At ConnectedGroup, we have engaged multiple founders who, due to different reasons, have made the decision to hand their organisation over to new leadership. We have learnt this transition can come as a challenging yet pivotal moment in the journey, and it requires careful navigation to ensure continuity, as well as unhindered growth and progress. Given the challenges, and both successful and less impactful examples that we have encountered, we are sharing our insights (that could be used as a guide) for both the founder, the board, and the incoming CEO, on how to manage this transition smoothly. To the Founder: 1. Stepping back from day-to-day operations and specially from decision making will be difficult and emotional. It’s important for you to prepare mentally and emotionally, focus on the long-term benefits of bringing in new leadership for organisational growth (go back to when you started thinking about this transition, hold on to the reasons that took you to making this decision). It is easy to dream about the upsides but, you will need to prepare yourself for a journey with numerous obstacles to overcome. Remember, you have created this organisation, and you want to see it last and thrive, with or without you. That legacy will be your greatest achievement.

Making the Transition from Corporate to Not-For-Profit in Hong Kong