Introducing Executive Sanctuary: A Trusted Community for Nonprofit Leaders

Our team at Good Insight are experts in nonprofit leadership, and over the past few months, we’ve been watching with concern as executives face increasingly complex and chaotic operating environments. 

That’s why we are thrilled to announce our new investment in expanding Executive Sanctuary, a transformational leadership program for nonprofit CEOs. 

Today’s nonprofit executives are navigating a cascade of mounting pressures—political, financial, organizational—while still serving their communities with consistency and care. A CEO’s work is isolating. It is exhausting. And it can be hard for these executives to find a safe space to address overwhelming leadership demands and find new paths forward.

Executive Sanctuary was founded more than a decade ago by Heather Kaye, a master coach, former executive, and thought leader on leadership development. The program has served as a confidential space for nonprofit leaders to confront real-world challenges, replenish their energy, level-up leadership skills, and reconnect to their purpose. Each cohort comprises a tight-knit, diverse peer community of 12-15 nonprofit CEOs who meet three times a year for facilitated overnight retreats in restorative settings within 90 minutes of Washington, DC. Currently at two cohorts, Good Insight is sponsoring the expansion to a third cohort in fall 2025. 

“The isolation that nonprofit CEOs experience is real—and the stakes of their leadership have never been higher,” said Carlyn Madden, CEO of Good Insight. “Executive Sanctuary offers something rare: a trusted community where leaders can be open about their struggles, sharpen their strategies, and grow alongside people who get it. It’s not professional development—it’s a professional lifeline. I’ve admired Executive Sanctuary for many years and I’m proud to work with Heather to expand this program to more leaders who are holding so much right now.”

Executive Sanctuary conversations are candid and brave, grounded in trust, and laser-focused on real-world leadership dilemmas, including board dynamics, staff challenges, fundraising, DEI, and mergers. No topic is off the table—and nothing is too “messy” to explore. As a result, these CEOs feel less alone, have greater clarity, and are inspired to lead.

“I started Executive Sanctuary because I saw how desperate nonprofit leaders were for the time and space to reflect, reset, and have vulnerable conversations with peers who understand their reality,” said Heather Kaye, President of InVision, LLC. “When leaders can be honest about what’s hard, real transformation becomes possible. I’m excited to work with Good Insight to expand this offering to more changemakers who are ready to lead differently.”

This new partnership underscores Good Insight and InVision, LLC’s shared belief that investing in nonprofit leadership is the single most effective way to create lasting change in the sector. We’re deeply energized by our partnership—and more committed than ever to cultivating strong, resilient, and visionary leadership across the sector.

Executive Sanctuary’s third cohort will begin in November 2025. More information about the program, dates, and costs can be found here. We are currently accepting referrals and self-nominations for new cohort members at ExecutiveSanctuary@good-insight.org.