FOUNDER'S SYNDROME: LEADING WITH LEGACY

LIVE WEBINAR: 24th November 2026 | 12:00 PM Australian EST for NFP's

Seats Limited - Register Now Free

FOUNDER'S SYNDROME: LEADING WITH LEGACY

Is your organisation ready to thrive beyond its founder?

Many not-for-profits are built through the vision, passion and commitment of a founder. Their leadership often shapes the culture, mission and success of the organisation.

But over time, when too much influence, decision-making or organisational knowledge rests with one person, growth and sustainability can become increasingly difficult.

Founder's Syndrome does not mean a founder has done something wrong.

In fact, it often comes from deep care and dedication to the mission.

But without intentional leadership transition and strong governance, organisations can face:

  • Leadership bottlenecks

  • Challenges with succession planning

  • Board governance tensions

  • Resistance to change and innovation

  • Increased organisational risk

  • Difficulty sustaining growth beyond the founder

The strongest organisations are those that can honour their founder's contribution while building a future that is bigger than any one individual.

Join us for this practical webinar and discover how to lead with legacy, strengthen governance, and create a sustainable future for your organisation.

Join This Free Webinar

FOUNDER'S SYNDROME: LEADING WITH LEGACY

In this practical and thought-provoking session, you'll learn how to:

  • Understand what Founder's Syndrome really means

  • Recognise the early warning signs boards often miss

  • Strengthen governance while respecting the founder's legacy

  • Transition leadership without losing the mission

  • Learn from real-world examples of healthy and unhealthy founder transitions

  • Lead with legacy and build long-term organisational sustainability

What You’ll Learn

In this practical and strategic session, you’ll discover:

  • What Founder's Syndrome really means

  • The early warning signs boards often miss

  • How to strengthen governance without dishonouring the founder

  • Ways to transition power while protecting the mission

  • Real-world examples of healthy and unhealthy founder transitions

  • How to build an organisation that can thrive for years to come

Who This Is For

This webinar is ideal for:

  • Not-for-Profit CEOs & Founders

  • Board Members and Chairs

  • Chief Executive Officers

  • Senior Leadership Teams

  • Governance and Strategy Leaders

  • Succession Planning Committees

  • Community Organisations

  • Charities and Social Enterprises

Whether your organisation is founder-led, preparing for leadership transition, or looking to strengthen governance, this webinar will provide practical guidance to support your long-term sustainability.

The Real Question Is

Is your organisation prepared to thrive beyond its founder?

Many not-for-profits are built on the passion, vision and dedication of extraordinary founders.

But when too much influence, decision-making or organisational knowledge rests with one person, future growth can become difficult.

Sustainable organisations require:

• Strong governance

• Shared leadership

• Succession planning

• Clear accountability

• A mission that can thrive beyond any individual

This webinar will help you start that journey.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Learn how to

✔ Recognise the signs of Founder's Syndrome

✔ Strengthen governance and board effectiveness

✔ Support healthy leadership transitions

✔ Navigate succession planning with confidence

✔ Protect your mission while preparing for the future

✔ Build a lasting organisational legacy

Presented by

Kerrie Sheaves

Co-Founder NFP Ocean

Kerrie Sheaves is a seasoned business strategist with over two decades of experience helping for-profit companies grow through purpose-driven partnerships. As the co-founder of NFP Ocean, she’s leading a movement that reshapes the synergy between service providers and the not-for-profit (NFP) sector.

Through her work, Kerrie has helped craft a platform that transforms how services are are accessed by NFPs — enabling providers to offer their expertise while significantly enhancing their societal impact. By fostering collaboration rooted in mutual understanding and shared values, she empowers both sides to grow together with purpose.

Kerrie brings deep insight, practical frameworks, and a passion for connecting commercial success with meaningful community outcomes.

Bonus Takeaways

Attendees will walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of Founder's Syndrome

• Practical governance and leadership transition insights

• Succession planning considerations for founders and boards

• Real-world examples of successful founder transitions

• Questions to help start meaningful conversations within their organisation

• Immediate next steps to strengthen long-term sustainability


Kerrie is an experienced leader who is transparent and able to keep teams and clients accountable to their goals - all with a good dose of her wicked sense of humour! I would recommend Kerrie to small business owners at any stage of their business maturity.

Partner, Marketing Agency

Got Question?

We've got answers

Leadership transition and governance challenges can be difficult to navigate in founder-led organisations.

That’s why this webinar was created.

We address common questions founders, board members and NFP leaders ask, including:

• What is Founder's Syndrome and how do you recognise it?

• How can boards raise concerns respectfully and constructively?

• What does a healthy leadership transition look like?

• How can organisations strengthen governance without dishonouring the founder?

• How do you ensure the mission thrives beyond any one individual?

This session is designed to provide practical, real-world guidance to help your organisation navigate change, strengthen governance, and build long-term sustainability.

And if your question is not covered, reach out to us directly. We are here to help your organisation lead with legacy.