Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Rob Harter

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast discusses important issues facing nonprofit leaders in our community and features real stories from real leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. Enjoy the show!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 14, 202640 min

From Heartbreak to Impact: Channeling Loss Into a Movement for Positive Change

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Michelle Dubiski, mother of Madison Dubiski, who tragically lost her life during the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston. Michelle shares Madison’s servant-hearted spirit, her deep love for others, and how an organic movement called #PinkBowsForMadison became a symbol of love, remembrance, and hope. Rob is also joined by Steve Allen, an event management and crowd safety expert who has partnered with the Pink Bows Foundation to help create global standards for show-stop procedures and live event safety. Together, Michelle and Steve share how grief has been transformed into advocacy, education, safe spaces, and a growing movement to prevent future tragedies at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other large gatherings. Key Topics Include: The story of Madison Dubiski and the tragedy that inspired the Pink Bows Foundation How the #PinkBowsForMadison movement spread from Houston across the world Why nonprofits can grow powerful movements through community support, clarity of mission, and collaboration The foundation’s three pillars: philanthropic giving, safe spaces at events, and show-stop safety training How Steve Allen and Dr. Mark Hamilton helped develop an internationally accredited show-stop procedure course Why live event safety protocols matter at concerts, festivals, stadiums, and large public gatherings How the Pink Bows Foundation is partnering with global experts, venues, promoters, and public safety leaders to create lasting change Mentioned in This Episode: Pink Bows Foundation About the Pink Bows Foundation Pink Bows Foundation: Madison Dubiski’s family turns tragedy into advocacy (Pink Bows Foundation) Email the Pink Bows Foundation: info@pinkbowsfoundation.org Follow the Pink Bows Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn 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!

June 7, 202636 min

What is the essence of effective leadership?

Hanna Bauer In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Hanna Bauer, founder of HEARTnomics®, about what it really means to lead with clarity, courage, and service. Hanna shares how her childhood battle with heart disease, including a groundbreaking heart ablation surgery, shaped the way she thinks about uncertainty, resilience, and servant leadership. Drawing from her work as a leadership strategist, consultant, coach, and speaker, Hanna explains how nonprofit leaders can move beyond reactive decision-making and build sustainable organizations rooted in vision, values, accountability, and trust. She also introduces her HEART leadership framework and BEAT method as practical tools for helping leaders align people, purpose, performance, and long-term impact. Key Topics Include: How Hanna’s childhood experience with heart disease shaped her leadership philosophy Why effective leadership begins with service and a clear vision The importance of values-based leadership for nonprofit culture and trust How the HEART framework helps leaders build alignment, sustainability, and impact Why founder-led nonprofits often struggle with sustainability and succession How nonprofit leaders can recognize burnout and create healthier rhythms of leadership Moving from reactive leadership to proactive, values-driven decision-making Mentioned in This Episode: Hanna Bauer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna HEARTnomics: https://heartnomics.com HEARTnomics Leadership Profile: https://heartnomics.com/heartnomics-leadership-profile/ Ser Familia: https://serfamilia.org 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!

May 31, 202637 min

Why you need to know what motivates the “Mission Generation”

Arun Gupta In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach Foundation, venture capitalist, Stanford lecturer, Georgetown entrepreneurship professor, and bestselling author of The Mission Generation. Arun shares how his work across entrepreneurship, technology, public policy, venture finance, and social impact has shaped his belief that today’s workforce is increasingly seeking purpose, mission, and public impact in their careers. Rob and Arun discuss how the pandemic, geopolitical instability, artificial intelligence, and rapid social change have caused many people across generations to rethink what they want from work. Arun explains why “stability is the new risk,” why mission-driven careers are no longer limited to one generation or one sector, and how nonprofit leaders can foster innovation, experimentation, and cross-sector collaboration without losing sight of their mission. Key Topics Include: Why emerging and established leaders are increasingly seeking purpose, impact, and mission in their work What Arun means by the “Mission Generation” and why it is a posture, not simply an age group The four major barriers to mission-driven careers: internal, relational, societal, and institutional How nonprofit leaders can help staff connect personal ambition with civic responsibility Why social impact organizations need to embrace experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation The importance of cross-sector careers that move between nonprofit, business, government, and technology Why trust, talent, and interdependence will be critical for the future of mission-driven leadership Mentioned in This Episode: The Mission Generation: NobleReach Foundation: 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!

May 25, 202645 min

How Bank of America Is Helping People Give More To More Organizations

Dianne Bailey In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter talks with Dianne Bailey, Managing Director and National Philanthropic Strategy Executive at Bank of America Private Bank, about the changing landscape of nonprofit fundraising, affluent donors, and the future of charitable giving. Dianne brings decades of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit law, donor strategy, and foundation work, offering a unique view from the intersection of donors and nonprofit leaders. Rob and Dianne discuss key findings from the Bank of America Study of Philanthropy, including why total giving is increasing while fewer households are giving, how nonprofits can build deeper donor relationships, and why volunteer engagement often leads to greater generosity. They also explore donor advised funds, planned giving, women in philanthropy, rising-generation donors, and the massive intergenerational wealth transfer that could reshape nonprofit fundraising for decades to come. Key Topics Include: Why fewer affluent households are giving, even as total charitable giving continues to rise How nonprofits can move from transactional fundraising to relational donor engagement The importance of listening to donors and aligning giving opportunities with their values, interests, and experiences Why volunteers often become stronger, more generous long-term donors How nonprofits can prepare for the great intergenerational wealth transfer through planned giving Why women and rising-generation donors should be key priorities for nonprofit fundraising strategies How donor advised funds can help nonprofits receive larger and more strategic gifts Mentioned in This Episode: Bank of America Study of Philanthropy Connect with Dianne Bailey on LinkedIn 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!

May 17, 202633 min

What is the “Good Neighbor Day” movement all about?

Walter Kim In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Walter Kim, president of the NAE, about the urgent need to rebuild trust, strengthen local communities, and rediscover what it means to be a good neighbor. Walter shares how declining trust, loneliness, polarization, and compassion fatigue are affecting generosity, volunteerism, and civic life across the country. Walter also introduces the Good Neighbor Day America movement, a nationwide call to service designed to help churches, nonprofits, and community groups take simple, practical steps toward neighborliness. From cleaning up parks to supporting local schools, feeding people, and partnering across differences, Walter explains how small acts of kindness can grow into meaningful community transformation. Key Topics Include: Why trust is declining in communities, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations How polarization and ideological conflict affect generosity and volunteer engagement The importance of relational proximity in rebuilding trust at the local level How compassion fatigue, loss of agency, and lack of access can prevent people from serving Why small, visible acts of kindness can create lasting cultural change The vision behind Good Neighbor Day America and how organizations can participate How nonprofit leaders can model service, humility, empathy, and neighborliness Mentioned in This Episode: National Association of Evangelicals 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!

May 11, 202648 min

How to Move From Providing Job Security to Career Security

Steve Cadigan In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Steve Cadigan, talent strategist, author of Workquake, and LinkedIn’s first Chief HR Officer. Steve shares how the employer-employee relationship has changed dramatically in recent years, especially as AI, remote work, frequent career changes, and shifting expectations around purpose and flexibility continue to reshape the workplace. Steve explains why nonprofit leaders can no longer rely on traditional ideas of long-term retention or job security. Instead, he encourages leaders to offer “career security” by helping employees grow, learn, and become better prepared for an uncertain future. For nonprofits, this shift creates a powerful opportunity to attract mission-driven talent, build stronger alumni relationships, redesign roles for shorter talent cycles, and create cultures where people want to contribute deeply—even if they do not stay forever. Key Topics Include: Why the “workquake” is changing how leaders recruit, retain, and develop talent The difference between job security and career security How nonprofit leaders can build stronger talent strategies in a short-tenure workplace Why employees are increasingly loyal to learning, growth, and purpose How nonprofits can attract people in career transition through “tour of duty” roles The value of alumni communities and maintaining relationships with former employees Why reverse mentoring can help younger employees contribute, grow, and stay engaged Mentioned in This Episode: Steve Cadigan’s website: https://stevecadigan.com Steve Cadigan’s book, Workquake: https://stevecadigan.com/workquake/ Steve Cardigan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/ 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!

May 4, 202630 min

How Leaders Sustain Long-Term Impact in Mission-Driven Work

Caitlin Baron In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Caitlin Baron, CEO of the Luminos Fund, to discuss how nonprofit leaders can sustain long-term impact while scaling mission-driven work. Caitlin shares her personal journey from growing up in Brooklyn, where she saw firsthand how education changes opportunity, to leading international education initiatives that help children who have been denied access to school. Caitlin explains how the Luminos Fund creates second-chance education programs for out-of-school children across Africa, helping students cover three years of learning in just one year. She also shares practical leadership insights on scaling impact, building strong partnerships, staying focused on mission, cultivating joyful learning environments, and growing as a leader while an organization expands. Key Topics Include: How the Luminos Fund helps out-of-school children catch up and reenter school with peers their own age Why nonprofit leaders should focus on community assets instead of only looking at needs or deficits How Luminos scales impact through African-led community-based organizations and government partnerships The importance of open-source tools, teacher guides, and the Luminos Method for expanding education access Why joyful learning, play-based instruction, and safe classroom environments accelerate academic outcomes How Caitlin’s leadership evolved from hands-on program builder to steward of strategy, culture, hiring, and risk management Why nonprofit CEOs must stay in dialogue with the external environment while keeping internal teams aligned Mentioned in This Episode: Luminos Fund: https://luminosfund.org The Luminos Method: https://luminosfund.org/luminos-method Luminos Method on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com 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!

April 26, 20261 hr 25 min

Critical Conversations: Special Four-State Panel Discussion Addressing Today’s Top Trends

In this special four-state panel discussion, Rob Harter brings together nonprofit leaders from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado to discuss the biggest trends impacting nonprofit leadership today. Guests Jill Bennett of the Utah Nonprofits Association, Kevin Bailey of the Idaho Community Foundation and Idaho Nonprofit Center, Jodi Shields of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, and Lloyd Lewis of arc Thrift Stores share practical insights on financial sustainability, fundraising challenges, staff burnout, AI, board governance, collaboration, and social enterprise. Together, the panel explores how nonprofit organizations can continue to serve rising community needs while facing funding uncertainty, workforce pressure, and rapid technological change. This conversation offers honest encouragement and practical strategies for executive directors, board members, fundraisers, and nonprofit staff who are navigating today’s complex nonprofit landscape. Key Topics Include: How nonprofit leaders are responding to financial uncertainty, changing donor behavior, and reduced grant funding The growing challenge of nonprofit staff burnout and how organizations can better support and retain employees Why mission alignment, flexible work, clear expectations, and healthy workplace culture matter for nonprofit retention Practical ways nonprofits are using AI and technology to save time, improve communication, and strengthen operations Board governance best practices, including the role of the board, ideal board size, and when to use advisory boards How nonprofit collaboration, mergers, shared services, and collective impact models can increase effectiveness The importance of joining state nonprofit associations and building a stronger collective voice for the sector Mentioned in This Episode: Utah Nonprofits Association UTAHGIVES Idaho Community Foundation Idaho Nonprofit Center Idaho Gives Wyoming Nonprofit Network WyoGives arc Thrift Stores arc Thrift Stores Gala 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!

April 19, 202633 min

How Leaders Navigate Through Change While Staying True to the Mission

Pierre Le Manh In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO of Project Management Institute (PMI), about how nonprofit leaders can stay grounded in their mission while navigating rapid change, uncertainty, and transformation. Pierre shares why clarity of purpose, adaptive execution, transparency, and values-based leadership are essential for keeping teams aligned and motivated even when conditions are shifting. Rob and Pierre also explore why project management skills are no longer reserved for people with the project manager title. From prioritization and stakeholder alignment to AI adoption, enterprise agility, and long-term thinking, this conversation offers practical leadership insights for nonprofit executives who want to improve execution, avoid mission drift, and lead change with empathy. Pierre also points listeners to PMI’s resources and his LinkedIn profile for continued learning. Key Topics Include: How nonprofit leaders can stay anchored in purpose during seasons of rapid change and uncertainty Why adaptive execution often works better than overplanning and overregulating in mission-driven organizations The growing importance of project management skills for nonprofit leaders, CEOs, and teams leading transformation How prioritization, planning, and stakeholder trust directly improve mission outcomes What it looks like to integrate AI with empathy, experimentation, and people-first leadership How to avoid shiny object syndrome and build practical guardrails around new technology adoption Why resilience, reflective practice, and long-term thinking help leaders sustain impact over time Mentioned in This Episode: Pierre Le Manh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-le-manh-3a4158 Project Management Institute (PMI): https://www.pmi.org/ 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!

April 12, 202642 min

What is the Fundraising Report Card?

Greg Warner In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Greg Warner, founder of MarketSmart, to explore how nonprofit leaders can use fundraising data more effectively. Greg shares the story behind the Fundraising Report Card, a free tool designed to help organizations better understand donor retention, lapsed donors, giving trends, and overall fundraising performance. The conversation also dives into the future of fundraising, including how AI can create efficiencies, improve donor engagement, and free up development teams to focus more on meaningful relationships. Greg offers a powerful reminder that donors should never be treated like ATMs, but rather as people looking for purpose, trust, and connection through their giving. Key Topics Include: What the Fundraising Report Card is and how it helps nonprofits assess donor trends, retention, and lapsed giving Why lifetime donor value is one of the most important metrics nonprofit leaders should understand Common data challenges organizations face, including poor data hygiene and activity-based measurement How AI can improve fundraising efficiency by handling repetitive tasks and supporting donor cultivation Why donor relationships should be approached relationally rather than transactionally How empathy for the donor experience can lead to more transformational gifts What nonprofit leaders should prepare for as fundraising continues to evolve in the years ahead Mentioned in This Episode: Greg Warner on LinkedIn MarketSmart: iMarketSmart.com Fundraising Report Card: FundraisingReportCard.com 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!