Laura Hancock serves as the National Director of Corporate Partnerships and Foundations at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). With mental health equity and community wellness guiding her work, she builds intentional partnerships that help save lives across the country. Here, she reflects on how she carries herself as a leader and strives to make a difference every day for her team, organization, and broader spheres of influence.
Shiwon Oh: How do your past experiences define your leadership approach today?
Laura Hancock: My past experiences as both a business owner and a nonprofit leader have deeply shaped my approach to leadership. I’ve learned that being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means standing beside your team, helping find solutions, and providing the guidance and strategy needed to move forward.
Empathy is at the heart of how I lead. I believe in creating a supportive environment where team members have the structure they need to succeed, while also feeling seen and valued. Leadership, to me, isn’t about being in the spotlight, it’s about building a strong foundation that allows others to thrive, grow, and celebrate their wins.
I’ve been fortunate to lead incredible team members throughout my career—team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes, who have the skills but may still be building their confidence. One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is giving people the space to develop, watching them grow into their potential, and cheering them on as they navigate their own successful paths.
I have also been extremely fortunate to be led and mentored by incredible individuals who instilled confidence in me and provided opportunities for me to shine. Their belief in me has also shaped me into the leader I strive to be today.
SO: What’s an important lesson you learned in forming lasting partnerships?
LH: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in building lasting partnerships is that it all begins with relationships. By investing time in getting to know a partner, their team, their values, and their goals, you gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what they hope to achieve. This foundation of trust and connection is essential to creating meaningful, long-term collaboration.
In the nonprofit sector, relationships are especially vital because many partnerships are rooted in a personal connection to the mission. It’s incredibly powerful to understand a partner’s “why” and what drives their passion for the cause, so that we can honor that connection and build a partnership that reflects their values.
This aspect of my role is one I find truly special: connecting with partners, learning their stories, and helping to create impact together. I’ve also learned that no two partnerships are the same. When you take the time to understand each partner’s unique goals and their connection to the mission, that’s when real change becomes possible.
SO: What are some challenges you faced and overcame when trying to make a difference?
LH: One of the most common challenges I’ve faced throughout my career in the nonprofit sector is balancing the immense passion and vision for impact with the reality of limited time and resources. This field is filled with people who care deeply and dream big, and I’ve often found myself inspired by the possibilities of what we can achieve. However, that excitement is frequently met with the challenge of having to wear multiple hats and manage competing priorities, often with fewer hands and tighter budgets.
In nonprofit work, we are constantly striving to do more with less. This means being incredibly intentional with how we allocate time, energy, and funding, always keeping in mind our responsibility to be the best stewards of donor dollars. It requires creativity, resilience, and a willingness to adapt quickly.
I’ve learned to overcome these challenges by collaborating with others, leaning into strategic partnerships, and staying grounded in our mission. Prioritization has become a key skill, knowing what will drive the greatest impact and focusing our efforts there. I’ve also learned the importance of celebrating small wins along the way, which helps maintain momentum and morale even when resources are stretched. They’ve also taught me that making a difference isn’t just about vision, it’s about perseverance, teamwork, and the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities.
SO: How do you leverage your presence to strengthen connections with organizations that are aligned with your mission?
LH: Presence is incredibly powerful when it comes to building authentic relationships, fostering meaningful connections, and working collaboratively toward a shared goal of impact. One of the most effective ways I’ve learned to leverage presence is by consistently keeping our mission at the center of every conversation and interaction.
At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), our mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. I’ve seen firsthand how mental health struggles and suicide can affect anyone, regardless of background, age, or circumstance. This understanding drives me to show up with empathy, authenticity, and purpose in every partnership conversation.
When engaging with organizations, I focus on building trust and alignment through genuine connection.
Presence, in this context, means being emotionally and strategically engaged, whether attending a local event, joining a partner’s team meeting, or simply offering a note of encouragement. It’s about being a steady hand, a thoughtful collaborator, and a passionate advocate for the mission we share. Through this approach, I’ve been able to cultivate strong, lasting relationships that drive meaningful impact in communities across the country.
SO: What advice do you have for leaders who want to present themselves authentically and make a mark in their respective industries?
LH: For leaders who want to present themselves authentically and leave a meaningful mark in their industry, my advice is to lead with empathy, stay informed, and show up with confidence.
Empathy is essential. It’s about genuinely caring for your team, your partners, and the communities you serve. When people feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to trust you and work with you toward a shared goal. Empathetic leadership creates stronger relationships and a more inclusive, supportive environment.
Being knowledgeable and staying informed in your field is just as important. Leaders who take the time to understand their industry, stay current on trends, and learn from others are better equipped to make smart decisions and guide their teams effectively. It’s not about knowing everything, it’s about being curious, prepared, and open to growth.
Confidence ties it all together. Authentic leaders don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to believe in their values and their ability to lead. Confidence allows you to speak with clarity, make bold decisions, and inspire others to follow your lead. It’s about showing up fully, even when things are uncertain, and staying grounded in your purpose.
Read our full issue here for more insights on empathetic leadership.