B-Sides

What does leadership really look like when the meetings are over, the donors have gone home, and the decisions still weigh heavily? In B-Sides: The Hidden Tracks of Nonprofit Leadership, longtime nonprofit executive and educator Lee T. Montgomery takes readers behind the scenes of mission-driven work to explore the quieter, harder, and often unseen side of leadership. Borrowing the metaphor of a vinyl record's B-side, Montgomery focuses on the lessons that don't make the annual report but shape leaders for the long haul. Drawing on decades of experience across manufacturing, education, and nonprofit organizations, this reflective leadership memoir blends real stories, historical examples, and practical tools for leaders who care deeply about people and purpose. You'll encounter moments of humility, missteps that became teachers, and steady leadership choices made far from the spotlight. Each chapter is intentionally designed to be both thoughtful and usable, featuring:A short, true-to-life story from the field One clear leadership principle A practical tool you can apply immediately Reflection questions for personal or team use B-Sides addresses the realities nonprofit leaders face every day: building trust, empowering others, leading through change, navigating crisis, setting boundaries, and sustaining yourself without burning out. Along the way, Montgomery weaves insights from respected leadership thinkers alongside firsthand experiences that feel honest, familiar, and deeply human. This book is written for executive directors, CEOs, program leaders, board members, educators, and anyone called to lead with integrity in complex, people-centered organizations. It is not a formula or a quick fix. It is a steady companion for leaders who want to do the work well and stay grounded while doing it. If you've ever wondered whether leadership is supposed to feel this heavy, this personal, or this demanding, B-Sides offers reassurance, clarity, and perspective from someone who has walked the road and stayed for the whole record.