I recently went one-on-one with Kirsten Dueck, CEO of NESsT.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Kirsten: I’ve recently transitioned into my new role as CEO for global impact investor and venture philanthropist NESsT. 

I had the privilege of being part of a passionate team of community leaders who built a foundation from the ground up. We dubbed our approach "operationalizing vision," where we meticulously crafted the structure, policies, and team needed to bring our aspirations to life. This endeavor laid the cornerstone for the PATH Foundation, dedicated to uplifting rural communities.

Throughout that period, our attention was directed toward addressing social and community issues, ranging from the ramifications of social determinants of health to systemic racial and social injustices. Our understanding deepened as we recognized that genuine insight and solutions emanate from the communities we hope to support.

However, my journey was not without its challenges. Traditional philanthropy has made tremendous social and environmental impact but it has its limitations. It moves slowly and rarely addresses the kind of infrastructural investment needed to achieve systems change at scale. .The realization that systemic change demanded more than what was traditionally on offer led me to champion the integration of impact investing within the foundation. This pivot was not just a strategic shift but a profound personal revelation about the power of blending business acumen with philanthropic intent to foster social and environmental progress.

The fabric of my career has been woven from a series of challenges, setbacks, and, most importantly, the resilience to transcend them. These experiences have not only shaped my professional trajectory but have also underscored my personal growth— the courage to forge new paths, the wisdom to embrace learning from every encounter, and the vision to see beyond the horizon.

Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?

Kirsten: Leadership extends beyond simply guiding; it involves rolling up your sleeves and setting the example through action. True leadership, in my eyes, means taking proactive steps that yield genuine, measurable impact tied to a larger vision. It's about staying rooted in your principles while constantly seeking fresh approaches and innovation. The most impactful leaders, from what I've experienced, are the ones who push us to be agents of lasting change in communities across the globe.

Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level? 

Kirsten: To truly enhance one’s leadership potential, leaders and those aspiring to lead must recognize the power in their unique perspectives, and leverage them to find unconventional solutions when confronting challenges. This acceptance of individuality empowers leaders to explore the road less traveled. By embracing their own authenticity, one can foster an environment where diversity of thought is not just tolerated but celebrated.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?

Kirsten: My best advice on building, leading, and managing teams centers on fostering purpose-driven collaboration, trust, and empowerment. Start by assembling a team whose members are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about creating, and creating together. Cultivate an environment where open dialogue and idea-sharing are encouraged. Build trust by leading with transparency, integrity, and a shared commitment to the organization's mission.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to aspiring leaders and to senior leaders? 

Kirsten: 

• Embracing uncertainty often leads to innovation and personal growth. Learning from setbacks and adjusting swiftly is key to moving forward, a lesson I've come to appreciate more with time. The mindset of "Yes, and..." holds tremendous potential in driving progress.

• Achieving the best strategy involves engaging both rationality and emotion in equal measure. Through my experiences, I've learned that successful decisions result from finding a harmony between analytical thinking and sincere passion. This entails integrating empathy and compassion into our strategic approach, ensuring that our goals not only aim high but also reflect our fundamental values.

• Nurture an environment of continuous learning: embrace a mindset of ongoing education for yourself and your team. Actively pursue opportunities to gain new knowledge, hone skills, and stay informed about industry developments. Foster open communication, feedback, and introspection within your organization, creating a culture that values learning from both triumphs and setbacks. By prioritizing continuous learning, you'll not only strengthen the abilities of individuals and teams but also encourage innovation and flexibility in navigating changing circumstances.

Adam: What are your best tips applicable to entrepreneurs?

Kirsten: Over time, I’ve learned the importance of collaboration and partnerships. Building a robust network is crucial for entrepreneurs. Seek mentors who genuinely connect with your journey and are willing to share their authentic experiences and insights. Connect with advisors who are passionate about your success and eager to offer sincere advice and assistance in various aspects of your business. Cultivate meaningful relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and mutual support. Attend networking events with an open heart and a willingness to connect with others on a deeper level, sharing your authentic self and learning from the experiences of others.

Adam: What are your best tips applicable to social entrepreneurs?

Kirsten: My experience has shown me the immense power and potential of social entrepreneurship to effect real change. My foremost advice to social entrepreneurs is to maintain a laser focus on the social or environmental problem you're passionate about solving. It's this passion that will sustain you through the inevitable challenges. Equally important is the need to deeply understand the community or environment you aim to serve. This understanding will ensure your solutions are not only innovative but also practical and welcomed by those you're helping. Additionally, financial sustainability should not be overlooked; a solid business model is essential for long-term impact. Collaborate widely, leveraging networks, partnerships, and mentorships, as these relationships can amplify your efforts and provide valuable insights. Lastly, measure your impact meticulously. Being able to demonstrate the tangible difference your venture is making will be crucial for securing support and scaling your solutions. Remember, every social enterprise journey is unique, but perseverance, empathy, and strategic thinking are your universal keys to making a lasting difference.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Kirsten: I recently asked my predecessor, NESsT’s founder, what advice she’d share with an incoming social enterprise CEO. Her guidance boiled down to four points that are now printed and framed in my office: 

• Know your audience

• Go deep

• Draw strength from your tribe

• Never give up

Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one-on-one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.

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