The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast discusses important issues facing nonprofit leaders in our community and features real stories from real leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. Enjoy the show!
“From Aristotle to Zuckerberg”, Learn How and When Philanthropy First Started and Where We Have Gone Wrong Today
Jun 06, 2021
Show notes
Ever wondered how philanthropy and charity first began? The answer may surprise you! The Greek roots for the word “philanthropy” refer to the “love of humankind”.
Rob’s guest today is author Paul Vallely who has written a new book that serves as an encyclopedic review of the origins and history of philanthropy and charity over the centuries. Paul argues that today, too many people and organizations have lost the true purpose of charity and he offers a way back to the roots of good philanthropy.
Paul Vallely, author of “Philanthropy: from Aristotle to Zuckerberg”
Paul shares what led him to research the history of philanthropy, what surprised him most about how money moves through philanthropic organizations and who really benefits from donations. He also talks about how organizations can help recapture the missing element in philanthropy, particularly as it relates to the relationship between the rich and the poor. In short, Paul argues for having a more human and holistic vision of philanthropy that marries the head and the heart. Finally, Paul digs into why more nonprofit leaders need to focus on building partnerships by listening to and respecting the people they are trying to help and how the pandemic has actually strengthened philanthropy as a third pillar in society alongside government and the market.
How Can a Small Nonprofit Have an Impact on a National Level
May 29, 2021
Show notesUrsula Price, Executive Director of the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (NOWCRJ)
Although racial injustice and social equity issues have existed in our country for years, it seems as if 2020 was the year where we as an entire country started having these urgent conversations and discussions about racial injustice and inequality like never before.
Rob’s guest today is Ursula Price, Executive Director of the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (NOWCRJ) and she will explore how these issues of racial equity and social justice have impacted New Orleans and what her nonprofit is doing about it. Ursula is an accomplished criminal justice reform champion with deep roots in community organizing. Born and raised in rural Mississippi, Ursula has been organizing for criminal justice reform in New Orleans since 2001.
Ursula breaks down NOWCRJ’s multi-pronged approach and how they seek to be a voice for those who don’t think they have one. For smaller nonprofits that have much less than a million dollar budget, she shares the importance of preparation and strategies that help adjust to funding challenges, and the value of creating sustainable relationships that are true partnerships between nonprofits and donors. Ursula also discusses how to choose campaigns that are meaningful to your mission and how to build your credibility and expand your impact both at the local and national level.
Did You Know That Google Is Doing This?
May 08, 2021
Show notes
Everyone knows Google by name, but not many people are aware of its social impact through its philanthropic arm, Google.org. Rob’s guest shares how Google.org’s crisis response has evolved since the pandemic all while staying laser-focused on creating a lasting impact in communities that need it most.
Rob’s guest today is Alex Diaz, Head of Crisis Response for Humanitarian Aid for Google.org. Alex manages Google.org’s response to global crises, and helps provide funding and volunteers to innovative nonprofits that are on the front lines. He also oversees the Google.org Crisis Connectivity Program, which works with nonprofit partners in disaster-affected areas to re-establish emergency connectivity for survivors and responders in critical locations.
Alex Diaz, Head of Crisis Response for Humanitarian Aid for Google.org
Alex explains Google’s mission to address humanity’s biggest challenges by sending both funds and teams of people to meet communities with empathy and resources to build the infrastructure needed for connectivity. He talks about why Google.org’s intended impact is steeped in equity and focused on trying to prevent crises from disproportionally impacting vulnerable populations. As more corporations get involved in social impact, Alex breaks down why collaborative effort with local nonprofits is critical, since the best answers come from those closest to the problem.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@robharter.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What Is Generation Z Doing to Make a Difference in Today’s World?
Apr 24, 2021
Show notes
The newest feature of the show aims to highlight young leaders making a difference in their world. Rob’s guest shares what inspired her to launch a nonprofit focused on neurodiversity and a social enterprise centered on children with autism—all while being a high school student!
Isabella He, founder and president of the nonprofit SN Inclusion
Rob’s guest today is Isabella He, a junior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California. She’s an entrepreneur and the founder and president of the nonprofit SN Inclusion, and also helped establish AUsome LLC with her fellow high school students Anshul Gupta, Andrew Kim, and Arnavs Gurudatt. Isabella also volunteers with the nonprofit Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) and dedicates her time and energy to her passion for neurodiversity.
Isabella explains how she discovered the need for more inclusion and employment training for people with a neurodiversity such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. She discusses how collaboration with local businesses led to offering direct employment opportunities to SN Inclusion students and breaks down how AUesome is able to provide at home therapy kits for children with autism. Isabella shares why excellent market research and having a supportive team are key to starting a nonprofit and why it’s important for leaders to understand their team’s strengths and struggles, and how to reframe rejection to build confidence and stay motivated.
What’s Behind the “Red Nose Day” Campaign and Why Should You Be Interested?
Apr 11, 2021
Show notes
In 2015, Comic Relief US launched the Red Nose Day campaign to raise awareness and end child poverty. Rob’s guest explains how COVID impacted Red Nose Day and how Comic Relief’s team adjusted its strategy while staying true to its mission of keeping children safe, healthy, and educated.
Alison Moore, CEO of Comic Relief US
Rob’s guest today is Alison Moore, CEO of Comic Relief US. Though the Red Nose Day campaign started in the UK, the US branch of Comic Relief has raised over $230 million and positively impacted over 25 million children over the past 6 years. Alison shares her leadership insights gained from working in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
Alison discusses how her experience in brand and marketing allowed her to transition to the nonprofit world where she is focused on social justice and the fundamentals of finding authentic partnerships. Alison details why nonprofits must be mindful of the deluge donors feel because of COVID and why it’s key for organizations to consistently and clearly communicate their goals, objectives, and story. She reminds leaders to have a North Star mentality and give your team, and yourself, the grace and space needed to keep moving forward with perseverance, perspective, and patience!
Why Did This Emerging Leader Within a Prominent Wine Family Put All of Her Efforts Into This Nonprofit?
Mar 28, 2021
Show notesJulia Jackson, founder of Grounded.org
Nonprofits are sometimes created in celebration while others are caused by grief. Rob’s guest shares the aha moment that led her to leave her family’s successful wine business to go all-in as a nonprofit leader with a mission to literally change the world.
Rob’s guest is Julia Jackson, who is fiercely committed to bringing together the brightest minds in order to foster greater collaboration, drive mass awareness and scale game-changing solutions to urgently address the climate crisis. Born into the family business Jackson Family Wines, Julia has always had a deep connection to nature. After her father’s cancer diagnosis, followed by the massive fire in 2017 that forced her to evacuate her home, she decided to transition her energy from the family business, to climate-centered work. In 2018, Julia founded Grounded.org, a philanthropic initiative that convenes scientists, policymakers, investors, executives, activists and front-line organizations to elevate solutions that create systemic change. In 2019, Julia was honored by Travel & Leisure as a recipient of the publication’s Global Vision Award.
Julia believes it’s time for more nonprofits to forge relationships and work together to have the global impact our planet needs to survive. She explains why the environment needs immediate attention and the aggressive approach necessary to make progress in fighting the climate crisis. Julia breaks down how philanthropic giving can help address the urgency of the climate crisis and why protecting biodiversity should be any organization’s top priority.
How Has COVID-19 Impacted Giving to Nonprofits?
Mar 20, 2021
Show notes
Even before the Pandemic, fundraising presented a challenge to most nonprofits. Thankfully, Rob’s guest shares tools and resources to help your organization improve your digital presence and fundraising efforts.
Justin Wheeler, CEO and cofounder at Funraise
Rob’s guest is Justin Wheeler, CEO and cofounder at Funraise. As a social entrepreneur, Justin helped launch two nonprofits which became multi-million dollar organizations. He brings over 10 years of experience to the nonprofit world and was an early team member of Invisible Children, which raised over $50 million in its first 8 years of operations.
Justin understands fundraising is critical for nonprofits and shares valuable insights to how leveraging technology can save your organization time, money, and stress. He explains why it’s important to reevaluate your approach to fundraising and consider innovative solutions to truly understand your donor base and their capacity to give. Justin also reminds us we live in a digital savvy world and it’s time for nonprofits to adjust and create an online experience that truly shares your organization’s story in order to inspire others to support your mission.
Is It Time to Completely Rethink How We Lead and Manage Nonprofits?
Mar 07, 2021
Show notes
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly forced most nonprofit leaders to reexamine their infrastructure and future viability. Rob’s guest in this episode will explain how nonprofits can navigate through these current turbulent challenges facing us all.
Matthew Zachary, “Cancer Rebel” and founder of the nonprofit Stupid Cancer
Rob’s guest is Matthew Zachary, “Cancer Rebel” and founder of the nonprofit Stupid Cancer, who also created the world’s first health podcast that gave voice to millions. As a brain cancer survivor, Matthew understands today’s healthcare conversations are too polite and works to build community while ending isolation for patients and caregivers through his network Offscrip Media.
Matthew doesn’t hold back as he breaks down why more people need to think twice before starting a charity or nonprofit, sharing why business acuity and preliminary research should guide someone wanting to start a nonprofit, more than mere emotional motivation. He explains why you must understand and stand by the value of your nonprofit and not devalue your team or your work. Matthew also believes the culture of nonprofits are heading towards a big change. Tune in to find out why.
Why Is This Generation Responding to Racial Equality and Diversity Differently Than Past Generations?
Feb 22, 2021
Show notes
Racial equality and social justice are nothing new however they have become one of the most prominent conversations we are having now when it comes to nonprofit leadership and growth.
Rob’s guest today is Kishshana Palmer, CEO of Kishshana + Co., and founder of The Rooted Collaborative. She is a national speaker, trainer, and coach with a 17 year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management. Kishshana’s first management experience was at 22 years old, right after grad school, when she was challenged to lead a team of 12 and had a million dollar budget.
Kishshana Palmer, CEO of Kishshana + Co., and founder of The Rooted Collaborative
Kishshana explains why all nonprofits are avenues for social justice, and why more groups must dig deeper into their diversity and inclusion practices if they really want change and growth to occur. She believes organizations should focus on investing in the talent, time, and treasure of its team members, and details how employee satisfaction surveys can really paint a picture of where work is needed within an organization in order to continue fostering a healthy culture. Kishshana wants more leaders to recognize it’s time to change the way things are done because times are indeed changing, and our young people are living proof this movement for change.
What Is the Key Predictor of Your Success as a Leader
Feb 12, 2021
Show notesIan Morgan Cron, speaker, author, and pioneer in the contemporary Enneagram movement
Personality tests have existed for centuries, yet many leaders are still surprised by how insightful and beneficial understanding your personality type can be to the work you want to accomplish.
Rob’s guest today is Ian Morgan Cron, speaker, author, and pioneer in the contemporary Enneagram movement. His book “The Road Back to You” is perfect for those interested in learning more about the typology of the nine interconnected, personality types of the Enneagram tool.
Ian has worked with a variety of companies and leaders both in and out of the nonprofit space, and consistently sees the need for building soft skills like empathy and compassion. He explains why meaningful work matters and how a strong leader understands not only their own strengths, but also where they require support and balance. Most importantly, Ian shares why self-awareness is the ultimate key to successful leadership, no matter your personality type!
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