In this episode of Leadership with Ed (LED), Ed McGill interviews Sara Kurovski, the Mayor of Pleasant Hill and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa. Sara shares her unexpected journey into leadership, the mentors who pushed her beyond her insecurities, and the lessons she learned while navigating both everyday responsibilities and extraordinary crises as a small-town mayor. She also reflects on the rewarding and often overlooked role of nonprofit leaders, the impact of volunteerism, and how serving her community shaped her approach to leadership. From managing adversity to inspiring others,

Sara’s story showcases how purpose-driven leadership can transform both organizations and communities.

Takeaways

Some of the most impactful leaders come from the nonprofit sector.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Sara’s decision to run for mayor.

Community involvement often leads to unexpected leadership opportunities.

Navigating challenges as a leader requires resilience, clarity, and support.

Transitioning to Make-A-Wish was driven by a passion for serving children and families.

Strong relationships are foundational to effective leadership.

Adversity can prepare leaders for greater responsibilities ahead.

Constructive feedback fuels personal and professional growth.

Encouraging volunteerism amplifies community impact.

Active participation in local government is essential for meaningful change.

Chapters (Corrected & Updated)

00:00 – Introduction to Leadership and Sara Kurovski’s Journey

02:52 – Becoming Mayor: The Unexpected Path

05:49 – Mentorship and Community Involvement

08:49 – Navigating Challenges as Mayor

12:04 – Building Relationships and Local Infrastructure

14:53 – Transitioning to Make-A-Wish: A New Mission

17:50 – Lessons Learned Through Crisis

21:01 – The Impact of Local Leadership on Community Well-Being

25:20 – Rallying a Team Through Adversity

26:00 – Understanding Wish Granting in Iowa

28:20 – Mentorship, Feedback, and Leadership Growth

34:23 – Bridging Political Divides in Local Government

36:57 – Future Aspirations and the Power of Nonprofits

40:37 – Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Engagement