Leadership transitions can either strengthen a ministry or splinter it.. The difference often comes down to one word: humility. Nearly half of all successions fail, leaving organizations fractured, donors unsettled, and missions at risk.

In this episode of Behind the Seal, Michael Martin sits down with Steve Woodworth, CEO of Masterworks and author of Lost in Transition, to unpack why succession isn’t just about replacing a leader — it’s about safeguarding the future of an organization.

From “gone too soon, stayed too long” dynamics to the five key truths of leadership transition, Steve shares hard-won wisdom and practical strategies for navigating change without chaos. You’ll learn:

• Why every leader is an interim leader
• When to start the succession conversation
• How boards can prepare for healthy leadership handoffs
• What “no-drama succession” looks like in practice
• How humility, not ego, makes or breaks the process

If you’ve ever asked “How do I leave well?” or “How do we choose the right next leader?”—this conversation is essential listening.

📖 Learn more in Steve’s book Lost in Transition
🎧 Subscribe to Behind the Seal for more conversations on leadership, faith, and organizational health

About Steve Woodworth:

With over forty years devoted to advancing Christian organizations, Steve Woodworth brings a wealth of expertise in marketing, management, and organizational development. He steered World Vision’s direct marketing and donor services through a decade of annual double-digit growth in the 1980s and 1990s. Since joining Masterworks in 1992, Steve has been instrumental in establishing it as the premier marketing agency dedicated to aiding hundreds of Christian organizations in achieving their mission. Steve also gives back as a volunteer on boards, as a convener of industry leaders and continues to lead the Communications Working Group for The Lausanne Movement.

Additional Resources:

ECFA.org/LeaderCare

Lost in Transition

Masterworks Agency