Tough Decisions Don’t Have to Be Lonely: How the Right Conversation Changes Everything
By Ellie Scott, MA, Founder & Chief Strategist at Bayleaf Consulting
(This post was originally shared on LinkedIn, where I write about the realities of nonprofit leadership. If you're not following me there yet, let's fix that!)
Nonprofit leadership comes with a lot of weight. The hard decisions, the big-picture thinking, the pressure to get it right—it’s all on you.
And sure, you can make those decisions alone. But should you?
In my work with Executive Directors, I’ve seen how the right conversation at the right time can be the difference between feeling stuck and finding clarity. That’s why I approach consulting a little differently.
The Right Conversation Makes All the Difference
I don’t do one-size-fits-all advice. You don’t need a generic pep talk—you need a space to think out loud, get honest feedback, and walk away with a clear path forward.
So when we talk, here’s what you can expect:
👉🏾 No fluff. We skip the small talk and get straight to what’s actually keeping you up at night.
👉🏾 Real talk. You don’t have to pretend everything’s fine. I’m here for the honest, messy, “what do I even do next?” moments.
👉🏾 Clarity over complexity. You don’t need more noise. You need a next step that actually feels doable.
What We Can Tackle in 45 Minutes
If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:
1️⃣ Am I overwhelmed by too many priorities? → Let’s break it down into what actually matters.
2️⃣ Is my fundraising strategy working, or am I throwing spaghetti at the wall? → Let’s find the gaps and fix them.
3️⃣ Are my programs still aligned with our mission, or are we just doing things because we always have? → Let’s reevaluate with fresh eyes.
4️⃣ Why does my team keep running into the same communication issues? → Let’s pinpoint the root cause and address it.
5️⃣ How can I make my next fundraising event feel fresh and engaging—not just another checkbox? → Let’s rethink the approach.
The goal isn’t to solve everything in one call. It’s to get you unstuck, spark new ideas, and help you see the next step more clearly.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re leading a team, launching a new initiative, or just trying to get through your to-do list, hitting these roadblocks can be deeply frustrating. I deal with this all the time myself—I constantly have to check myself before I wreck myself. 😑
But here’s the good news: Once you pinpoint which challenge you’re facing, you can stop spinning your wheels and actually start solving the right problem. That’s where things start to shift.
Let’s Talk!
If any of this resonates, let’s have a real conversation about what’s on your plate. No pressure. No pretense. Just a space to think through the hard stuff and move forward with confidence.
Click here to schedule your 20-minute call.
I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. 💬
(Or if you’re more of a LinkedIn person, come join me there!)
