Hart & Hustle Podcast

Keenan Hart

Hart & Hustle delivers real conversations with nonprofit and healthcare leaders who are scaling mission-driven impact through strategic innovation. Hosted by Efrain Lozada, each 45-minute episode explores leadership, operations, technology adoption, and practical strategies for mission-based organizations. Learn from executives who've transformed accessibility, efficiency, and community engagement while staying true to their values. For nonprofit directors, operations leaders, and healthcare innovators who hustle with heart. New episodes weekly.

  1. 23h ago

    How Harold Turner's Passion for Education Transformed His Career Journey

    Harold Turner from Ivy Hill Prep shares how he transformed educational experiences for his students through innovative leadership. This is the story of building community and fostering individual growth — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How to create a nurturing environment that prioritizes student welfare ✅ Effective strategies for fostering community involvement in education ✅ Techniques for adapting leadership styles to enhance teaching effectiveness This episode is for mission-driven leaders who seek to improve educational outcomes and create meaningful connections within their communities. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome to Ivy Hill Prep: A Community-Centric Approach 0:45 – The Unique Atmosphere of Brooklyn's Educational Landscape 4:00 – The Role of Community in Shaping Student Experience 7:30 – Understanding the Impact of Class Size on Learning 10:15 – The Importance of Nurturing Educators for Student Success 12:00 – Passion for Education: Insights from Harold's Journey 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Building a supportive community is essential for student success. - Smaller class sizes lead to better understanding and relationships between students and teachers. - Investing time in student curiosity fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. - Leadership style should adapt to meet the needs of both educators and students. - Personal passion for education can inspire transformative practices in schools. 👤 ABOUT HAROLD TURNER: Harold Turner is the Head of School at Ivy Hill Prep, a charter school in Brooklyn dedicated to nurturing the whole child. With years of experience in educational leadership, Harold is passionate about fostering community and individual growth in students. Ivy Hill's mission: Every child will know who they, whose they are, and who they have the potential to become.  🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroldjturner/ 🔗 Organization Website: https://ivyhillprep.org/ 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #Education #CommunityDevelopment

  2. 1d ago

    From Volunteer Support to Lifesaving Services: The Evergreen Success Story

    Karen Towery from Evergreen Life Services reveals how to effectively navigate the complexities of nonprofit leadership during challenging times. This is the story of resilience and innovation — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ The critical importance of advocacy for funding in nonprofit organizations. ✅ Innovative strategies for utilizing volunteers to maximize impact without breaking the bank. ✅ How to pivot your organization’s mission in response to changing circumstances while keeping your purpose intact. This episode is for mission-driven leaders who want to enhance their organization’s effectiveness and ensure they meet the needs of those they serve. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Karen Towery 0:06 – Exciting Updates from the Nonprofit Sector 0:59 – Navigating Challenges in Nonprofit Leadership 1:26 – Advocacy and Funding: A Lifeline for Nonprofits 2:29 – Understanding Evergreen Life Services and Its Mission 3:46 – A Day in the Life of a Nonprofit Leader 5:54 – The Role of Volunteers in Nonprofit Success 9:24 – Creative Problem Solving in Resource-Limited Environments 10:48 – Building a Supportive Team Culture 12:47 – Reflecting on Past Influences and Future Aspirations 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Advocacy for Medicaid funding is crucial for supporting vulnerable populations. - Leveraging community volunteers can significantly enhance your organization’s capabilities. - Adaptability and creativity are key in addressing the challenges faced by nonprofits today. - The importance of maintaining a mission-driven focus even amid operational pivots. - Building a cohesive team culture is vital for sustaining motivation and effectiveness. 👤 ABOUT KAREN TOWERY: Karen Towery is the State Director for Evergreen Life Services in Texas, dedicated to providing essential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 27 years of experience in the field, Karen is known for her passionate advocacy and commitment to enhancing the lives of those she serves. 🔗 Organization Website: https://evergreenlifeservices.org 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #MissionDriven #Advocacy

  3. 3d ago

    Why Most People Misunderstand Their Calling in Life

    Deborah Tepley from the Anglican Church in North America shares how she discovered her calling and transformed her career to lead faith-based organizations effectively. This is the story of a remarkable journey from teaching English in Russia to becoming an executive director — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ The pivotal moment that reshaped Deborah's career path ✅ How international experiences broadened her leadership perspective ✅ Concrete strategies to professionalize and elevate faith-based organizations This episode is for mission-driven leaders who aspire to create impactful change within their communities and organizations. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome to the Hart & Hustle Podcast with Deborah Tepley 0:21 – Deborah's passion for purpose-driven work 0:33 – Overview of the Anglican Church in North America 0:50 – Deborah's early calling to ministry 1:47 – The role of the Peace Corps in shaping her outlook 2:29 – Insights from teaching English abroad 3:10 – Understanding the American perspective through global experiences 4:37 – Transitioning to organizational leadership 5:00 – Lessons learned from teaching in a foreign system 6:31 – Day-to-day responsibilities as an executive director 7:23 – Defining a new vision for faith-based service 8:48 – The importance of reevaluating your calling 9:17 – How to elevate your organization through professionalization 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - A transformative experience can lead to unexpected career paths. - Understanding different cultures enhances leadership effectiveness. - Organizational development requires a blend of faith and strategy. - Professionalizing leadership roles can drive mission impact. - Continuous self-evaluation is crucial for fulfilling one's calling. 👤 ABOUT DEBORAH TEPLEY: Deborah Tepley is the Executive Director at the Anglican Church in North America, where she leads efforts to support over a thousand churches across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With a rich background in both education and ministry, she brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and community service. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahtepley/ 🔗 Organization Website: https://acna.org 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #MissionDriven #LeadershipInsights

  4. 6d ago

    The Surprising Truth About Nonprofit Success: Support Systems That Work

    Glennda Testone from the Nonprofit Leadership Lab reveals how to navigate challenges in the nonprofit sector with confidence and innovation. This is the story of transforming panic into purpose — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How to build a supportive community among nonprofit leaders. ✅ Effective strategies for engaging with stakeholders during uncertain times. ✅ Essential resources to empower your nonprofit organization. This episode is for mission-driven leaders who seek actionable insights to enhance their organization’s impact. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – The quiet before the storm: An introduction to Glenda's current situation and the nonprofit landscape. 2:02 – Meet Glennda Testone: CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and her mission. 3:05 – The importance of trust in nonprofits: Insights from recent studies. 4:20 – Glennda's journey through the nonprofit sector and her commitment to service. 5:32 – Resources available to nonprofit leaders: How to access tools and templates. 7:12 – Building community and communication strategies in a digital-first world. 9:01 – The balance between virtual and in-person connections in nonprofit leadership. 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Building a strong community among nonprofit leaders can lead to shared successes and solutions. - Utilizing available resources can prevent leaders from feeling overwhelmed. - Understanding the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector is crucial for effective leadership. - Trust in nonprofit organizations can enhance engagement and collaboration. - Adapting to a hybrid model of communication is essential for contemporary nonprofit leadership. 👤 ABOUT GLENNDA TESTONE: Glennda Testone is the CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders with resources and community support. With over 26 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she is a passionate advocate for effective nonprofit leadership. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenndatestone/ 🔗 Organization Website: https://nonprofitleadershiplab.com 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityBuilding #MissionDriven

  5. Oct 1

    Why Professional Athletes Make Great Nonprofit Leaders

    Brock Yetso from the Ulman Foundation shares how he transformed personal grief into a mission to support young adults facing cancer. This is the story of resilience and community — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How Brock’s personal experiences shaped the Ullman Foundation’s mission to ensure no one faces cancer alone. ✅ The importance of feedback and collaboration learned from sports that can be applied to nonprofit leadership. ✅ Strategies for building a strong team when scaling a mission-driven organization. This episode is for mission-driven leaders who want to create lasting impact and support within their communities. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Setting the stage: Brock’s journey from soccer player to nonprofit leader 0:20 – The Ullman Foundation’s mission and its origin story 1:00 – The personal loss that ignited Brock’s passion for community support 2:00 – Building a strong organization: Lessons from the field 3:00 – The role of teamwork and feedback in nonprofit growth 4:00 – Future plans for the Ullman Foundation and scaling impact 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Brock Yetso emphasizes the importance of having a community to support young adults during their cancer journey. - Feedback is vital for continuous improvement in any organization, as learned from his sports background. - The Ulman Foundation has grown from a solo vision to a team of 25 dedicated employees, showcasing successful mission-driven leadership. - Personal experiences can drive powerful missions that inspire collective action. - Sports metaphors are not just for athletes; they apply to leadership and organization building in the nonprofit sector. 👤 ABOUT BROCK YETSO: Brock Yetso is the CEO of the Ulman Foundation, dedicated to ensuring that no young adult faces cancer alone. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has transformed personal loss into a powerful mission of support and community. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brockyetso/ 🔗 Organization Website: https://ulmanfoundation.org 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #CancerSupport #CommunityImpact

  6. Sep 30

    The Unexpected Journey from Manufacturing to Ministry

    In this episode, Newman from The Chapel reveals how his journey from a manufacturing career to becoming a missions and outreach pastor transformed not only his life but the lives of those he serves. This is the story of a man who embraced his calling, overcoming self-doubt and embracing the power of community — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ The importance of building personal connections in large organizations. ✅ How to leverage past experiences in a new role for greater impact. ✅ Effective strategies for fostering community engagement that resonates. This episode is for mission-driven leaders who seek to inspire their teams and make a lasting difference in their communities. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Meet Newman and his journey from manufacturing to ministry. 0:20 – The calling that led Newman to The Chapel. 1:10 – Insights on personal connections in large organizations. 2:30 – Adapting business skills to nonprofit leadership. 3:45 – The significance of community outreach and engagement. 4:50 – Embracing the challenges of transitioning careers. 6:00 – The role of humility and continuous learning in leadership. 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Building relationships is crucial for effective leadership. - Past experiences can be leveraged for new opportunities. - Engaging volunteers requires understanding and appreciation. - Trust and connection are key to community involvement. - Embracing challenges can lead to unexpected growth. 👤 ABOUT NEWMAN: Newman is the Missions and Outreach Pastor at The Chapel, dedicated to bringing the Great Commission to life through community service and outreach. With over 25 years in the manufacturing industry, he brings a unique perspective to mission-driven leadership. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newman-crook-458b837/ 🔗 Organization Website: thechapel.net 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityEngagement #MissionDriven

  7. Sep 29

    How One Nonprofit Transforms Lives: The Untold Stories Behind Cancer Support

    Sonia Sifuentes from Bay Area Cancer Connections shares how they provide critical support to cancer patients and their families. This is the story of compassionate care during a challenging time — and what overwhelmed operators can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How Bay Area Cancer Connections serves thousands of clients annually and the impact of their virtual programming. ✅ The importance of community partnerships in nonprofit success and client referrals. ✅ Strategies for leveraging technology while maintaining a personal touch in client interactions. This episode is for mission-driven leaders who want to enhance their organization's impact and ensure they are meeting the needs of their communities. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Meet Sonia Sifuentes: A Passionate Advocate for Cancer Patients 1:04 – The Mission of Bay Area Cancer Connections 2:49 – Day-to-Day Operations in Nonprofit Work 4:32 – The Importance of Providing Hope and Resources 5:55 – The Role of Volunteers in Nonprofit Success 6:35 – Adopting Technology While Keeping a Human Touch 7:43 – Navigating Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector 8:37 – Building Relationships with Local Health Systems 10:07 – The Power of Word of Mouth and Community Engagement 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Bay Area Cancer Connections serves around 3,000 clients each year, with a total of over 40,000 served since its inception. - The nonprofit has grown to include 16 staff members and over 300 volunteers. - Sonia emphasizes the critical role of community partnerships in reaching those in need. - The organization is adopting new technology while ensuring a personal connection with clients remains intact. - The episode highlights the challenges nonprofits face and the importance of adaptability and collaboration. 👤 ABOUT SONIA SIFUENTES: Sonia Sifuentes is the Program Associate at Bay Area Cancer Connections, known for her dedication to enhancing the lives of cancer patients and their families through supportive services. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniasifuentes/ 🔗 Organization Website: bayareacancer.org 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #CancerSupport #CommunityImpact

  8. Sep 28

    The Surprising Journey of a YMCA CEO: From Sports Director to Community Leader

    David Ozmore from the Harrisburg area YMCA shares how he transformed his organization into a thriving community hub, achieving remarkable growth post-COVID. This is the story of mission-driven leadership and resilience — and what Visionary Executives can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How to create a culture of gratitude and service that boosts team morale. ✅ The leadership strategies that helped David grow to $22 million in annual sales. ✅ The importance of community partnerships in enhancing program reach and impact. This episode is for Visionary Executives who aspire to lead organizations that thrive in challenging times. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome to the Hart & Hustle Podcast 0:35 – Introduction to David Ozmore and his journey at the YMCA 2:01 – The pivotal moment that led David to a lifelong career in community service 4:50 – Insights on leadership and building an effective team 6:30 – Strategies for maintaining growth and engagement post-COVID 8:45 – The impact of community and family support on leadership success 10:25 – Key mentors who shaped David’s leadership philosophy 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: David emphasizes that vocation should feel joyful, not just an occupation.He discusses the importance of clarity and vision for organizational success.The role of mentorship in leadership development is paramount.Community engagement is crucial for nonprofit growth and sustainability.David’s journey reflects the significance of adaptability in leadership.👤 ABOUT DAVID OZMORE: David is the CEO of the Harrisburg area YMCA, known for steering the organization through significant growth and community impact. With over 33 years in YMCA work, he has dedicated his career to fostering healthy communities and transformative programs. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ozmore-b873a2220/ 🔗 Organization Website: ymcaharrisburg.org 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis#NonprofitLeadership #CommunityEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Hart & Hustle delivers real conversations with nonprofit and healthcare leaders who are scaling mission-driven impact through strategic innovation. Hosted by Efrain Lozada, each 45-minute episode explores leadership, operations, technology adoption, and practical strategies for mission-based organizations. Learn from executives who've transformed accessibility, efficiency, and community engagement while staying true to their values. For nonprofit directors, operations leaders, and healthcare innovators who hustle with heart. New episodes weekly.

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