Why I Had to Slow Down to Speed Up as a Founder
If I’m honest, for a long time I thought I could just do it all. Run a nonprofit, raise kids, cheer from the sidelines, build systems on the fly… You name it, I was juggling it. And it “worked,” but it also nearly wore me out.
What I’m learning is this: you can’t build a lasting impact on hustle alone. At some point, heart has to meet structure.
For me, that meant slowing down long enough to ask: What would make LaunchPad sustainable? Not just for me, but for the teachers who nominate kids, the donors who fund opportunities, the families who say yes to new experiences, and the interns who help me keep everything running behind the scenes (which I don’t have at the moment).
The Systems Shift
Here’s what we landed on this year:
Three seasons a year. Fall, Winter, Spring. Clear nomination windows, so teachers aren’t guessing when to submit names.
Processing weeks. Interns know exactly when to update the website with new kids — no more scrambling at the last minute.
Aligned fundraising. Donors are invited to give while kids are actually playing or participating, so their dollars feel connected to real stories in real time.
Parent surveys. Not glamorous, but they give us the feedback to know what’s working and where we need to adjust.
Seasonal reports. These let donors see exactly how their money kept kids on the field, in the studio, or in practice.
None of this is flashy. Honestly, it doesn’t look that exciting on Instagram. But it’s the kind of work that keeps LaunchPad from burning out right alongside me. These rhythms are what give our mission longevity.
The Wins That Make It Worth It
And here’s the part I love: the systems are already making space for real wins.
✨ Amelia decided to pivot from drums to singing lessons, sparked by her last experience in piano. Watching her discover what lights her up is exactly the point.
✨ Christopher’s family discovered his talent and love for gymnastics and figured out a way to continue supporting him on their own. He’s no longer in the program, but that’s a huge win in my eyes — LaunchPad helped him find his spark, and now his spot can open up for another child.
✨ Kinsley is starting her very first dance class this Tuesday. The excitement in her family’s messages reminded me how meaningful “firsts” can be when a door finally opens.
✨ Mikahael had his very first soccer practice this week, thanks to Sarah at the Redding Youth Soccer League. Seeing him suited up and smiling was proof that small connections can change everything.
These stories are what keep me grounded. They’re why the work behind the scenes matters so much. Without clear systems, these opportunities could slip through the cracks. With them, we get to celebrate kids stepping into something new.
Why Sharing Wins Matters
I used to keep stories like this close to the chest, telling myself, “I’m too busy to write it all down.” But I’m learning that sharing them is part of the work. So I’m aiming to do better!
For donors, these stories are the proof that their dollars turn into opportunities. It’s the trust factor. They can see exactly how their gift shows up in real kids’ lives.
For teachers, it’s encouragement. They’re reminded that nominating a student isn’t just a form to fill out, it can change a child’s trajectory.
For families, it’s hope. Sometimes a parent just needs to see that another child found their spark to believe it’s possible for their own.
And for me? Sharing the wins is fuel. When the behind-the-scenes feels heavy from grant deadlines, board meetings, spreadsheets, coming back to these kids’ stories is what keeps me aligned with why I started.
Slowing Down to Speed Up
I think a lot of us moms, entrepreneurs, and founders have a tendency to fall into the trap of thinking we have to do everything right now. But slowing down to build rhythms and systems isn’t wasted time. It’s what makes the impact sustainable.
So if you’re also trying to “manage it all,” here’s my encouragement, friend to friend:
Slow down. Take a step back. Ask yourself, What system would make this easier next time? And then practice putting it in place.
Because it’s not about perfection, it’s about rhythm. And rhythm will carry you farther than hustle ever will.
And along the way, don’t forget to share your wins, no matter how small they feel. They’re not just stories. They’re the heartbeat of why we keep going.
If you’re a donor or teacher, you’ll see these changes roll out in the coming months. If you’re a fellow founder: I’d love to hear one system you’ve had to build to make your mission sustainable?
Stay Fierce,
