682. Shift 12 — Boards: You Are The Culture Carriers (How Boards and Staff Shape Leadership Together) - Nakia James-Jenkins

Episode notes

Today’s episode continues our 12-part series: 12 Shifts in 2026 for Social Impact. Over twelve episodes, we’re unpacking the mindset and strategy shifts shaping the future of fundraising, leadership, and doing good in 2026. Explore the full series at weareforgood.com/12shifts . Shift 12 / Boards Are Culture Carriers In this final episode of the 12 Shifts series, Jon and Becky close things out with a powerful conversation about boards, culture, and shared leadership — and they’re joined by the perfect voice to put a bow on it all. They sit down with Nakia James Jenkins, people and culture leader, board chair of STEM From Dance, and partner at On-Ramps, to explore why boards aren’t just governance bodies — they’re culture carriers who shape trust, voice, and leadership, often without even realizing it. Together, they unpack how boards and executive leaders co-create organizational culture, what it looks like to move beyond outdated, transactional board models, and how leaders can intentionally activate boards as authentic partners in mission, storytelling, and growth.