Leaders Reflect
What would philanthropic leaders have told themselves in December of 2019 that would help prepare them for what was to come in 2020 and 2021? Read more
Christine Her
executive director, ArtForce Iowa
Dear past self,
2020 and 2021 have been painful. Jump-kick-to-the-throat painful. It’s also been wild, but not as wild or painful as the journey you are already on. When you became executive director in 2017, you already knew the process wasn’t going to be easy. From transitioning three executive directors in less than a year to the financial instability to losing running water in your studio space during the organization’s busiest time of the year to surviving a 24-inch flood that destroyed over $100,000 worth of art supplies and equipment, and to moving your entire studio spaces twice in a year and a half. None of that has been easy.
While on this journey, you’ll learn that sometimes the best lessons in life are the ones that affirm who you are, where you come from and where you want to go. The kind of lessons that don’t necessarily require only “brain power,” but a combination of brain power plus more “heart power.” The kind of stuff dreams are made of.
So, here are the three heart lessons I hope you always take with you on the journey:
Trust your intuition and don’t take that shortcut.
If something doesn’t feel right, lean into it. Ask yourself why. What experience have you gone through as an individual that is affecting what you feel? If you’re coming from a place of fear, acknowledge it. Practice saying, “I’m scared. I don’t know what to do.” Take a deep breath and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You have mentors and people who are ready to rally around you. If you’re not coming from a place of fear, and it’s more of not wanting to do the hard thing because it’s the hard thing – well, do the hard thing. One of your favorite mentors will tell you shortcuts are temporary and will be a setback later. Trust me. Oftentimes, doing the hard thing is better and more sustainable in the long run.
Lead with empathy and humility, and give yourself some grace when you mess up. Because you will mess up.
It’s an honor and a privilege to lead a team of incredible people. Support their growth and don’t be afraid to get to know them on a personal level. Form genuine connections with individuals you serve or hope to serve. You’ll be reminded time and time again that the roots of racism, homophobia, sexism (all the harmful -isms) are not because of the identities of the individuals, but the structures and systems that have been built to oppress. We all want to be seen, valued and appreciated. Leading with empathy and humility makes room for you to see, value and appreciate your team and the community you serve. Of course, there will be days where you don’t get it right, and on those days, give yourself some grace. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. Tomorrow is a new day.
Stay true to your core values.
Knowing your values is the first step in being able to honor and stay true to them. When you know your core values, you also know when to say “no.” The next time a project comes your way, but it doesn’t align with your values, you can stay and change the process, or you can walk away. This can be applied to partnerships, friendships, business opportunities. At the end of the day, your values will help guide you through the hard times with integrity. Don’t know your values? Start here and follow the guided instructions: artforceiowa.org/values.
These three heart lessons have helped triple the staff size at ArtForce Iowa with individuals who are committed to the mission with a high staff retention. There has been an increase in impact and engagement because of the intentionality to treat the communities we serve with empathy, humility, love and kindness. By focusing on funding that aligns with our values, we have built more capacity to grow our programs in meaningful ways. Instead of jumping quickly into projects and partnerships, this strategy of not taking shortcuts allowed us to strengthen our core values resulting in executing successful projects and building authentic collaboration with our partners where everyone thrives.
Yes, it’s true. The last year and a half has been hard, but you know what it’s like to face the unknown and the trauma that comes with it. You know what it’s like to rise above with grit. But more importantly, you know how to keep moving forward in the midst of the chaos and fear. After all, you are the daughter of former Hmong refugees. Resilience is in your blood. Survival is in your lineage. Existing and defying the odds is your legacy.
You got this!
High five,
Your 2021 self
Why is philanthropy important to our community?
“Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice, which make philanthropy necessary.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Philanthropy rooted in justice is important to our community because it’s critical to understand and acknowledge how past realities have forced communities into oppressive situations where philanthropy is needed. Justice-centered philanthropy highlights equitable practices that strengthen communities to flourish. Giving is admirable and supports the wellness of everyone living in the community.