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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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