What happens when your career no longer feels safe or aligned? In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with a nonprofit leader-turned-consultant, Esther Saehyun Lee, founder of Elevate Philanthropy Consulting who shares what led her to walk away from the traditional 9-to-5 and start her own business rooted in justice, equity, authenticity, and community.
We explore the terrifying and liberating shift to entrepreneurship and the risks embedded in both institutional work and self-employment. Esther opens up about the harm she experienced in previous roles and how that shaped her decision to start her consultancy firm. We also reflect on the power of community and mentorship—and how it's possible to build a profitable, successful business without compromising your values.
From building a business that centers community, to navigating the industrial complex of the nonprofit sector, to staying creative through rest and nature—this episode is a masterclass in disrupting the status quo and staying grounded while doing it. We also dive into:
- Why being your authentic self at work is non-negotiable
- The myth of overnight success and the realities of starting your own business
- Community-centric fundraising and justice-forward leadership
- What it means to be a disruptor in systems not built for you
Whether you’re thinking about striking out on your own or simply dreaming of work that reflects your values—this one’s for you. It’s raw, real, and a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.
Esther Essay can be read here:
You’re not feeling imposter syndrome, you are an imposter: Identity and belonging in nonprofit work
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