Leader/Follower Dynamics in a Foundation of 4 Staff Members

Even within my first week as an intern for the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation, it is clear that the nonprofit possesses unique leader/follower dynamics. Dr. Hammond, the founder and CEO of the Cade Foundation, as well as a Jepson grad, is one of the most approachable leaders I have ever worked with. Despite having her MD, a master’s in public health, and being the founder and CEO of a nonprofit, Dr. Hammond does not have any sense of superiority that one might think a leader with her qualifications and resume might have. In our individual and group meetings, she is positive, energetic, and genuinely excited to hear our ideas, even as first week interns who have never worked in nonprofits or the infertility field before. She lets those she supervises, including us as interns, share their experiences and thoughtfully listens to what we have to say. She does not hesitate to delegate tasks, but also is very responsive and checks in frequently about each member’s progress. This is clear as interns as although we have weekly group meetings with Dr. Hammond and her executive assistant Kandice Oakley who is our direct supervisor and individual meetings with Dr. Hammond later in the week, the vast majority of our work is self-driven. Kandice sends daily check-in/update emails but it is up to us to clock in, complete our work, and proactively reach out if we need help. Knowing that Kandice and Dr. Hammond trust me to complete my assignments on my own, as well as their encouragement, has been a huge confidence boost as a new intern. With a staff of only three people working under Dr. Hammond, it is clear that the small size of the foundation has fostered a close-knit, synergistic work environment. As all employees are essentially teams of 1, this environment mandates a culture of trust as they work together very closely and rely on each other for success. It is clear that the necessary level of trust is in place and as a result, most of the work done is autonomously. Each member of the small team is critical to the success of the foundation, and these unique dynamics have proven to work as the Cade Foundation has been extremely successful in accomplishing its mission of helping families overcome infertility since its founding in 2005.