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!
98episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Grow Your Organization by Being Relentlessly Committed to Your Brand
Aug 3100:46:23Summary readyDr. Rob Harter welcomes Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. In this inspiring episode, Julie shares her remarkable journey—from employee #17 with an $800,000 annual budget to leading a thriving $180 million organization. She highlights how steadfast commitment to brand, high-touch donor relationships, positive storytelling, and unwavering focus on mission fueled exponential growth and deep community connection. Julie dives into the power of personal touches—thank‑you phone calls and handwritten notes, even today—and how authenticity and consistency, paired with a clear, optimistic brand narrative, have built a movement. She also discusses the importance of hiring for cultural fit, nurturing internal talent, and staying laser‑focused on a singular mission. Key Topics Include: The transformative impact of high‑touch, personal donor interactions—calling and thanking every donor, no matter the gift size. Why positive, uplifting storytelling resonates more than negative appeals and how Best Friends built its brand around hope and joy. The strategic value of crafting your own branded content (like an in‑house magazine), vs. outsourcing. How best practices and generous sharing of knowledge built Best Friends into a national, mission‑driven leader. Hiring for chemistry and cultural alignment over pedigree, and investing in internal growth. Staying mission‑centric—choosing what not to do and focusing relentlessly on an impactful, singular goal. The enduring strength of an individual, compelling story in fundraising and community building. Mentioned in This Episode: Best Friends Animal Society website: bestfriends.org The concept of “no‑kill” movement and organizational transformation High‑touch donor practices (handwritten letters, phone calls) Best Friends’ in‑house magazine—exclusive storytelling resource shared with supporters Importance of positivity in branding versus traditional guilt‑based messaging Active use of storytelling frameworks like the hero’s journey Donor segmentation—print magazine for longtime supporters, digital for broader audiences Volunteer correspondence team for personalized responses Social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram) for community engagement This Episode is Sponsored By: Zeffy 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 Make This Your Best Giving Season Yet
Aug 2600:29:40Summary readyIn this kickoff to a special four-week fundraising series, host Rob Harter welcomes Seb Boyer, President of Zeffy, a 100% free fundraising platform built for nonprofits. Seb, a former tech entrepreneur and AI startup founder, shares his insights into why Zeffy was created, how it sustains a completely free model, and what the latest fundraising data reveals about giving trends across the nonprofit… Source
SummarySmart Ways to Boost Your Year-End Giving
Aug 1800:32:01Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter is joined by Brittan Stockert, a seasoned fundraising coach at DonorBox with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and social impact sector. As nonprofit leaders brace for the critical year-end giving season, Brittan provides an encouraging, realistic, and highly practical guide to making the most of it—without adding to… Source
SummaryHow Can Nonprofits Successfully Approach Foundations
Aug 1100:34:44Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of the Newman’s Own Foundation, to explore how nonprofits can more effectively approach foundations for funding. With billions in grant requests competing for limited dollars, Alex shares candid insights into what makes a funding request compelling—and how nonprofits can align… Source
SummaryHow Can You Maximize AI for Good?
Aug 4, 202500:32:25Summary readyIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Adam Boddison, CEO of the Association for Project Management and Managing Director at Grant Genie, to explore how nonprofit leaders can effectively harness artificial intelligence for strategic impact. Rather than focusing solely on how AI is transforming the nonprofit sector, this conversation delves deeper into leadership—asking how leaders can use… Source
SummaryIt’s Not Just Passion But Your Patterns That Move Your Organization Forward
Jul 28, 202500:30:47Summary readyIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Alex Goeller, CEO of Wasteless Solutions, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and reducing food waste. With a deep-rooted passion for social impact and a strong background in leadership, Alex shares how she has developed effective systems and patterns to scale impact, stay focused on core objectives, and navigate the unique… Source
SummaryHow Uncertainty Is Impacting Nonprofit Leaders’ Confidence and Decision-Making
Jul 21, 202500:29:50Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes executive and leadership coach Kelly Kienzle to explore the mounting uncertainty facing nonprofit leaders and how it’s affecting their confidence and decision-making. Kelly recently conducted in-depth interviews with over 40 leaders across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, revealing troubling trends in… Source
SummaryShould You Focus on Team Development More Than Individual Development?
Jul 14, 202500:37:37Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter dives into a transformative discussion with Bob Searle of The Bridgespan Group. Bob shares compelling insights from Bridgespan’s “Leading for Impact” program, which involved nearly 300 nonprofit executive leaders. Together, they explore why team development is just as critical—if not more so—than individual leadership growth in today’… Source
SummaryHow to Recruit and Keep the Team You NeedNonprofit Sector
Jul 8, 202500:39:56Summary readyRob interviews William Vanderbloemen who shares his experience about starting a cause-based search firm. His firm emphasizes the need for nonprofits to prioritize soft skills when recruiting new staff. He also highlights the significance of clearly articulating the organization’s mission and values to attract the right talent. Additionally, Vanderbloemen emphasizes the role of a healthy… Source
SummaryAre Fractional Leaders the Solution to Your Staffing Issues?
Jun 29, 202500:37:41Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter dives into the evolving staffing models within the nonprofit sector, spotlighting the rise of fractional executives. Our guest, Cindy Wagman, a seasoned fundraiser and author of the bestselling book Raise It, joins Rob to unpack what it means to hire a fractional leader and why more nonprofits are exploring this innovative… Source
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