Leadership Louisville | Why Giving Back Is the Ultimate Career Power Move
Written by Holly Prather, COO, Leadership Louisville
When you think about climbing the career ladder, you probably picture late nights at the office, back-to-back meetings, and always reaching for the next promotion. Sound familiar? But there’s a little secret not everyone talks about that can give you an edge and make a difference: getting involved in community leadership.
I know what you’re thinking— who has time for that?! I hear you. But I’m not talking about adding another thing to your already packed schedule. I’m talking about making intentional moves that create a triple win: a win for your career, a win for your company, and a win for your community. And if you’re ambitious (I know you are), this might just be the missing piece to help you get ahead and give back.
What It Means For Your Career
Here’s the truth: Employers don’t just want skilled employees—they want leaders. And getting out in the community is one of the fastest ways to show them you’re a mover and shaker with the skills to back it up. Here’s how community leadership can fast-track your career:
1. Expand Your Network Beyond Your Bubble Let’s be real—sometimes we get stuck seeing the same people in our workplace and industry circles. But stepping into community leadership gives you access to a whole new world of connections. You’re sitting at tables with nonprofit leaders, CEOs, change-makers, and everyday heroes you would never cross paths with otherwise. And this isn’t just about swapping business cards; it’s about building genuine relationships that can open doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
2. Flex Your Adaptability Muscles Leading in your community isn’t all sunshine and social media posts. It’s real work that requires navigating tough conversations, diverse perspectives, and issues that don’t come with easy answers. The kicker? These are the exact same skills that great leaders use at work. Employers are always on the lookout for team members who can handle the heat and lead others through it.
3. Boost Your Credibility as a Leader Want to get noticed as a leader? It’s not just about the title—it’s about where you invest your energy. When you show up as a leader in your community, you’re telling the world that you care about more than just your own corner of success. It says you’re willing to put yourself out there, learn, and make an impact. And trust me, people take notice of that kind of commitment.
How to Get Started
If your heart is racing a little at the thought of stepping into community leadership (in a good way), listen to that nudge. Start by exploring opportunities that genuinely light you up. Whether it’s joining a board, leading a committee, or mentoring a young woman in your field, find a cause that connects to what you care about most. There’s power in showing up where your passion meets purpose. One great starting point? Leadership Louisville Center’s highest-rated program, Focus Louisville. It’s a program designed to give you a crash course on the who’s who and what’s what in your city, and it’s the perfect way to dip your toes into community leadership. It’s like a backstage pass to everything going on in your city, with the added bonus of connecting with other up-and-coming leaders just like you. Even better – you get the alumni badge from Leadership Louisville Center, a host of new LinkedIn connections, tons of inspiration
– all in just 2 ½ days.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to leading in your community, there’s no single right way to get involved. Louisville offers a wide range of opportunities to step up and make an impact, whether you’re passionate about social justice, business growth, education, or the arts. Organizations like Metro United Way and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence offer resources to connect with meaningful volunteer and leadership roles. And if you’re looking to champion racial and economic justice, the Louisville Urban League is an excellent place to start.
Leading in your community isn’t just a nice-to-have or a “someday when I have time” item on your to-do list. It’s a powerful way to accelerate your growth, expand your influence, and make real change in the process. And if you’re ready to step into that kind of leadership, we’ve got your back.
So, what are you waiting for? Your next chapter is waiting—go out there and write it.
Holly Prather
Chief Operations Officer
Leadership Louisville Center
