Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Rob speaks with Doug Paul, founder of Catapult, about the importance of personal growth for nonprofit leaders. Doug emphasizes the role of intentionality in leadership development and shares actionable insights on how leaders can design a personal growth plan that aligns with their unique wiring, calling, and story. Topics include: -Why leaders need a personal growth plan to navig...

Mohamed Osman In this episode, Rob is joined by Mohamed Osman and Ali Metcalf from Spring Impact, a nonprofit focused on helping organizations tackle global challenges at scale. Together, they discuss the findings from their new report, which explores how nonprofits can overcome the biggest obstacle to scaling their impact: accessing funding. Topics include: Why accessing funding for scale remains...

Stephane Aoki In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Stephane Aoki, founder of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged Ivorians by providing job opportunities and fostering self-reliance. Stephane shares his personal journey growing up in the Ivory Coast and how his experiences inspired the mission of Elevate. Topics include: -Why job creation is at the he...

George Tsiatis In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with George Tsiatis, CEO and co-founder of the Resolution Project, about how to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. George shares his experience working with Gen Z leaders and explains why this generation is uniquely positioned to tackle global challenges. Topics include: How to turn youth complacency into solution-driven actio...

Africa Mission Healthcare In this episode, Rob is joined by Scott Marcello, President of African Mission Healthcare, to discuss how nonprofit collaboration can amplify impact and create lasting change. Scott shares insights into the organization’s work addressing healthcare disparities across Africa, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, community engagement, and innovative strategies to imp...

John Hewko In this episode, Rob is joined by John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International. John shares an update on Rotary’s global initiatives, including their ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, tackle new challenges, and adapt to the evolving needs of communities worldwide. Topics include: How Rotary is addressing the loneliness epidemic through volunteerism and community invol...

Dr. Kristen Brown In this episode, Rob speaks with Dr. Kristen Brown, Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute, about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on medical research. Dr. Brown shares insights from her work in maternal health research, highlighting how AI is being used to address critical health disparities and improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and infan...

Ben Miller Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the nonprofit landscape, and the question for nonprofit leaders isn’t whether to use AI, but how to use it effectively. In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Ben Miller, SVP of Data Science at Bonterra, to explore how nonprofits can leverage AI for good. They discuss practical applications like improving donor engagement, optimiz...

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Scott Key, the founder of Every Shelter, a nonprofit focused on providing innovative shelter solutions for refugees. Scott shares insights into the global refugee crisis, emphasizing the staggering statistic that refugees remain displaced for an average of 20 years. He explains how Every Shelter addresses this challenge by focusing on localization, empowerin...

Ellena Fortner In this episode, Rob is joined by Ellena Fortner, founder of Nonprofit Bestie, an organization dedicated to empowering women leaders in small and medium-sized nonprofits. With over 15 years of nonprofit experience, Ellena focuses on equipping leaders with practical tools, strategies, and guidance to achieve their fundraising goals with confidence and ease. Ellena shares insights int...

Mariya Yurukova In today’s episode, Rob Harter is joined by Mariya Yurukova, founder of Charity Search Group (CSG), to discuss the essential connection between recruitment and retention in the nonprofit sector. With years of experience helping organizations find and retain top talent, Mariya shares actionable strategies for building a strong workforce through effective recruitment practices. From...

Addressing childhood poverty in the U.S. is an enormous challenge, and for nonprofits working to improve children’s lives, understanding the impact of poverty is essential. In this episode, Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician and advocate for early childhood development, joins Rob to discuss how nonprofits can support positive childhood experiences to mitigate the effects of poverty. Dr. Nav...

Measuring impact is crucial for nonprofits striving to create sustainable change. In this episode, Dana François, Program Officer for Family Economic Security at the Kellogg Foundation, joins Rob to discuss strategies for effectively measuring program impact. Dana shares insights from the Kellogg Foundation’s Pockets of Hope campaign in Haiti, a targeted initiative to strengthen food systems, educ...

Erin McAleer What does it take to solve food insecurity on a statewide level? In this episode, Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, shares how Massachusetts is tackling food insecurity through advocacy, systemic change, and statewide collaboration. Erin discusses Project Bread’s radical approach to ending hunger by addressing both immediate needs and permanent solutions, including the...

What does it take to become a successful fundraiser in today’s competitive nonprofit environment? In this episode, Haley Cooper, fundraising expert and host of the Lead with Heart podcast, shares key strategies for becoming a savvy fundraiser. Haley discusses the most pressing challenges nonprofit leaders face, such as staff turnover and donor retention, and how to build sustainable fundraising mo...

Nonprofit. It is a word we all use to describe our organizations, but are we inadvertently hurting ourselves by using that word? When you hear the name “nonprofit” what comes to mind? Perhaps scarcity, or the opposite of something, or work that we shouldn’t get paid to do? Why do we call this sector by its tax exempt status rather than for what we do? Shouldn’t we be known for the impact and...

Armando Contreras What does it take to turn around a struggling nonprofit? In this episode, Armando Contreras, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), shares his remarkable story of reviving a nonprofit that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Armando discusses the challenges UCP faced and the strategies he implemented to restore financial stability and build trust with affiliates. He also highlights UCP’...

Lindsay Kolsch Mental health is a critical issue, especially in today’s world, and Lindsay Kolsch, Co-Executive Director of To Write Love On Her Arms , joins this episode to discuss her organization’s mission. Lindsay shares how TWLOHA provides hope and help to people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. With suicide affecting someone every 40 seconds globally, this con...

Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love Humans are not the only ones who suffer through troubling times, their pets do as well. Pets are often the only companion a person may have and they play a big role in one’s mental and physical health, especially during trying times. This episodes’ guest, Susanne Kogut, explains why her nonprofit is committed to the wellbeing of pets and their families....

Kathleen Kelly Janus Have you ever wondered how public-private partnerships can help solve large-scale social issues? Today’s guest, Kathleen Kelly Janus, shares her experience leading impactful collaborations between government, private companies, and nonprofits to tackle challenges like homelessness and recidivism. Kathleen Kelly explains how these partnerships are vital to scaling innovation an...

Being young doesn’t mean one can’t make a difference. In fact, there is a lot we in the nonprofit space can learn from Gen Z leaders who have already made a big impact in their communities. Today’s guests; Sienna Nazarian, Robbie Khazan, and Dylan Zajac are exactly those kinds of leaders. These three are great examples of emerging leaders who are making their world better.  Dylan Zajac...

Now more than ever, it’s essential that nonprofit leaders build a strong, adaptable team. But how do you find, keep, and mold top talent that aligns with your organization’s mission? Today’s guest, William Vanderbloemen, shares key strategies for building, running, and maintaining a great team that is dedicated to your organization’s values and mission.  Rob’s guest, William Vanderbloemen, is...

How can nonprofits effectively support underserved students in achieving higher education? How do you encourage both the student and their family members to believe in their potential to achieve more? Today’s guest, Dr. Johanna Moya Fabregas, explains how her nonprofit is empowering the next generation through education and emotional support.  Rob’s guest, Dr. Johanna Moya Fabregas, is the Ex...

In a recent survey of nonprofit workers across the United States, a staggering 74% reported that they are seeking another job. And out of those seeking new employment, 65% are unsure they will remain working in the non-profit sector. This is a serious issue that nonprofit organizations must focus on. Today’s guest, Michelle Flores Vryn, shares more data from this survey and how nonprofit leaders c...

Amy Freitag Most of you have heard of community foundations, but do you know how they work and what makes them unique? These organizations pool donations to support local projects, schools, and charities, ensuring funds stay within the community. Today’s guest, Amy Freitag, shares why community foundations are so powerful, and the benefits of collaborating with your local foundation. Rob’s guest,...