Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

Friends, this episode is a vulnerable one. For the first time since launching Lead with Heart, I’m pressing pause on the podcast for Q1 of 2026. Not because I’m quitting. Not because the mission has dimmed. But because clarity asked me to make a courageous decision — one that aligns with the emotional sustainability I teach every day In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind this pause: what 2025 revealed, what I’m witnessing across the nonprofit sector, the hard truth about capacity, the emotional health crisis facing nonprofit leaders, and why building the Lead with Heart Summit requires my full presence. It’s about choosing purpose over productivity, depth over doing, and alignment over proving. In this episode: 00:00:00 Embracing Leadership Clarity 00:03:48 Prioritizing Emotional Sustainability 00:08:08 The Lead with Heart Summit RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. NOTEWORTHY QUOTES “ When you become crystal clear on your one thing, the hard decisions stop looking like sacrifices and start looking like alignments.” - Haley Cooper “ Clarity does not make decisions painless. It makes them purposeful.” - Haley Cooper “Just because we are capable of doing something does not mean we have the capacity to do it all at the same time.” - Haley Cooper Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am so honored to share today’s conversation with Laura Bode, the newly appointed Chief Philanthropy Officer at A New Leaf. A survivor of childhood trauma, Laura rebuilt her confidence as an adult with the support of key mentors who saw her potential before she could see it herself. Today, she leads a powerhouse nonprofit serving more than 30,000 people each year and has helped grow philanthropy revenue from $300,000 to over $10 million. In this episode, we dig into her remarkable journey, the emotional realities nonprofit leaders face, the burnout she’s experienced firsthand, and how she rebuilt a healthier, more grounded approach to leadership. In this episode: 00:00:00 Value of Mentorship After Trauma 00:05:59 Strategic Shifts for Nonprofit Growth 00:09:55 Optimizing Your Board 00:14:02 Navigating Burnout 00:23:39 Expanding Community Engagement RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. CONNECT WITH LAURA LinkedIn: Laura Bode Website: https://turnanewleaf.org/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am so excited to welcome leadership coach Jen Recla to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Jen helps senior nonprofit leaders break free from burnout, reclaim their clarity and energy, and build teams that thrive even in seasons of complexity and change. In this episode, we dig into one of the most common and corrosive habits in the nonprofit sector: saying “I’m too busy.” Jen shares why this phrase keeps leaders stuck in survival mode, how urgency culture erodes team confidence, and how you can shift from reactive leadership to intentional leadership without adding more to your plate. If you’re ready to lead with more calm, clarity, and confidence, this conversation is for you. In this episode: 00:00:00 The Power of Supportive Leadership 00:09:07 Intentional Feedback Skills 00:15:56 Overcoming Overwhelm Patterns 00:26:34 Strategy Building in Leadership 00:29:11 Leadership in Action RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. E8: Create The Transformation You Seek in Your Life & Relationships with Stephanie Courtillier The Illustrated Happiness Trap by Russ Harris CONNECT WITH JEN LinkedIn: Jennifer Recla Website: https://www.jenrecla.com/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

On this episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, I’m joined by Javan Van Gronigen, the founder of the creative agency Fifty & Fifty and the nonprofit fundraising platform Donately, which has helped organizations raise more than $180 million since 2013. Javan has spent his career at the intersection of design, technology, and social impact. His work blends intuitive tech, storytelling, and data-driven fundraising strategies to help nonprofits raise more with less friction. In this conversation, we explore why consistent storytelling, not just technology, continues to drive real donor engagement, how nonprofits can track the right data without getting overwhelmed by dashboards, what digital giving trends to expect as we head into 2026, and more. Whether you’re a nonprofit CEO, fundraiser, or marketer, this episode gives you practical tools to strengthen your digital strategy, deepen donor trust, and streamline your tech stack without burning out your team. In this episode: 00:00:00 Digital Strategy and Fundraising 00:14:25 Tracking Metrics That Matter 00:18:24 Evolving Nonprofit Tech Choices 00:27:25 Digital Engagement and Giving Trends 00:32:41 Building Lasting Donor Trust RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report CONNECT WITH JAVAN LinkedIn: Javan Van Gronigen Website: https://www.donately Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Pierre Berastain, former Regional Director for North America at the Center for Public Impact and co-founder of Caminar Latino-Latinos United for Peace and Equity. Pierre has spent over 15 years advancing social justice, gender equity, and systems change. Today, he joins us to talk about what it really means to decolonize leadership in the nonprofit world. Together, we unpack how colonizing narratives shape our understanding of risk, safety, and authority — and how leaders can begin redistributing imagination, rest, and voice to those most impacted by inequitable systems. Pierre challenges us to examine our cultural scripts and reimagine what it means to lead inclusively and authentically. If you’re ready to explore how your leadership can foster belonging, equity, and courage in your nonprofit organization, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode: 00:00:00 Pierre’s Journey to Public Impact Leadership 00:05:45 How Colonizing Narratives Shape Risk 00:09:35 Redistributing Imagination and Rest 00:17:15 Building Trust and Cultural Awareness 00:25:09 Centering Lived Experience in Leadership RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. Pierre recently announced he’ll be joining The SAFE Alliance as its next CEO, supporting survivors of violence and abuse through integrated services. Read the announcement HERE CONNECT WITH PIERRE LinkedIn: Pierre Berastain Website: https://pierreberastain.com/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am thrilled to welcome William Jarvis, Managing Director and Philanthropy Executive at Bank of America Private Bank, to the Lead with Heart podcast. In this episode, we unpack the 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy—a fascinating deep dive into how affluent households are giving today, what motivates their generosity, and how nonprofits can respond strategically. Bill brings decades of experience guiding families and institutions to align their values with their impact. Together, we explore why generosity remains strong despite fewer overall donors, how volunteering serves as a “gateway to giving,” why engaging the next generation of donors is crucial for the future of philanthropy, and more. In this episode: 00:00:00 The State of Philanthropy 00:06:07 Why Generosity Endures 00:12:24 Engaging the Next Generation 00:17:26 Local Giving and Donor Trends 00:22:27 The Future of Nonprofits RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy E102: Rethinking Women’s Giving: Insights on Philanthropy, Data & Donor Engagement with Jacqueline Ackerman CONNECT WITH WILLIAM LinkedIn: William Jarvis Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am thrilled to welcome Tracy Hoth, founder of Simply Squared Away and host of The Organized Coach Podcast, to Lead with Heart! Tracy brings over 17 years of experience transforming chaos into clarity. She specializes in helping leaders create practical systems that reduce overwhelm, boost focus, and make space for what matters most: your mission. In this episode, we’re exploring the powerful link between mindset, organization, and leadership. Tracy shares her 5-step SPACE framework to declutter both your digital and physical workspaces, empowering nonprofit leaders to reclaim their time, improve efficiency, and lead with calm clarity. If your Google Drive (or brain!) feels cluttered, this episode will help you breathe again and build systems that last. In this episode: [02:41] The mindset blocks behind disorganization [05:33] How beliefs from childhood affect your ability to stay organized [08:17] Tracy’s five-step framework to simplify anything and reduce overwhelm [11:54] Why people struggle to let go and how to change that [18:04] Organizing for nonprofit growth and succession planning [23:35] The five-file digital system every organization can use [27:18] Habits to maintain long-term organization [28:59] The Organized Coach Podcast RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. 15 Minute Declutter Challenge Five Files Framework CONNECT WITH TRACY LinkedIn: Tracy Hoth Instagram: @tracyhoth Podcast: The Organized Coach Podcast Website: https://simplysquaredaway.com/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am so excited to welcome Dru Wischhover to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Over the past 20 years, Dru has founded three real estate companies — Inspired Title Group, Inspired Development Group, and Winspire LLC — dedicated not just to business success, but to making an impact. With every closing, his companies give back: funding scholarships, supporting mental health awareness, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Through his mission, the inspired way , Dru has built more than companies. He's built a culture that elevates clients, team members, and entire communities. In today’s conversation, we explore how leaders can break the stigma of mental health in the workplace and why a healthy culture is the foundation for long-term success. If you’re a nonprofit or business leader ready to build happier, more supported teams and integrate mental wellness into your leadership style, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode: [02:55] Building companies that give back [05:55] How early experiences in service shaped Dru’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy [09:48] Why culture is everything [16:13] Bringing mental health into the leadership conversation [20:19] How to create safe spaces for open dialogue at work [24:38] Simple ways to support your team’s mental health [27:36] The power of trust and flexibility in building resilient teams [31:49] Reframing mental health as a leadership responsibility RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. E81: Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am so excited to welcome Dr. Jennifer Dall, a grief-informed neurodivergent specialist and founder of ADHD Holistically, to the Lead with Heart Podcast. This episode explores how understanding and embracing ADHD can actually help nonprofit professionals, and especially leaders, thrive. Dr. Jen shares her personal story of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, how grief reshaped her purpose, and what she’s learned about navigating overwhelm, focus, and emotional regulation. Together, we discuss how nonprofit leaders can use neurodivergent strengths to their advantage and create supportive, inclusive workplace cultures that help everyone shine. In this episode: [03:15] Dr. Jennifer’s late-in-life ADHD diagnosis [06:03] How ADHD presents differently in women and why it’s often missed [10:10] Recognizing ADHD patterns [14:55] How to advocate for neurodivergence in the workplace without fear [20:21] The organizational benefits of supporting ADHD and neurodiversity [22:16] Why long-term coaching can overwhelm ADHD brains [24:44] Actionable tips for tackling everyday ADHD challenges [30:36] Lifestyle shifts for better focus and follow-through [32:05] One small mindset change that creates immediate impact RESOURCES The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It's a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026. CONNECT WITH DR. JENNIFER LinkedIn: Dr. Jennifer Dall Instagram: @adhd.holistically Website: https://adhdholistically.com/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I’m so excited to bring you this conversation with Bree Muehlbauer, an accomplished fundraiser, nonprofit leader, and senior director of philanthropy at Digital Health Strategies - a healthcare-focused digital marketing and fundraising agency. Bree is a CFRE and inclusive philanthropy certificate holder who blends her technical fundraising expertise with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion—all while navigating motherhood and leadership. In this episode, we explore the intersection of data-informed fundraising, inclusive philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership culture. Bree opens up about how becoming a mother transformed her perspective on leadership and the critical importance of creating supportive, flexible workplaces for parents and caregivers in the sector. In this episode: [02:47] Bree's journey from educator to nonprofit fundraiser [04:31] What inclusive philanthropy really means [06:48] The risks of bias in data and AI for nonprofits [08:48] Becoming a data-informed fundraiser [12:23] How motherhood transforms leadership perspectives [14:44] Planning for maternity leave and reentry in nonprofits [18:27] Building a supportive workplace culture for mothers [23:14] Inclusivity and caregiver support in nonprofit work [25:41] Work-life balance, perfectionism, and urgency [29:03] Trust, flexibility, and building resilient nonprofit teams RESOURCES E17: Empowering Nonprofits through Data Equity and Communication Strategies with Meenakshi Das E26: How Employers Can Provide Psychological Safety And Support for Working Parents with Lacey Kempinski, CFRE & Founder of Balanced Good CONNECT WITH BREE LinkedIn: Bree Muehlbauer Instagram: @breeheartskale Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am thrilled to welcome Neil Ghosh to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Neil is the former CEO of SOS Children’s Village USA, Senior Advisor to the Ousri Family Foundation, and the author of Do More Good - a #1 new release praised by President Bill Clinton and featuring a foreword by the Dalai Lama. Neil’s life’s work is centered on building bridges across divides with empathy, purpose, and action. In this episode, Neil shares how passion and compassion work together, why nonprofits must commit to listening and effective governance, and how we can all take daily actions—large or small—to create unity in a divided world. In this episode: [03:08] Lessons from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors [04:36] The difference between passion and compassion and why you need both [10:00] Passion, purpose, and action [13:46] Leadership lessons from Malala and the Dalai Lama on courage and compassion [17:50] Why nonprofit governance and transparency matter more than ever [23:50] How to vet ethical and transparent nonprofits as a donor [29:02] Why unity doesn’t mean uniformity and how empathy sustains democracy [35:17] Combating loneliness in leadership through action and community RESOURCES Do More Good: Inspiring Lessons from Extraordinary People by Neil Ghosh Charity Vetting Tools: Charity Navigator , GuideStar , CharityWatch CONNECT WITH NEIL LinkedIn: Neil Ghosh Instagram: @neilghoshauthor Website: Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am so excited to introduce you to Frank Velásquez Jr., a storyteller, social justice leader, and founder of 4 Da Hood. Frank is passionate about equity, authenticity, and helping leaders of color rise into their power with unapologetic joy. In this conversation, we explore how storytelling can double nonprofit funding, why creating restorative circles fosters trust and authentic connection, and how leaders can bridge divides in today’s divisive climate. Frank also shares the inspiration behind his Ascending Leaders in Color program, his vision for equity-driven leadership, and his belief in healing separately to lead collectively. In this episode: [03:24] The birth of 4 Da Hood [05:36] The power of storytelling to increase nonprofit funding [07:20] Why the Ascending Leaders in Color program was created [11:17] Circle agreements and creating brave spaces [16:17] The restorative circle model and its role in leadership [20:18] Navigating tough conversations around race, gender, and opportunity [26:44] Carrying authenticity into the real world [30:30] Advocating for pay equity as nonprofit leaders of color [35:47] Regaining joy in your life as a leader [38:21] Frank’s vision for 4 Da Hood CONNECT WITH FRANK LinkedIn: Frank Velásquez Jr. Instagram: @4dahoodllc Website: https://4dahood.com/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am so excited to welcome Chris Wong to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Chris is a licensed therapist, executive coach, and host of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations podcast. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and health sectors, Chris specializes in helping purpose-driven leaders navigate difficult transitions, rebuild trust, and lead culture change that actually lasts. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of mastering hard conversations, the psychology behind conflict, and how nonprofit leaders can strengthen trust and resilience in their teams. Chris shares practical strategies for bridging generational differences, navigating hybrid workplaces, and leading with clarity when the stakes are high. In this episode: [05:05] Nonprofit leadership challenges: scarcity mindset [07:07] Bridging generational differences in nonprofit leadership [09:36] Why leaders avoid hard conversations and how to reframe conflict [14:14] Building trust in nonprofit teams and organizations [18:12] Cultivating relationships in hybrid nonprofit environments [20:58] A framework for approaching difficult conversations [27:55] Preparing nonprofits for crisis conversations [33:22] Addressing gossip during organizational change [34:21] Insights from Chris’s own podcast on difficult conversations [36:53] Advice for anyone about to have a difficult conversation RESOURCES E7: Focusing on Emotional Connection to Boost Performance in Your Organization with Lola Gershfeld CONNECT WITH CHRIS LinkedIn: Chris Wong Podcast: Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am so excited to welcome Amanda Pearce to the Lead with Heart Podcast! Mandy is the powerhouse founder and CEO of Funding for Good, bringing over two decades of expertise in nonprofit fundraising, organizational development, and business growth. In this episode, we dive into the realities of nonprofit burnout, the power of saying no, and how strategic planning can be your best tool for focus, fundraising, and freedom. Mandy shares her personal journey of leaving burnout behind and building a thriving consulting business that empowers nonprofits and consultants alike. In this episode: [03:04] How Funding for Good originated and became what it is today [05:55] What burnout looks like and how it sneaks up on leaders [10:17] Common patterns that lead to burnout and how to shift them [13:56] How strategic planning helps nonprofit leaders avoid burnout [17:21] Aligning fundraising strategies with your strategic plan [19:29] Who should be involved in creating a strategic plan [21:22] Cultivating buy-in and belonging when creating a strategic plan [23:44] Turning your strategic plan into action with timelines and accountability [29:41] Navigating nonprofit transitions and leadership turnover [34:12] How to communicate effectively with your nonprofit team [40:00] What work-life balance looks like for Mandy today RESOURCES 5-Part Strategic Planning Webinar Series: https://fundingforgood.org/strategic-planning-webinar-series/ E32: The Power of Co-Creation and Connection with Tucker Wannamaker E35: Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am so excited to welcome Maria Rio to the podcast! Maria is the founder of Further Together, a fundraising consultancy helping nonprofit leaders raise money without stress, scarcity, or burnout. As a former refugee and user of charitable services, Maria brings powerful lived experience to her equity-driven approach to fundraising. With over 15 years of leadership experience, Maria is a sought-after speaker, writer, and advocate for community-centric fundraising. In this conversation, we explore what an equitable nonprofit sector could look like, how leaders can avoid burnout, and practical ways to transform fundraising into a partnership model rooted in dignity and inclusion. In this episode: [03:01] What an equitable nonprofit sector looks like [06:42] Why advocacy is often missing from nonprofits [11:18] Executive director loneliness and ways to find support [13:58] Building authentic peer networks as nonprofit leaders [17:13] Reducing “fillers” and prioritizing what really matters [24:47] Community-centric versus donor-centric fundraising models [30:17] Shifting language to build dignity and inclusion [32:48] Boundaries, authenticity, and modeling healthy leadership [36:58] Fundraising myths we need to retire RESOURCES Your 9-step guide to ditching donor-centricity E2: A New Approach to Fundraising And Resource Gathering with Zoot Velasco E35: The Fractional Fundraising Movement with Cindy Wagman CONNECT WITH MARIA LinkedIn: Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I am thrilled to be joined by Seth Donlin, a seasoned marketing and communications coach who helps leaders master the art of authentic storytelling. With decades of experience in journalism, politics, and marketing, Seth now empowers leaders and entrepreneurs to craft compelling narratives that connect, inspire, and grow their impact. In this episode, we dive into the power of “sticky” stories - those memorable, relatable stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Seth shares practical tips for making your storytelling more authentic, using sensory details to captivate listeners, and building trust with donors through podcasts and speaking opportunities. In this episode: [02:43] Seth Donlin, evil mastermind? [07:51] The neuroscience behind why stories bond us [10:50] Why everyday stories are more relatable than “big” dramatic ones [16:00] What makes a story “sticky” and memorable [17:48] Using sensory details to draw your audience in [23:02] Authenticity, honesty, and storytelling in the age of AI [28:19] Why podcast guesting is a powerful tool for nonprofit leaders [36:27] Building confidence to share your story as a podcast guest [39:57] Personal vs. private details: how to know what to share RESOURCES E50: Building Your LinkedIn Presence as a Nonprofit Leader with Tania Bhattacharyya CONNECT WITH SETH LinkedIn: Seth Donlin Website: https://www.sethdonlin.com/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of the Lead With Heart Podcast, I sit down with Nick Cooney, the founder and Managing Partner at Lever VC, a trailblazing early-stage venture capital fund focused on food tech, ag tech, and sustainable food innovation that is changing the game. Together, we explore the interplay between venture capital and philanthropy that, if done well, can reshape the future of food. We dive into the world of impact investing, sustainable food systems, and the power of action-driven philanthropy. You'll also learn how to overcome your internal barriers and start helping others today. In this episode: [01:55] How Nick started blending venture capitalism and philanthropy [06:01] How to overcome the barriers to a more sustainable food system [08:28] What nonprofits can do to advocate for a better food system [12:14] What the ideal sustainable food system looks like [13:58] Two innovations that will reshape how the world eats [16:16] How investments and philanthropy can make food accessible for all [19:11] Nick's latest book and the high cost of inaction [21:25] Some internal barriers we face to helping others [26:44] Three strategies to start building your charitable muscles today [32:43] Choose how you use money for greater impact RESOURCES Discover Nick's books, including his latest, What We Don't Do . Learn more about the Lever Foundation . Catch up with my talk with Alix Lebec, who also blends philanthropy and financing, in episode 68 of Lead With Heart . Find the Giving USA Annual Report here Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

I'm excited to welcome Ben Williamson to the Lead With Heart Podcast. Ben is the Director of Recruitment at Ambitious Impact, a dynamic organization, reshaping how we identify and support the next generation of nonprofit leaders. He works with their Charity Entrepreneurship program, an incubator for nonprofits, where he helps people move from good intentions to real-world impact. Ben brings a refreshingly honest and insightful perspective to the table from hard-earned lessons of starting and shutting down a charity that wasn't delivering results, to focusing on what really matters to create impact, to spotting the unexpected qualities that make founders thrive. In this episode: [02:45] How Ben found his own way to create social impact [05:12] Why Ben is focusing on international development [07:12] Ben's journey to building a nonprofit in West Africa [10:46] Navigating the vast cultural differences around family planning [16:03] Ben's brave decision to shut down his nonprofit [21:06] What founders must keep in mind when starting a nonprofit [24:40] Measuring what really matters in delivering real change [33:17] The traits behind excellent nonprofit founders [36:53] Advice for aspiring nonprofit founders to take the first step RESOURCES Learn more about Charity Entrepreneurship , the incubator for nonprofits that Ben is a part of. Catch up with my interview with Elaine Lankford on Episode 89 of the Lead With Heart Podcast . Get my book Sow, Grow, Lead , where I share my own journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi, Africa, and more. Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org Dr. Lola Gershfeld’s EmC Masterclass helps you boost communication skills to raise more revenue. Trusted by top universities and global organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART for 10% off. CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m honored to welcome someone I've known my whole career, Sara Garske, the principal and founder of Elwood Advisors. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she works with nonprofits, foundations, and individual philanthropists to create sustainable and impactful giving and fundraising strategies. We explore trust-based philanthropy, ways to engage and empower different generations in their philanthropic journey, and more. So, whether you're an individual donor, part of a foundation, or part of a nonprofit, you will find practical strategies that will help you create greater impact. In this episode: [02:44] Sara's 25+ year journey of thriving in philanthropy [06:27] What philanthropy is really about [07:18] What the role of a philanthropic advisor looks like [08:10] Help family foundations evolve past checkbook giving [11:07] How trust-based philanthropy can lead to greater impact [12:42] Ways nonprofits can build trust with family foundations [15:21] Strategies to navigate different generations' giving priorities [20:45] Transparency is critical for nonprofits [23:52] Effective ways to engage the next generation [26:54] Serving nonprofits and foundations with Elwood Advisors [29:02] Anyone can be a philanthropist RESOURCES Catch up with my talk with Jenn Klein in episode 24 of Lead With Heart . CONNECT WITH SARA LinkedIn: Sara Garske Website: elwoodadvising.com Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Catherine De Orio, executive director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts, Emmy Award-winning TV host, and culinary changemaker, who is transforming the way youth find their voice and future through food. From courtroom to kitchen, Catherine’s journey is one of purpose, pivoting, and passionate leadership. Together, we explore how culinary arts can be a powerful vehicle for vocational training, mentorship, and confidence-building, especially for under-resourced youth. In this episode: [02:43] From litigator to culinary leader: Catherine’s career pivot [05:21] The Foundation for Culinary Arts and the Yes Chef Culinary Camp [08:34] The value of networking [10:32] Career opportunities in the culinary world [14:12] Nonprofit leadership lessons [18:02] The barriers young chefs face [22:12] Listening to youth feedback to evolve programming [26:53] Personal branding and authenticity in the culinary world [29:03] Seizing imperfect opportunities CONNECT WITH CATHERINE LinkedIn: Catherine De Orio Instagram: @catdeorio & @yeschefcamp Website: https://foundationforculinaryarts.org/ Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE! My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to create real impact. Trusted by 80,000+ organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox offers easy fundraising tools to help you raise more. From fast donation forms to crowdfunding, events, and Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, grow your impact with donorbox.org CONNECT WITH HALEY Haley is a CFRE, Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, she brings experience in human services, homelessness, and youth nonprofits. She specializes in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, empowering nonprofit leaders to build thriving organizations. Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com YouTube: thesavvyfundraiser Produced by Ideablossoms