A letter from our Executive Director: Too Legit To Quit

A little over a year ago, we launched our organization with a “simple” idea of integrating Agile and Inclusion, and we made a three-month commitment to test its viability. We inscribed our rallying cry on our whiteboard as "2 Legit 2 Quit.” - a not too subtle reference to our 90’s childhoods and everyone’s favorite rapper - MC Hammer. 

Inclusive Agile was born out of a pressing need, as each founder had faced significant and recent workplace losses. Frankly, we were unemployed, staring down the prospect of entering another toxic workplace where we felt powerless to effect change. I, personally, sometimes joke that it seemed I wasn’t qualified for any other job.  Running a company is the only choice.

Though not yet financially where we hoped to be at the end of those first few months, the overwhelming positive feedback and clear demand for our work deeply encouraged us. Witnessing the real impact of our efforts, we chose to invest personally in extending our trial to six more months to dive deeper into our mission. It was during this period that we applied for nonprofit status (501(c)(3)), even as we considered the potential of operating as a for-profit entity. Yet, in true start-up fashion - we still struggled to coalesce around our products and clarify our path forward.

As we moved forward, the profound necessity and impact of our work became undeniable—not only for the new friends, customers, and colleagues we encountered but for ourselves as well. Being part of an organization that fosters hard conversations and genuine vulnerability has been transformative.

We have built a team that truly reflects what we aspire to bring to others. We embrace vulnerability, acknowledge our failures, and support each other’s growth journeys. We are far from perfect and know that growth is the goal, not perfection. It is a privilege to work with these individuals and I’m grateful for it every. single. day.

Another crucial part of our team is leaning into all of the ways we are diverse.  Although we all came up through tech,  we have had very different roads and perspectives.  This diversity has been challenging at times - but always valuable.  Various flavors of neuro-spiciness,  an array of gender and sexual identities, difficult histories, and unique achievements - all of these things make us stronger. 

During this period of transformation in late 2023, as our ideas about program delivery began to crystallize, significant discussions unfolded—including possibly being acquired. We realized that although we like money as much as the next guy, gal or non-binary-pal, we are committed to our mission first. Not getting rich. (Sorry to our kids and cats, your inheritance will have to wait!)

So, for now, we chose to remain independent. This commitment to impact over income led us to solidify our plan to operate as a nonprofit, and built excitement about the possibilities of offering our foundational courses and extended coaching programs at minimal or no cost through the support of our generous sponsors.

By early 2024, with our official 501(c)(3) status secured, we began testing the Introduction to Organizational Resilience course and setting up the initial phases of the Infinity Garden program. This non-profit status not only validates our efforts but significantly enhances our ability to make a meaningful difference. We’re not just teaching Agile or DEI principles; we are integrating them to transform workplace experiences globally.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Your ongoing support and belief in our mission fuel our passion and dedication. We are eager to continue this work, now more empowered than ever, and hope you share in our excitement.