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!
Empowering Students Through Education: How One Nonprofit is Expanding Access for Those Affected by Poverty
Mar 17, 2025
Show notesYoon Choi
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:
Why standardized tests still matter in college and career readiness
How CollegeSpring builds student confidence and long-term success
Merging mission with strategy: Yoon’s take on nonprofit partnerships and M&A
The challenge of nonprofit scaling and how to overcome financial and operational barriers
Embedding programs into school systems for lasting impact
The evolving debate over the value of college degrees
Advice for young nonprofit professionals eager to grow as leaders
DonorBox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
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 nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
How to Bring More Innovation to Your Organization
Mar 09, 2025
Show notesLeah Kral
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.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Leah Kral’s Website – Learn more about Leah and download her book club discussion guide
*Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
*Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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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!
How the Hilton Foundation Is Addressing Homelessness in LA
Mar 02, 2025
Show notes
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.
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
How This Food Bank is Helping to Reduce Food Insecurity
Feb 24, 2025
Show notesEric Hodel
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.
Topics include:
-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.
Mentioned:
*Midwest Food Bank – Supporting food pantries and disaster relief efforts
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
How to Enhance Your Nonprofit’s Marketing and Fundraising Efforts
Feb 16, 2025
Show notesJesse Lane
In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Jesse Lane, founder of goodmakerU and Branches Mission Lab, to discuss how nonprofits can elevate their marketing and fundraising efforts in an increasingly digital world. Jesse returns to the show to share insights on the power of email marketing, donor engagement strategies, and the role of AI in nonprofit marketing.
Topics include:
-Why email marketing is still one of the most effective fundraising tools
-Common mistakes nonprofits make with email and how to avoid them
-The ideal balance between fundraising appeals and value-driven content
-How AI can streamline marketing while keeping communications personal
-The power of donor segmentation and automation for better engagement
Jesse also provides practical steps for small nonprofits to build an email list from scratch and maximize the impact of their marketing efforts.
Mentioned:
*goodmakerU – Fundraising training programs for nonprofits
*Branches Mission Lab – A creative and marketing agency for nonprofit fundraising
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:
Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
How to Create the Culture You Need to Succeed
Feb 10, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Michael Horowitz, Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, about the crucial role of culture in nonprofit success. Dr. Horowitz emphasizes that culture isn’t just an abstract concept—it directly impacts leadership, fundraising, collaboration, and long-term impact.
Topics include:
– Why Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” is still relevant today
– How to intentionally foster a culture of collaboration within an organization and across the nonprofit sector
– Avoiding mission drift while navigating economic challenges and fundraising pressures
– Strategies for operationalizing a nonprofit’s values to ensure alignment with its mission
Dr. Horowitz also shares his approach to building a culture of radical cooperation and how nonprofit leaders can use this mindset to drive innovation, efficiency, and long-term success.
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
How This Nonprofit in Spain is Seeking to Impact Their Country and Beyond
Feb 02, 2025
Show notesJavier Lezcano
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Javier Lezcano, Executive Director of Xcalibur Foundation, a nonprofit based in Spain that is making a significant impact across multiple countries. As the first Spanish nonprofit featured on the podcast, Javier shares how Xcalibur Foundation is working to support vulnerable communities through education, sports, and community engagement.
Topics include:
*The foundation’s unique approach to social impact in Spain, Uganda, Colombia, and beyond
*How they use sports as a tool to keep children in school and create long-term opportunities
*Addressing challenges like menstrual hygiene barriers to keep girls in education
*Strategies for nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and creating sustainable partnerships
Javier also shares inspiring success stories, including a young athlete who earned an international scholarship, demonstrating the power of nonprofit initiatives in transforming lives.
Mentioned:
Xcalibur Foundation – Supporting education and community development globally
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
How to balance compensation and meaning
Jan 27, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, Rob speaks with Doug Paul, founder of Catapult, about the importance of personal growth for nonprofit leaders. Doug emphasizes the role of intentionality in leadership development and shares actionable insights on how leaders can design a personal growth plan that aligns with their unique wiring, calling, and story.
Topics include:
-Why leaders need a personal growth plan to navigate the fast-paced nonprofit landscape
-The role of innovation and adaptability in leadership development
-How nonprofits can foster a culture of continuous improvement
-Practical steps to create a leadership plan based on personal strengths and goals
Doug also shares stories of leaders who have successfully navigated pivotal moments in their careers by focusing on personal growth and strategic planning.
Mentioned:
Catapult – Helping leaders and organizations scale and thrive
Good Strategy, Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt – Recommended book for understanding strategy
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
The Challenges of Accessing Funding for Scale
Jan 20, 2025
Show notesMohamed Osman
In this episode, Rob is joined by Mohamed Osman and Ali Metcalf from Spring Impact, a nonprofit focused on helping organizations tackle global challenges at scale. Together, they discuss the findings from their new report, which explores how nonprofits can overcome the biggest obstacle to scaling their impact: accessing funding.
Topics include:
Why accessing funding for scale remains the number one challenge for nonprofits.
Lessons learned from organizations that successfully scaled their operations.
The importance of embedding solution delivery costs in government or partner systems.
Strategies for diversifying funding sources, including philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and end-user revenue.
Practical advice for funders and nonprofits looking to maximize their impact.
Mohamed and Ali share inspiring examples of nonprofits that have navigated these challenges to grow their reach and create lasting change in their communities.
Mentioned:
Spring Impact – Supporting organizations globally to scale their impact
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
How to Both Empower People and Encourage Self-Reliance
Jan 12, 2025
Show notesStephane Aoki
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Stephane Aoki, founder of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged Ivorians by providing job opportunities and fostering self-reliance. Stephane shares his personal journey growing up in the Ivory Coast and how his experiences inspired the mission of Elevate.
Topics include:
-Why job creation is at the heart of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire’s mission
-The ripple effects of stable income on healthcare, education, and family well-being
-Balancing financial assistance with the goal of self-reliance
-The importance of understanding community needs and tackling the root causes of poverty
Stephane also highlights inspiring success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through Elevate’s programs, and he discusses how collaboration and partnership play a critical role in their work.
–Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
–Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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!
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