Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Kelly Kienzle In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes executive and leadership coach Kelly Kienzle to explore the mounting uncertainty facing nonprofit leaders and how it’s affecting their confidence and decision-making. Kelly recently conducted in-depth interviews with over 40 leaders across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, revealing troubling trends in burnout, reactivity, and a widespread crisis of confidence. Kelly discusses how shifting funding landscapes, political change, and societal shifts have left many nonprofit leaders unsure about their organization’s direction and mission. She shares her top three leadership challenges identified in the research and offers practical, actionable tools to help nonprofit executives regain clarity and lead with renewed confidence. This episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader feeling the weight of today’s volatile environment. Key Topics Include: The top three leadership challenges facing nonprofit leaders today Why traditional leadership approaches may no longer be effective The link between uncertainty, burnout, and crisis of confidence The concept of “chaos values” and how they guide leaders through ambiguity Tools for gaining perspective and clarity, including the “balcony view” The “magic delegation question” to reduce burnout and empower teams Practical strategies leaders can implement immediately Mentioned in This Episode: Kelly Kienzle’s website: OpenCircleCoaching.com Email Kelly: kelly@opencirclecoaching.com Chaos Values Assessment: TrueValues This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Bob Searle In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter dives into a transformative discussion with Bob Searle of The Bridgespan Group. Bob shares compelling insights from Bridgespan’s “Leading for Impact” program, which involved nearly 300 nonprofit executive leaders. Together, they explore why team development is just as critical—if not more so—than individual leadership growth in today’s nonprofit sector. Bob outlines the unique advantages of cultivating an executive team that works in unison, backed by Bridgespan’s extensive data and practical tools. He also unpacks common pitfalls nonprofit leaders face, like miscommunication and lack of strategic clarity, and offers actionable strategies to overcome them. This episode is packed with lessons for anyone in nonprofit leadership aiming to boost organizational effectiveness through better team dynamics. Key Topics Include: The distinct benefits of team-based leadership development over individual development Data-backed insights from Bridgespan’s “Leading for Impact” program involving 299 nonprofit leaders Why strategic clarity and team alignment are foundational to nonprofit success The dangers of poor communication within executive teams—and simple steps to fix it How scenario planning can safeguard your nonprofit against future uncertainties Essential leadership traits for executive directors to foster high-performing teams Techniques for continuously building leadership capacity aligned with organizational goals Mentioned in This Episode: The Bridgespan Group Article about the results from their survey This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

William Vanderbloemen Rob interviews William Vanderbloemen who shares his experience about starting a cause-based search firm. His firm emphasizes the need for nonprofits to prioritize soft skills when recruiting new staff. He also highlights the significance of clearly articulating the organization’s mission and values to attract the right talent. Additionally, Vanderbloemen emphasizes the role of a healthy organizational culture in recruitment and retention, and suggests using tools like theculturetool.com to assess and improve culture. In this conversation, Rob and William discuss the importance of organizational culture and employee satisfaction in the nonprofit sector. They explore the eight cultural values that shape behavior within an organization and how to assess and improve culture. They also discuss the impact of culture on employee retention and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing expectations of millennials and Gen Z. The conversation highlights the value of feedback and collaboration in creating a positive culture, as well as the importance of balancing professional development with organizational efficiency.  Takeaways:  Recruiting the right people at the right time is crucial for staff retention in nonprofits. Soft skills, or human-to-human skills, are essential for success in the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits should clearly articulate their mission and values to attract the right talent. A healthy organizational culture is key to recruitment and retention in nonprofits. Assessing and improving organizational culture is crucial for nonprofit organizations to create a healthy and effective work environment. Understanding the cultural values that shape behavior within an organization can help identify areas for improvement. Employee satisfaction and well-being are key factors in retaining staff, especially in a generation that values career mobility. Involving staff in the decision-making process and addressing their feedback can lead to a more engaged and committed workforce. Balancing professional development with organizational efficiency requires identifying the right timing and opportunities for growth.  Quotes: “Businesses may or may not have a value that drives them. Why do they have a better solution for staffing than the people who are living for a cause?” “Soft skills, H2H skills, are the ball game in nonprofit.” “The ones that succeed are the ones that say, ‘Here’s the one thing we do that very few people do.’” “We’re all the same age or skin color or gender, but we are all the same in our behavior around our eight cultural values.” “What is the biggest rock that we’re getting right of these eight areas? What are we just really doing well?” “If you focus so much on your culture that you could get six or seven years instead of four or five, because the cost to replace a staff person, it takes time, it takes energy, you lose momentum, it takes money.” #FromTheArchives Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 Recruitment and Retention in the Nonprofit Sector 06:16 The Importance of Soft Skills in Nonprofits 11:56 Articulating Mission and Values to Attract Talent 15:22 The Role of Organizational Culture in Recruitment and Retention 17:33 Assessing and Improving Culture 19:36 The Impact of Culture on Employee Retention 22:40 Addressing Employee Satisfaction 27:12 Adapting to the Expectations of Millennials and Gen Z 29:45 Creating a Feedback-Driven Culture 31:45 Balancing Workload and Professional Development

Cindy Wagman In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter dives into the evolving staffing models within the nonprofit sector, spotlighting the rise of fractional executives. Our guest, Cindy Wagman, a seasoned fundraiser and author of the bestselling book Raise It, joins Rob to unpack what it means to hire a fractional leader and why more nonprofits are exploring this innovative approach. Cindy is also the host of two podcasts, Confessions with Jess and Cindy and Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional executives. Cindy shares her journey from traditional consulting to pioneering the fractional executive model for nonprofits, illustrating how this model offers both strategic insight and hands-on implementation. Designed especially for small to mid-sized nonprofits, fractional executives offer expert-level leadership without the cost of a full-time hire. Whether you’re seeking support in fundraising, HR, marketing, or operations, Cindy breaks down the benefits, key indicators of readiness, and steps for integrating a fractional executive into your team. Key Topics Include: What a fractional executive is and how it differs from consultants and full-time staff Ideal nonprofit profiles that benefit most from fractional leadership Common roles filled by fractional executives, including fundraising, HR, and operations How to integrate a fractional leader into your nonprofit’s team and culture Key considerations for those interested in becoming a nonprofit fractional executive Emerging trends and increasing demand for fractional leadership in the nonprofit sector Mentioned in This Episode: Cindy Wagman’s Website & Directory: Nonprofit Fractionals Cindy’s Private Podcast for Fractional Execs: Fracture Cindy Wagman on LinkedIn: Connect with Cindy Book: Raise It by Cindy Wagman This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Ben Sand In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Ben Sand, CEO of The Contingent, a nonprofit that’s revolutionizing the foster care system through innovative applications of data and technology. With a heart for foster children and firsthand experience as a foster parent, Ben shares how his organization is tackling the critical shortage of foster homes across the U.S. by leveraging targeted outreach and AI-driven solutions. The Contingent’s signature initiative, Every Child, began in Oregon and has expanded nationally, offering a powerful model of how community engagement and smart tech can solve complex social challenges. Ben dives deep into how The Contingent uses research, data analysis, and digital marketing to identify and mobilize prospective foster families. Their work in states like Oregon, Arkansas, and Tennessee showcases the importance of culturally relevant messaging and region-specific strategies. If you’re a nonprofit leader wondering how to integrate tech into your mission-driven work, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies. Key Topics Include: The nationwide foster care crisis and the urgent need for targeted foster family recruitment The origin and evolution of the Every Child Initiative How data, AI, and digital marketing are used to find and engage potential foster parents The importance of cultural context when expanding nonprofit programs nationally Strategies for scaling nonprofit tech solutions and preparing for the AI revolution Key leadership principles including adaptive leadership and using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Advice for nonprofit leaders on how to communicate ROI and innovate at scale Mentioned in This Episode: The Contingent Leadership on the Line Book This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox – The best donation forms and fundraising platform for nonprofits. 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Vedika Bhandarkar Safe water. While most of us have access to it, there are millions across the world who do not. There are approximately 700 million people, all over the world, who do not have access to safe water or sanitation. Rob’s guest, Vedika Bhandarkar, describes a unique and effective strategy for getting more clean water to those in need. Vedika is the Chief Operating Officer at Water.org. This global nonprofit organization works to bring safe water and sanitation to the world through affordable financing, such as small loans. Vedika describes how co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White started Water.org. She explains that the organization is focused on helping those in need get access to affordable capital to pay for safe water systems. Vedika describes the negative impact of not having enough safe water, on an individual scale as well as on the global scale. She explains why a lack of financing plays such a crucial role in this issue, and how Water.org has increased their efforts in this area. In the last four years, Water.org has scaled from helping 16 million people worldwide, to now reaching 60 million people. Vedika shares exactly what the organization did to scale so fast, in such a short span of time. Finally, she reminds us of the worldwide benefits if more people had access to safe water, and believes this issue is solvable in our lifetime. #FromTheArchives Website: https://water.org/This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page

Rabbi Joanna Samuels In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Rabbi Joanna Samuels, CEO and President of the Marlene Meyerson JCC in Manhattan, the largest Jewish Community Center in the United States. Rabbi Samuels discusses her leadership philosophy, rooted deeply in faith and optimism, and how the JCC builds community through programs that span every age and stage of life. She explains why friendship and community are the true “products” her organization delivers and how these relational values drive their mission. Rabbi Samuels shares how she navigated major challenges, including leading through the COVID-19 pandemic and the profound impact of October 7th on the Jewish community. She offers honest reflections on the resilience required in leadership and how being both kind and bossy—a description offered by her own child—has helped her succeed. This episode is a powerful reminder of the essential human need for connection, belonging, and the role of nonprofits in fulfilling that need. Key Topics Include: Why relationships and friendship are central to the mission of the JCC The impact of faith on leadership decisions and vision How to be an inclusive and responsive nonprofit for a diverse community Leadership lessons from navigating COVID-19 and the events of October 7th The value of listening and decisiveness in nonprofit leadership Gender and faith identity as strengths in executive leadership How community centers can remain relevant and essential amid societal crises Mentioned in This Episode: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

What does it take to become a successful fundraiser in today’s competitive nonprofit environment? In this episode, Haley Cooper, fundraising expert and host of the Lead with Heart podcast, shares key strategies for becoming a savvy fundraiser. Haley discusses the most pressing challenges nonprofit leaders face, such as staff turnover and donor retention, and how to build sustainable fundraising models. She highlights the importance of recurring giving programs and personalized donor communication in boosting engagement. Rob’s guest, Haley Cooper, explains how different generations approach philanthropy and how nonprofits can tailor their messaging to align with donor values. She emphasizes the need for engaging storytelling to connect emotionally with donors and offers tips on leveraging social media effectively. She stresses that nonprofits should focus on creating compelling, interactive content, as well as the importance of actively engaging with followers by responding to comments, sending personalized messages, and collaborating with influencers. Throughout the episode, Haley offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their fundraising strategies and keep donors engaged in the digital age. Mentioned: Haley Cooper’s website Lead with Heart Podcast Connect with Haley on LinkedIn This Episode is Sponsored By: Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach? Check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/ You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679 If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com Summary In this conversation, Rob Harter and Haley Cooper discuss the current challenges and strategies in nonprofit fundraising. They explore the importance of staff retention, effective communication with donors, the rise of subscription-based giving, and the generational differences in donor engagement. Haley emphasizes the need for nonprofits to leverage social media effectively, build authentic relationships, and adapt their fundraising strategies to meet the evolving landscape. The discussion concludes with resources for nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts. Takeaways Finding quality staff is a significant challenge for nonprofits. High turnover rates can lead to increased fundraising costs. Understanding donor communication preferences is crucial. Storytelling is a powerful tool for donor engagement. Subscription-based giving is becoming more popular among younger generations. Generational differences affect how donors engage with nonprofits. Nonprofits should focus on one or two social media platforms. Engagement on social media is more valuable than likes. Investing in technology can streamline fundraising efforts. Transparency and accountability are essential for donor trust. #FromTheArchives

Sophie Blondeau In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Sophie Blondeau, Partner/ Chief Strategy Officer of the Sowen Group, to explore how nonprofit leaders can better manage their time and organizational efforts by using strategic data. Sophie shares insights from a groundbreaking research study on data maturity across the social impact sector. With a focus on how nonprofits can transition from being data-aware to becoming insight-driven, she explains why data isn’t just a boardroom buzzword but a critical tool for leadership, fundraising, storytelling, and ultimately, impact. Sophie and Rob dive into how strategic time management and data utilization can mitigate the overwhelming load many nonprofit leaders face. They discuss key barriers to data adoption, including limited resources and organizational silos, and offer practical strategies to overcome them. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, program manager, or board member, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your organization’s effectiveness and impact. Key Topics Include: The importance of focusing time on strategically meaningful work to drive nonprofit success Key findings from Sowen Group’s cross-sector study on data maturity Why only 29.5% of organizations effectively use data for decision-making How data maturity influences storytelling, funding, and program outcomes The significance of bridging the disconnect between executive leadership and frontline staff Practical steps to enhance data utilization, including a free Data Accelerator tool Insights on incorporating AI and anticipating future trends in the nonprofit sector Mentioned in This Episode: Sowen Group: https://sowen.co Sowen Group’s Data Accelerator Tool: https://sowen.co/accelerator Sophie Blondeau on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophieblondeau/ This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?ref=nmu4ndh 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Youtube or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Dave Garrison In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter is joined by leadership coach and author Dave Garrison to explore a growing and critical issue in today’s workplace: the buy-in crisis. Drawing from his latest book, The Buy-In Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring and How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give Their All, Dave offers practical insights into why staff disengagement is on the rise, and how nonprofit leaders can address it with real, lasting solutions. With a wealth of experience consulting with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations around the world, Dave breaks down the hidden costs of disengaged employees, why traditional perks are no longer effective, and how to diagnose and resolve buy-in issues within your team. This episode is packed with real-world strategies to transform turnover challenges into opportunities for organizational growth and innovation. Key Topics Include: What the buy-in crisis is and why it has become so prevalent, especially post-COVID Generational shifts and evolving employee expectations that impact engagement Key warning signs of buy-in problems, such as high turnover and unproductive meetings The true (often hidden) financial and operational costs of employee disengagement How to use assessment tools and employee feedback to uncover systemic issues Actionable strategies for building trust, ownership, and high performance within teams Real-life examples of leaders who turned disengagement into innovation Mentioned in This Episode: Dave Garrison’s book: The Buy-In Advantage Dave Garrison’s consulting work: Garrison Growth Connect with Dave Garrison on LinkedIn This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!