Insider Weekly has announced that Virtute Duce, LLC has been selected as the recipient of the Top Leadership Mentor of 2025 award, recognizing the firm’s exceptional work in organizational transformation and leadership development.
The award highlights the company’s comprehensive approach to helping nonprofits and religious organizations maximize their potential through customized strategies that align leadership, governance, and mission objectives. Founded by Paul Lipowski, Ed.D., the consultancy has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking sustainable growth and enhanced operational effectiveness.
“We empower organizations to reach their full potential through our bespoke approach to leadership development, governance support, mission integration, and strategic planning,” the company states in its mission. This tailored methodology has proven particularly effective for faith-based nonprofits looking to strengthen the connection between their founding values and operational practices.
Dr. Lipowski brings extensive credentials to his practice, including a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, a Master of Letters in Bible and Contemporary World from the University of St. Andrews, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies. His academic foundation, combined with over two decades of governance experience, positions him as a leading expert in nonprofit management.
The genesis of Virtute Duce’s mission integration services traces back to 2015 when Lipowski identified a critical gap in how Catholic nonprofits aligned their operations with their founding principles. “I began forming the idea for this organization in 2015 when I worked with Catholic non-profits and saw a greater opportunity to align strategy, leadership and mission to the greater values and ethics to which religious organizations are founded upon,” Lipowski explained.
The firm specializes in four core service areas that address the most pressing needs of modern nonprofit organizations. Board development forms a cornerstone of their governance support, focusing on policy implementation and strengthening relationships between board members and executive leadership. Their operational consulting streamlines workflows and resource management to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Mission integration remains central to the leadership development programs at Virtute Duce, with the firm working collaboratively with stakeholders to embed mission-driven values throughout organizational culture and decision-making processes. This holistic approach extends to their strategic planning services, where comprehensive analyses identify growth opportunities and develop actionable strategies for achieving long-term objectives.
“Strategic planning is at the heart of every successful nonprofit,” notes Lipowski, who emphasizes the importance of developing plans that drive both growth and sustainability. His methodology involves conducting thorough organizational assessments before crafting strategies tailored to each client’s unique challenges and goals.
The Top Leadership Mentor of 2025 award from Insider Weekly recognizes firms that demonstrate excellence in guiding organizations through transformational change while maintaining focus on their core missions. Virtute Duce’s selection for this honor reflects their proven track record of helping nonprofits navigate complex governance challenges while staying true to their founding values.
Organizations seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities, improve governance structures, or develop comprehensive strategic plans can learn more about Virtute Duce’s specialized nonprofit consulting services. The firm continues to accept new clients who share their commitment to organizational excellence and mission-driven leadership.