Ultimately, leadership isn't measured by comfort, authority, or ease. It's measured by the courage to stand firm in uncertainty, willing to risk discomfort for something greater than oneself.

Meaningful change has never traveled the path of least resistance. The road to justice has always been paved with discomfort. Leadership is the courage to walk toward the discomfort that guards the doorway to justice, knowing others might only follow once you've crossed the threshold.

Do we stay and cultivate a faithful presence within mainstream institutions? Do we imagine something new and find the courage to go build it? Or do we perhaps try the narrowest path of all and attempt to navigate both?

Corporate Social Responsibility roles are among the most coveted in the professional world—and for good reason. They promise meaningful impact, significant resources, and competitive perks. Yet, as someone who spent a decade directing Google's largest philanthropy team, I can confirm these roles are notoriously elusive. Most CSR positions are never publicly posted, and turnover hovers in the single digits. The good news? Whether you're looking to unlock the door from the inside or climb through a window, there are proven paths forward. Here are the five pathways I've observed, along with the hidden realities of breaking into this field.