An Introspective Pause, A Steadfast Horizon: A Letter to the Lighthouse Ecosystem

The past three years have etched themselves into our collective memory, a period marked by global upheaval that rippled through every facet of our lives, our organizations, and our communities. At Lighthouse Silicon Valley, we too navigated this turbulent sea, experiencing firsthand the discomfort of pivots, the sting of unexpected shifts, and the profound challenge of seeing foundational support recede.

Looking back, I find myself reflecting on the unexpected strength drawn from an unlikely source: the principles of conflict resolution I shared with the men at San Mateo County Jail. Immersing myself in the nuances of different conflict styles, I began to recognize a dominant approach in the wider landscape – avoidance. The weight of difficult decisions, particularly for those deeply committed to their mission, often led to a reticence to engage directly.

I witnessed firsthand the difficult choices faced by fellow leaders, organizations, and foundations. The stark reality of scarcity forced budget cuts and a recalibration of philanthropic priorities. The desire to align corporate giving more tightly with core missions, and perhaps towards initiatives perceived as less contentious, became increasingly apparent.

Yet, as I reflect on those moments, I feel no inclination towards blame. Instead, a profound sense of grace settles within me. If commitments shifted, if support waned, I understood. The forces at play were far larger than any individual or entity. This understanding became my anchor. Blame and anger would serve no purpose; grace, however, offered a pathway forward, a recognition of our shared humanity within extraordinary circumstances.

We find ourselves in a similar moment now, navigating a landscape where the needs are vast and the resources, while significant, feel stretched thin. The fight for what we believe in, for the impact we strive to create, continues. Yet, alongside this fight must exist that same spirit of grace. We must acknowledge the reality of finite resources and extend understanding to those making difficult choices, recognizing the multitude of worthy organizations diligently filling critical needs.

My nearly three decades in leadership roles have provided a broader lens through which to view these cycles. The current challenges, while significant, are not unprecedented. And so, to our cherished Lighthouse ecosystem – our friends, partners, organizations, and unwavering supporters – please know that my resolve remains unshaken. Our connections endure. Any turbulence experienced during this period will fade into the background, much like a disappointing game in an otherwise stellar season. Our focus remains fixed on the championship, on the ultimate outcome we are collectively striving to achieve.

We will navigate this together. There is no room for animosity or drama. Yes, there may have been moments of trauma, but we have faced such trials before, and emerged stronger. You can continue to count on me. You can continue to count on the unwavering spirit of Lighthouse. And crucially, you can continue to count on each other. In unity lies our strength, and in mutual support, our resilience. We have to believe this. And so, we will.

Let us move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, grounded in respect, brimming with appreciation, and fortified by the unwavering support we offer one another. The horizon remains bright, and together, we will reach it.