Executive Directors (EDs) have, in previous studies, indicated they wished they had known more about their new organization, the skills needed on the job, and the huge role they were undertaking prior to becoming an ED (Jensen et al., 2004; Randall Maas, 2004). These studies also showed that approximately 80% of current Executive Directors of non-profit organizations expect to leave their jobs within 5 years. Using an on-line survey, focus groups, and interviews, this action research project collected information, knowledge, and experience that participant EDs believe would assist those coming into the job. Passion for the mission of the organization, working with Boards of Directors, higher-level leadership, relationship building and the changing nature of the sector were common themes in the data. The collected shared wisdom is discussed, and recommendations for incoming EDs, their organizations, and those organizations supporting the non-profit sector are made.