Discover Freed Leaders: Empowering Small Nonprofit Executives
Hello leaders and kindred spirits,
As a fellow traveler on the intricate path of small nonprofit leadership, I’m excited to share the story behind Freed Leaders—a deeply personal vision shaped by my decade-long tenure as a CEO and my desire to see leaders find balance between mastering “doing” (the essential systems and strategies) and “being” (the emotional resilience and well-being that keep us grounded).
The Genesis of Freed Leaders
Throughout my executive journey, I experienced accolades and achievements. Yet, behind those successes lay countless late nights, waves of imposter syndrome, and constant pressure to keep everything and everyone afloat. I found myself juggling the “doing” of leadership—budgets, strategic plans, fundraising strategies—while often neglecting my inner “being”: my mental health and personal life. Eventually, burnout crept in, and I realized something had to change.
I longed for a safe haven where leaders like me could unpack the weight of these dual demands. I wanted a space that didn’t just focus on building an effective organization, but also on preserving the passion, resilience, and emotional intelligence that sustain true impact. Freed Leaders was born from that vision—a confidential sanctuary where we recognize that practical systems and personal well-being must go hand in hand.
Leading with Heart and Soul
My guiding belief is this: “Doing” and “Being” aren’t contradictory forces; they’re two halves of a holistic leadership journey.
“Doing” equips you with the frameworks, workflows, and daily practices that create mission momentum for your nonprofit. These systems help reduce overwhelm, clarify goals, and ensure your hard work translates into real-world impact.
“Being” nurtures your emotional fortitude, creativity, and compassion. It’s what keeps you from burning out, allowing you to show up authentically—even during those tough board meetings or uncertain funding seasons.
When we embrace both, we become leaders who can handle challenges with clarity while also remaining resilient and present for our teams and causes.
A Vision for Tomorrow’s Leadership
I dream of a future in which leaders aren’t just measured by their KPIs or budgets, but also by how fulfilled, centered, and compassionate they feel. Imagine a world where systems are strong enough to drive sustainable progress, but never at the expense of a leader’s emotional health. That’s the world Freed Leaders seeks to foster.
By blending practical tools (like strategic planning, team management techniques, and streamlined processes) with mindset support (stress management, boundary-setting, and self-compassion), Freed Leaders offers a comprehensive approach to leadership success.
Together, Toward a Brighter Tomorrow
Our journey at Freed Leaders is just beginning, and it’s one I hope you’ll join. Whether you’re at the peak of your career or weathering one of its many valleys, know this: You don’t have to choose between delivering exceptional results and caring for your well-being. You can master both the “doing” of your role—building mission momentum, enacting efficient systems—and the “being” of a grounded, emotionally resilient human leading others with genuine empathy.
Freed Leaders stands ready to guide you with holistic leadership coaching that addresses both halves of the equation. Let’s create a movement where overwhelm gives way to clarity, burnout yields to well-being, and the relentless push to “do more” coexists with an unshakeable commitment to “be” whole.
Thank you for being part of this vision. Here’s to a future where we are all freed to lead with balance, authenticity, and profound impact.
Warmly and with unwavering belief in our shared potential,
Heather Freed, LCSW
Owner & Leadership Teacher, Mentor & Coach
Freed Leaders