I am so excited to introduce you to Frank Velásquez Jr., a storyteller, social justice leader, and founder of 4 Da Hood. Frank is passionate about equity, authenticity, and helping leaders of color rise into their power with unapologetic joy. In this conversation, we explore how storytelling can double nonprofit funding, why creating restorative circles fosters trust and authentic connection, and how leaders can bridge divides in today’s divisive climate. Frank also shares the inspiration beh...
I am so excited to welcome Chris Wong to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Chris is a licensed therapist, executive coach, and host of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations podcast. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and health sectors, Chris specializes in helping purpose-driven leaders navigate difficult transitions, rebuild trust, and lead culture change that actually lasts. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of mastering hard conversations, the psychology behind...
I am so excited to welcome Amanda Pearce to the Lead with Heart Podcast! Mandy is the powerhouse founder and CEO of Funding for Good, bringing over two decades of expertise in nonprofit fundraising, organizational development, and business growth. In this episode, we dive into the realities of nonprofit burnout, the power of saying no, and how strategic planning can be your best tool for focus, fundraising, and freedom. Mandy shares her personal journey of leaving burnout behind and building...
I am so excited to welcome Maria Rio to the podcast! Maria is the founder of Further Together, a fundraising consultancy helping nonprofit leaders raise money without stress, scarcity, or burnout. As a former refugee and user of charitable services, Maria brings powerful lived experience to her equity-driven approach to fundraising. With over 15 years of leadership experience, Maria is a sought-after speaker, writer, and advocate for community-centric fundraising. In this conversation, we exp...
I am thrilled to be joined by Seth Donlin, a seasoned marketing and communications coach who helps leaders master the art of authentic storytelling. With decades of experience in journalism, politics, and marketing, Seth now empowers leaders and entrepreneurs to craft compelling narratives that connect, inspire, and grow their impact. In this episode, we dive into the power of “sticky” stories - those memorable, relatable stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Seth shares practical tips...
In this episode of the Lead With Heart Podcast, I sit down with Nick Cooney, the founder and Managing Partner at Lever VC, a trailblazing early-stage venture capital fund focused on food tech, ag tech, and sustainable food innovation that is changing the game. Together, we explore the interplay between venture capital and philanthropy that, if done well, can reshape the future of food. We dive into the world of impact investing, sustainable food systems, and the power of action-driven philan...
I'm excited to welcome Ben Williamson to the Lead With Heart Podcast. Ben is the Director of Recruitment at Ambitious Impact, a dynamic organization, reshaping how we identify and support the next generation of nonprofit leaders. He works with their Charity Entrepreneurship program, an incubator for nonprofits, where he helps people move from good intentions to real-world impact. Ben brings a refreshingly honest and insightful perspective to the table from hard-earned lessons of starting an...
In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m honored to welcome someone I've known my whole career, Sara Garske, the principal and founder of Elwood Advisors. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she works with nonprofits, foundations, and individual philanthropists to create sustainable and impactful giving and fundraising strategies. We explore trust-based philanthropy, ways to engage and empower different generations in their philanthropic journey, and more. So,...
In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Catherine De Orio, executive director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts, Emmy Award-winning TV host, and culinary changemaker, who is transforming the way youth find their voice and future through food. From courtroom to kitchen, Catherine’s journey is one of purpose, pivoting, and passionate leadership. Together, we explore how culinary arts can be a powerful vehicle for vocational training, mentorship, and confid...
In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m honored to welcome Ron Katz - a seasoned fundraising leader with over three decades of impact in healthcare, education, and social services. Ron has raised over $100 million for mission-driven organizations, and today, he shares how his personal journey with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has deepened his approach to donor relationships and philanthropy. We explore how personal experiences can shape and enhance fundraising effectiveness,...
I am thrilled to welcome Jacqueline Ackerman, interim director of the Women's Philanthropy Institute (WPI), to the podcast. In this episode, we’re unpacking how women give and why understanding those patterns can completely reshape how we approach nonprofit fundraising strategies. Jacqueline brings a rich perspective, combining data, empathy, and decades of research to challenge traditional donor engagement approaches. From giving circles to intergenerational wealth transfer, we discuss what ...
I’m honored to welcome Elliot Kallen to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Elliot is the president and co-founder of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit organization that has turned the devastating loss of his teenage son into a powerful mission to prevent teen suicide and offer hope to thousands of families. In this deeply moving and empowering conversation, Elliot shares how his nonprofit is supporting 3,000–6,000 families each month with free mental health toolkits, a 24/7 teen crisis text line, and Zoo...
I can’t think of a more powerful way to celebrate 100 episodes than with Susan Inouye, a transformational executive coach and bestselling author whose work bridges neuroscience, somatics, and leadership. In this milestone conversation, we explore how nonprofit leaders can shift from head-centric to heart-centered leadership. Susan shares five key leadership shifts for building emotionally intelligent, collaborative cultures—especially across generations. If you're ready to build a culture whe...
I’m thrilled to welcome David Rhode. David is a seasoned leader, nonprofit coach, strategic consultant, and author of Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders. His career spans marketing, founding and running a nonprofit, and teaching at the University of Pennsylvania. He offers deep insight into leading sustainable organizations. In this episode, we explore how to build a resonant brand, shift from passion to strategy, and engage your board in impactful fundraising. In t...
What if we told you that hustle isn’t the only way to grow your nonprofit’s impact? In this episode, I’m joined by Luis Báez, a revenue enablement strategist and sales coach whose mission is to prove that you don’t have to grind to grow. Luis spent the last decade translating high-growth tech strategies into sustainable success for executive sales leaders and heart-centered business owners. We dive into the power of servant leadership, developing strong organizational culture, and embracing ...
I am so excited to welcome Alejandra Ramirez Wells to the Lead With Heart Podcast. Alejandra is an internal communication strategist and culture-building expert with nearly two decades of experience helping mission-driven organizations transform from the inside out. In this episode, we dive deep into how internal communication is the key to creating sustainable nonprofit culture, retaining talent, and reducing burnout. Alejandra shares actionable insights for developing values-based communica...
This week on Lead with Heart, intuitive coach and former jazz musician Shimrit Nativ shares her journey from off-grid living to leading a thriving coaching practice. We explore how nonprofit leaders can reconnect with their purpose, rebuild trust in their intuition, and take aligned action—whether launching bold initiatives or navigating day-to-day pressures. In this episode: [01:43] Meet Shimrit: From off-grid living to intuitive coaching[07:15] Listening to your inner guidance - even when t...
What does it really mean to tell stories with heart - and without harm? In this deeply moving and practical episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m joined by my brilliant friend Diana Farias Heinrich, CEO of Habrá Marketing and the visionary behind the EQUAstory Framework and the Ethical Nonprofit Summit. Together, we explore the complex terrain of ethical storytelling in the nonprofit sector. Diana shares her journey from a first-time fundraiser to a leader in ethical marketing, includin...
Welcome to another powerful episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, your nonprofit leadership podcast focused on heart-led strategy and sustainable growth. This week, I sit down with Stephanie Sloan, founder of JLC Systems and an expert in streamlining nonprofit operations through effective SOPs. Stephanie shares her IMPACT Method — a practical framework for evaluating workflows, preventing burnout, increasing donor and volunteer engagement, and preparing your organization for funding success...
I am so excited to have Kel Haney back on the podcast. She is a fundraising expert who knows firsthand how a simple five minute conversation can transform donor relationships and significantly boost engagement. In this episode, we're exploring the power of picking up the phone to grow mid-level donors. Discover practical strategies to build meaningful relationships with donors through phone calls, ensure effective follow-ups, and leave impactful voicemails. If you're ready to learn how ...