Chasing Dual Paths

It’s been a while since I posted, so I thought it was time to provide an update. As many of you know, I’m finishing up my last few days at Bridge Worldwide. My official last day will be Friday, June 27th. We’re still working out my role with the agency post-departure, but I’ll be sitting on our Advisory Board for the time being. There might be a better way to stay involved, but for now, participating as an Advisory Board member seems to make the most sense.

In terms of what’s next for me, I believe I’ve settled on two complementary paths.

The first is to start my own organization aimed at supporting not-for-profits. It will be a consultancy aimed initially at program measurement and evaluation, but it might expand into some other strength areas of mine over time. Measurement and Evaluation is becoming critically important at most non-profits – they are the evidence that programs are delivering or failing. That evidence helps create the case to continue or kill programs. And from my read of the existing literature it looks as though too much energy is placed on the quantity and comprehensiveness of M&E data and not enough on what that data really means. That’s my opportunity. For the business itself, I’m still determining whether this will be a solo venture to start out or if I’ll begin with a partner. I’m working that out over the next several weeks and at the same time, beginning to dig into the hard work of creating a real business plan.

The second path is to work for a small non-profit with an international/developing world focus. I’m envisioning this to be a part-time role that lets me gain deep and direct access to the aid programs I find most interesting (economic development, education and health). I believe that this will really inform the work that I want to do on my own business (and add lots of credibility too). I’d still put Concern Worldwide at the top of my short list (and I’m still working with them to explore opportunities – it takes time), but my criteria are broad enough that I can make any of a large number of organizations fit my needs/desires on this front.

From previous posts, I’m sure you can see the transition in my interests from larger organizations to smaller organizations. You can also see the consistent desire for entrepreneurship. That bug bit me a long time ago and I doubt I’ll ever be able to shake it. This dual path strategy that I’ve mapped out has me feeling really excited and energized. And of course, it also has me quite terrified. This next year will be the most challenging one I’ve faced in a loooong time and that feels really, really good.