Skip Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Footer
November 21, 2025

Kellogg College is pleased to share a new publication from Imagine Canada, co-authored by Dr Susanna Kislenko, Director of the Founder Leadership Research Project at Kellogg, and Cathy Barr, Senior Advisor at Imagine Canada.

Good Governance and Leadership in Founder-led Organizations provides practical guidance to help founders and boards work together to strengthen governance, manage transitions, and position non-profits for long-term impact.

Good Governance guide book coverThe resource offers clear, actionable advice for each stage of a founder-led organisation – start-up, growth, and succession. Founders play a vital role in the non-profit sector, often launching organisations that address some of society’s most pressing challenges. As these organisations expand, however, the line between leadership and governance can become harder to maintain. Ensuring that boards meet their responsibilities, rather than acting as passive supporters, is essential for sustainability and public trust.

The publication also addresses key challenges such as Founder’s Syndrome – an issue that can arise when founders retain too much control, potentially limiting organisational growth or stability. The guidance aims to help leaders and boards build effective structures, manage transitions thoughtfully, and avoid common pitfalls.

The publication connects closely with Dr Kislenko’s work at Kellogg College. The Founder Leadership Research Project explores what happens when founders continue to lead their organisations long after the start-up phase. While much research focuses on the early journey of creating new ventures, the project examines how founders guide organisations as they mature, and the strengths and complexities that come with long-term founder leadership.

A social psychologist specialising in entrepreneurial leadership, Dr Kislenko has carried out extensive research on Founder’s Syndrome and its implications for organisational health. The project aims to deepen understanding of founder leadership, share insights with academic and public audiences, and encourage thoughtful debate about the role of founders in society.

Dr Kislenko said, “I’m proud to be able to share this resource with the world. Boards play a vital role in ensuring an organisation fulfils its purpose. I hope this publication supports both founders and board members in building the internal systems essential for long-term organisational health.”