First Day Podcast

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., sits down with executive search guru Bill Peterson of CarterBaldwin to unpack the high-stakes world of CEO transitions, and their ripple effect on fundraising. Think of it as succession planning with heart, spreadsheets, and maybe a few tissues. Drawing from the recent Compassion International case study, Peterson emphasizes that a successful handoff isn't just about filling a seat; it's about preserving mission momentum, minimizing disruption, and setting the new leader up for a heroic entrance. Peterson drops some wisdom for both boards and outgoing CEOs, stressing the importance of clear communication, humility, and board engagement. “This is a board-led process,” he says, cautioning against over-reliance on the outgoing CEO, no matter how legendary. And for those veteran leaders? It’s time to channel your inner Zen master and begin the art of letting go. “Great leaders don’t just know when to leave, they help o