4 Game-Changing Insights from My First Year as Consultant

This month, we’re featuring KHS Consultant Sarah Grimm, as she reflects on the

lessons she’s learned along the way in her transition from non-profit leadership into consultancy; from KHS Consultant client to team member. Her journey is a powerful example of what it means to walk the talk: embracing the same mindset and practices we encourage in our clients when navigating something new. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sarah has truly been in many of your shoes, and brings her firsthand insights to our clients. Stay tuned for more KHS team showcase posts that highlight the unique strengths of each of our team members.

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, leading an incredible organization, yet feeling a knot of overwhelming tightness in your stomach? I’ve been there. Have you ever cried in the janitor's closet because of said feeling of overwhelm? Me too. Wondering where to begin, or how to truly unlock your next level of impact? I know that feeling. I too have navigated that very path as an Executive Director. Now, after completing my first year as a consultant with KHS Consulting, I have a deeper perspective on what it takes to transform uncertainty into clarity—and to turn overwhelm into purposeful, sustainable growth:

1: Embrace the Learning Curve

Leading a nonprofit often means being expected to have the answers—even when the landscape is constantly shifting. But growth doesn't come from knowing everything—it comes from staying curious and open to learning.

My first year at KHS Consulting was a masterclass in dedicated learning, and quite frankly, it was a beautiful whirlwind. From mastering our internal services to diving deep into the intricate operations of dozens of diverse clients, every day brought new revelations.  My biggest takeaway? Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness; it's the foundation of true expertise. Embracing the learning curve is how you refine your strategy, strengthen your team, and adapt to the ever-changing needs of your mission.

Whether you're navigating a major transition or simply looking to improve day-to-day operations, give yourself permission to learn as you lead. That mindset is what builds momentum—and leads to truly sustainable impact.

At KHS Consulting, our commitment to continuous learning means you benefit from a team whose knowledge is constantly expanding, ensuring you receive the most current, comprehensive, and effective guidance possible. (And we keep our free Resource Center and Blog updated along the way!)

2: Use Clarity as a Compass Through Complexity

One of the most insidious challenges leaders face is the swirling uncertainty of expectations—your own, your team’s, and those of your stakeholders. Over the last year, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to cut through that complexity. When goals aren’t clear or priorities feel constantly in flux, it’s easy to lose momentum and confidence. 

That’s why clarity is one of the most powerful tools in your leadership toolkit. Defining realistic goals, aligning your team, and setting clear expectations can cut through confusion and help you focus on what matters most. And just as importantly, building in regular check-ins ensures you’re staying accountable, making space for course correction, and keeping your team moving in the same direction.

Clarity is what transforms overwhelm into action. Whether it’s through strategic planning, internal communication, or performance management, leading with clarity helps you move forward with purpose—and empowers your team to do the same.

3: Fuel Sustainability with Strategy

No matter the size, mission, or structure of your organization, one truth holds steady: every nonprofit needs a reliable, diversified, and sustainable stream of resources to thrive. Passion and commitment are essential—but without a clear strategic roadmap, even the most dedicated efforts can fall short.

To build long-term financial health, your organization needs a strategy that reflects your unique context—not a template. That means taking a hard look at your challenges, identifying your strengths, and setting intentional goals to grow and sustain your impact. Strategic planning isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s how you ensure your vision is supported by real, achievable action.

The more tailored your strategy, the more confident you can be in your path forward—and the more effectively you can rally support for your mission.

4: Don't Underestimate the Power of Being Understood

As a nonprofit leader, you carry a lot—big decisions, tight deadlines, and the constant pressure to do more with less. I’ve sat in your chair and understand that it can be a solitary journey, where the burden of critical decisions rests solely on your shoulders, and few people understand the complexity or weight of your role.

That’s why one of the most important things you can look for in a partner—whether it’s a consultant, a funder, or a collaborator—is someone who truly gets it. Someone who listens not just to what you say, but to what you mean. Building genuine rapport isn’t about making a great impression; it’s about establishing a foundation of trust and mutual respect, allowing true collaboration to achieve your goals.

Being a former KHS Consultant client isn’t just a line on my resume; it’s the bedrock of my approach. It means when you share your challenges, I don’t just hear words–I hear the unspoken frustrations, the ambitious dreams, and the quiet fears. That empathy drives our client-focused work at KHS Consulting, where we don’t just deliver solutions—we build true partnerships with strategies that are as unique as your organization’s fingerprints. Over the past year, my greatest joy has been building meaningful relationships with CEOs, Development Directors, and key stakeholders, and serving as a trusted advisor, soundboard, and thought partner every step of the way.

When you’re seeking support, don’t settle for one-size-fits-all solutions. The more you feel understood, the more empowered you’ll be to lead with confidence and clarity. Let that be your baseline—not the exception.

This past year has been a testament to the incredible power of partnership, growth, and genuine connection. Change is uncomfortable, but that discomfort is a catalyst to new, positive, and profoundly rewarding experiences. Transitioning from impacting hundreds of individuals in a single county to working with the KHS Consulting team to support tens of thousands across Indiana and the U.S. has been incredibly fulfilling.  Knowing I am helping organizations reach new heights is the most rewarding part of this role. If you are ready to transform overwhelm into opportunity, to replace uncertainty with a clear strategic path, and to secure the resources that will elevate your mission, then let's talk.  Your next chapter of impactful growth is waiting.  

Cheers to the next chapter of this exhilarating journey–filled with continued growth, deeper connection and impactful change!