Today’s episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact.
Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking the mindset + strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the series at weareforgood.com/12shifts

Shift 9 / Trust Is the Work Now

In today’s episode, Jon and Becky welcome back Abby Falik, Co-Founder & CEO of The Flight School, for a grounding and expansive conversation on why trust is no longer a byproduct of good leadership — it is the work.

As institutions fracture, technology accelerates, and certainty feels harder to come by, Abby invites nonprofit leaders to rethink trust as a core leadership practice rooted in authenticity, courage, and inner alignment. Together, they explore what it looks like to lead without false certainty, release performative control, and build organizations that are worthy of trust — from the inside out.

Abby shares wisdom from her lifelong work in leadership formation, her experience building trust-based systems, and the guiding principles behind The Flight School to help leaders move from fear to flourishing. This episode is both a call inward and a call forward for leaders navigating rapid change while trying to stay human.

Episode Highlights:

• The Importance of Trust in Leadership (02:30)
• Trust as Core Work in a Fractured World (05:18)
• Warning Signs of Losing Trust in Organizations (12:29)
• Building Trust in Leadership (15:48)
• Leading with Hope in Uncertain Times (18:13)
• The Role of the Next Generation in Trust (21:51)
• Abby’s One Good Thing (24:31)

Dive Deeper:

Comfortable with Uncertainty / Purchase Here

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/679

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