As we move ahead in 2025, I am humbled by the profound lessons learned and deeply grateful for the people who stepped up to help during the challenging times of the past year. For so many of us in Western North Carolina, Hurricane Helene's devastation is a stark reminder of life's unpredictability, impacting so many lives and reshaping our daily existence.

In the aftermath of the storm, life delivered many unexpected challenges but also ways to help. In our neighborhood the road to our only access bridge washed out and there was no cell service, power, or water. Downed trees were everywhere.

With schools closed for a month, our kids received an education beyond the classroom. They hauled water buckets from the creek and fostered a pair of kittens who were evacuated from the heavily damaged animal shelter. When our power and water were restored, friends without it walked over a handmade foot bridge to our house to shower, do laundry, and share warm biscuits.

As nonprofit leaders, we must be prepared to navigate life's twists and turns, guiding our organizations through unforeseen challenges. One key to leadership is the ability to weather changes and lean into the unanticipated.

It's crucial to assess our readiness for such unpredictability. Consider the following questions to foster resilience within your team:

• How adaptable are we to sudden changes?
• Do we have contingency plans for unexpected events?
• How effectively do we communicate and collaborate during crises?
• Are we investing in the well-being and flexibility of our team members?

By reflecting on these questions and embracing the lessons that unexpected events offer, we can strengthen our organizations to face future challenges with resilience and compassion.

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Hannah Randall is a Senior Advisor with Armstrong McGuire who specializes in organizational assessment, executive search/recruitment, board retreats, strategic planning, and mentoring. Learn more about Hannah in her bio.

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