"I Realized I Was the Problem": A CEO’s Unfiltered Confession

How do you grow an 11-person grassroots agency into a $12M statewide organization providing lifesaving supportive housing and victim services? In this inspiring episode of the Break Free Podcast, host David Mansilla sits down with Vanessa Volz, J.D., President and CEO of Sojourner House. Together, they explore the intersection of business discipline, empathy, servant leadership, and social justice. Vanessa shares her journey from practicing law to taking the helm of a nonprofit, guiding her team through funding struggles, expanding housing development, and scaling essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. 📌 Key Takeaways & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Sojourner House’s Mission 01:06 – Developing Permanent Supportive Housing & Property Rehab 03:25 – Vanessa’s Journey: From Law Practice to Nonprofit CEO 07:25 – Transitioning to Leadership: Listening & Team Building First 11:45 – The Mindset of Servant Leadership in Business & Nonprofits 13:46 – Navigating Organizational Turmoil & Establishing a Solid Foundation 15:01 – Rapid Growth & Pivoting During the COVID-19 Pandemic 20:04 – Mastering Fundraising Persistence & Overcoming Rejection 27:51 – Preventing Burnout: Daily Habits, Exercise, and Work-Life Balance 32:04 – Executive Coaching & Training the Next Generation of Leaders 🔗 Connect with Sojourner House & Vanessa Volz: Website: https://sojournerri.org Vanessa Volz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-volz/ 🎬 Subscribe to the Break Free Podcast for more inspiring conversations with business owners, community leaders, and visionaries making a real difference. #NonprofitLeadership #DomesticViolenceAwareness #VictimServices #SupportiveHousing #AffordableHousing #ServantLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #FundraisingStrategy #CrisisIntervention #BreakFreePodcast #SojournerHouse #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance