You might be wondering:
Who’s hedgehog?
Who’s fox?
And why are they collaborating?
The Greek poet Archilochus once said, “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”
And so, dear nonprofit leader, the hedgehog and the fox are you.
As a fox....
As a hedgehog…
✓ You’re mindful of the goals, strategies, and tactics that will guide you there.
✓ You wear many hats, showing up as whatever your organization needs you to be.
✓ You understand the power of bringing your community together to ensure everyone and everything can thrive.
✓ You work toward a big vision, a high ideal, a bold dream.
✓ You’re fundamentally an advocate and ambassador for your mission.
✓ You might often feel alone in your courage, your fears, your frustrations, your aspirations.
While the hedgehog and the fox represent different modes of thinking, they’re ultimately close collaborators. A healthy balance of both mindsets is necessary for leading your nonprofit today and into the future.
The hedgehog and fox duality is one I know well...
I’m Sarah Audet, and I was once the Executive Director of a small but mighty nonprofit in Vermont. As the only staff member, I filled many roles. Relationship-builder. Storyteller. Volunteer coordinator. Motivator. Strategic thinker. Development director. Data entry specialist. Late night email replier. Problem solver. The list goes on.
I LOVED my job. I got to build collaborative relationships with partner organizations, coordinate a network of amazing volunteers, witness the profound generosity of our community, and support my fellow humans through a difficult time in their lives. I was constantly learning new ways to effectively lead people and manage a nonprofit organization. It was a dynamic, fulfilling, and humbling experience.
At the same time, I found myself working far too many hours, googling way too many things at 2:00 a.m., and, ultimately, enduring some major burnout. (Self-doubt? Cynicism? Feeling defeated? Yeah, I had that!)
I didn’t want these things for myself. And I certainly don’t want them for you.
From all of this, Hedgehog + Fox Collaborative was born. I use everything I’ve learned–and continue to learn– to bring out the best you’ve got with board development, strategy, and communications.
I’m all about helping you find and keep the best leaders.
I’m all about helping you and your team work together in the same, right direction.
I’m all about helping you tell your stories.
I’ll be the hedgehog to your fox, and the fox to your hedgehog. When you’re bogged down in the weeds, I’ll help you find the bigger vision. And when it feels overwhelming to reach the bigger vision, I’ll help you find the way there.
