Principled leadership is essential to nonprofit success—a belief strongly held by my guest, Andrew Olsen.

Andrew helps nonprofit leaders increase impact through thriving organizational cultures that drive revenue growth. He's assisted over 500 nonprofits in raising half a billion dollars, authored bestselling books, and hosts the Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast.

We discuss leadership's role in fundraising, building strong donor relationships, and what's inhibiting change in nonprofits.

In this episode:

• [02:35] Andrew’s inspirational journey
• [04:19] Core principles for building a successful fundraising program
• [06:10] Challenges in nonprofit leadership relating to fundraising and philanthropy and how to combat them
• [13:35] Hiring an effective fundraiser
• [19:32] The connection between a positive internal culture and fundraising success
• [21:23] The factor that is inhibiting change in nonprofits
• [29:30] Strengthening relationships with major donors
• [34:39] Managing time to prioritize the most effective fundraising strategies

RESOURCES

101 Biggest Mistakes Nonprofits Make and How You Can Avoid Them by Andrew Olsen

CONNECT WITH ANDREW

LinkedIn: Andrew Olsen

Instagram:

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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

I am thrilled to welcome Christy Pretzinger as my guest on this episode of Lead with Heart. Christy is the CEO and founder of WG Content - a company that has reshaped the healthcare content landscape through an inspiring approach centered on kindness and people-focused values. 

She's a sought-after speaker and expert on topics like emotional intelligence, trust, and the often overlooked soft skills that create truly connected and effective workplaces. 

These are some of my favorite topics to discuss, so let’s dive into Christy's insights on creating inclusive, trust-filled cultures that prioritize human connection.

In this episode:

• [02:33] Building a business on the foundation of kindness
• [05:19] Co-creating your business's values with your team
• [08:54] Using personality typing to engage your team
• [12:39] Radical empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership
• [20:14] Leading with trust and vulnerability
• [25:12] Holding people accountable with empathy
• [29:10] Building team culture intentionally
• [30:47] Personal development for business growth

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH CHRISTY

LinkedIn: Christy Pretzinger

Website: https://wgcontent.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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of Lead with Heart, I am joined by Laura Bonnell, the founder of The Bonnell Foundation and host of the Living with Cystic Fibrosis Podcast. 

Laura's journey into advocacy began when her mother's instincts clashed with initial medical skepticism, ultimately leading to a life-changing diagnosis for her daughter Molly. Fueled by a passion to help her daughter and others with cystic fibrosis (CF), Laura shifted from a journalism career to nonprofit leadership, combining her storytelling skills and commitment to advocacy. Now, she's raising awareness, supporting families, and working with legislators to drive meaningful change for those living with CF.

Our conversation delves into the challenges faced by CF families, the importance of storytelling in fundraising and awareness, and the role of nonprofit advocacy in creating meaningful change.

In this episode:

• [02:46] Turning a challenging experience into a mission-driven career
• [06:11] Understanding cystic fibrosis and The Bonnell Foundation
• [08:38] The challenges cystic fibrosis families face once they receive the diagnosis
• [10:10] The Bonnell Foundation’s funding model
• [11:55] The value of telling your story
• [14:10] The key components of ethical storytelling
• [21:24] Adopting an advocacy mindset to create impactful and sustainable nonprofit growth
• [27:37] Involving children in advocacy
• [29:09] The Bonnell Foundation’s goals for the future

CONNECT WITH LAURA

LinkedIn: Laura Bonnell

Instagram: @laurabonnell

Website: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/ 

Email: [email protected]

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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode of Lead with Heart, we’re talking all about connection and collaboration with Britt Hogue - the founder of The Collective Good. 

With over 20 years of experience spanning the social, public, and private sectors, Britt has dedicated her career to fostering collaboration and connection. She knows firsthand that working collectively, whether as families, teams, or nations, can drive impactful solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.

We’re discussing the importance of collectivism in nonprofit work, the impact of connection on human well-being, and practical ways organizations can build relationships to enhance their mission.

In this episode:

• [02:18] Britt’s background
• [04:31] The value of collaboration
• [09:27] The impact of connection and loneliness on individuals and societies
• [14:39] Engaging volunteers and donors through authentic relationships
• [16:51] Finding common ground between diverse groups of people
• [25:06] Practical strategies for collaborating effectively in situations that may appear adverse
• [28:00] How to invest in relationships

CONNECT WITH BRITT

LinkedIn: Britt Hogue

Website: https://www.the-collective-good.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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

This episode is all about navigating HR in the nonprofit sector. We’re discussing the importance of onboarding, building a supportive work culture, employee retention and more with Dr. Tiffany Slater.

Tiffany is the founder and CEO of HR Tailormade and is here to help nonprofit leaders and small business owners navigate the complex world of HR with heart and expertise.

She is a trailblazing entrepreneur who built her business from the ground up, offering HR solutions that not only ensure compliance, but also foster thriving workplace cultures. Tiffany has so much practical advice to share with us today.

In this episode:

• [04:04] Understanding human resources
• [06:38] Cultivating culture within an organization and prioritising feedback
• [11:44] The critical role of the onboarding process
• [17:15] When to hire HR in-house versus a consultant
• [18:50] Approaching difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism
• [22:36] Building an inclusive work environment in the nonprofit space
• [32:00] The key to employee retention in nonprofits and investing in employee well-being

CONNECT WITH TIFFANY

LinkedIn: Tiffany E. Slater

Instagram: @hrtailormade

Website: https://hrtailormade.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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

In this episode, we're diving into the transformative power of philanthropy in global healthcare with Scott Marcello, president and board member of African Mission Healthcare (AMH). AMH is dedicated to strengthening health systems in underserved regions across Africa, particularly through support for faith-based missionary hospitals.

We are going to explore how AMH is bridging gaps in healthcare access, their efforts to tackle global health disparities, and the personal motivations driving Scott's impactful philanthropic work.

In this episode:

• [02:44] Scott’s journey and role in African Mission Healthcare
• [07:07] Building relationships with mission hospitals across Africa
• [11:13] The motivation behind partnering with mission hospitals
• [15:09] The impact of private philanthropy in addressing the needs of global healthcare
• [21:03] Ethical storytelling for an internationally based nonprofit
• [26:34] Engaging donors to understand your mission
• [29:13] The vision for AMH for 2025 and beyond

CONNECT WITH SCOTT

LinkedIn: Scott Marcello

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: @africanmissionhealthcare_

Website: https

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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

On today’s episode of Lead with Heart, we are exploring all things project management and the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification with Tamara McLemore.

Tamara is the powerhouse founder of Tamara McLemore Enterprises, an executive consultant, a PMP instructor, and an award winning speaker who's revolutionizing the way mid-career professional women approach project management. Through her innovative PMP exam two-week intensive, Tamra has condensed months of preparation into a streamlined 30 day path to certification.

Tamara is sharing her insights on risk management, people management, the significance of feedback, and more.

In this episode:

• [02:40] Understanding the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• [08:18] Project management for nonprofits
• [11:22] Leadership lessons from project management
• [13:23] The importance of risk management
• [15:38] Empowering mid-career women in project management
• [17:33] Bridging the gap between project management and people management
• [23:11] How project managers can provide constructive feedback
• [27:08] Empowering women to ask for raises
• [32:41] Busting PMP Certification myths

CONNECT WITH TAMARA 

LinkedIn: Tamara McLemore

Instagram: @tamarajoyful

Website: https://iwantmypmp.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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

On today’s episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, we’re covering many of my favorite leadership topics with Christian Muntean - a consultant who has empowered business owners and executives to boost revenues by over $500 million while also helping them reclaim valuable time for their families.

Christian is the author of Train to Lead: The Unstoppable Leader's Plan for Peak Performance which provides leaders with a structured pathway to achieving success while maintaining balance in their personal and professional lives. We’ll be exploring this concept more in this episode.

Christian also offers a unique perspective on ethical leadership, employee care, and community service.

In this episode:

• [02:59] The impact of good leadership and equipping people to lead
• [07:06] The concept and core pillars of a structured approach to leadership
• [15:31] The importance of self-management and tools leaders can use to self-manage
• [19:51] Strategies for maximizing productivity during times of high energy
• [22:48] Addressing the root cause of conflict
• [31:42] Ethical leadership: How leaders can prioritize employee care without sacrificing business growth
• [38:44] Advice for emerging leaders

RESOURCES

Train to Lead: The Unstoppable Leader's Plan for Peak Performance by Christian Muntean

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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

 If you find navigating the world as an empath exhausting, I’m thrilled to introduce this podcast’s guest, David Waldas.

David is an inspiring leader and the visionary behind the aligned living system. His mission is to empower individuals to find purpose, clarity, and fulfillment in their lives through a holistic integrative approach.

Whether you're a corporate executive, an entrepreneur, a nonprofit professional, or someone looking for some personal healing and growth, tune into this episode because David has insights that have transformed lives across the globe.

In this episode:

• [02:40] David’s background and transformative journey
• [06:52] Exploring empathy, emotional connection, and aligned living
• [13:20] Healing deep-seated emotional wounds
• [19:07] Creating healthy emotional boundaries as an empath
• [22:24] The Aligned Living Foundation
• [31:03] The importance of safety and security

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES

“ Energy is the deepest form of communication, but we pretend it doesn't exist.” - David Waldas

“ When we're already comfortable inside of ourselves, cause we're tapping into our energy first, we stopped needing the world to be different.” - David Waldas

“ We have all these experiences in life that we don't even touch because we don't feel safe enough to open them up.” - David Waldas

CONNECT WITH DAVID 

Instagram:

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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

Today’s episode is about all things nonprofit finance and accounting with LaMichelle Hecht. These are such important topics that a lot of people do not understand, which is why I wanted to bring this conversation to the podcast.

LaMichelle is the owner and CEO of Overhead Solutions Group, a CPA firm specializing in accounting assurance and tax services for nonprofit organizations. She has over nine years of experience and is a trusted advisor dedicated to excellence and passionate about helping clients achieve their financial goals.

In this episode:

• [02:36] LaMichelle’s background and business
• [05:22] A common financial pitfall among nonprofit organizations
• [07:18] A board's role in an organization’s financial responsibility
• [08:58] Audited financial statements
• [12:12] Restricted vs. unrestricted funds
• [13:52] Strategic financial planning
• [17:14] Misconceptions in nonprofit accounting and tax compliance
• [19:16] In-house accountant vs. consultant
• [21:06] Effective budget planning and how to build a strong financial foundation in your organization
• [26:03] Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program insights
• [28:14] Advice for professionals looking to build their network

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH LAMICHELLELinkedIn: LaMichelle Hecht

Website: overheadsolutionsgroup.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 to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms