Leadership fatigue is real, let’s talk about it.

Written By Tenesha Thomas

Hey Leader,

Let’s keep it real for a second. This time of year can feel like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops.

The energy is low, calendars are scattered, and somehow you are expected to keep the team motivated, the board engaged, and the mission alive… all while pretending summer’s slowdown doesn’t hit different when you're in charge.

If no one’s said it lately: I see you.

This season has a sneaky way of making even the most passionate leaders question if they're doing enough, or worse, trying to do it all just to keep things afloat. And what I know for sure is this: if we let the mission stall now, we can’t expect everyone to magically come back in the fall ready to hit the ground sprinting, or even power walking!

That’s why summer is less about slowing down and more about intentional pacing.

Motivating your board doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the smallest touch points that keep momentum alive and people connected to the "why."

The same goes for you.

And, speaking of you - while remembering to do everything else - don’t forget to take care of you!

That means more than squeezing in a vacation day or promising yourself you’ll rest “once I power through 347 meetings.” I’m talking real, soul-filling rest.

The kind that reminds you that you’re a person before you’re a position.

Protect your peace, guard your mornings, schedule the massage, take the longer lunch. You can’t be the light for others if your own flame is flickering.

Now, let’s get into it. Just a few power-packed notes ahead - quick enough to scan, real enough to stick - so you can keep everything aligned, energized, and yes… still on board and on brand.

Put It On Your Radar

Midyear Strategic Planning = Make or Break Season

Right now is the perfect time to check the pulse on your strategic plan. Is it gathering dust?

Are your goals still aligned with your current capacity?

Pro tip: Schedule a 30-minute “strategy stand-up” with your board exec committee. One win, one challenge, one update = huge momentum.

Wellness Check

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and check in. Here's one question I want you to ask yourself and then answer honestly:

“What part of leadership feels heavy, and what would it look like to set it down…even temporarily?”

(P.S. It’s not lazy. It’s smart.)

Get On Board

Need a summer re-engagement plan for donors or your board? I created a quick cheat sheet to help you do just that.
Download the Summer Donor Engagement Checklist
OR
Want to strategize before fall, for fall? Let’s talk. Book a Quick Consult

ICYMI - In Case You Missed It!

Here’s a curated dose of inspiration and insight: perfect for sharing with your board, team, or saving for a quick leadership reboot:

  • Article: An Antidote to Nonprofit Burnout – Chronicle of Philanthropy
    A timely read that digs into the reality of board and staff exhaustion and that offers clear steps to counter it     moonshots.io+1facebook.com+1philanthropy.com+2philanthropy.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2.

  • Podcast: The Heart of Leadership, Part 1 – Dare to Lead (Brené Brown)
    Who doesn’t love Brené. Here, she sits down with Aiko Bethea and Ruchika Malhotra to explore belonging and the emotional labor of leadership. A power-packed reminder of why     leading from our whole selves matters. Woosah!

  • Article: Fundraiser Burnout Is Hurting Charities. New Report Explains Why, Offers Fixes – Chronicle of Philanthropy (April 15, 2025)
    Eye-opening insights into how empathy can be exhausting and what organizations can do to offer real relief     philanthropy.com.

Quote to Pin:
“You can’t lead well if you don’t live well!” - Tenesha, founder - On Board Solutions

Tenesha Thomas