In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter talks with Debbie Levin, CEO of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). Debbie shares her incredible journey of leading EMA for over 25 years, rebuilding the organization from the ground up, and strategically using the influence of Hollywood to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. From initiating the Prius phenomenon to revolutionizing behind-the-scenes practices in the entertainment industry, Debbie discusses how EMA’s creative, solution-based approach has inspired change on a cultural and corporate level.

Tune in to hear how Debbie’s innovative strategies, deep industry connections, and authentic leadership style have kept EMA at the forefront of environmental advocacy — and what lessons nonprofit leaders can take away to drive change in their own communities.

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with David Rhode, author of Passion Isn’t Enough. Together, they dive into the realities of nonprofit leadership and why passion alone can’t sustain an organization. David shares insights from his book on how strategic planning, strong branding, effective fundraising, and financial management are essential for building a thriving nonprofit. If you’re passionate about your mission but looking for practical ways to make a bigger impact, this episode is packed with advice you can implement today.

David also explores how nonprofit leaders can strengthen partnerships, avoid mission drift, and build evidence-based programs. His real-world experience and actionable strategies provide an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to lead a sustainable and impactful nonprofit organization.

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In this episode Rob sits down with David Robbins, President of Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ International), a global nonprofit with staff in over 190 countries. David shares his leadership journey and dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a multigenerational organization. With team members spanning five generations, David offers valuable strategies for fostering unity, avoiding mission drift, and empowering younger leaders in a rapidly changing world.

From his time in Italy and New York to leading major nonprofit divisions, David reflects on the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He emphasizes emotional health, vulnerability, and intentional development of younger leaders as critical components to successful nonprofit leadership.

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In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring, a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to college readiness resources for students impacted by poverty. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Yoon shares how CollegeSpring is revolutionizing test preparation and college readiness by focusing on foundational skills, resilience, and goal setting.

Yoon also offers a candid look at the evolving role of standardized testing in higher education, the myths surrounding "test-optional" admissions, and the importance of collaboration and partnerships in sustaining nonprofit impact. Her insights are a masterclass for nonprofit leaders navigating the post-COVID landscape, especially those seeking scalable and sustainable solutions.

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In this episode Rob sits down with David Robbins, President of Cru, a global nonprofit with staff in over 190 countries. David shares his leadership journey and dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a multigenerational organization. With team members spanning five generations, David offers valuable strategies for fostering unity, avoiding mission drift, and empowering younger leaders in a rapidly changing world.

From his time in Italy and New York to leading major nonprofit divisions, David reflects on the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He emphasizes emotional health, vulnerability, and intentional development of younger leaders as critical components to successful nonprofit leadership.

Key Topics Include:

Mentioned in This Episode:

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Links to Resources:

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring, a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to college readiness resources for students impacted by poverty. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Yoon shares how CollegeSpring is revolutionizing test preparation and college readiness by focusing on foundational skills, resilience, and goal setting.

Yoon also offers a candid look at the evolving role of standardized testing in higher education, the myths surrounding “test-optional” admissions, and the importance of collaboration and partnerships in sustaining nonprofit impact. Her insights are a masterclass for nonprofit leaders navigating the post-COVID landscape, especially those seeking scalable and sustainable solutions.

Key Topics Include:

Mentioned in This Episode:

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Links to Resources:

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Innovation and nonprofits don’t always seem like a natural fit—but they should be. In this episode, Rob Harter talks with Leah Kral, author of Innovation for Social Change, about how nonprofit leaders can infuse creativity and innovation into their organizations. Leah shares her insights on overcoming common barriers to innovation, fostering a culture of creativity, and building sustainable systems that support new ideas.

Key topics include:

Leah also shares inspiring examples of nonprofits that are leading the way in innovation and offers actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to step up their creativity.

Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Innovation and nonprofits don’t always seem like a natural fit—but they should be. In this episode, Rob Harter talks with Leah Kral, author of Innovation for Social Change, about how nonprofit leaders can infuse creativity and innovation into their organizations. Leah shares her insights on overcoming common barriers to innovation, fostering a culture of creativity, and building sustainable systems that support new ideas.

Key topics include:

-Why innovation is often overlooked in the nonprofit sector

-How Leah’s experiences in the Peace Corps shaped her passion for nonprofit strategy

-Practical ways nonprofits can embed innovation into their organizational DNA

-The six principles of social change innovation

-The importance of empowering frontline staff to bring forward new ideas

-Lessons nonprofits can learn from organizations like Pixar and Mayo Clinic

-How to embrace experimentation and learn from failure

Leah also shares inspiring examples of nonprofits that are leading the way in innovation and offers actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to step up their creativity.

Leah Kral’s Website – Learn more about Leah and download her book club discussion guide

Innovation for Social Change – Leah Kral’s book on nonprofit innovation

World Reader – Using digital books to promote literacy worldwide

DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.

*Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com

*Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

*Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

*Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Rob Harter is joined by Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, to discuss how the foundation is tackling homelessness in Los Angeles. The Hilton Foundation has invested millions into addressing this crisis, working closely with government agencies, nonprofit partners, and individuals who have firsthand experience with homelessness.

Topics include:

-The history and mission of the Hilton Foundation

-Why LA is home to 20-25% of the nation’s unsheltered population

-How the foundation strategically allocates funding to maximize impact

-The importance of government collaboration in solving homelessness

-Lessons learned from other cities, including Houston and Salt Lake City

-The role of lived experience in shaping effective solutions

-How Measure A will provide sustainable funding for homelessness solutions

Peter also shares insights on how philanthropy can be a high-leverage tool for systemic change and what other cities can learn from LA’s approach.

Conrad N. Hilton Foundation – Supporting initiatives to alleviate human suffering

St. Joseph Center – Providing support and housing solutions for the homeless in LA

DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.

Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com

Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!

In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Eric Hodel, CEO of Midwest Food Bank, to discuss how his organization is tackling food insecurity on both a national and international scale. Midwest Food Bank has grown to serve 23 states in the U.S., multiple countries, and provide disaster relief—all with a highly efficient distribution model and a dedicated volunteer base.

-The root causes of food insecurity and how nonprofits can address them

-How Midwest Food Bank is able to distribute over $500 million worth of food annually

-The role of technology and logistics in efficient food distribution

-Why collaboration among nonprofits is key to creating sustainable solutions

-How volunteers play a crucial role in making large-scale food distribution possible

Eric also shares insights on disaster relief efforts and how Midwest Food Bank has expanded its mission beyond the U.S. to impact communities in Haiti and East Africa.

*Midwest Food Bank – Supporting food pantries and disaster relief efforts

*Tender Mercies Program – Nutritional meal packs distributed globally

*DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.

Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com

Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!