On this episode of the Lead for Good podcast, Corey Dantzler, the Executive Director of the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center in Los Angeles, shares what leaders need to know when following a founder and how to lead with both respect and innovation. Corey has led the Center for years, guiding it forward after its founder’s passing and carrying on a powerful legacy of serving youth and families. Corey brings firsthand experience in what it takes to step into leadership after a founder, how to honor a founding vision while adapting to today’s challenges, and how to navigate the complexities of founder’s syndrome.

In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Corey Dantzler for a powerful and deeply practical conversation about nonprofit leadership, founder transitions, and the realities of leading after a visionary founder. Corey shares his remarkable leadership journey, shaped by growing up inside the Boys & Girls Clubs of America movement and learning directly from his father, who founded the Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Los Angeles.

The conversation explores the emotional and operational complexities of stepping into leadership after a founder’s departure, navigating founder syndrome, honoring legacy while introducing innovation, and helping organizations evolve without losing their mission-centered identity. Corey offers candid insight into building trust with staff, empowering teams to find their voice, working effectively with boards, and leading through transition with authenticity and conviction.

Listeners will also hear thoughtful reflections on mentorship, servant leadership, organizational culture, succession planning, and the importance of leading from the back while allowing the mission to remain the organization’s true North Star.

This is an essential episode for nonprofit executives, emerging leaders, board members, and anyone navigating leadership transition in mission-driven organizations.

Watch or listen to this inspiring Lead for Good conversation and discover what it truly means to lead with both respect for the past and courage for the future.