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

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.

“ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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