Leadership doesn't have to be loud.

In this episode of Everything Counts (but nothing is real), host Kristin interviews Sam (she/her), an operations leader with a rich background in nonprofit work. From aspiring musician to business student to AmeriCorps alum, Sam’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and quiet leadership.

We talk about the impact of service, what it means to lead from behind the scenes, and why leadership doesn’t have to be loud. The conversation dives into the invisible power of operations in fundraising, the art of team culture, and navigating work relationships with empathy and humor.

If you’ve ever wondered whether being “the support” is just as valuable as being “the lead,” this episode proves that quiet work doesn’t just count, it holds everything together.

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