Stepping into my first CEO role at an international NGO was exhilarating—and humbling. I imagined myself in the field, learning from communities, helping women and ultra-poor populations move out of extreme poverty. What I didn’t anticipate was how much of my time would be spent on spreadsheets, strategy sessions, and fundraising calls.

Leading a nonprofit means balancing the work you love with the business required to sustain it. If you’re leading or aspiring to lead a mission-driven organization, here are the lessons I’ve learned about how to navigate the business of doing good.

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