Succession with Intention: Navigating Leadership Transitions for Long-Term Impact

​Leadership transitions—especially from founder to non-founder leadership—are among the most critical and challenging moments for social enterprises, nonprofits, and movements. Without thoughtful planning, transitions can disrupt momentum, weaken organizations, and risk long-term sustainability. But when done right, they can strengthen impact, cultivate emerging leaders, and set organizations up for lasting success.

This session will explore best practices for leadership succession, from crisis transitions to long-term talent development. How do we build strong leadership pipelines within organizations? What are the key considerations when shifting from founder-led to institutionally-led leadership? How can organizations plan for smooth, intentional transitions that ensure continuity of mission and values? Participants will share lessons learned—both successes and failures—on what makes leadership transitions work.

Key Questions:

• ​How can organizations plan for intentional, well-structured leadership transitions?

• ​What are the unique challenges and best practices for founder-to-non-founder CEO transitions?

• ​How can leadership and talent development be integrated into long-term sustainability strategies?

• ​What do effective succession plans look like, and what are the common pitfalls to avoid?

• ​How can organizations lead through moments of crisis, transition, and cultural change?

​This session will provide a practical and reflective space for leaders, funders, and practitioners to discuss how to navigate leadership succession with intention, ensuring the long-term resilience of their organizations.

​Session Co-Leaders:

• ​Emily Michael – Chief of Growth & Engagement at Watsi, driving innovative strategies to expand healthcare access through crowdfunding.

• ​Jailan Adly – Managing Director at GoodCitizen, a social impact executive and strategist specializing in navigating organizations through pivotal transitions and growth.

• ​Liz Jarman – Independent consultant and former CEO of Living Goods, a mission-driven leader with 30+ years of experience driving systemic change in African health systems.

• ​Mackinnon Engen – Executive Director of Watsi, a global health and humanitarian leader overseeing programs that have reached over 1.5 million patients in need of surgery.