Have you ever wondered how to lead your team through massive change without losing your sense of self, your energy, or the mission that drives you? The weight of responsibility, the swirl of emotions, and organizational needs can leave even the most seasoned leaders questioning what to do next. How do we remain steady when everything is shifting around us?

Jessica Sveen, CEO of Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute, boils down what it really means to be a shepherd CEO. She shares her experience navigating times of rapid change, unexpected leadership transitions, and the unique challenges facing organizations built on mission and service.

Shepherding is about tending to your people and organization so the mission endures beyond any one person. What happens when you realize the work is bigger than you?

If you've ever wondered how to lead through change, say yes to growth even when it feels overwhelming, or hold space for your own humanness in the midst of work and life, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

(00:00) – What does it take to lead in a way that puts mission first, not ego?

(03:15) What is Microfinance?

(08:29) How to lead through founders transitioning out of the business

(12:54) – The shift that comes from necessary detachment: letting go and growing stronger

(16:01) – Why true balance as a leader isn't about perfection but flexibility

(19:10) – Jessica's "deep forward fold" secret to leading through times of transition

(22:06) What does shepherd leadership look like to Jessica

About Andrea Butcher

Andrea Butcher is a visionary business leader, executive coach, and keynote speaker—she empowers leaders to gain clarity through the chaos by being MORE of who they already are. Her experiences—serving as CEO, leading at an executive level, and working in and leading global teams—make her uniquely qualified to support leadership and business success. She hosts the popular leadership podcast, Being [at Work] with a global audience of over 600,000 listeners and is the author of The Power in the Pivot (Red Thread Publishing 2022) and HR Kit for Dummies (Wiley 2023).

Connect with Andrea

https://www.abundantempowerment.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaderdevelopmentcoach/

Learn more about Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute

https://rmmfi.org/