Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising Haley Cooper | Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, Certified EmC Trainer

Today, on the Lead with Heart podcast, I’m selfishly so excited to have Patton McDowell on the show and to share our conversation with you. We are discussing his path to becoming a leader in the nonprofit sector and the lessons he has learned over his career.
Focusing on why nonprofit leaders often face high turnover, we talk about things like unrealistic expectations, generational shifts, and lack of professional development opportunities. 
We chatted about practical tools and resources nonprofit pros can apply to strengthen their skills and experience – such as building a personal board of directors and participating in mastermind groups.
You will walk away after listening to this episode with actionable advice on topics like goal-setting, networking, productivity, and the importance of investing in staff to fulfill organizational missions and retain donors long-term.

In this episode:
[01:31] Patton's path to nonprofit leadership started with an internship at Special Olympics International[04:00]  Common reasons for high turnover in the nonprofit sector[06:08] Impact of generational shifts and how organizations can support different age groups[09:34] How staff retention impacts donor retention[11:40] Developing leadership goals and Patton's Vision Framework exercise[14:07] Benefits of strategic networking, building a personal board, and participating in mastermind groups[16:56] Essential leadership skills and the importance of self-assessment[20:28] Tips for improving productivity while avoiding burnout[34:34] The importance of identifying and focusing on one's "highest value role" and delegating other tasks to maximize impact
RESOURCES
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH PATTON
As the founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, Patton has worked with over 275 nonprofit organizations, providing consulting, coaching, and training on leadership development, fundraising, and strategic planning. Drawing from his 20 years of
The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

In this episode of the Lead with Heart podcast, I’m having a meaningful conversation with leadership and strategy advisor Kristin Harrington. We delve into Kristin's unique journey into nonprofit leadership, the importance of culture and workforce development, and funding strategies for enhancing an organization's impact.

Highlighting the challenges faced by nonprofit professionals in leadership roles, our discussion covered themes of innovation, the significance of fostering a culture of safety and belonging, and the crucial role of having a people focused strategy.  Tune in for practical advice specially crafted for nonprofit leaders aiming to drive meaningful change – starting from within.

In this episode:
[01:20] How Kristin became a leadership and strategy advisor for nonprofits[03:50] Upward mobility and how it can help nonprofits reduce high turnover[07:17] How to coach nonprofit leaders to innovate while keeping the mission at the forefront of their decisions?[10:09] Firefighting vs. fireproofing: being less reactive and more intentional[12:53] Succession planning and people-focused leadership strategy[15:05] Developing a healthy organizational culture and a solid strategy for true impact[25:00] Engaging board members and staff when developing your nonprofit strategy[35:06] The power of coaching and community in leadership development
RESOURCES

Visit https://leadstar.us/ to learn more about their work and their mission.

Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH KRISTIN
Kristin Harrington is a partner at Lead Star and an esteemed leadership and strategy advisor for nonprofits. From frontline roles to establishing a nonprofit with statewide success, Kristin's dedication to fostering innovation, mentorship, and strategic growth in nonprofits makes her a compelling voice in leadership and organizational development.

Linkedin: Kristin Harrington
Website: leadstar.us


The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Welcome back to the Lead with Heart podcast. I’m thrilled to have Sabrina Walker Hernandez on the show today. Sabrina is the president and CEO of Supporting World Hope, a nonprofit and mission-driven consulting agency that specializes in providing strategic planning, leadership development, and board education services to other nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.
Sabrina emphasizes that simple steps like building relationships with board members, setting clear expectations, and prioritizing vision and strategy over reactivity can reduce CEO stress and burnout and enhance organizational effectiveness. She believes that nonprofit success depends on supporting leaders both professionally and personally.

In this episode:
[01:33] Sabrina’s background and what led her to begin her nonprofit Supporting World Hope[08:05] Changing our mindset about overhead[12:13] BUILD framework discussed and explained[17:39] The importance of building relationships with your board members[23:37] Using simple strategies like an annual calendar to significantly increase board participation[32:05] Focusing on vision and strategy rather than constant reactivity 
RESOURCES
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH SABRINA
Sabrina Walker Hernandez has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including 15 years as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, Sabrina understands the challenges nonprofit leaders face. She was diagnosed with cancer due to stress from her role, which inspired her to launch Supporting World Hope to help other leaders avoid burnout.
Facebook: @supportingworldhope
Instagram: @theleadershiparchitect
YouTube: @supportingworldhope
Website: https://supportingworldhope.com/

The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Today, on the Lead with Heart podcast, we are discussing authentic leadership with my guest Joshua Berry, author of "Dare to Be Naive: How to Find Your True Self in a Noisy World."
In this episode, Joshua shares his journey from international business to entrepreneurship, offering insights gained from working with organizations like the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company and Mercedes Benz.
Discover how Joshua's experiences shaped his understanding of leadership and culture, and learn practical strategies for nurturing a values-driven workplace. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to unlock your true leadership potential and lead with authenticity.

In this episode:
[01:06] Joshua’s background and what led him to co-found his company, Econic[05:00] Buy-in and belonging of your company’s core values[12:11] The “Six Thinking Hats” Approach to inclusive and thoughtful meetings[17:48] Overcoming limiting beliefs and building confidence in leadership[23:06] Intentional leadership and rediscovering one’s true self[38:26] Heart-centered and generous leadership mindset
RESOURCES
Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH JOSHUA BERRY
Joshua Berry is an entrepreneur, seasoned leadership expert, and the co-founder of Econic. Joshua is also the author of "Dare to Be Naive: How to Find Your True Self in a Noisy World," a book that empowers readers to discover their authentic leadership potential. Through his innovative work and insightful writings, Joshua inspires individuals and organizations to embrace vulnerability, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership.
Facebook:
The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Welcome back to the Lead with Heart podcast. I'm very honored to have Jake Wood as my guest today. Jake is a Marine Corps veteran and the founder and CEO of Groundswell- a software company that enables companies to help their employees become modern philanthropists by providing tech-enabled donor-advised funds. Prior to launching Groundswell, Jake served as the founder and CEO of Team Rubicon, a disaster response organization that is widely considered one of America’s leading nonprofits.

We discuss scaling an organization, the importance of storytelling in fundraising, developing a strong corporate culture, and the future of philanthropy.

In this episode:
[01:15] Jake’s background and what led him to found Team Rubicon and Groundswell[07:16] Founder syndrome and delegating responsibilities[12:07] Instilling a strong corporate culture [15:52] Strategies to maintain a strong company culture throughout scaling[19:52] Strategies for scaling your nonprofit[23:36] The ethics of storytelling[27:37] Donor-advised funds and nonprofit collaboration
RESOURCES

Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH JAKE
Jake is the founder and CEO of Groundswell - a venture backed software company aiming to democratize philanthropy by building a new category at the intersection of fintech, benefits tech, and charity. Prior to launching Groundswell, Wood served as the founder and CEO of Team Rubicon, a disaster response organization that is widely considered one of America’s leading nonprofits. Before this, Wood served four years in a Marine Corps scout-sniper unit, leading Marines in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a dual degree in Business and Political Science. Jake’s memoir, Once A Warrior, was an Amazon best-seller.
LinkedIn: Jake Wood
Instagram: @jakewoodtr
Webs
The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Welcome back to the Lead with Heart podcast. I am so honored to have Dr. Robyn Graham on the podcast today to talk about anxiety and leadership. Robyn is a marketing and lead generation strategist, host of a globally acclaimed podcast, and best-selling author.

Many of you will know that anxiety is something I have been dealing with personally eight months postpartum. So selfishly, I'm really excited to have this conversation to pick Dr. Robyn’s brain but also to provide some insight into navigating anxiety as a nonprofit leader.

In this episode:
[01:27] Robyn’s career journey and why she decided to change career paths [05:45] Defining anxiety[10:52] Practicing gratitude to reduce anxiety[15:58] It is crucial for nonprofit leaders to address their own anxieties to better lead their organizations[21:28] Practical strategies to manage anxiety as a leader[34:03] Approaching communication with your team during periods of heightened anxiety[38:38] Creating long-term resilience as a leader
RESOURCES
You, Me, and Anxiety: Take Action Over Anxiety to Enjoy Being You by Dr. Robyn Graham

Take the leap into successful fundraising with the Savvy Fundraiser Fundamentals Course. The ultimate guide designed for nonprofits that have been around for a while, but haven’t delved into the world of fundraising yet. This course covers everything from crafting compelling campaigns to collaborating effectively with your team, ensuring you have all the tools you need to elevate your fundraising efforts.

CONNECT WITH ROBYN
Robyn is the founder and owner of Robyn Graham, LLC, and the creator of the Purpose to Results™ Method. With an emphasis on mindset, strategy, and action, she helps entrepreneurs leverage their God-given gifts to grow businesses for a lifetime of limitless earning potential and have a meaningful impact without being chained to social media. Robyn is a marketing and lead generation strategist, host of the globally acclaimed podcast – The Robyn Graham Show, and best-selling author.
Instagram: @therobyngraham
Email: robyn@therobyngraham.com
Website: therobyngraham.com


The EmC Masterclass by Dr. Lola Gershfeld will help you enhance your communication skills to raise more revenue for your mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations. Use code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a -10%.

CONNECT WITH HALEY

Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.

Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com