Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Debbie Levin 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. Key Topics Include: How Debbie transformed EMA by bridging Hollywood and sustainability The strategy behind turning the Prius into a status symbol for celebrities How EMA created the “Emma Green Seal” to promote eco-friendly film and TV production Why solution-based, nonjudgmental messaging wins supporters across political lines The role of celebrity influence in shaping public perception on environmental issues How EMA has built long-lasting partnerships with studios, agencies, and corporations Leadership principles for staying innovative, relevant, and impactful over decades Mentioned in This Episode: Environmental Media Association website: green4ema.org Follow EMA on social media: @Green4EMA 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 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!

David Rhode 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. Key Topics Include: Why strategic planning requires both discipline and inclusion How nonprofit branding starts with your people, not just your logo The importance of focusing on individual giving for fundraising success How to create valuable, sustainable partnerships that aren’t just transactional Why financial controls and cash flow management are critical for stability How to stay true to your mission and avoid programmatic mission drift The role of measurement and evaluation in proving your nonprofit’s impact Mentioned in This Episode: David Rhode on LinkedIn Passion Isn’t Enough on Amazon 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!

David Robbins 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: Strategies for leading an organization with five generations on staff Avoiding mission drift during leadership transitions The importance of emotional and spiritual health in leadership Building trust with a global team during a leadership change Empowering younger generations through stretch challenges Navigating generational gaps with compassion and shared understanding Practical rhythms and habits to prevent leadership burnout Mentioned in This Episode: Cru: https://www.cru.org Book: Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith 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. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Yoon 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 Mentioned in This Episode: CollegeSpring: https://collegespring.org Connect with Yoon Choi on LinkedIn: Yoon Choi 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!

Leah 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 Innovation for Social Change – Leah Kral’s book on nonprofit innovation World Reader – Using digital books to promote literacy worldwide 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 *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!

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. Mentioned in This Episode: Conrad N. Hilton Foundation – Supporting initiatives to alleviate human suffering St. Joseph Center – Providing support and housing solutions for the homeless in LA 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 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! Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!

Eric 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 *Tender Mercies Program – Nutritional meal packs distributed globally 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 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!

Jesse 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 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!

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. Mentioned: The Community Solution Education System– A nonprofit integrated system of six colleges and universities Dr. Michael Horowitz on LinkedIn – Follow here 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 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! Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!

Javier 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 Naguru Social Sport Academy – After-school sports program in Uganda promoting education Xcalibur Foundation on Social Media – Follow here 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 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! Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!