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White Room
Writer's pictureRobert L. Dortch, Jr.

A Season of Gratitude and Growth: What I Learned from 9 Years of Leadership with Philanthropy Southeast


As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on a profoundly meaningful nine-year journey with Philanthropy Southeast (PSE), culminating in my service as Immediate Past Chair of the PSE Board of Trustees. What began with hesitation turned into a transformative experience—one that taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, relationships, and the power of collective action.


There were times during my tenure as Chair-Elect and Chair when I questioned and learned to accept that life and leadership can be hard. Also, I came to realize that just because something is hard, it doesn't mean it's bad. The question is, in the midst of changing and challenging times, do we have the courage to hope and step out on faith? Do we believe that we learn from our mistakes, that history doesn't have to repeat itself, and that we should challenge injustice? How do we recover from bad days? How can we be better and do better by crossing the lines of separation and division and daring to love ourselves back together?


During our recent 55th Annual Meeting in Nashville, I was struck by moments of deep gratitude and learning, and I want to share seven lessons that resonated deeply. Show up.


Seven Lessons Learned


  1. Relationships Are Worth the Time - At its heart, leadership is about people. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with dedicated individuals committed to modeling the love of humanity and advancing equity in the American South. These relationships with fellow trustees, members, and PSE’s amazing and committed staff were built on trust and shared purpose and are treasures that have blessed my life and work.

  2. Resilience and Perseverance- Together, we weathered storms—literal and figurative. From navigating hurricanes to a global pandemic and civil and social unrest, these challenges underscored the importance of resilience and the unwavering commitment to our community.

  3. Honoring Legacy In Nashville, we celebrated the life and visionary leadership of Janine Lee, who dedicated her tenure as CEO to creating a more inclusive and equitable South. Her work reminds us to honor those who dare to dream for a better tomorrow.

  4. Embracing Change and Transition - Leadership is an evolving journey. We passed the leadership baton from outgoing Chair Kristen Keely Dinger while welcoming New Board Chair Darrin Goss and Dena Chadwick as our new  PSE CEO marked a new chapter for Philanthropy Southeast, a reminder that change is inevitable and necessary for growth.

  5. Learning from History - Songwriter and Author Alice Randall reminded us of the stories often left untold, such as the contributions of Lil Hardin Armstrong, a pioneer in country music. No matter how complex, our histories are bridges to understanding and progress. Alice reminded us that we should embrace our stories, not seek to erase our stories.

  6. Investing in the Future- Witnessing the passion and ideas of emerging voices reaffirmed my hope for the future of philanthropy.  I experienced this while speaking to Philanthropy Together about the power of collective giving, meeting Hull Fellows, first-time conference attendees, and the launch of the Janine Lee Learning and Leadership Collaborative. Their enthusiasm and courage inspire us to keep building a better world.

  7. Engaging in Civil Discourse - At a time when divisiveness feels prevalent, the courage to have meaningful conversations about challenging topics is a hallmark of effective leadership. This practice strengthens the community and creates opportunities for transformative change. 


Questions for Reflection:


  1. What relationships in your life and work are you committed to investing more time in?

  2. How can you build resilience in your personal or professional journey?

  3. What steps can you take to foster civil discourse within your community or organization?


How to Apply Gratitude in Our Work:


  1. Gratitude Mapping - Reflect on the people, moments, or opportunities that have shaped your journey. Create a visual map and write a note of thanks to at least one individual.

  2. Legacy Letters - Write a letter to someone who has inspired you, sharing how their legacy has influenced your path.

  3. Commit to a Change - Identify one area where you can embrace transition—whether it's delegating a task, mentoring someone new, or stepping into a fresh opportunity.


These lessons learned from time serving on the PSE Board of Trustees have not only shaped my leadership but also reinforced the value of saying "yes" to opportunities that can grow me and prepare me as a leader for the next chapter, even when I may be uncertain about how and what the outcome may be, yet show up and move forward because curiosity compels me to do so. 

Sometimes, the very opportunities we question turn out to be life's greatest gifts. My journey with Philanthropy Southeast is a testament to this truth. I am forever grateful.

 

We would love to hear from you!

Share your experiences on this topic in the comments below


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