by Big Brothers Big Sisters overall mission? Cook: Everyone involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado— from staff and volunteers to donors and advocates — to Bigs, Littles and families has a unique story that drives their passion and connection to the mission. I encourage sharing these stories because they remind us of our collective “why” and inspire action. Personally, I share my journey whenever possible, hoping to motivate others to mentor, support, and advocate. Every day, I witness the profound impact of our programs on the lives of our Bigs, Littles, High School Mentors, Mentees, and my own Little, Tay. Nonprofit work demands resilience, but it also offers unparalleled rewards, especially for those farthest from opportunities. Cole: How do you prioritize work-life balance, and what advice do you have for junior professionals struggling to find balance? Cook: Achieving work-life balance was a struggle for me for a long time, and I still receive guidance from my mentors. I prioritize self- care by reserving dedicated time weekly for myself. Unless it is essential for our mission or a rare chance to connect, I guard my Friday evenings and Saturday mornings for alone time and personal rejuvenation. When by some odd chance I do not take this time, I feel it the entire following week. Traveling and immersing myself in new experiences are also ways I recharge. As a leader in youth services, where the mission feels omnipresent, balancing dedication to our cause with personal well-being is crucial. For junior professionals, I encourage setting boundaries early and prioritizing activities that restore energy and perspective. I was blessed to attend the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Conference where I heard Brene Brown speak. She said, “Boundaries is the distance so that I can love you and still love me.” Lack of personal and professional boundaries can suck the life out of you, rendering you bitter, overwhelmed, suffering from martyr-ism and helpless to anyone. Doing the work that we do at nonprofits
mentoring. I returned to the states and to my sales career but with that experience still deep in my heart and soul. When my first child was born, I realized my calling was not to sale another widget or gadget but to contribute to a better world for future generations. I transitioned from a lucrative career in software sales to the nonprofit sector, where I could align my skills with my values. Today, as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado, I continue to draw on my sales background to fundraise and advocate for youth empowerment. Cole: What do you believe to be the most important piece of advice for a leader to follow? Cook: One principle I embrace is that effective leadership requires the ability to follow. In an often-critical landscape where leadership is scrutinized, empathy and support for leaders is crucial. While it is essential to speak truth to power, fostering a supportive environment where team members contribute their insights is equally vital. I encourage my team to challenge me and believe that leaders are accountable for creating opportunities for growth and advancement which can be difficult in a small nonprofit. Leaders need armor bearers, ride or “ride” team members, and they need to feel believed in. If I cannot do that for my organization, then I cannot be at an organization. I am lucky that there are only a couple of organizations that I have parted ways with because I could not support the leadership and the direction. In my 40-plus-year career, I have often been promoted to the leaders’ right hand or given the opportunity to lead the work. I believe my heart to follow has been a key determinant of that. Sometimes nothing sounds better to a CEO who has many sleepless nights worried about fulfilling the mission and supporting their team, than hearing from a staff member, whatever it is “I got you” or “We are in this together.”
Cole: How can you inspire others while also maintaining that you continue to be inspired
20 The Acumen
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