The Influential Nonprofit

Naomi Hattaway: Navigating Workplace Transitions

Listen Later

Naomi Hattaway is the founder of Leaving Well, a practice devoted to helping organizations treat leadership transitions not as crises or cleanups—but as acts of cultural maturity. She works with mission-driven teams to address board development, succession planning gaps, and workplace transition support. Through interim executive leadership and advisory services, Naomi's work lives at the intersection of trust-building, systems change, and the radical belief that how we end things matters just as much as how we begin.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership changes are often treated as crises even though they are normal and predictable. Naomi reframes exits as acts of cultural maturity rather than simple HR events. Thoughtful offboarding helps organizations create healthy closure and continuity.
  • Transitions affect not only leaders but also the team that remains. Founder departures can trigger identity questions when organizations are built around one personality. Acknowledging grief and uncertainty helps teams move forward with clarity.
  • Succession planning should involve the whole team, not just top leadership. Documentation, relationship handoffs, and knowledge transfer strengthen organizational resilience. Sabbaticals and temporary leaves can help organizations practice navigating absence and return.
  • People respond to change in different ways, and each style brings value. Understanding these differences helps teams balance stability with forward movement. Healthy organizations accept that transition is messy but handle it with intention and care.

    •  

    “We need to normalize the reality that people leave.”

     

    “We put so much effort and beautiful intention into the onboarding, and then the offboarding is not the same level of energy.”

     

    “We have to start somewhere by being a little bit better to each other when it comes to goodbye.”

    - Naomi Hattaway

     

    Reach out to Naomi Hattaway at:

    Website: https://naomihattaway.com/

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/naomihattaway

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/naomihattaway

     

     

     

    Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence

    1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders

    Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward.
     

    2. Team Coaching + Training

    I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together.
     

    3. Board Retreats + Trainings

    Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.



    Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com


    Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs:

    https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect

     

    Book Maryanne to speak at your conference:

    https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    The Influential NonprofitBy Maryanne Dersch
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5

    5

    9 ratings