PHOENIX (STN) – Often an overlooked and under-discussed topic, succession planning is critical to organizational stability and mission continuity.
That was the takeaway from the final Leading in the Moment segment of Season 3 of ‘It Happens at STN.’ UMOM leaders Jackson Fonder and Monique Lopez took the stage to share powerful lessons on intentional leadership and why, like strategy and finance, discussions about succession planning are essential, not optional.
“It’s always about the mission, not about you,” Fonder said. “As CEOs, we’re taught to build something longer than your stay and bigger than you. But sometimes we can’t get out of our own way.”
The segment also celebrated Lopez’s promotion to deputy CEO, a moment that symbolized UMOM’s commitment to nurturing future leaders.
Shining a spotlight on succession planning, future readiness:
Lopez shared her personal journey and how intentional development conversations helped her shape her career path. She emphasized how UMOM’s focus on planning for the future can be applied across sectors.
“If you are in an organization where, if a leader suddenly stepped out or was gone for an extended period, would your organization be in trouble?” she asked. “If the answer is yes, it’s time to think about a thoughtful way the agency runs without one person.”
Fonder explained how initiatives like supporting professional development, investing in fellowships, and empowering team members send a clear signal that an organization’s strength goes beyond any one individual.
For leaders in the room, the takeaway was clear: start succession planning while you’re firmly in the seat. Audit your systems and ensure your organization isn’t dependent on a single person to thrive.
“A lot of being ready has very little to do with technical skill in some ways,” Lopez concluded. “It’s important to start the dialogue early so that you can be on par.”
