When you’re building something that creates tangible impact for people and planet, it can feel safer to keep everything close. Protect the culture. Keep costs low. Stay on mission.
It makes sense, especially when your work is grounded in purpose. You want your team to feel ownership. You want your dollars to go directly into impact. And you want to trust that the people making decisions truly understand your vision.
But what we see again and again with founders and leadership teams is that “all in-house” often comes at a price that isn’t obvious until it shows up in stress, stalled momentum, and quiet burnout.
The Capacity Trap
When it comes to the root of burnout: there’s a reason so many of us as leaders feel the need to hold every piece tightly and resist asking for help. We’ve been taught, in systems shaped by late-stage capitalism, that our worth is proven by the sheer quantity of output we can deliver.
When we try to do it all, all at once, we set ourselves against a standard that is not only unrealistic but ultimately unachievable. And the costs ripple through our organizations.
When people wear too many hats, a few things usually follow:
- Capacity collapses. The CFO takes on project management. The COO becomes the Head of HR. The founder does payroll at midnight. These aren’t just inefficiencies – they pull people away from contributing their best work and strongest skills.
- Focus fractures. Strategic initiatives stall while day-to-day fires absorb all the oxygen. The “later” projects never arrive, leaving the organization stuck in cycles of reaction instead of creation.
- Burnout brews. People push through until creativity, engagement, and even retention begin to erode. By the time the signs of exhaustion are visible, the damage is already deep.
Why “All In-House” Isn’t Always Frugal
On paper, doing it all internally looks cost-effective. You’re saving on contracts and external fees. But the hidden expense is leadership time and energy spent outside of their genius zone.
That’s the energy that fuels strategic direction, new ideas, and strong relationships. When it’s tied up in bookkeeping, HR compliance, or endless admin, the organization slowly loses its spark. The true cost isn’t measured in dollars, but in opportunities missed, culture strained, and potential left unrealized.
The Benefits of Partnerships Built on Shared Values
The shift isn’t about outsourcing for outsourcing’s sake. It’s about building regenerative partnerships that extend your capacity without diluting your culture. Organizations that embrace this approach often see tangible results in clarity and confidence.
As Lawrence Buchan, CEO of Arbutus Medical, Inc. shares:
“Tandem has offered us access to a diverse pool of fractional talent and a values-aligned partner in the social impact community.
Tandem’s consultants have become an integral part of our leadership team, enabling us to make efficient decisions and drive our business forward. Their guidance and support have played a significant role in our growth over the past two and a half years, helping us achieve 5X revenue growth and about $5M in capital raised.”
This story shows how partners who share your values and vision don’t just fill gaps – they amplify what your team can achieve. We’ve seen organizations blossom when they bring in partners who:
- Share their values and vision. They care about impact as much as you do.
- Work within, not against, your culture. They adapt to your rhythms instead of imposing their own.
- Bring deep expertise and clarity. They take on the complex work that frees up your team to focus on what only they can do.
Every responsibility shared is capacity gained. And when your partners are values-aligned, the investment doesn’t just fill a gap – it strengthens the whole ecosystem. It’s not just about “getting help.” It’s about growing in a way that’s sustainable, relational, and grounded in what matters most.
Reflective Question:
What’s one piece of work you could entrust to a partner this quarter that would give you space to lead with more clarity, focus, and energy?
Lean into your growth edge
Edgerunners operate at the forefront of change and innovation, nurturing ecosystems that regenerate in collaboration with the people and forces around them.
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