Cultivating Future-Ready, Resilient Board Leadership

Board development training will transform your organization, for the better.

No One Is Born Knowing the Boardroom—We Help You Learn It

Strong executive boards are the backbone of thriving organizations, but board development is too often overlooked. We recognize the high expectations on board members who were never trained for the role.

INspiring SIGHT brings a fresh approach to governance by addressing the unique challenges boards face—

  • tensions caused by unclear roles

  • learning a new organization and nonprofit rules

  • learning how to partner with the executive

  • governing in the rapid pace of change and disruption

  • how to run meetings that engage your board and ignite their value

Through our services listed below, we equip boards with the skills and confidence to lead at a 30,000-foot level.

With practical tools and strategies, we help you cultivate a board prepared to navigate the future with clarity, collaboration, and courage.

Services

  • Insights are at the core of transformational growth. Do you know how your board is performing? Our assessment process sets you up to define your board’s operational plan and goals. As a group, we uncover blind spots, highlight growth opportunities, and provide actionable steps to enhance impact and alignment with your organization’s mission.

  • Are your board members unsure of their roles and responsibilities? This foundational training demystifies governance, providing your team the knowledge and confidence to fulfill their duties. From understanding legal obligations to setting strategic priorities, this session bolsters your board to lead with clarity and purpose.

  • This cross-organizational virtual series of interactive training sessions is for board executive teams and executive directors focusing on board engagement and how to create your board-building cycle. During these sessions, your team will feel invigorated and revitalized to grow your organization with a forward-thinking mindset.

  • Is your organization experiencing board turnover, have limited trust, not sure what to prioritize or feeling a little unstable as of late? A retreat can help you get back on solid footing. While virtual retreats “did the job” during the pandemic, boards are returning to annual or semi-annual in-person retreats. Planned retreats provide a dedicated space for your board to strengthen relationships, tackle big-picture challenges, and reignite their passion for your mission. Imagine what might be possible if your board took the time to refocus, recharge, and realign?

  • Are you confident your board of directors can lead your organization through uncertainty? In a world where the future is truly unknown, Future-Forward Scenario Planning equips your team to anticipate challenges, evaluate options, and make informed decisions. Together, we’ll cultivate a proactive mindset to keep your organization one step ahead.

  • Did you know running the board is the board’s responsibility—not your executive’s? The board-building cycle creates intention, clarity, and alignment and good governance, ensuring you recruit the right people to guide your organization. Board building is a continuous process, and we can teach you how to keep the board building cycle moving so your board is engaged, adaptable, and aligned with your organization’s evolving needs.

    P.S. Please don't take an online assessment in advance. Understanding your type helps me better customize development opportunities specific to you.

  • What happens when key board members or executives transition out? It’s a natural part of the process, so plan ahead. Succession Planning ensures your organization is prepared for smooth leadership changes, safeguarding your mission and stability. Together, we’ll develop a roadmap for continuity and future success.

Unite Your Board of Directors and Executive Team with ©Elevate Boards

Designed for board leadership and your organization’s executives. When it’s time to find clarity and move forward, INspiring SIGHT creates the space your team needs to build the mental muscles essential for leading and governing. The cohort model is an opportunity to practice, share ideas, and learn from peers in your organization. Mary Kay’s approach—blending humor, transparency, and a dose of reality—fosters safe spaces where everyone can contribute their best.

During this hands-on, interactive four-part series, Mary Kay guides you and your peers through:

  • Running an effective meeting and strategic agenda design

  • Bring your board-building cycle to life

  • Increase your organization’s resiliency for thriving through disruption

Partnering With You for Meaningful Board Development.

The steps to developing a strong, future-focused board are simple. Whether your board is new, in transition, or simply in need of a refresh, our process meets you where you are. Together, we’ll create a path toward alignment, accountability, and sustainable growth—bolstering your board to lead with clarity and purpose.

We partner with organizations that have a growth mindset, the courage to embrace discomfort, and take risks to thrive in our process. To make sure we are a match, here are the steps to take.

Discovery Conversation

In our initial conversation, we will identify your needs, goals, stakeholders, and what success looks like based on your goals, timeline, and investment.

Choose Your Board Development Type

From virtual assessments to fully planned retreats. We will choose what development option best fits the unique needs of your diverse board of directors. There’s simply no substitute for the connection, communication, and relationship-building that happens when boards and leadership teams meet face-to-face. While certain aspects like assessments can be done virtually, the best results are during in-person sessions.

Get Your Board on Board with Training

We meet your board where they are and tailor our approach to fit your unique needs. Whether it’s hands-on retreats, interactive workshops, or scenario-based planning sessions, our flexibility ensures your board gets the tools and skills they need to lead effectively.

Let the Fun Begin

Just like you, we are fully committed to creating long-term change so your organization can continue to evolve, flourish, and grow. By incorporating core coaching principles, your organization will build new mental muscles so you can continue to grow into the future. I promise we will keep in touch and cheer for your progress.

What People Say About Us

  • I am a board member for a new organization and was excited about strategic planning after learning Mary Kay would be facilitating again. I love her process because we walk away seeing how the plan can be put into action, and we have complete buy-in.”

    -Board Director for a newly formed organization, returning client

  • “Our organization would not still exist today if it weren’t for the coaching, guidance and strategy work we did with Mary Kay. We were true partners in ensuring the future of our organization.”

    -Foundation Director

  • “May Kay’s board retreat provided the board with a clear understanding of our role, an assessment of our board’s level of functioning and how to increase engagement during board meetings.”

    -Board Chair, Statewide Trade Association

  • “We had board members resistant to a board retreat after spending a half-day with Mary Kay. They came away energized and understanding the important role they play in the success of the organization.“

    -Board Chair, Statewide Trade Association


  • "It was clear that Mary Kay has deep knowledge of the strategy building process: the tools needed for strategy development, the people who need to be involved in the process, the power of a sound strategy, the importance of choosing the right words and more."

    -National Membership Organization, Board Member

  • “Mary Kay Delvo made a huge impact on K2 & Co. as an early business coach and collaborator at our annual retreats. Our culture, our candor, how we approach putting employees/team members first all came from discussions with her very early on- we laid a solid foundation to build and grow from. Kirsten Kukowski and I will be forever grateful for her leadership as we started on this journey eight years ago. Highly recommend her!!”

    -K2 & Co. Founders


  • “I’ve participated in over a dozen strategic planning processes and no facilitator I’ve seen is as skilled at listening for key words that help the group come together around a vision. Her process is unique, and it works.”

    -Foundation Board Member, School Board Member, Industry Leader 

  • "Mary Kay made board development interesting, engaging, and relevant for our current and future challenges.”

    -Board Chair, Statewide Nonprofit

  • “Mary Kay’s ©StrategyTree and Alignment Map was a difference maker for our organization. It helped everyone clearly see how to utilize our strategic plan for understanding our successes, measuring against it and keeping everyone moving in the same direction. We are using it to onboard and create a culture of inquiry.”

    -Executive Director, National Member Organization

  • “I have been utilizing Mary Kay as my personal development coach and seen her in action in her work with organizations. Mary Kay has a unique ability to challenge you to take a fresh look at a situation so you can develop a viable solution. She helps you evaluate the current state and look at potential outcomes from a different perspective."

    — Greg Peton, Business Development & Sales Manager | Rizobacter, USA

Organizations We’ve Worked With

Strong Boards Build Stronger Organizations—Is Yours Ready?

The sooner your board takes action, the sooner your organization can move toward clarity, alignment, and sustainable impact. Let’s start the conversation and discover how small steps today can prepare your board for the challenges of tomorrow.