TRUE NORTH INSIGHTS

Hello and welcome to our Winter 2026 edition!

As we move through the heart of winter, the world often feels quieter as snow softens the landscape, branches grow still, and the pace around us slows just enough to pay attention. That’s why we chose this edition’s cover image: a bright red cardinal perched against a backdrop of winter white. In many cultures, cardinals symbolize clarity, resilience, and the reminder to stay grounded in what matters. Even in the coldest season, they stand out with focus, intention, and unmistakable presence.

That message resonates deeply with the work we’re doing alongside our clients. This winter, leaders are taking time to refocus, strengthen their organization’s strategy, invest in healthier cultures, and set the tone for a year of aligned, intentional growth. At True North, we’re honored to support their journey.

We hope you take this season to pause, reflect, and step into this year with renewed purpose.

Here’s to resilience, bright spots in quiet moments, and a strong start to the year.

With gratitude,

Christina & Michelle

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE:

• DisruptHR West Palm Beach

• Board Development Sessions

• Presentation: Kickstart 2026 Leadership Symposium-Leadership Rochester

• Partnership Spotlight: Family Focused Treatment Association

• Client Spotlight: Challenger Miracle Field

• Strengthening our Services

BOARD DEVELOMENT

Building Stronger Boards for Stronger Communities

In October 2025, Christina had the privilege of presenting “Building an Effective Board: Strategies for Success” for the Center for Nonprofit Leadership through St. John Fisher University’s Institute for Civic & Community Engagement 

Grounded in True North’s signature dual strength, strategy + people systems, the session equipped nonprofit leaders with practical tools to strengthen role clarity, elevate meeting effectiveness, sharpen fiduciary focus, and build intentional board succession plans. 

Participants explored the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience; clarified the distinction between board and CEO roles; examined strategies for more effective and engaging meetings; and reviewed practical tools including board work plans, succession planning frameworks and committee charters. 

The conversation centered on one key theme: when boards focus strategic direction, shared ownership with leadership, and disciplined governance practices, they create the conditions for mission-driven impact.

Christina will return on March 4 to present for the Center’s Board Leadership Seminar Group.

At True North, we believe effective boards are not accidental, they are intentionally designed, cultivated, and supported. We are grateful to partner with the Center for Nonprofit Leadership in strengthening governance across our region.

KICKSTART 2026 LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

Strategic Managers in Uncertain Times: Highlights from Leadership Rochester

Earlier this season, Michelle had the opportunity to facilitate a session for Leadership Rochester’s Kickstart 2026 Leadership Symposium titled “Strategic Managers in Uncertain Times: How to Build Strategy from Where You Sit.” It was a meaningful conversation with leaders who are navigating rapid change, competing priorities, and the pressure to make sound decisions in unpredictable environments.

During the presentation, we explored what strategic planning really looks like at the manager level, especially when resources are stretched, information is incomplete, or organizational strategy is still developing. We discussed how managers create stability and forward movement by interpreting (or creating) direction, reducing noise, setting clear priorities, and anchoring decisions to mission, values, and capacity.

A key part of the session introduced practical tools that leaders can apply immediately, including a simple four‑question strategic framework, scenario thinking for uncertain times, and the ACE Leadership model—Authentic, Courageous, and Emotionally Intelligent leadership behaviors that help teams stay grounded and engaged even when the path ahead is shifting. We also emphasized the critical role managers play in change communication, people alignment, and making strategy real for their teams.

The conversation reminded us of something essential: strategy isn’t a title; it’s a behavior. Every manager has the ability to shape outcomes through the choices they make, the clarity they provide, and the culture they reinforce. And in times of uncertainty, that kind of leadership becomes even more powerful.

It was a privilege to share space with so many thoughtful leaders who are committed to growing themselves, their teams, and their impact.

PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA)

We’re excited to share that True North has partnered with the Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA) to support the launch of their new online Career Center, an important resource designed to strengthen the workforce pipeline for agencies across the country. Through this partnership, we’ve curated a collection of practical tools, templates, and guidance to help FFTA members navigate every stage of the workforce journey. Through this Career Center, FFTA seeks to empower organizations and job seekers with the resources they need to connect talent with mission-driven opportunities, advance professional development, and build resilient, high-performing teams.

At True North, we believe that strong people systems are foundational to strong outcomes, especially in family‑ and community‑serving organizations. We’re honored to collaborate with FFTA and to stand alongside agencies working tirelessly to support children, youth, and families. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to elevating the field, investing in the people who make the work possible, and building systems that support long‑term success.

You can visit the FFTA Career Center here: Career Center - Family Focused Treatment Association

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Strategic Planning with Challenger Miracle Field

We’re honored to share that True North is currently partnering with Challenger Miracle Field to support the development of their strategic plan, important work that will guide the future of an organization deeply committed to creating inclusive, accessible opportunities for athletes of all abilities. Challenger Miracle Field has long been a beacon of community connection, joy, and belonging, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen the systems and strategy that make their mission possible.

Through this engagement, we’re working closely with their leadership team, board members, and key stakeholders to clarify priorities, align programs and resources, and build a strategic framework that supports sustainable growth. Our focus is on elevating the voices of those most connected to the mission, ensuring that the plan not only reflects where the organization is headed but also honors the heart and purpose of the families and athletes they serve.

Partnering with organizations like Challenger Miracle Field is a reminder of why thoughtful strategic planning matters. It creates direction, strengthens capacity, and supports the people who make the work meaningful. We’re excited to walk alongside their team as they shape the next chapter of impact for their community.

You can learn more about Challenger Miracle Field here: Rochester Challenger Miracle Field

STRENGTHENING OUR SERVICES

Our HR services just leveled up!

We’re excited to share a little behind-the-scenes update with you. Recently, we made an investment in resources to support our HR services. Why? Because you deserve support that’s not only strategic and practical but also backed by the most up‑to‑date legal guidance and high‑quality tools.

This investment will give us expanded access to attorneys, compliance updates, salary data, manager training, HR templates, state‑specific guidance, and best‑practice resources that will help us deliver even stronger documents, recommendations, and overall support. In short: these tools help us help you.

We’re always looking for ways to elevate the experience you have with us, and this investment is one more step in making sure you receive the most reliable, informed, and thoughtful HR partnership possible.

If you ever have questions about how True North Executive Solutions can support your current HR projects or upcoming initiatives, reach out to Michelle Lee via email at mlee@truenorthexecutivesolutions.com or by phone at 585-300-1574.

BRINGING CLARITY TO STRATEGY- AND CONNECTION TO PEOPLE

True North Executive Solutions uniquely integrates strategic planning and HR expertise, helping organizations understand their current state, set a clear vision, and build the people and infrastructure to achieve it.

If you would like to discuss any topics covered in this newsletter or would like to learn more about our services, please contact us. We are here to assist you.