This season, we're shining a light on alumni of Leading Executives. Designed for the senior-most leaders of their organizations, Leading Executives offers a transformative experience rooted in dynamic learning, personalized feedback, and peer support. Participants gain tools to lead more effectively, build self-awareness, and navigate the complexities of leadership with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience.

Meet Jess Greenblatt Seeley, Co-Executive Director at JOIN for Justice. Jess reflects on what it means to lead with resilience, humility, and curiosity. She also shares how feedback, collaboration, and peer connection have shaped her leadership — and why no one should lead alone in today’s Jewish nonprofit landscape.

Alumni Spotlight conversations may be edited and condensed.

What do you think are the most critical leadership qualities needed to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities within Jewish nonprofit organizations right now?

I believe that the leadership quality of resiliency is paramount. We've been through so much, from the pandemic to the events of October 7th and beyond, and the ability to persevere and help our organizations adapt is crucial. Secondly, collaborative leadership is more vital than ever. The challenges we face are complex, and no one can tackle them alone. Fostering a culture where leaders can ask for help, share their vulnerabilities, and learn from each other is essential. Programs like Leading Edge underscore the importance of peer support in combating feelings of isolation. Finally, a commitment to continuous learning and self-awareness is key. Being open to feedback and curiosity will only inform our adaptive leadership skills in times of chaos.

How has something you learned in the Leading Edge program helped make a real difference at your organization? Share an example.

Something that I benefited from the Leading Edge program was the value of 360-degree feedback. About a year into my tenure at JOIN, the program equipped me with the tools and framework to solicit key feedback on my leadership from staff, board members, and peers. This provided invaluable data points about my strengths and areas for growth. It pushed me to actively seek input and gave me dedicated space to process it within the cohort. This process led to increased self-awareness and helped me better align my efforts with the needs of the organization. 

What’s one practical leadership tip you would share with a new Jewish nonprofit leader stepping into their role?

If I were to share one practical leadership tip with a new Jewish nonprofit leader stepping into their role, it would be this: foster a culture of curiosity and collaboration with your fellow leaders right from the start. Honestly, from day one, the more you can connect with others in the field, the better. I've found that people are generally so willing to help, so it's okay to ask for help - because no one expects you to know everything from Day 1 (or Day 1000). Especially in the current climate, which is a really difficult time to be in charge of a Jewish organization, collaborative leadership is more important than ever - because I don't think anyone can do it by themselves. Building a network for peer support and not being afraid to seek guidance will be absolutely invaluable as you navigate the complexities of this work. Lean into leading with this understanding and humility.