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

On this episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, I am honored to have Stephanie Skryzowski as my guest. Stephanie is the founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting and a visionary chief financial officer that helps purpose driven leaders better understand and use their numbers to make smart decisions to grow their bottom line and their impact.
That’s exactly what she’s sharing with us today. Find out how you can use your finances to highlight the story of your organization and how a well-established financial strategy will allow for long term financial sustainability in your nonprofit.

In this episode:

• [07:49] Using finances to highlight the story of your organization
• [12:25] Planning for future budgets and cash flow allocations
• [15:50] Transparency in nonprofit finances
• [21:03] The relationship between the finance, fundraising, and program team
• [23:58] A well-established financial strategy allows for long term financial sustainability

RESOURCES

Resources from Stephanie - https://100degreesconsulting.com/cash-2/

CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE
LinkedIn: Stephanie Skryzowski
Instagram: @100degreesconsulting
Website: 100degreesconsulting.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

This episode of the Lead with Heart podcast features Hannah Blackwell, founder and creative director of Southside Blooms, a social enterprise nonprofit based in Chicago. 
Southside Blooms transforms vacant urban land into productive flower farms using solar power and sustainable methods. Hannah shares how her childhood love of nature led her to establish Southside Blooms' youth training program, which provides job and leadership skills in the floral industry. 
Through urban farming and a flower shop social enterprise, Southside Blooms empowers inner-city youth while beautifying communities. 
We discussed topics like developing leadership in nonprofit programs, implementing social enterprises, and making environmental sustainability accessible on a community level.

In this episode:

• [01:40] Hannah's childhood creativity and community service influenced her founding of Southside Blooms to empower youth.
• [04:07] Southside Blooms transforms vacant land into productive flower farms using solar power and rainwater irrigation.
• [07:53] The youth program starts with basic floral skills and builds leadership over time.
• [12:29] Hannah's Mennonite upbringing shaped her faith-based approach to service and nonprofit leadership focused on character.
• [18:48] What exactly is a social enterprise?
• [25:05] Environmental sustainability is implemented through community-level practices.

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH HANNAH
Facebook: @SouthsideBlooms
Instagram: @southsideblooms
LinkedIn: Southside Blooms
Website: southsideblooms.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, I have Kel Haney, a former theater director turned fundraising expert, on the show. Kel shares her journey from theater to fundraising, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building over transactional encounters.

She discusses the power of vulnerability and storytelling in connecting with donors and highlights the need for everyone in an organization to engage in fundraising.

The conversation also explores the significance of understanding personal motivations, creating a positive donor experience, and fostering an engaged community — especially in organizations with experiential elements.

In this episode:

• [04:27] Shifting from transactional fundraising to relationship-building
• [06:35] Coaching others to lead with vulnerability and storytelling
• [08:45] Understanding money mindset and finding personal connections in fundraising conversations
• [10:56] The trend of avoiding direct 1:1 asks and the importance of empowering organizations to have vocal, personal conversations
• [13:25] Training everyone to be ambassadors and fundraisers
• [16:06] The significance of membership and subscriber bases in organizations with an experiential element
• [25:07] Reflecting donor's thoughts and making the ask feel like an offering

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH KEL
LinkedIn: Kel Haney
Instagram: @KelHaney
Website: kelhaney.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

Today on the Lead with Heart podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Tania Bhattacharyya, founder of Lumos Marketing and thought leadership consultant for social impact entrepreneurs.
In this episode, Tania shares valuable insights on using personal branding and storytelling to develop thought leadership on LinkedIn. She introduces the "Campfire Circle" concept for inclusive leadership discussions.
Together we will learn how to craft engaging content through regular reflection and discover how consistency and values-aligned sharing will build trust over time to further our nonprofit's mission through personal branding and community.

In this episode:

• [01:56] How Tania got started in personal brand messaging and community building on LinkedIn
• [05:27] Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
• [10:56] The Campfire Circle Concept explained
• [13:44] Developing your personal brand
• [16:29] How to use storytelling on LinkedIn to enhance your brand
• [24:20] Building authentic connections on LinkedIn
• [30:11] How to craft compelling content on LinkedIn

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH TANIA

Tania Bhattacharyya is the founder of Lumos Marketing and a thought leadership consultant helping social impact entrepreneurs amplify their message. With over 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including witnessing the impact of patients sharing recovery stories at an addiction treatment program, Tania understands the challenges of navigating visibility and personal branding. She now shares strategies for dismantling impostor syndrome through reflection and community building and introduces the concept of an inclusive "Campfire Circle" for leadership discussions.

Instagram: @taniabhat

LinkedIn: Tania Bhattacharyya

Website: lumosmarketing.co

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

Today, we're having a crucial conversation about salary negotiation and career advancement in the nonprofit sector. My guest is Shannon Bowen, a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, career advancement coach, and salary negotiation expert. 
She helps nonprofit professionals advocate for themselves and get paid what they're worth. As Chief Advancement Officer at Pacific Northwest Research Institute and CEO of Monsoon Leadership, Shannon has over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. 
She'll share her insights on shifting your mindset about salary negotiations, mastering crucial compensation conversations, and negotiating your worth confidently.

In this episode:

• [03:21] Shifting your mindset about salary negotiations
• [05:01] Nonprofits need to support living wages and retirement savings for employees to stay true to their missions
• [06:00] Common challenges in salary negotiations
• [10:35] Effective staff retention strategies like time-based bonuses and collective breaks can improve culture and reduce burnout
• [15:05] How to ask for internal raises or promotions and how to negotiate for a new role at a different organization
• [23:23] Interviews are opportunities to assess organizational culture, growth potential, and values alignment
• [27:57] Be confident in your worth by being "picky, expensive, and brilliant" in your career pursuits

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH SHANNON
LinkedIn: Monsoon Leadership
LinkedIn: Shannon Bowen
Website: monsoonleadership.com/salary

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

Welcome to the Lead with Heart podcast! Today I’m joined by LaVal Brewer, President and CEO of South County Outreach. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, LaVal shares his journey from youth to leadership. He credits his success to God's guidance, emphasizing how faith informs his servant leadership approach.

At South County Outreach, LaVal aims to transform its food pantry into a dignified shopping experience through a people-first culture.

This episode provides insights on faith-based leadership, mission-driven partnerships, and empowering vulnerable communities with dignity.

In this episode:

• [02:01] LaVal’s journey to nonprofit leadership
• [05:34] What is servant leadership and how it can be implemented
• [08:37] Building the right team: hiring hungry, humble, and smart team members who are the right fit for the organization's culture and goals
• [13:54] The importance of emotional intelligence and building a community of shared values
• [16:19] How LaVal aims to make the pantry a dignified shopping environment 
• [22:06] The invaluable role of key partnerships that support your mission 
• [27:26] Prioritizing mission over opportunities to stay aligned with your goals 
• [31:34] Community engagement and its vital role in South County Outreach’s success

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH LAVAL
LaVal Brewer is the President and CEO of South County Outreach, a nonprofit organization providing food, financial assistance, and social services to those in need in South Orange County, California. With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, LaVal has served as Executive Director for multiple organizations and held leadership consulting roles. Under his guidance, South County Outreach aims to transform its food pantry into a dignified shopping experience where clients feel empowered.
Facebook: @outreachoc
Instagram: @outreachoc
YouTube: @southcountyoutreach5798
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

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

Welcome back to the Lead with Heart podcast! Today I'm excited to share insights from Steve Smith, Executive Coach and founder of Growth Source Coaching. With over 40 years of business experience, Steve has helped countless leaders improve their skills and build thriving organizations.

We discuss the challenges nonprofit leaders face in developing effective leadership and positive cultures. Learn how Steve's coaching approach can help you empower your team and take your impact to the next level.

In this episode:

• [01:34] Steve’s background and how he ended up founding Growth Source Coaching
• [05:00] Leadership Coaching vs. Consulting explained
• [07:16] Mindset challenges leaders face when investing in themselves and delegation
• [12:30] Separating identity from mission to build sustainable nonprofits
• [15:41] Prioritizing developing your team's skills and empowering shared leadership
• [20:27] Defining and cultivating a positive organizational culture
• [24:27] Using personal codes of conduct to guide behaviors and decision-making
• [29:37] Cultivating self-awareness to address negative behaviors through imaginary scenarios
• [34:59] The importance of bias awareness and mentorship for continuous leadership growth

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH STEVE
Steve Smith is the president and founder of Growth Source Coaching, an executive coaching firm based in Laguna Niguel, California. With a background spanning 30 years in consumer products manufacturing, Steve transitioned to coaching in 2008 after realizing he wanted to use his talents to truly make a difference. Growth Source Coaching focuses on leadership development, business operations, and marketing - helping clients maximize their potential.
LinkedIn: Steve Smith
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

In today’s episode, guest Rob Webb, a seasoned nonprofit consultant with over 35 years of experience, discusses the sustainability of fundraising efforts through volunteer-led campaigns. By empowering volunteer leaders to spearhead fundraising initiatives, nonprofits can navigate challenges stemming from staff turnover more effectively.
Rob discusses defining a culture of philanthropy over charity and the importance of passion for the mission. We discussed key techniques like making the ask comfortable, involving all organization levels, and viewing rejection as an opportunity.

In this episode:

• [7:21] Defining the culture of philanthropy vs charity and the importance of passion for the mission
• [13:31] How volunteer-led campaigns empower donors and sustain fundraising efforts
• [16:40] Techniques for training volunteers to feel comfortable asking for donations
• [25:47] Involving all organization members in fundraising – from executives to frontline staff
• [35:07] Viewing rejection as an opportunity
• [36:03] Setting up sustainable systems so campaigns continue despite leadership changes

RESOURCES
CONNECT WITH ROB
LinkedIn: Rob Webb

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, I discuss the consequences of a nonprofit becoming too dependent on its CEO with my guest Emily Taylor, founder of Teeny Big.
Emily shares her expertise in helping nonprofits untangle their identity from individual leadership and build resilient structures for long-term success. 
Tune in to understand how to empower other leaders within your organization and ensure the enduring impact of your mission.

In this episode:

• [04:58] Problems that arise when an organization becomes too reliant on one person
• [010:11] Strategies for succession planning and team building in nonprofits
• [12:24] Navigating leadership transition with strategic listening
• [18:30] Fears that emerge during a leadership transition and how reflection helps overcome those challenges
• [22:40] The importance of clear internal and external communication of an organization's vision
• [24:14] What role does your nonprofit board play in reducing dependence on the CEO?

RESOURCES 

CONNECT WITH EMILY
Emily Taylor, founder of Teeny Big, helps nonprofit CEOs navigate growth and strategic decision-making. With a background in human-centered research, Emily empowers leaders to shift from intuitive to intentional decision-making. She believes in untangling identity and meaning within organizations to foster sustainable growth and succession planning.
LinkedIn: Emily Taylor
Website: teenybig.com
Schedule a Call with Emily
The Biggest Reason You Shouldn't Jump Right into a Strategic Plan

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

Lydia Knight is the founder and CEO of The She Center, an internationally recognized eating disorder expert and a pioneer in the field of female empowerment.
Lydia discusses applying neuroscience principles to reprogram limiting beliefs around thoughts, emotions, and leadership. We discussed the importance of creating psychologically safe environments where difficult emotions can be faced directly. Our conversation delves into fostering inclusive cultures and unlocking women's leadership potential in nonprofits.
Listen now to feel both empowered and inspired.
In this episode:

• [06:26] Thought patterns influence our emotions and physical health
• [11:45] Getting to the root cause will create lasting change 
• [13:59] We don’t need coping mechanisms, we need to face the reality 
• [20:23] Creating a psychologically safe culture is important for nonprofits
• [26:17] Shifting from diversity as an obligation to a self-interest argument can help organizations truly embrace inclusion for better outcomes
• [37:43] Mentorship and coaching provide awareness of blindspots and a path forward that individuals cannot see for themselves

RESOURCES 

CONNECT WITH LYDIA
IG: @theshecenter
Li: The She Center
Web: https://theshecenter.org/
The She Center Podcast Goodies - Resources for Lead with Heart listeners

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