Starting as a new Executive Director of an organization is nerve-wracking – especially if you're new to the role! New EDs may be wondering: What decisions need to be prioritized? How will I interact with the board? How can I optimize my relationship with the staff? In this episode, you will hear from Kristina Schmidgall, LMSW, the Executive Director of the Lansing Area Aids Network. Kristina shares her journey to the role of an E.D., how she prepared for the job, what she did to make her first two years a success, and how you can adapt her guidance to your career path.

Here are some parts of the interview you don't want to miss:

9:00 - Lansing Area Aids Network's approach to supporting clients holistically

10:00 - The Biggest Misconception around HIV/AIDS

14:50 - The path toward becoming an executive director

20:30 - Learning from staff through 'stay interviews,' and the benefit of sending questions ahead of time

25:50 - The challenges of transitioning into an organization as a new leader, and what makes it easier

30:00 - Tips for the first year of being an ED