Hart & Hustle Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we dive deep into leadership, accountability, and the importance of true human connection in the digital age. Our guest, Chris Nelson, shares insightful perspectives on how technology is reshaping our interactions, why real leadership means vulnerability, and the urgent need to better support our veterans. Discover how embracing community...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Aaron Blocher-Rubin, CEO of Arizona Autism United, to discuss his journey from launching a nonprofit with just one employee to leading an organization with over a thousand team members. Aaron shares how he overcame financial struggles, built a trusted team, and created innovative solutions for autism services. We dive into leadersh...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with David Duea, CEO of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, to discuss scaling a nonprofit like a startup. David shares insights on how to lead through rapid growth, foster innovation in challenging times, and build trust within your team. Learn how he navigates the complexities of leading a multi-state organization, maintaining work...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Jay Sanders, CEO of The Global Telemedicine Group and a pioneer in healthcare innovation. Discover how telemedicine revolutionized patient engagement, the role of AI in healthcare, and the economic impact of rural hospital closures. Jay shares his journey from the early days of telemedicine in 1969 to the cutting-edge advancements...

In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Matt Ryerson, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville. Matt shares his insights on how to build trust within teams, the evolving role of nonprofits in today's business landscape, and the challenges of measuring real impact. He also dives into the importance of innovation during crisis, the balance of personal growth and leadership...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we dive deep into the transformative power of leadership with Kevin Ervin, CEO of Our Turn. Kevin shares his journey of building community in the Bronx and Brooklyn, overcoming early-life tragedy, and investing in underserved communities to drive impact. Learn how his hands-on approach to education justice and youth development has changed lives an...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Blake Brown, President of PRIDE Enterprises, to uncover the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership in the world of rehabilitation and workforce development. Blake shares his journey from the manufacturing industry to leading innovative rehabilitation programs that provide inmates with valuable skills, purpose, and second...

In this inspiring episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Michael Coleman, CEO of the Heart of Alabama Food Bank. Michael shares his powerful journey from a challenging upbringing to a mission-driven leader dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Discover the hidden barriers faced by those in poverty, learn strategies to empower communities, and gain insights into how nonpr...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Suzanne Stone, President & CEO of The Livestrong Foundation, to explore her inspiring journey in cancer survivorship advocacy. Suzanne shares how Livestrong is revolutionizing support for millions living with cancer, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, innovative leadership, and practical optimism. We discuss balancing...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Sandra Braham, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services. Sandra shares her inspiring journey from a career in higher education to leading a $60 million nonprofit organization. We dive deep into her innovative leadership strategies, the role of faith in decision-making, and how to overcome economic challe...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Debbie Cabebe, CEO of Maui Economic Opportunity, to discuss the power of saying 'no' in nonprofit leadership. Debbie shares her journey from HR to the helm of MEO, leading the organization through crises like COVID-19 and Maui's wildfires. Discover how strategic decisions, innovative leadership, and community-focused values drive l...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of EMG Consulting, to explore the power of authentic leadership and building community within organizations. Elizabeth shares her journey in the ABA industry, emphasizing personal growth, fostering innovation, and creating a supportive, values-driven workplace. From navigating rapid industry growth to balanc...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Jessica Workman, Founder and CEO of Adapt Transition Services. Jessica shares her inspiring journey of launching a business that fills a critical gap in autism services for adolescents and adults. Discover how she scaled her company rapidly, overcame fear, and built a successful business where none existed. Jessica also discusses l...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Beck Sullivan, Interim President of Restore NYC, to discuss the fight against human trafficking and the challenges of leading a mission-driven nonprofit. Beck shares her personal journey into this work, the importance of community in healing, and how her organization combats both sex and labor trafficking. We also dive deep into le...

In this powerful episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Catherine Moore, Founder & CEO of RISE Directory, to discuss the challenges of mental health in the workplace, setting boundaries as a leader, and the realities of burnout in helping professions. Catherine shares her personal journey from burnout to building a thriving business, offering actionable insights for busines...

In this powerful episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Susan Peters, Founder & Chief Advisor of Unbound, to discuss her relentless mission to combat human trafficking globally. Susan shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she faced in building a nonprofit from the ground up, and the strategies that helped Unbound scale from local action to international impact. Learn...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Beto Lopez, CEO of Guadalupe Centers, as he shares his journey from the private sector to leading a $50M nonprofit organization. Beto dives into how early community service experiences shaped his leadership, the importance of integrity in business, and the key strategies that have helped Guadalupe Centers expand its impact. Learn h...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we’re joined by Mike Briggs, President & CEO of Little Friends Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Mike shares his remarkable journey from leading manufacturing companies to transforming a nonprofit. We dive deep into how he’s doubled Little Friends' revenue, scaled its operations, a...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we dive deep into a powerful conversation with Lyndon Pryor, CEO of the Louisville Urban League, a transformative organization dedicated to addressing systemic inequities in education, housing, and economic empowerment. Discover how Lyndon's organization is helping to close the education proficiency gap for thousands of students, the challenges of...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Justin Dougherty, President and CEO of Autism Action Partnership, to explore the rise of autism diagnoses, the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace, and how leaders can create more inclusive environments. Justin shares his leadership journey, the challenges of running a mission-driven organization, and his insights on scal...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Bob Kamensky, the CEO of Feeding San Diego. Bob shares how his 35 years of military service shaped his leadership style and the innovative ways Feeding San Diego rescued over 31 million pounds of food. We dive into the challenges of addressing food insecurity in one of the highest cost-of-living areas in the U.S., how servant leade...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Lisa Max, CEO of The Arc of Loudoun, to discuss how her nonprofit is transforming lives through early childhood intervention and disability services. Lisa shares her journey from technology leader to nonprofit executive, the challenges of scaling services for a growing population with autism, and the role AI plays in improving acce...

In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Pamela Reed Sánchez, President and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society, to explore the power of mission-driven leadership and the importance of community engagement in conservation. Pamela shares her leadership philosophy, the challenges of building inclusive teams, and how to inspire meaningful action for wildlife conservation. Tune in to hear...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we're joined by Dr. Robb Kelly, "The Addiction Doctor", CEO of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group. Dr. Kelly shares his incredible journey from homelessness and addiction to running a multimillion-dollar business with a 97% success rate in addiction recovery. He dives deep into the power of cutting toxic influences, leveraging neuroscience for growth, a...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Erin Stern, President of STEPS Behavioral Health, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of growing a business that now employs 300 people. Erin shares her journey from special education teacher to entrepreneur, offering insights into leadership, scaling a high-demand business, and maintaining quality care in the autism services in...