Hart & Hustle Podcast

Dr. Louis V Haynes of Arcus Behavioral Health shares how authentic, relationship-centered mental health care is a revolutionary act of social justice — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from his journey to reimagine mental health support for all. This episode is for mission-driven leaders who want to revolutionize mental health care, create more authentic organizational cultures, and deepe...

Dana Lopez from The Inn shares how a decade of purpose-driven service transformed her perspective on community impact — and what mission-driven leaders can learn about authentic outreach and generosity. This is the story of a woman who stepped from the stage to the soup kitchen, discovering that real leadership is rooted in empathy, community connection, and tangible acts of love. She also explain...

How Dan DeMatte's Mission-Driven Leadership Is Transforming Thousands of Young Lives Dan DeMatte from Damascus shares how his relentless dedication to serving youth through faith and community has led to the spiritual and emotional healing of over 25,000 kids annually. This is the story of overcoming hardship with purpose — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this episode, you'll...

Alexis McLean from LaGuardia Community College shares how she's transforming student support through authentic leadership and data-driven strategies. This is the story of overcoming representation gaps and building inclusive, empowering environments — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. These insights are essential for visionary executives and education leaders who want to deepen en...

Amy Bailey from Transitions Behavioral Health shares how they expand program reach and support for individuals with autism. This is the story of a mission-driven leader transforming autism services — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Practical strategies for increasing access to autism resources in underserved communities. ✅ How to foster collabo...

Unlock the secrets to modern enrollment success with Nathan Ament from Knox College and college strategist Teege. This is the story of how strategic communication, data-driven personalization, and leadership authenticity transformed their college's engagement — and what mission-driven leaders in higher ed can learn from it. In this episode, you'll learn: How to leverage data not just for broad cam...

Dr. Carrie Vath from Southern Oregon University reveals how aligning her passions for animals, the outdoors, and student success has propelled her into leadership that truly makes an impact. This is the story of a mission-driven leader overcoming career uncertainty — and what visionary executives and mission-driven leaders can learn from her journey. In this episode, you’ll discover: How embracing...

Deon Bergeron from Kingsborough Community College shares how targeted strategies are increasing enrollment and transforming public education. This is the story of how a community college leverages authenticity, innovative programs, and personal stories — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How personal storytelling and authentic marketing diffe...

Discover how Art Munin from Liaison is transforming higher education through AI innovation. This is the story of overcoming fear of the unknown — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. Timestamps: 0:00 – The role of pop culture in understanding innovation and leadership 0:25 – Art Munin’s journey from music and movies to higher ed tech 0:46 – How music and personal passions relate to l...

Brian Miller from Nonprofit Vote shares how building powerful community partnerships and emphasizing voter engagement can significantly expand a nonprofit's program reach. This is the story of how strategic collaboration and civic involvement transform community impact — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this episode, you'll discover: * How nonprofits can leverage partnerships...

Wendy Kelley from Augustana College shares how her love of plants mirrors her approach to leadership and community-building—fostering growth, resilience, and transformation. This is the story of a purpose-driven leader who turned her passion into a career that shapes student success—and what mission-driven leaders can learn from her journey. In this episode, you'll discover: How Wendy’s plant care...

Mike MacLeod from the Boys and Girls Club shares how investing in community youth creates lasting impact. This is the story of how dedicated leadership transforms young lives — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. Timestamps: 0:00 – The mission behind the Boys and Girls Club in West Springfield 1:14 – The importance of purpose-driven work rooted in community service 2:36 – Representa...

This is the story of a first-generation, low-income student turned nonprofit leader—showing mission-driven leaders how resilience and resourcefulness can create profound community impact. Cara Magliaro from Peninsula College Fund shares how her journey from imposter syndrome to empowering underserved students exemplifies the true potential of persistence. ⚠️ In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Pract...

Cat from Be Nice shares how their evidence-based mental health programs are breaking down stigma and empowering youth and communities to prioritize mental well-being. This is the story of a nonprofit's journey to create lasting culture shifts — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from this transformative work. In this conversation, you'll learn: How early education can reduce mental health s...

This is the story of a motivated COO who transitioned from social work intern to leader, driven by a passion to make a tangible difference — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from her journey. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Robin Senss shares her journey from social work intern to COO of Friends Association 1:10 – How Friends Association’s programs prevent and end family homelessness 2:16 – The imp...

Kristen Godin shares how Northeast Health Services grew from 8 outpatient clinics to 41 in just four years. In this conversation, she breaks down the leadership, operations, and mission-driven mindset behind rapid growth — and why access to care remains the guiding principle for every decision. In this episode, you’ll learn: How a clear mission can drive strategic growth How to scale operations wi...

Lauren Herterich from Kids on Point shares how continuous commitment transforms underserved communities. This is the story of long-term leadership and community empowerment — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Introduction: Leadership lessons from Charleston's Kids on Point 1:00 – Building community and local engagement in nonprofit work 2:15 – Lauren’s role as e...

Unlock the transformative power of early intervention in education with James Aitken from Seeds. His journey from independent schools to leading programs that uplift underserved students shows how targeted support can change lives — and how organizations can scale impact without sacrificing quality. This episode is a must-listen for mission-driven leaders who want to expand program reach, deepen c...

In this episode, we explore the impactful work of Erin Sims, a licensed professional counselor and advocate working in Louisiana's crisis support systems. She shares insights on mental health stigma, the importance of authentic connection, and how advocacy transforms lives both on the macro and micro levels. This episode we discuss: The role of Via Link, a crisis call center handling 988 calls in...

Discover how Andrea Dine, Vice President of Student Affairs at Brandeis University, leverages innovation and leadership to transform higher education. This is the story of adapting to rapid technological change and reimagining student engagement — and what mission-driven leaders in education can learn from her journey. Andrea shares her insights on fostering student success, embracing AI in higher...

Siu from Asian American Lead (AALead) shares how her journey from a challenging childhood shaped her mission to empower youth and communities — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from her transformational story. This is the story of resilience, purpose, and creating opportunities for underserved youth — and what mission-driven leaders can apply to scale their impact. In this episode, you'll...

Discover how Alison L Croke transformed her community health organization and learned the secrets to sustainable leadership—lessons every mission-driven leader needs. This is the story of a passionate healthcare executive who navigated growth, innovation, and community trust—showing mission-driven leaders how to scale impact without sacrificing quality or purpose. ⚠️ In this episode, you’ll learn:...

Sarah Santora from Connecticut Foodshare shares how her organization is innovating food access, from mobile pantries to hyper-local food growing initiatives. This is the story of a mission-driven leader transforming food distribution — and what nonprofit executive and community leaders can learn from it. Discover how Connecticut Foodshare leverages volunteer training, food donation partnerships, a...

Unlock the transformative power of small, high-impact programs with Michael Olguin and Linda Reyes from Tucson Youth Development. Discover how community-centered education changes youth lives and what mission-driven leaders can learn from their innovative approach. In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we explore how personalized support and adaptive educational models empower at-risk youth. Key i...

Gene Hardin from Children’s Home of Stockton shares how strategic storytelling and authentic engagement propel social impact. This episode explores transforming community outreach and what mission-driven leaders can learn from Gene’s approach to meaningful connection and organizational growth. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to elevate nonprofit marketing with quality storytelling and produc...