Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

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!

Tim Coetzee In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Tim Coetzee, CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to discuss the inspiring journey of the organization from a simple newspaper ad in 1945 to a nationwide movement transforming lives today. Tim shares the riveting origin story of the MS Society, which began with Sylvia Lawry’s determined quest to help her brother and has since grown into a global leader in MS research and advocacy. Tim also delves into the advancements in MS treatment and research, the Society’s critical partnerships, and his own leadership journey shaped by impactful mentorship. His perspective on leading with curiosity over certainty offers a refreshing and actionable insight for nonprofit leaders everywhere. Key Topics Include: The compelling origin story of the MS Society and founder Sylvia Lawry’s relentless advocacy Current advancements in MS treatments and promising new research directions How the MS Society partners with caregivers, researchers, and other nonprofits for maximum impact The importance of humility and collaboration in nonprofit leadership Tim’s mentorship experience with former CEO Joyce Nelson and its influence on his leadership style Strategies for balancing visionary leadership with coaching and accountability Embracing a “learn-it-all” mindset over being a “know-it-all” in leadership roles Mentioned in This Episode: National MS Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org Tim Coetzee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcoetzee/ Adam Grant’s book Hidden Potential: https://www.adamgrant.net/book/hidden-potential/ Satya Nadella’s leadership approach: https://news.microsoft.com/exec/satya-nadella/ 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!

Vanessa Lockshin In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes storytelling expert Vanessa Chase Lockshin, founder of The Storytelling Non-Profit and author of The Storytelling Non-Profit. Vanessa shares her extensive experience helping organizations craft emotionally resonant, authentic stories that drive fundraising success and donor engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical tips on how to build your organization’s narrative strategy and share stories in a way that deeply connects with your audience. Vanessa walks through the core elements of powerful storytelling, how to maintain authenticity, create meaningful donor calls-to-action, and why story planning is crucial to long-term communications success. The episode also covers balancing trauma-informed storytelling with impact, the role of conflict in narratives, and how to adapt stories for various platforms from email to Instagram reels. Key Topics Include: What differentiates a true story from a testimonial or summary How to hook your audience with emotional and engaging storytelling elements Techniques for building authentic, trauma-informed stories that maintain dignity Crafting calls-to-action that are clear, tangible, and drive donations Planning an annual storytelling strategy aligned with your organization’s goals When and how to reuse stories effectively across platforms and over time Leveraging short-form video and AI tools for engaging social media storytelling Mentioned in This Episode: Vanessa Chase Lockshin’s website: The Storytelling Non-Profit Vanessa’s book: The Storytelling Non-Profit on Amazon AI video tool: Arbor – for creating nonprofit-focused short-form videos 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!

Dan Tocchini In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dan Tocchini, a seasoned nonprofit leader, coach, and founder who describes leadership as a “sacred experience.” With over 25 years of experience leading and coaching, Dan offers a fresh, principle-based approach to transforming teams, navigating conflict, and creating cultures of courageous leadership. Dan also shares powerful personal stories of leadership failure, resilience, and the importance of authenticity in professional growth. Listeners will gain insights into how to hold difficult conversations, build trust through creative conflict resolution, and align leadership with deeper purpose and service. Dan’s unique framework for tackling team dynamics and his emphasis on transparency offer valuable strategies for nonprofit leaders facing internal and external challenges. Key Topics Include: Why leadership is a “sacred experience” and how that shapes leadership impact How to transform teams without relying on “pixie dust” motivational tactics A framework for navigating difficult conversations with courage and clarity The power of identifying complaints as signals of unresolved issues Strategies for resolving creative conflict and building trust within teams The importance of aligning intuition with data in decision-making How nonprofit leaders can shift toxic cultures through transparency and dialogue Mentioned in This Episode: Take New Ground: TakeNewGround.com Free eBook “The Change Imperative” by Dan Tocchini: Download here Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: Dan Tocchini 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 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!

Anthony Kennedy Shriver In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder, chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies International. Anthony shares the inspiring origin story of Best Buddies, which began as a college initiative and has grown into a global nonprofit that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With an emphasis on job creation, inclusive housing, and meaningful friendships, Anthony discusses how his organization is transforming lives around the world—while also building sustainable, long-term partnerships with major corporations. Anthony also talks about the enduring legacy of public service within his family, how Best Buddies has successfully collaborated with companies like Jersey Mike’s, Coca-Cola, and TJX, and how the organization has leveraged the support of ambassadors like Tom Brady to raise awareness and drive impact. From launching new initiatives like Eunice’s Buddies and Bumble Buddies to opening inclusive living centers, Anthony gives a candid look at what it takes to run a successful global nonprofit for over 35 years. Key Topics Include: The legacy of service in the Kennedy-Shriver family and its impact on Anthony’s mission The evolution of Best Buddies from a college project to an international nonprofit Creating jobs for individuals with IDD and forming long-term corporate partnerships Measuring economic impact by transitioning individuals from government support to tax-paying citizens The power of celebrity ambassadors and how to create mutually beneficial relationships Future growth plans, including expansion to 100 countries and launching new programs like Bumble Buddies The importance of running a nonprofit like a business for long-term sustainability Mentioned in This Episode: Best Buddies International: https://www.bestbuddies.org This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business. 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 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl), or Amazon (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Bob Bush, co-founder of Mutombo Coffee In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Bob Bush, co-founder of Mutombo Coffee. Bob shares the inspiring story behind the social enterprise he helped build with the late NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo. Although Mutombo Coffee is a for-profit company, Bob explains how its mission-driven approach offers powerful lessons for nonprofit leaders. Throughout the conversation, Bob dives into topics like resilience, values-driven leadership, and sustainable growth—all crucial themes for anyone looking to make a positive impact, whether in the nonprofit or for-profit world. Bob offers insight into how Mutombo Coffee navigated the immense challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and Dikembe’s passing, highlighting strategies nonprofit leaders can apply to build resilience and align mission with operations. His passion for social impact and building long-term strategies shines through, making this episode a must-listen for nonprofit and social enterprise leaders alike. Key Topics Include: How long-term thinking can drive sustainable impact for nonprofits and social enterprises The critical difference between being value-driven vs. values-driven Innovative strategies Mutombo Coffee used to survive the pandemic and build resilience Why investing in intellectual, relational, and emotional capital is often more important than financial capital How to manage risk and uncertainty with strategic preparation and thoughtful leadership Tools nonprofit leaders can use to align their values, leadership style, and business models Practical tips for building resilient nonprofit organizations and social enterprises Mentioned in This Episode: Mutombo Coffee Use code LEADERSHIP25 for 25% off your Mutombo Coffee order! 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 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!