The Value of Shared Leadership

In this episode of the Accountabili-TEA Podcast, AL Communications Director Sheena Adams engages in a conversation with the three co-CEOs of Accountability Lab: Blair Glencorse, Jean Scrimgeour, and Cheri-Leigh Erasmus. The episode explores the organization's recent transition to a co-leadership structure and delves into the motivations behind this change. The co-CEOs share their personal journeys and experiences with Accountability Lab. Blair Glencorse, the Lab's founder, recounts how his interactions with young people in Nepal highlighted the importance of accountability and inspired the creation of the organization. Jean Scrimgeour and Cheri-Leigh Erasmus discuss their paths to joining the Lab, emphasizing their alignment with its vision and values. The conversation then shifts to the evolution of the Lab's leadership structure. Blair explains that the Lab has always aimed to be a distributed and horizontally organized institution, prioritizing the empowerment of local accountability initiatives. The transition to a co-leadership model represents a natural progression, fueled by the development of a strong and complementary leadership team. Sheena Adams highlights the intentional nature of this change, emphasizing the goals of promoting diversity, equity, and shared decision-making. Cheri-Leigh Erasmus stresses the importance of giving underrepresented voices influence within nonprofit organizations and the sector as a whole. The co-CEOs express their hopes that this new leadership model will inspire others to rethink their own organizational structures and encourage greater representation and influence for women and people of color. Jean Scrimgeour then discusses the benefits of the co-leadership structure, particularly in navigating the increasing complexity of the nonprofit sector. The model allows each co-CEO to focus on their strengths while sharing responsibility and supporting one another. By creating space for personal lives and diverse perspectives, the co-leaders believe they can bring more innovative ideas and contribute to a stronger organization. Throughout the episode, the co-CEOs reflect on the Lab's journey, emphasizing the value of collaboration, inclusion, and shared power. They discuss their aspirations for the Lab's future and the potential impact of their co-leadership model on the broader sector. Join us as we delve into the motivations, benefits, and significance of the Lab's new co-leadership structure, highlighting our commitment to diversity, equity, and collaborative decision-making for a more accountable world.