Dear Reader
Scaling impact is exciting. But it's also complex and easy to get wrong.
I've led organisations through country expansions, government partnerships, business model shifts and just importantly moments when we chose not to scale until the foundations were truly ready.
Because scaling isn't just about growth. It's about designing for scale - not assuming it. You need to understand what works, who pays and what breaks under pressure.
Before I left Living Goods, I shared reflections on some pivotal scaling moments - if you're interested read here:
Why Living Goods Left the Entrepreneurial Model (Devex)
Partnering for Impact. How Living Goods and Governments Co-finance community health to reach more families (Living Goods Blog)
Now through Volante, I support leaders who are:
✔️ Expanding into new geographies
✔️ Partnering with governments for them to scale delivery
✔️ Shifting mindsets from growing an organisation to growing a field
✔️ Supporting scale that lasts - not just launches
You’ll gain:
✅ Clarity on what scales and what doesn’t
✅ A realistic model for who will 'pay' and who will 'do' the work
✅ Smart use of philanthropy - knowing what it’s for, and what it’s not
✅ A clear exit or sustainability pathway - start with the end in mind
✅ Pre-mortem planning that surfaces risks before they become problems.
✅ Strategic alignment across your team and board
✅ Operational design that supports scale without burning out your people
As Kevin Starr of Mulago puts it: if you're scaling with philanthropic capital, be laser clear about what you’re buying -and who will sustain it after the funding ends.
Big funding rounds can create momentum. But if they’re not backed by a clear, long-term model for who will fund, own, and operate the work, you’re heading straight for a funding cliff.
I know - I've been there.
And we planned meticulously to avoid that fate, building a realistic glide path beyond the philanthropic phase.
And this is something leaders don't hear enough. You don't need to be perfect - you need to be ready enough to scale.
Scaling is a journey of learning and adapting. You need a strong foundation, yes - but also a mindset that's open, iterative and pragmatic. Sometimes 'good enough' is exactly the right place to start as long as you're honest about what's still evolving and where you'll course correct.
If your organisation is facing a moment of growth - let's make it strategic, sustainable and purpose-led.
or learn more by going to my website
Let’s build what others will fund, use, and sustain - so the impact truly lasts.
Warmly,
Liz
Strategic Advisor | Former CEO | Founder, Volante
Based in Kenya, available globally
