A compelling conversation with a leader who has spent nearly 40 years transforming United Way, one of the world’s largest community-focused nonprofit organizations. This episode isn’t just about accomplishments; it’s about the pivotal decisions, tough lessons, and personal insights that come from a lifetime of high-stakes leadership. We explore the values that guided Brian Gallagher’s journey, the resilience it took to make tough calls, and his fresh perspective on impact as he embarks on a new chapter.
Highlights
From Service to Leadership
Brian shares his journey from a working-class background to becoming a leader at United Way, where he brought together his passion for service and his experience in management to drive meaningful change.
Navigating Turning Points
He reflects on critical moments in his career, including his shift to a national role following 9/11 and the decision to step down after decades of service. These moments defined his approach to leadership, balancing humility with courage.
Leadership Challenges and Lessons
We dive into his experiences navigating change in a large organization, including the resistance he encountered and how he learned to “spend political capital” wisely to drive transformation.
Impact of Mentorship
Key mentors and relationships shaped his leadership style and taught him the importance of empathy and commitment. He reflects on how these relationships encouraged him to lead with purpose and vision.
Transitioning to Social Impact Investing
Now with the Leargas Group, he is focused on new forms of social impact through projects like the Abundant Circle and Donorful, which combine financial returns with social good.
Personal Practices for Grounding
He shares his journey of self-discovery after leaving United Way, including his practices of meditation and yoga, and how they help him stay centered in his new work.
Thoughts on Legacy
While hesitant to define his own legacy, he emphasizes the importance of putting community first and hopes his work will inspire others to lead with integrity and empathy.
Mic Drop Moments
🎤 “Inertia fights back. When you challenge the status quo, it doesn’t go quietly.”
🎤 “It’s hard to change direction when you’re not moving. So I just started moving and found a career.”
🎤 “The job was not a definition of who I am. It’s something I did.”
🎤 “Leave sooner rather than later… You want to go out on your terms.”
🎤 “Put community first, the institution second, and yourself last. In the long run, it always works.”
Resources and References
The Abundance Circle:
https://www.abundancecircle.org/
– Brian’s social impact initiative, designed to prioritize meaningful outcomes alongside financial returns.
Donorful – A platform co-founded by Brian, helping philanthropists make impactful and efficient donations across the U.S. and globally.
Brian Gallagher can be reached at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgallagheruw/
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Discover the transformative leadership journey of Brian Gallagher, who led United Way for nearly 40 years. In this episode, Brian delves into pivotal career decisions, navigating high-stakes challenges, and balancing courage with humility. Gain insights on driving nonprofit innovation, embracing mentorship, and leading with purpose. Learn about his transition into social impact investing with The Abundance Circle and Donorful, and the personal practices that ground his leadership philosophy.
Key topics include:
- Resilience in leadership and overcoming resistance to change
- Navigating pivotal moments, including 9/11 and leadership transitions
- Mentorship’s role in shaping a purpose-driven leadership style
- New approaches to social impact through The Abundance Circle and Donorful
- Personal grounding practices like meditation and yoga for better leadership
