Three Stories of Impact

John P. Kotter, in his Harvard Business Review piece, nailed it: “Most U.S. corporations are over-managed and under-led.”  Amplify that challenge for nonprofits, with tight budgets, lean overheads, and relentless change. The daily grind of balancing accountability with accounts payable, budgets with boards, and fundraising with facilities –it often leaves nonprofit leaders stuck managing not leading.

Enter thought partnership—a game-changing, cost-effective solution that bridges the gap from mere survival to thriving innovation. This approach offers a short-term injection of top-tier expertise, providing nonprofits with high-caliber strategic insight without the long-term commitment or cost of hiring full-time talent.

 Maureen Holla, managing partner at Onward Consulting, has witnessed firsthand how thought partnership can transform organizations with minimal investment. “Thought partnership broadens an organization’s intellectual capital,” she says, “helping them ask better questions, sharpen their focus, and move forward faster than they ever imagined.”

But what exactly is Thought Partnership? Unlike conventional consulting, it’s not about managing a project or crunching numbers. It’s about injecting fresh perspectives from diverse industries, challenging existing paradigms, and pushing organizations to think and act in new, innovative ways—all at a fraction of the cost of traditional consulting.

Onward Consulting draws from an expansive repertoire of academic research, case studies, and real-world experiences to tailor their approach for each client. For instance, while collaborating with a justice campaign, they leveraged insights from a seatbelt campaign to illustrate the importance of changing laws and mindsets. The result? A dynamic, collaborative process proving that two (or more) heads are better than one.

To see the impact of thought partnership in action, we spoke with three Onward clients: Marcy Mistrett, CEO of the Campaign for Youth Justice; Kristin Scotchmer, Founder and Executive Director of Mundo Verde Public Charter School; and Holly O’Donnell, Executive Director of America SCORES. 

Marcy Mistrett found herself at the helm of the Campaign for Youth Justice, facing a barrage of pressing decisions. “I was stuck,” she recalls. “I needed a thought partner who could prioritize what was best for the organization—not just navigate office personalities.”

Onward stepped in, facilitating brainstorming sessions that led to strategic board decisions that crystallized CFYJ’s advocacy targets. Mistrett credits Onward’s objectivity and deep listening skills with guiding the board and bolstering her confidence as a new leader.

Kristin Scotchmer knew that Mundo Verde Public Charter School was at a critical juncture. The school needed to pivot in a new direction, but no one internally could take the reins on such an urgent and complex transition. “There was urgency, but no one internally to carry it,” she says. That’s where Maureen Holla a former school superintendent and Onward Consultant came in.

Holla quickly immersed herself in Mundo Verde’s challenges, providing Scotchmer with the external perspective she needed. They worked together in high-energy, focused sessions that cut through the noise and zeroed in on what mattered. Onward helped staff clarify the school’s strategic priorities and redefine the roles and responsibilities of the leadership team.

One of the most significant outcomes of this partnership was the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, crafted with both precision and speed. This plan didn’t just outline what needed to be done—it equipped the leadership team with the confidence and clarity to execute it effectively. 

As a result, Mundo Verde’s leadership team is now aligned and more equipped than ever to steer the school in the right direction. “Thanks to Onward, our senior leadership team’s roles and responsibilities are much clearer, and we know what is strategically important for the coming year,” Scotchmer concludes. “We can look to the future with greater confidence.”

Holly O’Donnell knew her nonprofit, which serves 8,000 urban youth through after-school programs, needed a strategic boost. “There’s always more to do than there is time or resources for,” she admits. Enter Onward, who dove deep into America SCORES’ business model and strategic plans. Through intense Q&A sessions that reviewed data and challenged assumptions O’Donnell was able to crystallize her vision.

The outcome was a succinct, visually engaging PowerPoint deck that mapped out the past, present, and future of America SCORES—backed by data, case studies, and best practices. This clarity empowered O’Donnell to make critical decisions that would propel the organization forward.

In a competitive nonprofit landscape, Thought Partnership isn’t just a luxury—it’s a cost-effective necessity. It offers a strategic advantage by expanding leadership bandwidth, fostering innovation, and ensuring that organizations aren’t just managing, but leading with purpose.

For those ready to transform their nonprofits without breaking the bank, Maureen Holla at Onward Consulting is your go-to. Reach out at mholla@onwardconsulting.com, and start your journey from possibility to progress.