Podcast
Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Rob Harter · EN
The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast discusses important issues facing nonprofit leaders in our community and features real stories from real leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. Enjoy the show!
97episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Missing Middle: How Ivory Innovations Is Seeking to Address the Housing Crisis
5d ago00:36:53Summary readyAmy Tomasso America’s housing crisis is not only about affordability—it is also about a lack of diverse housing options for people at different income levels and stages of life. In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Amy Tomasso, Director of Policy Innovation at Ivory Innovations, about the “missing middle” between detached single-family homes and large apartment buildings. Amy explains how duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts, accessory dwelling units, and other smaller housing types could create more attainable options for first-time homebuyers, growing families, and older adults hoping to downsize. Amy also shares how Ivory Innovations combines research, education, entrepreneurship, public policy, and hands-on affordable housing development to move promising ideas into practice. The conversation explores zoning reform, construction technology, innovative financing, cross-sector partnerships, and the important role nonprofit leaders and community foundations can play in developing local housing strategies. Key Topics Include: Why the housing crisis affects community wellbeing, economic development, food security, and financial stability What “missing middle” housing is and why many communities stopped building it How zoning reform, smaller lots, streamlined approvals, and developer support can expand housing options How Ivory Innovations tests new construction technologies and housing solutions through its Fieldworks program Why successful housing policy reforms need committed champions from government, business, nonprofits, or the community What nonprofit organizations can learn from the public and private sectors—and what those sectors can learn from nonprofits How students and emerging leaders can enter the housing field through Hack-A-House and other educational opportunities Mentioned in This Episode: Ivory Innovations The Little Book of Low-Cost, High-Impact Housing Solutions The Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability Ivory Innovations Fieldworks Hack-A-House Missing Middle Housing UCLA Housing Voice Podcast Fixer-Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems by Jenny Schuetz Escaping the Housing Trap by Charles Marohn Jr. and Daniel Herriges Missing Middle Housing: Thinking Big and Building Small to Respond to Today’s Housing Crisis by Daniel Parolek This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryA Nonprofit Driving Meaningful Change for the Unhoused
2w ago00:38:09Summary readyPreston Cochrane Housing is essential, but is it enough to create lasting change for people experiencing chronic homelessness? In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village in Salt Lake City, Utah, about the nonprofit’s human-centered approach to homelessness. Rather than treating residents as clients or case numbers, the organization creates a supportive community where people can rebuild relationships, rediscover purpose, develop practical skills, and take responsibility for their futures. Preston explains how The Other Side Village combines permanent housing with peer mentorship, meaningful work, recovery support, social enterprise, and a democratic therapeutic community. He also discusses the need to balance compassion with accountability, why lived experience is central to the organization’s coaching model, and how the village measures long-term success through housing stability, self-reliance, sobriety, and crime-free living. Key Topics Include: Why housing alone may not address the isolation, trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, and broken relationships connected to chronic homelessness How a human-centered model helps residents move beyond short-term stabilization toward lasting transformation The importance of balancing compassion and accountability when serving people experiencing homelessness How coaches with lived experience provide credible peer support, mentorship, and encouragement Why residents are called neighbors and participate in a democratic therapeutic community How social enterprises provide employment, workforce training, purpose, and sustainable revenue The four outcomes The Other Side Village uses to measure success: permanent housing, employment or self-reliance, drug-free living, and crime-free living Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about The Other Side Village Connect with Preston Cochrane on LinkedIn Learn more about The Other Side Academy Visit The Other Side Donuts Learn more about the National League of Cities This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryHow Transparency Can Improve Donor Retention
3w ago00:30:23Summary readyDonors want to know that their generosity is making a real difference. Yet many gifts can feel like they disappear into a “black box,” leaving supporters unsure where their donations went or whom they helped. In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Antonis Politis, CEO and co-founder of Givelink, and Panos Kokmotos, COO and co-founder of Givelink, about how greater transparency can strengthen donor trust, improve the giving experience, and increase donor retention. Givelink enables donors to purchase products that nonprofits currently need, track those items through delivery, and receive photos, videos, and personalized stories showing their impact. Antonis and Panos explain why nonprofits should make giving more tangible and human, how AI can personalize donor communications without replacing authentic connection, and why Givelink’s transparency model has led donors to give approximately 60% more annually. Key Topics Include: Why uncertainty about where donations go can weaken donor trust and retention How Givelink connects donors with the specific products nonprofits currently need Why nonprofits should be able to track charitable impact as easily as consumers track a package How photos, videos, and personalized impact stories make giving more tangible Why Givelink reports that donors give approximately 60% more annually through its platform How nonprofits can use AI to personalize donor communications while preserving authentic human connection How Givelink provides its in-kind donation platform to nonprofits at no cost Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about Givelink and its free in-kind donation platform for nonprofits: Givelink Explore Givelink’s resources for nonprofit organizations: Givelink for Nonprofits Research nonprofit accountability and transparency: Charity Navigator This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryHow Our Brains Are Wired for Generosity and Why It Matters
4w ago00:35:06Summary readyWhy do people give—and what happens in the brain when they decide to support a cause? Rob Harter sits down with fundraising strategist, behavioral science expert, and Neurogiving author Cherian Koshy to explore the neuroscience behind generosity. Cherian explains why charitable giving is closely connected to emotion, identity, belonging, and the brain’s reward systems—and why facts alone rarely inspire someone to donate. Cherian also shares practical ways nonprofit leaders can create more meaningful donor experiences, reduce unnecessary friction, and build lasting relationships rooted in trust. The conversation examines the ethical use of neuroscience and artificial intelligence in fundraising, emphasizing that these tools should deepen human connection rather than manipulate donors or reduce them to data points. Key Topics Include: Why generosity and charitable giving are wired into the human brain How giving expresses a donor’s identity, values, passions, and sense of belonging Why nonprofit communications should connect emotionally before presenting facts and data How confusion, excessive choices, insider language, and complicated donation forms create friction The difference between harmful friction and intentional questions that reinforce donor identity Ethical considerations for using neuroscience and artificial intelligence in fundraising How consistency, curiosity, transparency, and patience build donor trust and lifelong loyalty Mentioned in This Episode: Cherian Koshy’s Website Connect with Cherian Koshy on LinkedIn This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryHow to Not Just Survive but Thrive in Leadership
Jul 500:31:09Summary readyDr. Doris Macharia In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Doris Macharia, President of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, about what it takes to lead with clarity, courage, and resilience during times of crisis. Dr. Macharia shares her journey from practicing medicine in Kenya to leading global HIV and public health initiatives, and how her background prepared her to step into executive leadership during a season of major international funding cuts. Dr. Macharia offers practical insight for nonprofit leaders navigating uncertainty, staffing challenges, donor shifts, and organizational change. She emphasizes the importance of staying anchored to mission, communicating consistently, making decisive choices, caring for yourself as a leader, and building trust through presence, empathy, and action. Key Topics Include: How nonprofit leaders can build trust when stepping into leadership during a crisis Why mission clarity gives organizations authority and direction during uncertain times Leading global health and nonprofit work through funding cuts and resource scarcity The importance of communication, listening, and visible leadership with staff and stakeholders How collaboration with governments, communities, donors, and partners strengthens impact Why leaders must make decisions quickly, even with limited information The role of self-care, family support, preparation, and personal values in sustainable leadership Mentioned in This Episode: Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: https://pedaids.org EGPAF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egpaf EGPAF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-foundation This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox: Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryHow Building Trust Can Accelerate Impact
Jun 2800:33:32Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Clare Durrett and Dr. Terri Thompson of Answer ALS about how trust, collaboration, and shared data can accelerate meaningful impact. Answer ALS began after a powerful summit led by Steve Gleason and Team Gleason, where patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and advocates came together to rethink how ALS research could move forward with fewer barriers and greater urgency. Clare and Terri share how Answer ALS developed Neuromine, a globally accessible research platform designed to help researchers explore clinical, genomic, biological, and multi-omic data in one place. Their conversation offers valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders on building trust with stakeholders, protecting community-centered values, scaling ambitious work, and creating systems that make collaboration easier than working in isolation. Key Topics Include: How Steve Gleason and the ALS community helped spark the creation of Answer ALS Why traditional disease research often gets slowed down by data silos and limited access How Neuromine helps researchers access, compare, and use complex ALS data more efficiently The importance of patient partnership, dignity, and agency in nonprofit and medical research models How Answer ALS balances global accessibility with privacy, security, and scientific rigor Why trust with donors, researchers, and the community is essential for long-term impact Lessons for nonprofit leaders on collaboration, transparency, data stewardship, and scaling a mission Mentioned in This Episode: Answer ALS: https://www.answerals.org Neuromine: https://www.answerals.org/neuromine Answer ALS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/answer-als This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox: Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryInvesting in the Next Generation: Why the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation Is All In
Jun 2200:32:54Summary readyJay Williams In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Jay Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation. Jay shares his leadership journey from banking and public service to becoming the first African American and youngest mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, serving in the Obama administration, and now leading one of Connecticut’s major community foundations. Rob and Jay discuss how philanthropy, nonprofit partnerships, workforce development, and education can come together to create lasting community impact. Jay explains why the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is investing deeply in the next generation through its Greater Futures Scholarship partnership with Hartford Promise, helping students access college, wraparound support, and the opportunity to graduate with little to no student loan debt. Key Topics Include: Jay Williams’ journey from banking and public service to nonprofit and philanthropic leadership Why community foundations must use data, partnerships, and local insight to address inequity The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s five strategic priorities: basic human needs, employment, thriving neighborhoods, civic resident engagement, and arts and culture How student loan debt impacts local economies, workforce development, homeownership, and long-term community growth The Greater Futures Scholarship partnership with Hartford Promise and its potential to provide up to $100,000 over four years Why wraparound services are essential for helping first-generation college students succeed Leadership lessons on building strong teams, creating a collaborative culture, and taking responsibility when challenges arise Mentioned in This Episode: Greater Hartford Gives Foundation Greater Futures Scholarship Fund Hartford Promise Hartford Promise Scholarship This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryFrom Heartbreak to Impact: Channeling Loss Into a Movement for Positive Change
Jun 1400:40:11Summary readyIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Michelle Dubiski, mother of Madison Dubiski, who tragically lost her life during the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston. Michelle shares Madison’s servant-hearted spirit, her deep love for others, and how an organic movement called #PinkBowsForMadison became a symbol of love, remembrance, and hope. Rob is also joined by Steve Allen, an event management and crowd safety expert who has partnered with the Pink Bows Foundation to help create global standards for show-stop procedures and live event safety. Together, Michelle and Steve share how grief has been transformed into advocacy, education, safe spaces, and a growing movement to prevent future tragedies at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other large gatherings. Key Topics Include: The story of Madison Dubiski and the tragedy that inspired the Pink Bows Foundation How the #PinkBowsForMadison movement spread from Houston across the world Why nonprofits can grow powerful movements through community support, clarity of mission, and collaboration The foundation’s three pillars: philanthropic giving, safe spaces at events, and show-stop safety training How Steve Allen and Dr. Mark Hamilton helped develop an internationally accredited show-stop procedure course Why live event safety protocols matter at concerts, festivals, stadiums, and large public gatherings How the Pink Bows Foundation is partnering with global experts, venues, promoters, and public safety leaders to create lasting change Mentioned in This Episode: Pink Bows Foundation About the Pink Bows Foundation Pink Bows Foundation: Madison Dubiski’s family turns tragedy into advocacy (Pink Bows Foundation) Email the Pink Bows Foundation: info@pinkbowsfoundation.org Follow the Pink Bows Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryWhat is the essence of effective leadership?
Jun 700:36:14Summary readyHanna Bauer In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Hanna Bauer, founder of HEARTnomics®, about what it really means to lead with clarity, courage, and service. Hanna shares how her childhood battle with heart disease, including a groundbreaking heart ablation surgery, shaped the way she thinks about uncertainty, resilience, and servant leadership. Drawing from her work as a leadership strategist, consultant, coach, and speaker, Hanna explains how nonprofit leaders can move beyond reactive decision-making and build sustainable organizations rooted in vision, values, accountability, and trust. She also introduces her HEART leadership framework and BEAT method as practical tools for helping leaders align people, purpose, performance, and long-term impact. Key Topics Include: How Hanna’s childhood experience with heart disease shaped her leadership philosophy Why effective leadership begins with service and a clear vision The importance of values-based leadership for nonprofit culture and trust How the HEART framework helps leaders build alignment, sustainability, and impact Why founder-led nonprofits often struggle with sustainability and succession How nonprofit leaders can recognize burnout and create healthier rhythms of leadership Moving from reactive leadership to proactive, values-driven decision-making Mentioned in This Episode: Hanna Bauer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna HEARTnomics: https://heartnomics.com HEARTnomics Leadership Profile: https://heartnomics.com/heartnomics-leadership-profile/ Ser Familia: https://serfamilia.org This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryWhy you need to know what motivates the “Mission Generation”
May 3100:37:38Summary readyArun Gupta In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach Foundation, venture capitalist, Stanford lecturer, Georgetown entrepreneurship professor, and bestselling author of The Mission Generation. Arun shares how his work across entrepreneurship, technology, public policy, venture finance, and social impact has shaped his belief that today’s workforce is increasingly seeking purpose, mission, and public impact in their careers. Rob and Arun discuss how the pandemic, geopolitical instability, artificial intelligence, and rapid social change have caused many people across generations to rethink what they want from work. Arun explains why “stability is the new risk,” why mission-driven careers are no longer limited to one generation or one sector, and how nonprofit leaders can foster innovation, experimentation, and cross-sector collaboration without losing sight of their mission. Key Topics Include: Why emerging and established leaders are increasingly seeking purpose, impact, and mission in their work What Arun means by the “Mission Generation” and why it is a posture, not simply an age group The four major barriers to mission-driven careers: internal, relational, societal, and institutional How nonprofit leaders can help staff connect personal ambition with civic responsibility Why social impact organizations need to embrace experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation The importance of cross-sector careers that move between nonprofit, business, government, and technology Why trust, talent, and interdependence will be critical for the future of mission-driven leadership Mentioned in This Episode: The Mission Generation: NobleReach Foundation: This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox: Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Summary