When we started ALF Insights in January 2020, we were brimming with new ideas and enthusiasm, but, of course, we had no idea what lay ahead. Four years later, this spring feels like a very important time marker for ALF Insights and the community. The work we set out to do feels more relevant and necessary than we could have ever foresaw.
Leveraging American Leadership Forum’s proven formula for fostering generative dialogue, ALF Insights has established itself as a meeting facilitation, strategic planner, and executive coaching consultancy grounded in quality work products and transformative processes. During our first four years, 36 clients have contracted ALF Insights to support their organizational capacity-building needs, with 60% renewing. We have grown rapidly and made a significant impact in a relatively short amount of time. While the work products we have produced are many, there are a few projects that we are particularly proud of:
- The ongoing facilitation of the 25 members Foundation Leaders group, which is a cohort of local philanthropic leaders who are developing a more collaborative approach to funding immediate needs and systems change work.
- Supporting the Town of Los Gatos in their creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.
- Convening and facilitating a group of Silicon Valley Jewish leaders to support Jewish community-building across the South Bay.
- Leading multiple organizations through their strategic planning processes, with two plans to be completed in this coming year.
- Supporting organizations with the facilitation of board meetings and staff retreats.
The present and future of ALF Insights looks promising as well. In 2024, we have a total of 17 clients, with 50% of those being repeat clients, and we have a new strategic plan to guide us through the coming years. There is no way for us to know what the future may hold but we do know that no matter what happens there will always be a need for emotionally intelligent leadership. We know that we will have to lean into shared power models that center the community and its needs, and we know that ALF Insights will be here to help organizations realize their full potential and desired community impact.
Learn more about ALF Insights here.
Jenny Niklaus has a 25+ year record of impact based work in a variety of service based nonprofits in Santa Clara County. She has worked with women and children who were victims of violence, those living in poverty and seniors. Prior to coming to ALF as its Chief Impact Officer, Jenny was the CEO of HomeFirst Services. Jenny is a certified yoga teacher and mindfulness practitioner and serves on the leadership team for the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits.
