me to launch Essential Leadership in 2018, the Japanese concept of ikigai – that sweet spot where what you love, what you do well, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, all intersect. Ikigai is a reminder that our most fulfilling work often emerges when we align our talents and passions with service to others, to community, and to the world at large. In the world of family philanthropy, this intersection becomes even more powerful, as families discover their collective vision through shared values and purposeful giving.
What I’m Reading: Finding Meaning in Giving
Alex Johnston’s “Money with Meaning” resonates deeply with my approach to philanthropic advising. His framework provides a practical roadmap for donors seeking to maximize both impact and joy. Johnston explores how effective giving requires inner work and systematic approaches, drawing from disciplines like deep listening and organizational change to address questions of personal growth and systemic change. He emphasizes that we learn best by taking action rather than waiting to “figure it all out” first. These concepts align beautifully with what I’ve observed in my own practice – that the most satisfying giving comes from a place of aligned values, clear vision, grounded reality, collaborative spirit, and continuous learning.
What I’m Listening To: Finding Voices of Change
The Illuminate Philanthropy podcast series by philanthropy advisors for philanthropy advisors has been a source of inspiration and insight as I consider the evolving landscape of philanthropic advising. Their exploration of eight key trends in the field reminds us that philanthropy, like all meaningful endeavors, must adapt and grow. Each episode offers fresh perspectives on how to better serve families in their giving journeys, making philanthropy more effective and personally fulfilling. This series particularly resonates with my commitment to continuous learning and adaptation in service of individuals and families on their philanthropic journeys.
What I’m Learning: Finding Power in Intentional Investment
Through my involvement with Invest for Better, I’m learning how women are transforming their relationship with money by aligning their investments with their values. In my learning circle, I see the profound shift that happens when we move from thinking about wealth as merely financial capital to viewing it as a tool for creating positive change. This approach mirrors the thoughtful way many families approach their philanthropy – with intention, purpose, and a clear vision for impact. I am just beginning to incorporate values-aligned investing in my personal finances, and this parallel journey enriches my ability to support clients who are exploring their own path to financial empowerment and intentional investing.
What I Believe: Finding Impact in Building Foundations
As I continue to build my philanthropic coaching practice to serve multiple families, I’m more convinced than ever that the most impactful family philanthropy starts with building a strong foundation. This means diving deep into family history and lineage, crafting meaningful mission, vision, and values statements, and thoughtfully identifying areas for grantmaking that align with family passions and societal needs. It means creating spaces for next-generation engagement and developing governance and operating structures that can sustain and grow over time.
This discovery has been profound and exciting. In this work, I see abundant opportunities for families to create lasting impact while strengthening their bonds across generations. Each family’s journey of discovery – of their shared values, their collective vision, and their unique way of contributing to the world – fills me with gratitude and optimism for the future of philanthropy. This is my ikigai.
Clearing the way to make this personal and professional transition creates fertile ground for transformation and living into my greatest purpose – aligning my strengths and highest values with what is needed most. As I navigate through these changes, I am thankful for the constants in my life – deepening relationships, strengthening capabilities, making new memories – that help maintain my sense of continuity. These anchors remind me that periods of change are also periods of unlimited potential, especially as I partner with individuals and families to build their philanthropic legacies.
As I think about the year ahead, I’m energized by the possibilities that emerge when we create space for meaningful conversations about purpose, legacy, and impact. Each month going forward, I’ll be sharing reflections, resources, and insights from my own learning and as an offering in my work with families and their philanthropic journeys.