Navigating Through the In-Between with Interim Nonprofit Leadership with Erin Stratford Owens

How can nonprofit organizations navigate leadership transitions with steadiness and clarity? In episode 137 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Erin Stratford Owens, a seasoned interim executive director to answer this question. Carol and Erin talk about:

• what makes interim leadership distinct from simply "holding down the fort" — it's a time for honest reflection, system assessment, and preparing the path for what's next.

• how boards and staff can make the most of an interim period, 

• the common mistakes to avoid, and why slowing down to plan for sustainability — rather than reacting in urgency — is essential for long-term impact. 

The conversation offers nonprofit leaders a grounded perspective on turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for renewal and learning.

 

Episode highlights:

[00:08:26] What Interim Leadership Really Is

[00:11:56] Misconceptions About Interims

[00:15:21] Avoiding Common Mistakes

[00:18:46] Setting the Stage for the Next Leader

[00:20:26] The Board's Crucial Role

[00:22:41] Building Staff Trust

[00:25:36] Addressing Systems and Structure

[00:29:26] What Makes an Interim Successful

[00:30:56] From Urgency to Sustainability

Guest Bio:

Erin Stratford Owens is the founder and CEO of ESO Nonprofit Consulting, specializing in Interim Executive Leadership and coaching for nonprofits and nonprofit leaders in transition. Erin holds a BA in English from UNC-Greensboro and a Master's in Nonprofit Management from The New School's Milano School of Policy, Management and Environment. She is a Certified Interim Executive through Armstrong McGuire Interim Leadership Institute. With 12 years of experience as an in-house nonprofit Executive Director, her extensive interim leadership experience includes guiding organizations through critical transitions at Humane Society of the Piedmont, Partners Ending Homelessness, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater High Point, Greensboro Farmers Market, and Humane Society of Catawba County. She currently serves as Board Chair for the Guilford County Continuum of Care and as a Steering Committee member of the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium. When not working or volunteering, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, two dogs, and a 16-year-old blind kitty cat named Smokie

Important Links and Resources:

Erin Stratford Owens

 

Be in Touch:

✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact

👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend

🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.

😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn