Pieces of Insight: smart takes, one piece at a time

Burnout

A nonprofit guide to spotting the signs and sparking a healthier work life.

Working in the nonprofit sector can be deeply rewarding—but also uniquely exhausting. The passion that drives nonprofit professionals is a double-edged sword: it fuels mission-driven work but can also lead to overextension, chronic stress, and ultimately burnout. If you’re feeling drained, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the work you once loved, you’re not alone. Here’s how to recognize and manage burnout while continuing to make a difference.

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Leadership That Lasts - June 2025

How to Start Succession Planning Before It's Urgent 

When a nonprofit leader announces their departure—whether after a long, fruitful tenure or a short, intensive season—there’s always one question echoing behind the scenes:

Are we ready for this?

At M. Leslie Palmer Consulting Group, we believe the most effective transitions are not reactive—they’re planned well in advance. Whether you’re a nonprofit navigating growth, recovering from instability, or simply trying to sustain your impact year over year, succession planning is not optional. It’s strategic stewardship.

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Impact Summit Success - May 2025

We’re Not Just Planning 2026—We’re Crafting Impact

We are still riding the high from this year’s IMPACT Summit—and feeling incredibly grateful. What started as a spark of inspiration at a conference Nisi Bennett and I attended in Austin has grown into a powerful annual event that brings together changemakers, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals in the spirit of collaboration and growth.

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Denise E. Bennett
Consultant

As a specialized writer of grants, policies, procedures and well-told stories, Denise’s career spans more than 35 years of for-profit and nonprofit experience in the medical, banking and social services professions. Her financial acuity and love of writing led her to a successful career in grant writing and nonprofit fundraising. Denise has significant experience in fund development, grant writing and management, as well as operations oversight for a variety of nonprofit organizations. An achievement-focused innovator, she is a strong collaborator and strategic thinker, able to resolve workplace challenges. Denise is a graduate of Belmont University and has an MBA from Keller School of Management.

M. Leslie Palmer
Founding Principal | Managing Consultant

With decades of for-profit and nonprofit experience, Leslie shares her expertise and partners with other strong practitioners to help grow the capacity and success of the nonprofit community. Leslie brings practical experience to clients, having served on numerous boards of nonprofit organizations. Leslie has significant experiences on the other side of the table, as well, having worked in leadership and management for organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, American Red Cross, City Year San Antonio and World Affairs Council of San Antonio. Leslie is a dedicated maven, leader, and perceptor who strives to embolden clients to achieve their goals. Originally from Newport, RI, Leslie is a graduate of Villanova University.