312: Moving Your Organization from Toxic Stress to Radical Resilience (Brett Loftis)

SUMMARY

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Why are so many nonprofit leaders exhausted, irritable, or dealing with chronic health issues—and not realizing the deeper cause? In episode 312 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Brett Loftis explores how unacknowledged trauma and toxic stress infiltrate nonprofit organizations, often masked as burnout or fatigue. Brett, a national leader in trauma-informed care, explains how individuals and entire organizations can become "trauma-organized," and what it takes to shift toward radical resilience. Drawing on decades of experience in child advocacy and organizational leadership, he shares practical tools like emotional safety plans and values-based leadership practices that support healing and sustainability. Learn why self-awareness, grief processing, and cultural rituals are essential for leaders and teams to thrive—and how your organization can transform stress into strength. This episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader seeking long-term impact and well-being.

ABOUT BRETT

Brett Loftis graduated from Furman University with degrees in Sociology and Political Science and in 2000 from Wake Forest University School of Law. After spending numerous years working in ministry and child advocacy, including as the Executive Director of the Council for Children’s Rights in Charlotte, NC, Brett came to Crossnore in 2013 as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Brett leads all initiatives of the organization, including programs, external relations, operations, and organizational growth. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth soccer and basketball. Brett is married to Sally, and the couple has three sons.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES 

• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuire
• No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
• Get Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on Audible
• Don’t miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadership