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
This NBA Player’s Legacy is Helping People All Over the World
Apr 14, 202500:31:30Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Bob Bush, co-founder of Mutombo Coffee. Bob shares the inspiring story behind the social enterprise he helped build with the late NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo. Although Mutombo Coffee is a for-profit company, Bob explains how its mission-driven approach offers powerful lessons for nonprofit leaders. Source
SummaryHow This Nonprofit Has Leveraged Hollywood’s Influence to Drive Social Change
Apr 8, 202500:33:50Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter talks with Debbie Levin, CEO of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). Debbie shares her incredible journey of leading EMA for over 25 years, rebuilding the organization from the ground up, and strategically using the influence of Hollywood to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. From initiating the Prius… Source
SummaryWhy Passion is Not Always Enough
Mar 30, 202500:30:48Summary readyIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with David Rhode, author of Passion Isn’t Enough. Together, they dive into the realities of nonprofit leadership and why passion alone can’t sustain an organization. David shares insights from his book on how strategic planning, strong branding, effective fundraising, and financial management are essential for building a… Source
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Leading a Multigenerational Organization: Strategies for Success Across Five Generations
Mar 30, 202500:31:22Summary readyIn this episode Rob sits down with David Robbins, President of Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ International), a global nonprofit with staff in over 190 countries. David shares his leadership journey and dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a multigenerational organization. With team members spanning five generations, David offers valuable strategies for fostering unity, avoiding mission drift, and empowering younger leaders in a rapidly changing world. From his time in Italy and New York to leading major nonprofit divisions, David reflects on the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He emphasizes emotional health, vulnerability, and intentional development of younger leaders as critical components to successful nonprofit leadership. Key Topics Include: Strategies for leading an organization with five generations on staff Avoiding mission drift during leadership transitions The importance of emotional and spiritual health in leadership Building trust with a global team during a leadership change Empowering younger generations through stretch challenges Navigating generational gaps with compassion and shared understanding Practical rhythms and habits to prevent leadership burnout Mentioned in This Episode: Cru: https://www.cru.org Book: Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox: https://www.donorbox.org 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 Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryEmpowering Students Through Education: How One Nonprofit is Expanding Access for Those Affected by Poverty
Mar 26, 202500:25:13Summary readyIn this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring, a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to college readiness resources for students impacted by poverty. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Yoon shares how CollegeSpring is revolutionizing test preparation and college readiness by focusing on foundational skills, resilience, and goal setting. Yoon also offers a candid look at the evolving role of standardized testing in higher education, the myths surrounding "test-optional" admissions, and the importance of collaboration and partnerships in sustaining nonprofit impact. Her insights are a masterclass for nonprofit leaders navigating the post-COVID landscape, especially those seeking scalable and sustainable solutions. Key Topics Include: Why standardized tests still matter in college and career readiness How CollegeSpring builds student confidence and long-term success Merging mission with strategy: Yoon’s take on nonprofit partnerships and M&A The challenge of nonprofit scaling and how to overcome financial and operational barriers Embedding programs into school systems for lasting impact The evolving debate over the value of college degrees Advice for young nonprofit professionals eager to grow as leaders Mentioned in This Episode: CollegeSpring: https://collegespring.org Connect with Yoon Choi on LinkedIn: Yoon Choi LinkedIn This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business 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 Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
SummaryLeading a Multigenerational Organization: Strategies for Success Across Five Generations
Mar 24, 202500:31:23Summary readyIn this episode Rob sits down with David Robbins, President of Cru, a global nonprofit with staff in over 190 countries. David shares his leadership journey and dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a multigenerational organization. With team members spanning five generations, David offers valuable strategies for fostering unity, avoiding mission drift… Source
SummaryEmpowering Students Through Education: How One Nonprofit is Expanding Access for Those Affected by Poverty
Mar 17, 202500:25:14Summary readyIn this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring, a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to college readiness resources for students impacted by poverty. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Yoon shares how CollegeSpring is revolutionizing test preparation and college readiness by focusing on foundational skills, resilience… Source
SummaryHow to Bring More Innovation to Your Organization
Mar 16, 202500:36:19Summary readyInnovation and nonprofits don’t always seem like a natural fit—but they should be. In this episode, Rob Harter talks with Leah Kral, author of Innovation for Social Change, about how nonprofit leaders can infuse creativity and innovation into their organizations. Leah shares her insights on overcoming common barriers to innovation, fostering a culture of creativity, and building sustainable systems that support new ideas. Key topics include: Why innovation is often overlooked in the nonprofit sector How Leah’s experiences in the Peace Corps shaped her passion for nonprofit strategy Practical ways nonprofits can embed innovation into their organizational DNA The six principles of social change innovation The importance of empowering frontline staff to bring forward new ideas Lessons nonprofits can learn from organizations like Pixar and Mayo Clinic How to embrace experimentation and learn from failure Leah also shares inspiring examples of nonprofits that are leading the way in innovation and offers actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to step up their creativity. Mentioned in This Episode: Leah Kral’s Website – Learn more about Leah and download her book club discussion guide Innovation for Social Change – Leah Kral’s book on nonprofit innovation World Reader – Using digital books to promote literacy worldwide Pixar’s Creative Process – How Pixar fosters creativity and collaboration This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions. 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 Share Listen 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 Bring More Innovation to Your Organization
Mar 9, 202500:36:20Summary readyInnovation and nonprofits don’t always seem like a natural fit—but they should be. In this episode, Rob Harter talks with Leah Kral, author of Innovation for Social Change, about how nonprofit leaders can infuse creativity and innovation into their organizations. Leah shares her insights on overcoming common barriers to innovation, fostering a culture of creativity… Source
SummaryHow the Hilton Foundation Is Addressing Homelessness in LA
Mar 2, 202500:39:30Summary readyRob Harter is joined by Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, to discuss how the foundation is tackling homelessness in Los Angeles. The Hilton Foundation has invested millions into addressing this crisis, working closely with government agencies, nonprofit partners, and individuals who have firsthand experience with homelessness. Topics include: -The history and… Source
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