43 episodes

Welcome to the Lead with Heart Podcast, where the heartbeat of philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and fundraising resonates in every episode. I'm Haley, your host—a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, Certified EmC trainer, and, most importantly, a recovering nonprofit burnout survivor.
In this empowering space, we invite nonprofit professionals to amplify their voices and unveil the heart behind their missions. Our mission is clear: to empower, elevate, and engage nonprofit leaders, fostering the growth of healthy, thriving organizations.
Join me and a lineup of inspiring guests as we delve into real stories of Philanthropy, Leadership, Courage, and Empathy. Together, we explore the strategies and practices employed by these remarkable leaders to heal from burnout, propel their missions forward, raise crucial funds, and ultimately, make a lasting impact in the nonprofit world.
Discover the unwavering commitment to making a difference, the resilience required to navigate the challenges of philanthropy, and the innovative approaches to leadership that drive positive change. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting your journey, the Lead with Heart Podcast is your go-to resource for insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies to enhance your leadership, elevate your organization, and amplify your impact on the world of philanthropy. Tune in and let the heartbeat of leadership guide your nonprofit journey.

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

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 11 Ratings

Welcome to the Lead with Heart Podcast, where the heartbeat of philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and fundraising resonates in every episode. I'm Haley, your host—a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, Certified EmC trainer, and, most importantly, a recovering nonprofit burnout survivor.
In this empowering space, we invite nonprofit professionals to amplify their voices and unveil the heart behind their missions. Our mission is clear: to empower, elevate, and engage nonprofit leaders, fostering the growth of healthy, thriving organizations.
Join me and a lineup of inspiring guests as we delve into real stories of Philanthropy, Leadership, Courage, and Empathy. Together, we explore the strategies and practices employed by these remarkable leaders to heal from burnout, propel their missions forward, raise crucial funds, and ultimately, make a lasting impact in the nonprofit world.
Discover the unwavering commitment to making a difference, the resilience required to navigate the challenges of philanthropy, and the innovative approaches to leadership that drive positive change. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting your journey, the Lead with Heart Podcast is your go-to resource for insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies to enhance your leadership, elevate your organization, and amplify your impact on the world of philanthropy. Tune in and let the heartbeat of leadership guide your nonprofit journey.

    E42: Empowering Nonprofit Leadership Development and Growth with Kristin Harrington, Partner at Lead Star

    E42: Empowering Nonprofit Leadership Development and Growth with Kristin Harrington, Partner at Lead Star

    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

    • 40 min
    E41: Reduce CEO Burnout and Boost Board Engagement with Sabrina Hernandez, CEO of Supporting World Hope

    E41: Reduce CEO Burnout and Boost Board Engagement with Sabrina Hernandez, CEO of Supporting World Hope

    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

    • 40 min
    E40: Discussing Authentic Leadership with Joshua Berry, Author of Dare to Be Naive: How to Find Your True Self in a Noisy World

    E40: Discussing Authentic Leadership with Joshua Berry, Author of Dare to Be Naive: How to Find Your True Self in a Noisy World

    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

    • 44 min
    E39: Corporate Culture and Leadership in Your Nonprofit with Marine Corps Veteran & Founder And CEO of Groundswell, Jake Wood

    E39: Corporate Culture and Leadership in Your Nonprofit with Marine Corps Veteran & Founder And CEO of Groundswell, Jake Wood

    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

    • 36 min
    E38: Navigating Anxiety as a Nonprofit Leader with Dr. Robyn Graham

    E38: Navigating Anxiety as a Nonprofit Leader with Dr. Robyn Graham

    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

    • 46 min
    E37: Trauma-Informed Leadership And Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace with Dimple Dhabalia, founder of Roots in the Clouds

    E37: Trauma-Informed Leadership And Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace with Dimple Dhabalia, founder of Roots in the Clouds

    Welcome back to the Lead with Heart podcast. I am so honored to have Dimple Dhabalia on the podcast today. She has an amazing background in human-centered leadership and I’m truly excited to dive deep into this needed conversation.

    Dimple is the founder of Roots in the Clouds, a boutique consulting firm specializing in normalizing workplace mental health care and using the power of story to heal individual and organizational trauma and moral injury.

    Today we are talking about trauma-informed leadership, redefining self-care, creating a psychologically safe work environment, and more.

    In this episode:
    [01:11] Dimple’s personal experience that led her to humanitarian work and her background as an asylum officer[05:03] Vicarious trauma, secondhand trauma, and compassion fatigue[07:40] How to start investing in yourself when you are experiencing compassion fatigue[14:22] Taking a trauma-informed leadership approach to address occupational traumas and mental health challenges that are faced by people working in nonprofits[18:46] Creating a psychologically safe work environment[29:04] Redefining self-care and building micro practices
    RESOURCES
    Tell Me My Story: Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self by Dimple Dhabalia
    Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Vivek Murthy

    CONNECT WITH DIMPLE
    Dimple Dhabalia is the founder of Roots in the Clouds, coach, facilitator, storyteller, and leader of leaders. Dimple’s cutting-edge work at the intersection of leadership, mindful awareness, storytelling, and advocacy serves to unpack and heal old narratives, mitigate trauma and burnout, and create meaningful connections between people working in mission-driven spaces.
    Facebook: @DimpleDhabalia
    Instagram: @dimpstory
    LinkedIn: Dimple Dhabalia
    Website: rootsintheclouds.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

    • 39 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
11 Ratings

11 Ratings

Nonprofit Pro ,

Inspiring interviews for nonprofiteers!

So grateful for this podcast - feels like I’ve found my people! Haley is an excellent interviewer who models the deep listening and empathy skills she advocates for. I’ve been binge-listening to this podcast and am appreciating all of the inspiration and positivity that Haley and her guest are spreading. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in leadership, mindfulness, nonprofits, philanthropy, and emotional intelligence.

Heather B, SMM ,

Refreshing nonprofit podcast!

People are the basis of nonprofit work, so I love that this podcast highlights and centers the human experience. From mindset to leadership to empathy, this podcast is refreshing to listen to!

NYC Entrepreneur ,

Leading with heart, indeed!

Such wonderful and important conversations for our current times! A must- listen!

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