Talbott Blog
We’re Asking Leaders the Wrong Questions
Here’s the problem: We ask nonprofit CEOs, executives, and board members to predict how they’d act in a tough situation instead of looking at how they’ve actually handled challenges before. But leadership isn’t theoretical. Leadership is what you do when you’re in the seat.
From “I Hate People: to a People-First Approach in Life
Fast forward to today, and I run a people-first business. I spend my days talking with nonprofit leaders, helping them build strong teams and make important decisions, and investing in relationships that truly matter. And if you asked most people who know me, they’d probably say, Leah’s a people person.
Happy 8th Birthday, Talbott Talent!
Eight years ago, Talbott Talent was born from a season of challenge and transformation. In this milestone reflection, our Chief Executive Officer, Leah York, shares the deeply personal story behind our founding, the lessons learned along the way, and the commitment to nonprofits that has guided us from day one.
A Focus for Me in 2025
As the year draws to a close, Leah York, Chief Executive Officer of Talbott Talent, reflects on the connections that define her personal and professional journey. From monthly gatherings with close friends she affectionately calls her "Aries sisters" to reconnecting with her brother John, visiting from Lisbon, Leah finds inspiration in relationships that challenge, support, and ground her.
How I Say No Without Feeling Guilty
Saying no is often hard, especially when I care so much about the work I do and the community I live in. But I have learned that if I don’t set an intention for my resources in advance, it’s easy to overcommit. And, when I overcommit, then I deplete my resources. It’s the law of diminishing returns.
How I Learned to Live a Life That Makes My Heart Sing
In 2019, I made a vow to pursue only what makes my heart sing—a simple but powerful decision that transformed my life. From rediscovering my love for biking to finding joy in solo travel, I've learned that it's the small, everyday choices that lead to a fulfilling life. It's not always easy, but the journey to living a life that truly resonates with my heart has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.
Lessons I Learned from Collecting Cans as a Kid
I remember one lady specifically who lived down street. After the third or fourth weekend in a row we went around collecting cans, she started preparing for us. Each Saturday she saw us walking down the street with our wagon, she would run inside and come out with a tons and tons of cans - almost a whole wagon full!
Lessons Learned while Running for Office
Through the process of meeting so many of my neighbors, I honed my skills on how to approach criticism. I developed a process to listen to and respond to complaints in a positive way.