Letting Go Well: Founder Transitions and the Future of Leadership

​Event Description

Many social impact organizations are built around the vision, energy, and networks of their founders. But as these organizations grow and mature, a critical question emerges: what does it take to transition from founder-led to institution-led without losing momentum, mission, or trust?

This session explores the realities of founder and leadership transitions, with a particular focus on how organizations navigate change in ways that strengthen governance, resilience, and long-term impact. What challenges do founders face in stepping back? What does it take to build leadership beyond a single individual?

We will also examine transitions in a global context, including the shift toward locally rooted leadership in Africa and the Global Majority, and what it means to move power, not just roles.

Bringing together founders, incoming leaders, and ecosystem partners, this conversation will focus on how to design transitions that honor legacy while building institutions that can endure and evolve.

​Speakers

• ​Deborah Ingersoll is Managing Director at Civic Strength Partners, advancing leadership and systems change through strategy, facilitation, and coaching.

• ​Andrea Coleman is Founder and CEO of Two Wheels for Life, advancing healthcare access through innovative transport and social enterprise.

• ​Chris Underhill is CEO and Co-founder of the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs, advancing mental health and social entrepreneurship globally.

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Discussion Questions
What makes founder transitions succeed or fail in social impact organizations?
How can organizations move from founder-led to institution-led leadership models?
What does it take to transition leadership in ways that shift power to local actors?
How can governance, culture, and strategy support long-term durability beyond founders?

​Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.