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From Burnout to Breakthrough: How One Nonprofit Found Sustainable Focus with System & Soul

Orbis (8)

Industry

Nonprofit/Charity

Challenge

Before System & Soul, One had tried multiple planning frameworks that never stuck. As a small nonprofit team juggling programs, operations, and fundraising, the result was burnout and skepticism toward yet another system.

Results

System & Soul became the first planning system One sustained long term. The team gained sharper focus and clearer alignment between mission, programs, and revenue. Skepticism faded into confidence and steady momentum.

Key Product

www.theonejourney.com/

It’s like we moved from skepticism to gratitude. Now it feels like momentum.

Cayce Harris

One Journey Guide

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About One

One is a mission-driven nonprofit organization based in San Antonio, Texas, serving people globally. The organization is dedicated to impactful programs and ministry work, focusing on community engagement and support.

After years of abandoned planning tools, One found clarity, focus, and momentum with System & Soul — and a coaching rhythm that made it stick.

The Challenge

  • Years of trying planning frameworks that never lasted.

  • A small nonprofit team wearing too many hats at once.

  • Fundraising models that led to burnout and unsustainable work.

  • Skepticism from past experiences with consultants and systems.

The Solution

  • Partnered with Jon Chen using the System & Soul framework.

  • Shifted from one-time consulting to ongoing coaching and accountability.

  • Built a quarterly rhythm to revisit priorities together instead of abandoning them.

  • Used weekly meetings to apply the system in real time, not just on paper.

  • Clarified their economic engine and focused on a few meaningful bets instead of scattered efforts.

  • Aligned content, community, and revenue so the ministry funded itself sustainably.

 As Cayce explained, “Jon didn’t just introduce the program. He stayed with us, checked in, and asked, ‘Are you using this?’ That made all the difference.”

The Results

  • A planning system the team has actually stuck with long term.

  • Sharper focus on what matters — and faster recognition when focus slips.

  • Clear alignment between mission, programs, and how money is generated.

  • Renewed momentum and confidence instead of burnout and skepticism.