What We're Learning

What We're Learning

What We're Learning | May 2025

May 14th, 2025by Leading Edge

Here's what the Leading Edge team is learning about culture, executives, and boards this month.

A large group of people stand in a circle holding hands, participating in a traditional group dance during JPro25.

‘The Surge’ continues: JFNA survey finds a third of Jews more engaged now than pre-Oct. 7

A year and a half after October 7, Jewish engagement is still elevated — but the initial spike is easing. In Jewish Federations of North America’s new survey, 31% of Jews say they’re more involved in communal life than before the attacks. Mimi Kravetz (Chief Impact and Growth Officer for JFNA, and Leading Edge Board Member) stated, “The Surge has shown staying power... but the data carries an important reminder that the Surge is not going to last forever,” noting that the community must act now to meet people’s needs.

CULTURE

Who is a Jew of Color? It depends who you ask
Ilana Kaufman (Founder & CEO, Jews of Color Initiative, and Leading Edge Board Member) traces how American Jews have counted and categorized ourselves across centuries — and what those methods reveal and obscure. Through historical context and present-day analysis, she calls for tools that better reflect who we are and who we’re becoming.
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What the Return-to-Office Debate Misses: Employees Are Customers
Many companies frame return-to-office (RTO) policies around control, but they’re missing the bigger picture: employees are like customers, and should be treated as such. Just as companies tailor experiences to attract and retain customers, they need to create compelling, flexible work environments to attract and retain top talent.
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Gallup: Global Engagement Falls for the Second Time Since 2009
LinkedIn: Nonprofit Talent Report
HBR: When You’re Asked to Meet Impossible Goals

EXECUTIVES

Me and My Shadow: A Peer Learning Model Helps Leaders Grow
A peer learning program pairs nonprofit leaders with peers to shadow each other’s work, offering real-time insight and mutual growth. This model helps leaders break out of isolation, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen their leadership practices. By observing and being observed, participants build trust, challenge assumptions, and develop more effective ways to lead.
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The 4 Types of Thinking Leaders Need to Practice—and Teach
Great leaders don’t just make decisions — they practice and teach four distinct types of thinking: critical, creative, reflective, and systems thinking. Each type serves a unique purpose, from solving problems to inspiring innovation and understanding long-term impacts. By modeling and encouraging these thinking styles, leaders can build more adaptive, thoughtful, and future-ready teams.
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WorkLife: For companies to fully integrate AI, their HR leaders are going to require more training
Egon Zehnder: The CHRO Voice: Inside Human Resources Leadership
The Economist: The early lives of bosses

BOARDS

Getting nonprofit boards on board: Recruiting, governance, and fundraising
Navigating the complexities of board recruitment, governance, and fundraising can be challenging for nonprofits. This curated selection of articles from Candid. provides actionable insights and practical advice to help organizations build and maintain effective boards. From understanding board member obligations to fostering productive fundraising partnerships, this resource is designed to support nonprofits in achieving their missions more effectively.
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What are the best strategies and tips for managing a nonprofit board of directors?
Effective nonprofit board management hinges on clear communication, mutual trust, and ongoing education. Board members thrive when expectations are well-defined, their time is respected, and their contributions are meaningfully integrated into organizational goals. Regular check-ins, thoughtful onboarding, and strong partnerships with executive leadership help build a thriving, purpose-driven board.
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