Robin R. Ganzert - Mission Metamorphosis

A perfect title at the perfect time for the perfect account of selflessness, rescue, and humanity. We all should take a page from Mission Metamorphosis and effect change, positively, tangibly, and personally.

MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) JAMES. A. SPIDER MARKS

Mission Metamorphosis tells the story of American Humanes radical rescue from the peril of insolvency, and the hard work that went into re-establishing the historic organization as a leader in the humane space. Today, the organization continues to deliver on its mission and improve the lives of animals around the world. First to serve could be renamed Always and forever serve!

MARTY BECKER, DVM

Mission Metamorphosis is a no-nonsense, practical guide on managing a nonprofit so that it achieves its mission, gets things done, and avoids wasting money on excessive administrative costs.

TEMPLE GRANDIN, PhD

At a time when species on every continent are in danger, American Humane is delivering on its mission to improve the lives of animals. Mission Metamorphosis shows how the 143-year-old nonprofit operates with maximum efficiency to help animals in need. A must-read for all business leaders concerned about animal welfare.

WOLFGANG KIESSLING, founder and president of Loro Parque

For success, it is essential that all operations within an organization be laser-focused on mission. Mission Metamorphosis is a masterclass on how to fine-tune a nonprofit organization and for-profit company to maximize efficiency and deliver real change to constituencies.

JEAN SHAFIROFF, philanthropist and author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give

Mission Metamorphosis brings to life the incredible work of American Humane and its outstanding leaderwhich I have been privileged to participate in and observe firsthand.

ALEX DONNER, philanthropist and entertainer

Robins turnaround of American Humane has been a tour de force, and saved the lives literally of millions of animals around the world. Mission Metamorphosis is a strategic and sweeping account of how she did it, and serves as a captivating example for other nonprofit leaders of what authentic and visionary leadership brings to an organization. Like Robin herself, Mission Metamorphosis is down-to-earth, dynamic, inspiring, and looks you straight in the eye. Share this with your leadership team and watch the transformation unfold!

MARK CUSHING, founding partner and CEO of Animal Policy Group

Mission Metamorphosis is a great read for many reasons. Robin Ganzert is a fascinating storyteller as she recounts American Humanes rich history of disaster missions and animal rescue efforts. Shes also a brilliant CEO who knows that a brands mission can only be a success if its built upon a sound foundation of essential business strategies. This book is a how-to guide for nonprofit leaders interested in transformational leadership. It will help empower them to effect positive change in the world, whether leading a nationwide organization or looking to make an impact in their local community. Thank you, Robin, for giving us tools for building a more compassionate world!

BARBARA NIVEN, actress and animal and human rights advocate

For 143 years, American Humane has been first to serve animals, whenever and wherever they are in need. Mission Metamorphosis tells how the organization continued to deliver on its mission in the wake of the 2008 recession. A powerful story of rebirth!

DANIELLE FISHEL, actress

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Fast Company Press

New York, New York

www.fastcompanypress.com

Copyright 2020 American Humane

All rights reserved.

Thank you for purchasing an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright law. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the copyright holder.

This work is being published under the Fast Company Press imprint by an exclusive arrangement with Fast Company. Fast Company and the Fast Company logo are registered trademarks of Mansueto Ventures, LLC. Th e Fast Company Press logo is a wholly owned trademark of Mansueto Ventures, LLC.

Distributed by Greenleaf Book Group

For ordering information or special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Greenleaf Book Group at PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709, 512.891.6100.

Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group

Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group

Cover Images: iStockphoto/Counterfeit_ua and iStockphoto/filo

Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication data is available.

Print ISBN: 978-1-7324391-8-4

eBook ISBN: 978-1-7324391-9-1

Part of the Tree Neutral program, which offsets the number of trees consumed in the production and printing of this book by taking proactive steps, such as planting trees in direct proportion to the number of trees used: www.treeneutral.com

Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper

20 21 22 23 24 25...0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

First Edition

To my children Aidan, Jocelyn, and Robert.
To the American Humane board of directors, chaired by
John Payne, and most importantly, to the animals who
inspire us to build a more humane world.

Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible.

Colin Powell

A A decade ago, the future of our nations oldest animal welfare nonprofit, American Humane, was in doubt. The organizations storied history and rich legacy, like so many animals we help, had suffered from neglect.

Nonprofits and companies shutter their windows and close up shop all the time; thats the reality of a free and open market. In 2018, more than 20,000 businesses declared bankruptcy in the United States. There is no safety net when an organization goes under. Jobs are lost, economies shrink, and everyone is worse off. For nonprofits that provide a social good, the constituencies they help are out of luck.

American Humane didnt avoid its financial crisis, but lived through itnot only surviving but thriving. The ship didnt miss the iceberg; it hit it head on and kept on chuggingbailing water while rebuilding the hull the whole time. At the helm of the ship was a leader who not only pulled together the finances and kept everyone on board but also ensured operational continuity when the waters were choppiest.

Ive known Robin Ganzert for a decade. In that time, Ive seen her transform American Humane, an organization with more than a century of history, and put it on course for another 100 years of impact. Ive had the opportunity to work alongside her as the chairman of the board at American Humane and have seen her in action.

The work American Humane does is important. For Robin, failure isnt an optionshe isnt going to let down the animals and people who rely on American Humane. Robin uses all the management, financial, and leadership tools in her toolboxand then someto get the job done.