Hart & Hustle Podcast

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Dean Daubert, CEO of Anderson Humane, to explore the powerful connection between people and their pets. Dean shares invaluable insights on how fostering pets can alleviate stress, the rising costs of veterinary care, and the importance of open adoption policies in saving more animals. We dive deep into leadership lessons for buildi...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Kristie Skoglund, CEO/President of The Florida Center for Early Childhood, to discuss the critical role of early childhood mental health and its lasting impact on future generations. Kristie shares her 30+ years of experience as a mental health professional, dives into the importance of reflective parenting, and highlights the chal...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Debbie Milner, the visionary CEO and Founder of a leading drop-in childcare franchise. Debbie shares her journey from being a struggling working mom to building a flexible, scalable childcare solution that has grown through franchising. We dive deep into the challenges of work-life balance, the rising cost of childcare, and how fle...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we dive deep into leadership, diversity, and business growth with Portia James, an inspiring leader in the healthcare industry. Discover how she turned career setbacks into opportunities and scaled a business that now thrives with over 160 employees. Learn how to build diverse, high-performing teams, lead through rapid organizational change, and us...

In this powerful episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Gino DeMaio, CEO of Sound Community Services, to explore the art of leadership in high-stress situations. Gino shares his insights on leading nonprofit organizations, rebuilding company culture, and navigating organizational challenges. From overcoming a damaged reputation to empowering employees with accountability and co...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Josie Martinez, CEO of Hope for Miami, to explore authentic leadership and the power of lived experience. Josie shares his journey from immigrant roots to leading a nonprofit impacting over 6,000 families annually. We discuss how mentorship, community-building, and influencing the next generation can create lasting change. Learn th...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Brooks, Founder and Executive Director of Come As You Are (CAYA), to discuss the critical issue of autistic unemployment and how leaders can tap into this overlooked talent pool. Jennifer shares her personal journey, the challenges of supporting autistic adults in the workforce, and why 80% of autistic adults remain unempl...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we dive into the surprising connection between reading and long-term success with Rebecca Leege, CEO of Worldreader. Discover how early literacy habits can shape future billionaires and why reading is a crucial tool for developing leadership skills. Learn how edtech innovations and family literacy activities are transforming the way we approach edu...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Dr. Annie Butler, Interim Dean at the School of Hospitality, Metropolitan State University of Denver. Dr. Butler shares insights on substance use education, mental health awareness, and how harm reduction can transform leadership. We dive into the changing landscape of higher education, innovation in the workplace, and the future o...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Kyle Carter, Executive Director of NAMI Philly (National Alliance on Mental Illness – Philadelphia). With over 16 years of experience in mental health leadership, Kyle shares powerful insights on tackling mental health challenges, especially in the digital age. We explore the impact of social media on self-diagnosis, the importance...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Paige Wilson, Founder and CEO, to discuss how her innovative business is addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: loneliness among the aging generation, particularly the growing population of baby boomers. Paige reveals the personal story behind her tech-driven solution and the challenges of scaling a business that f...

In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Nicole Cisne, President and CEO of Family Resources, Inc., to explore how innovative leadership and bold decisions are transforming nonprofit work. Nicole shares how implementing a 32-hour workweek has improved employee wellbeing, saved money, and boosted productivity. We also dive into Family Resources' ambitious goal to reduce community viol...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Peter Evers, President and CEO of BAMSI, joins Keenan Hart for a deep dive into nonprofit leadership, funding challenges, and building a mission-driven culture. Peter shares insights on how BAMSI navigates the complexities of behavioral health services, generates over $115M in revenue, and fosters employee development. Discover actionable advice on...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Lucina Clarke, Executive Director of My Time Inc., to discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a nonprofit that supports parents of children with disabilities. Lucina shares her inspiring journey, the importance of creating safe spaces for caregivers, and why self-care is crucial for parents facing daily challenges. Tune in...

In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Robert Ross, Senior VP of Curriculum and Research at Beacon Services, to discuss the groundbreaking role of technology in autism therapy. Robert delves into how AI and gamification are transforming autism diagnosis and treatment, offering solutions to the growing shortage of qualified professionals. Learn about innovative approaches in behavio...

In this insightful episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Chris Jahrman, CEO of AtWork!, to explore the challenges and triumphs of leading a nonprofit organization with a for-profit mindset. Chris shares his unique journey from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector, offering valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the importance of curiosity in driving mission-dri...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Jordan Pascucci, Vice Dean and Director of Admission at the University of Pennsylvania, to explore the evolving landscape of higher education. Discover how Penn is adapting to the rise of AI, the importance of soft skills in the future workforce, and why a growth mindset is essential for today's leaders. Jordan shares insights on g...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Will Jones, President and CEO of Thompson Child & Family Focus, to explore the leadership strategies that propelled the nonprofit from $7 million to $50 million in revenue. Will shares his insights on navigating the challenges of government reimbursement rates, combating burnout, and leading with mission-driven purpose. We also...

In this eye-opening episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Melody Ferguson, Dean of Admission at Pacific Lutheran University, to explore the evolving landscape of higher education in 2024. From new student expectations and the impact of social media on college decisions to the critical role of mental health and financial literacy, Melody shares invaluable insights for students,...

In this insightful episode of the Heart and Hustle podcast, we sit down with Nick Roberts, Dean of Students at Southern Virginia University, to explore the evolving challenges in higher education. Nick shares his unique perspective on leadership, student engagement, and the shifting expectations post-pandemic. We dive deep into the mindset and grit required to succeed in today’s educational landsc...

In this episode of the Heart and Hustle podcast, we dive deep with Jason Yarusi, Managing Member of Yarusi Holdings, who has built a $330 million real estate empire from the ground up. Jason shares his powerful insights on what it means to live at 100% of your potential, the critical role of accountability, and how small daily habits can lead to monumental success. Whether you're looking to scale...

In this episode of the Hart&Hustle podcast, we sit down with John Davenport, Dean of Students and Director of Student Life at Ohio State University-Newark/Central Ohio Technical College. John shares his insights on the evolving landscape of higher education, the critical role of leadership, and why college still matters in today’s fast-paced, digital world. We explore how higher education inst...

In this compelling episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Stephen Steers, President of Steers Consulting Group, to explore the transformative journey of entrepreneurship. From his early struggles in New York City to finding freedom and success in Mexico, Stephen shares invaluable lessons on resilience, the power of storytelling, and the mindset required to overcome life's tough...

In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Jono Luk, Executive in Residence at UW Foster School of Business and President Of The Board Of Directors at Therapeutic Health Services. Jono shares his unique insights on how technology is transforming the landscape of mental and behavioral health, the challenges of leading healthcare innovation, and the critical role of telehealt...

In this powerful episode of the Hart&Hustle podcast, we sit down with Mark Dhooge, President and CEO of Kids In Distress & Family Central, Inc., to explore the realities of leading a nonprofit in today’s challenging landscape. Mark shares his journey from law enforcement to leading a $30M nonprofit, revealing the key strategies for overcoming funding obstacles, building a resilient team, a...