The Right Questions Can Shift the Room—And Your Leadership
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!)
I recently walked into a room full of nonprofit Executive Directors, invited to guide a conversation that felt both urgent and necessary.
At the center of it all were three deceptively simple questions, written on big post-its in front of us:
💡 What do we have to learn?
💡 What do we have to give?
💡 What do we have to share?
That was the agenda. That was the framework. That was the work.
And what unfolded in that room was exactly why I do what I do.
The Power of Holding Space
As a facilitator, my role isn’t to provide all the answers. It’s to create the conditions where the right questions take center stage. Where leaders feel safe enough to wrestle with complexity, connect their experiences, and leave not just with ideas—but with clarity and momentum.
That’s why this session was so powerful. It wasn’t about delivering information. It was about co-creating something real.
✨ We learned about the weight of leadership, the nuances of advocacy, and the challenge of building a board that truly shows up.
✨ We gave each other insights, encouragement, and the kind of unfiltered honesty that shifts perspectives.
✨ We shared experiences that reminded us we’re not alone in this work.
Leadership Is Heavy—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Isolating
These rooms matter. These conversations matter. And being invited into spaces like this is a privilege I don’t take lightly. If you’re a consultant, facilitator, or nonprofit leader looking to spark real conversations in your organization, this is the work I want to build more of.
Ready to Have That Conversation?
If this resonated with you, it’s time to dig in. These conversations are tough—but they’re the ones that create change.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Love the work you’re doing. Let’s make it even better. ❤️
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!)
