The Untapped Power of Executive Wisdom

Stephanie Cooper, LMSW

CEO | Board Governance Expert | Nonprofit Consultant | Fractional ED | Entrepreneur| Enhancing Missions. Transforming Communities

September 19, 2025

I was in a strategy meeting with a few other "seasoned" female executives, and we were deep in discussion about new initiatives. The discussion was interrupted by a simple declaration: "We do things differently now."

The meeting continued, but our role in it had already changed. A few minutes later, the point was made unmistakably clear: "If we need to know how you USED to do it, we'll find you."

We weren’t just silenced; we were invisible. We were dismissed. In that moment, our decades of experience weren't seen as a resource, but as a liability.

"What the (insert your word choice here) just happened?" I thought.

At that moment, I, along with my peers, experienced what so many other women experience at this "golden" age. We were nonchalantly labeled as useless. old. inexperienced. irrelevant.

A missed opportunity. For everyone. For the executives that have been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and the ambitious, out to prove everything new leaders. What a meeting that could have been.

For decades, nonprofit organizations have been obsessed with finding the 'next' leader—the young visionary, the rising star, the promise of a fresh perspective over a lifetime of wisdom. In the pursuit of the new, we've actively overlooked and undervalued our most powerful asset: the experienced wisdom of long-tenured leaders. For women over fifty in executive roles, this isn’t just an oversight—it's a strategic mistake. Often moved to advisory roles or sidelined from key initiatives, their value isn’t just overlooked—it’s actively dismissed, as if their most significant contributions are behind them. It's time to reframe this conversation. These leaders are not relics of a past era; they are the anchors of our future. They aren't "put out to pasture"; they are built of resilience and growth. Here’s why it’s time to stop viewing age as a liability and start seeing it for what it truly is: a strategic advantage.

Institutional Knowledge and Unmatched Resilience

A leader with decades of experience holds a deep well of institutional knowledge. They have successfully navigated downturns, mitigated crisis, guided teams through technological changes, and witnessed the industry evolve. This isn't just a matter of having "been there, done that"; it is about possessing a time-tested understanding of an organization’s history, its clients, and its core challenges. This wealth of knowledge allows them to anticipate problems, avoid repeating past mistakes, and lead with a steady hand. Their resilience, shaped through countless professional crisis, is the anchor every organization needs in today's business environment.

Mentorship and Strategic Sponsorship

The power of an experienced leader extends far beyond their own contributions. Women over fifty have navigated incredibly complex career paths and are uniquely positioned to mentor the next generation. They can offer insights on everything from work-life balance to managing complex workplace dynamics. But their influence goes further than simple advice. They are powerful sponsors, using their established networks and influence to open doors and create opportunities for emerging talent. This kind of hands-on support not only develops future leaders but also fosters a culture of loyalty, growth, and collective success.

Emotional Intelligence and Stable Leadership

Emotional intelligence is a skill that only deepens with time and experience. Seasoned leaders are often masters of empathy, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. They have honed their ability to read a room, de-escalate tension, and build consensus, creating a more stable and collaborative work environment. This emotional stability is a crucial asset, especially in high-stress, fast-paced decisions where calm and decisive leadership can make or break an organization. Their presence ensures that the team has a stabilizing force, allowing for both innovation and integrity to thrive.

The next time you're evaluating your team's assets, look beyond the shiny new hires. The most valuable investment might be the one you’ve already made. By recognizing and elevating the women leaders over fifty in your organization, you're not just doing the right thing; you’re securing a competitive advantage that cannot be taught in a classroom.