S01E31 Nonprofit Leadership, Team Building and Career Lessons I Chantel Scherer

S01E31 Nonprofit Leadership, Team Building and Career Lessons I Chantel Scherer

Author: Sara Orellena March 26, 2026 Duration: 43:29

Leadership rarely follows a straight path. In this episode of The Route To Success, Sara Orellana sits down with Chantel Scherer, Executive Director of the Nassau Humane Society, to talk about resilience, leadership, and the unexpected opportunities that shape a career.

Chantel Scherer shares her remarkable journey from professional golf and international business in London to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare. With decades of experience across communications, government work during COVID, and nonprofit leadership, she offers powerful insights on building teams, running mission driven organizations with business discipline, and staying grounded while leading others.

Sara Orellana and Chantel Scherer explore what collaborative leadership really looks like, why nonprofits must operate with strong business strategies, and how leaders can grow through challenges, failure, and constant learning. The conversation also dives into burnout, ego in leadership, and the importance of building support systems like executive coaches and peer networks.

This episode of The Route To Success is a thoughtful discussion for anyone interested in leadership, nonprofit management, personal growth, and purpose driven work.

What you will learn in this episode

• Why leadership paths are rarely linear
• The power of collaborative leadership and building strong teams
• How nonprofits can run sustainably like businesses
• Managing burnout and staying grounded as a leader
• Why failure and risk taking are essential for growth
• The role of communication, trust, and adaptability in leadership

If you are passionate about leadership, nonprofit impact, career growth, or building meaningful work, this conversation with Chantel Scherer offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

About the guest
Chantel Scherer is the Executive Director of the Nassau Humane Society. With a global career spanning professional sports, international business, government communications, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a unique perspective on mission driven leadership and organizational growth.

Follow Chantel Scherer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantelscherer/

About the host
Sara Orellana is the host of The Route To Success podcast, where she shares real conversations with leaders about resilience, purpose, and the journeys that shape impactful careers.

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Ever wondered what the actual road looks like for those who have built something meaningful? The Route to Success isn't about abstract theories or glossy highlight reels. Instead, it digs into the granular, often messy details of real business journeys. Each conversation strips back the polished finish to reveal the pivotal decisions, the unexpected detours, and the hard-won lessons learned along the way. You'll hear founders, innovators, and seasoned operators recount the moments that truly defined their path-not just the triumphs, but the setbacks that reshaped their strategies. This podcast operates on the belief that the most valuable maps are drawn from lived experience, not just theory. It’s for anyone curious about the substance behind the story, offering candid reflections and practical insights that are rarely discussed in formal settings. Tune in for authentic dialogues that explore how diverse routes can lead to a common destination of achievement, providing a more nuanced and human perspective on what it takes to navigate the complex landscape of modern business.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 36

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