The Nonprofit Edge: A Conversation with Stephanie Freeth - Episode 17

What if the biggest leadership mistakes aren’t about strategy… but about self-awareness? In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, I sit down with Stephanie Blackburn Freeth, leadership coach and advisor, to unpack one of the most critical transitions in any career: the move from individual contributor to manager. It’s a transition many underestimate and one that can quietly shape the trajectory of a team, a culture, and ultimately, an organization’s impact. Stephanie brings a powerful lens to leadership, grounded in a simple but profound truth: “The inner game runs the outer game.” In this conversation, we explore the five biggest mistakes new managers make in their first six months and, more importantly, how to avoid them: • Relying too heavily on the skills that earned the promotion • Mistaking activity for effectiveness • Avoiding the human side of leadership • Filling every moment instead of creating space to think • Failing to intentionally design how teams work together But this episode goes deeper than tactics. It challenges leaders to rethink how they show up, how they listen, and how they understand the people they lead. From tools like the Enneagram to concepts like “getting on the balcony,” Stephanie offers practical and transformative insights to help leaders build trust, clarity, and high-performing teams. If you’re stepping into leadership or developing the next generation of leaders in your organization, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Watch or listen now on YouTube, Podbean, or Substack. #NonprofitLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #NonprofitEdge #Management #TeamBuilding #LeadershipGrowth