Best Rob Harter Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Focus Your Time on Strategically Meaningful Work 38:05

2d ago38:05

38:05

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Sophie Blondeau, Co-Founder of Sowen Group, to explore how nonprofit leaders can better manage their time and organizational efforts by using strategic data. Sophie shares insights from a groundbreaking research study on data maturity across the social impact sector. W…

1
Why Your Team May Be Having a Buy-in Problem 29:48

14h ago29:48

29:48

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter is joined by leadership coach and author Dave Garrison to explore a growing and critical issue in today’s workplace: the buy-in crisis. Drawing from his latest book, The Buy-In Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring and How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give Their All, Dave …

1
From One Caregiver’s Search to a National Movement: The Story of the National MS Society 32:31

8d ago32:31

32:31

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Tim Coetzee, CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to discuss the inspiring journey of the organization from a simple newspaper ad in 1945 to a nationwide movement transforming lives today. Tim shares the riveting origin story of the MS Society, which began with…

1
How to Unlock the Power of Storytelling for Your Nonprofit 31:17

15d ago31:17

31:17

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes storytelling expert Vanessa Chase Lockshin, founder of The Storytelling Non-Profit and author of The Storytelling Non-Profit. Vanessa shares her extensive experience helping organizations craft emotionally resonant, authentic stories that drive fundraising success and…

1
Leadership as a “Sacred Experience” 31:46

1M ago31:46

31:46

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dan Tocchini, a seasoned nonprofit leader, coach, and founder who describes leadership as a “sacred experience.” With over 25 years of experience leading and coaching, Dan offers a fresh, principle-based approach to transforming teams, navigating conflict, and creati…

1
How Your Nonprofit Can Build Trust Over Time with Anthony Kennedy Shriver 33:15

1M ago33:15

33:15

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder, chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies International. Anthony shares the inspiring origin story of Best Buddies, which began as a college initiative and has grown into a global nonprofit that supports individuals with intellectual and devel…

1
This NBA Player’s Legacy is Helping People All Over the World 31:30

1M ago31:30

31:30

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Bob Bush, co-founder of Mutombo Coffee. Bob shares the inspiring story behind the social enterprise he helped build with the late NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo. Although Mutombo Coffee is a for-profit company, Bob explains how its mission-driven approach offers powerful lesso…

1
How This Nonprofit Has Leveraged Hollywood’s Influence to Drive Social Change 33:50

2M ago33:50

33:50

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter talks with Debbie Levin, CEO of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). Debbie shares her incredible journey of leading EMA for over 25 years, rebuilding the organization from the ground up, and strategically using the influence of Hollywood to promote sustainability and enviro…

1
Why Passion is Not Always Enough 30:48

2M ago30:48

30:48

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with David Rhode, author of Passion Isn’t Enough. Together, they dive into the realities of nonprofit leadership and why passion alone can’t sustain an organization. David shares insights from his book on how strategic planning, strong branding, effective fundraising, and…

1
Leading a Multigenerational Organization: Strategies for Success Across Five Generations 31:23

2M ago31:23

31:23

In this episode Rob sits down with David Robbins, President of Cru, a global nonprofit with staff in over 190 countries. David shares his leadership journey and dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a multigenerational organization. With team members spanning five generations, David offers valuable strategies for fostering u…

1
Empowering Students Through Education: How One Nonprofit is Expanding Access for Those Affected by Poverty 25:14

2M ago25:14

25:14

In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring, a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to college readiness resources for students impacted by poverty. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Yoon shares how CollegeSpring is revolutionizing test preparation and college readines…

1
How to Bring More Innovation to Your Organization 36:20

3M ago36:20

36:20

Innovation and nonprofits don’t always seem like a natural fit—but they should be. In this episode, Rob Harter talks with Leah Kral, author of Innovation for Social Change, about how nonprofit leaders can infuse creativity and innovation into their organizations. Leah shares her insights on overcoming common barriers to innovation, fostering a cult…

1
How the Hilton Foundation Is Addressing Homelessness in LA 39:30

3M ago39:30

39:30

Rob Harter is joined by Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, to discuss how the foundation is tackling homelessness in Los Angeles. The Hilton Foundation has invested millions into addressing this crisis, working closely with government agencies, nonprofit partners, and individuals who have firsthand experience with homelessn…

1
How This Food Bank is Helping to Reduce Food Insecurity 30:42

3M ago30:42

30:42

In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Eric Hodel, CEO of Midwest Food Bank, to discuss how his organization is tackling food insecurity on both a national and international scale. Midwest Food Bank has grown to serve 23 states in the U.S., multiple countries, and provide disaster relief—all with a highly efficient distribution model and a dedica…

1
How to Enhance Your Nonprofit’s Marketing and Fundraising Efforts 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Jesse Lane, founder of goodmakerU and Branches Mission Lab, to discuss how nonprofits can elevate their marketing and fundraising efforts in an increasingly digital world. Jesse returns to the show to share insights on the power of email marketing, donor engagement strategies, and the role of AI in nonprofit…

1
How to Create the Culture You Need to Succeed 29:35

4M ago29:35

29:35

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Michael Horowitz, Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, about the crucial role of culture in nonprofit success. Dr. Horowitz emphasizes that culture isn’t just an abstract concept—it directly impacts leadership, fundraising, collaboration, and long-term impact. Topics include: – Why Peter…

1
How This Nonprofit in Spain is Seeking to Impact Their Country and Beyond 29:21

4M ago29:21

29:21

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Javier Lezcano, Executive Director of Xcalibur Foundation, a nonprofit based in Spain that is making a significant impact across multiple countries. As the first Spanish nonprofit featured on the podcast, Javier shares how Xcalibur Foundation is working to support vulnerable communities through education, spo…

1
How to balance compensation and meaning 31:59

4M ago31:59

31:59

In this episode, Rob speaks with Doug Paul, founder of Catapult, about the importance of personal growth for nonprofit leaders. Doug emphasizes the role of intentionality in leadership development and shares actionable insights on how leaders can design a personal growth plan that aligns with their unique wiring, calling, and story. Topics include:…

1
The Challenges of Accessing Funding for Scale 35:27

4M ago35:27

35:27

In this episode, Rob is joined by Mohamed Osman and Ali Metcalf from Spring Impact, a nonprofit focused on helping organizations tackle global challenges at scale. Together, they discuss the findings from their new report, which explores how nonprofits can overcome the biggest obstacle to scaling their impact: accessing funding. Why accessing fundi…

1
How to Both Empower People and Encourage Self-Reliance 28:14

5M ago28:14

28:14

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Stephane Aoki, founder of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged Ivorians by providing job opportunities and fostering self-reliance. Stephane shares his personal journey growing up in the Ivory Coast and how his experiences inspired the mission of Elevate. -Why job creatio…

1
What Does It Take to Mobilize Gen Z into Changemakers? 31:30

5M ago31:30

31:30

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with George Tsiatis, CEO and co-founder of the Resolution Project, about how to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. George shares his experience working with Gen Z leaders and explains why this generation is uniquely positioned to tackle global challenges. Topics include: George also shares in…

1
How Nonprofit Collaboration Increases Impact 35:59

5M ago35:59

35:59

In this episode, Rob is joined by Scott Marcello, President of African Mission Healthcare, to discuss how nonprofit collaboration can amplify impact and create lasting change. Scott shares insights into the organization’s work addressing healthcare disparities across Africa, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, community engagement, and inno…

1
An Update from the CEO of Rotary 34:52

5M ago34:52

34:52

In this episode, Rob is joined by John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International. John shares an update on Rotary’s global initiatives, including their ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, tackle new challenges, and adapt to the evolving needs of communities worldwide. Topics include: How Rotary is addressing the loneliness epidemic t…

1
How is AI Changing Medical Research? 23:50

6M ago23:50

23:50

In this episode, Rob speaks with Dr. Kristen Brown, Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute, about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on medical research. Dr. Brown shares insights from her work in maternal health research, highlighting how AI is being used to address critical health disparities and improve healthcar…

1
What’s the Future of AI for the Nonprofit Sector? 27:31

6M ago27:31

27:31

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the nonprofit landscape, and the question for nonprofit leaders isn’t whether to use AI, but how to use it effectively. In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Ben Miller, SVP of Data Science at Bonterra, to explore how nonprofits can leverage AI for good. They discuss practical applications l…

1
How to Use Innovation for Positive Change 25:58

6M ago25:58

25:58

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Scott Key, the founder of Every Shelter, a nonprofit focused on providing innovative shelter solutions for refugees. Scott shares insights into the global refugee crisis, emphasizing the staggering statistic that refugees remain displaced for an average of 20 years. He explains how Every Shelter addresses thi…

1
How to Be a Nonprofit Bestie 27:35

6M ago27:35

27:35

In this episode, Rob is joined by Ellena Fortner, founder of Nonprofit Bestie, an organization dedicated to empowering women leaders in small and medium-sized nonprofits. With over 15 years of nonprofit experience, Ellena focuses on equipping leaders with practical tools, strategies, and guidance to achieve their fundraising goals with confidence a…

1
Your Retention Starts with Your Recruitment Process 30:10

7M ago30:10

30:10

In today’s episode, Rob Harter is joined by Mariya Yurukova, founder of Charity Search Group (CSG), to discuss the essential connection between recruitment and retention in the nonprofit sector. With years of experience helping organizations find and retain top talent, Mariya shares actionable strategies for building a strong workforce through effe…

1
Why aiming for a stress-free childhood is not ideal 27:52

7M ago27:52

27:52

Addressing childhood poverty in the U.S. is an enormous challenge, and for nonprofits working to improve children’s lives, understanding the impact of poverty is essential. In this episode, Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician and advocate for early childhood development, joins Rob to discuss how nonprofits can support positive childhood experiences…

1
How to Measure the Impact of Your Programs 32:24

7M ago32:24

32:24

Measuring impact is crucial for nonprofits striving to create sustainable change. In this episode, Dana François, Program Officer for Family Economic Security at the Kellogg Foundation, joins Rob to discuss strategies for effectively measuring program impact. Dana shares insights from the Kellogg Foundation’s Pockets of Hope campaign in Haiti, a ta…

1
How Massachusetts is Seeking to Make Hunger History 31:18

7M ago31:18

31:18

What does it take to solve food insecurity on a statewide level? In this episode, Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, shares how Massachusetts is tackling food insecurity through advocacy, systemic change, and statewide collaboration. Erin discusses Project Bread’s radical approach to ending hunger by addressing both immediate needs a…

1
How to Become a Savvy Fundraiser 30:38

8M ago30:38

30:38

What does it take to become a successful fundraiser in today’s competitive nonprofit environment? In this episode, Haley Cooper, fundraising expert and host of the Lead with Heart podcast, shares key strategies for becoming a savvy fundraiser. Haley discusses the most pressing challenges nonprofit leaders face, such as staff turnover and donor rete…

1
Nonprofits…we need a rebrand 55:40

8M ago55:40

55:40

Nonprofit. It is a word we all use to describe our organizations, but are we inadvertently hurting ourselves by using that word? When you hear the name “nonprofit” what comes to mind? Perhaps scarcity, or the opposite of something, or work that we shouldn’t get paid to do? Why do we call this sector by its tax exempt status rather than for what we …

1
What does it take to turn around a struggling nonprofit? 32:46

8M ago32:46

32:46

What does it take to turn around a struggling nonprofit? In this episode, Armando Contreras, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), shares his remarkable story of reviving a nonprofit that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Armando discusses the challenges UCP faced and the strategies he implemented to restore financial stability and build trust with aff…

1
What one organization is doing to address our growing mental health crisis 25:16

8M ago25:16

25:16

Mental health is a critical issue, especially in today’s world, and Lindsay Kolsch, Co-Executive Director of To Write Love On Her Arms, joins this episode to discuss her organization’s mission. Lindsay shares how TWLOHA provides hope and help to people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. With suicide affecting someone e…

1
How Petco is impacting the lives of both pets and humans 30:35

8M ago30:35

30:35

Humans are not the only ones who suffer through troubling times, their pets do as well. Pets are often the only companion a person may have and they play a big role in one’s mental and physical health, especially during trying times. This episodes’ guest, Susanne Kogut, explains why her nonprofit is committed to the wellbeing of pets and their fami…

1
How government agencies and nonprofits can work together effectively 24:54

9M ago24:54

24:54

Have you ever wondered how public-private partnerships can help solve large-scale social issues? Today’s guest, Kathleen Kelly Janus, shares her experience leading impactful collaborations between government, private companies, and nonprofits to tackle challenges like homelessness and recidivism. Kathleen Kelly explains how these partnerships are v…

1
Hear how three emerging Gen Z leaders are making their world better 32:33

9M ago32:33

32:33

Being young doesn’t mean one can’t make a difference. In fact, there is a lot we in the nonprofit space can learn from Gen Z leaders who have already made a big impact in their communities. Today’s guests; Sienna Nazarian, Robbie Khazan, and Dylan Zajac are exactly those kinds of leaders. These three are great examples of emerging leaders who are m…

1
How to improve your organization’s recruitment and retention 39:56

9M ago39:56

39:56

Now more than ever, it’s essential that nonprofit leaders build a strong, adaptable team. But how do you find, keep, and mold top talent that aligns with your organization’s mission? Today’s guest, William Vanderbloemen, shares key strategies for building, running, and maintaining a great team that is dedicated to your organization’s values and mis…

1
How one nonprofit is changing the future of underserved students 29:52

9M ago29:52

29:52

How can nonprofits effectively support underserved students in achieving higher education? How do you encourage both the student and their family members to believe in their potential to achieve more? Today’s guest, Dr. Johanna Moya Fabregas, explains how her nonprofit is empowering the next generation through education and emotional support. Rob’s…

1
Why staff retention is quickly becoming your top issue to address 31:32

10M ago31:32

31:32

In a recent survey of nonprofit workers across the United States, a staggering 74% reported that they are seeking another job. And out of those seeking new employment, 65% are unsure they will remain working in the non-profit sector. This is a serious issue that nonprofit organizations must focus on. Today’s guest, Michelle Flores Vryn, shares more…

1
Community Foundations: How they work and what makes them unique 29:22

10M ago29:22

29:22

Most of you have heard of community foundations, but do you know how they work and what makes them unique? These organizations pool donations to support local projects, schools, and charities, ensuring funds stay within the community. Today’s guest, Amy Freitag, shares why community foundations are so powerful, and the benefits of collaborating wit…

1
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons special interview 18:15

10M ago18:15

18:15

Human trafficking today has become one of the most overlooked humanitarian crises of our time. It is a shockingly widespread problem, with an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide. And on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it’s time to bring this hidden issue out of the shadows. Rob sits down with Nikki Clifton, the head of the UPS Founda…

1
Will AI replace your staff? 33:06

10M ago33:06

33:06

AI has been a topic of conversation for many of us in the nonprofit sector. Is the reliance on AI a good thing or a bad thing? Will the implementation of AI completely eliminate jobs? Like most things in life, it’s nuanced. Today’s guest, Bertina Ceccarelli, explains how AI is affecting jobs in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, and ways we can …

1
How to navigate corporate philanthropy 34:01

11M ago34:01

34:01

As leaders of nonprofits, receiving donations or grants from corporations is essential to our ability to provide services that make an impact. It’s important we are effective in our approach to obtaining financial gifts from these large organizations. Today’s guest, Tiara Green, shares some best practices regarding corporate philanthropy. Rob’s gue…

1
Strategies for helping to cultivate social change 34:50

11M ago34:50

34:50

Nonprofits are driven by the desire to create social change in their communities and in the world overall. Today’s guest, Jacob Harold, explains why creating a map of your intentions, developing storytelling, and using mathematical modeling are all great tools to bring about social change. Jacob is the author of The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting…

1
How to scale an organization without mission drift 33:19

11M ago33:19

33:19

As nonprofit leaders, we often find we are filling a gap in society by resolving specific needs the government or the private sector is not addressing. Rob’s guest, Lynn Margherio, explains how her twenty year organization has been filling a large gap that affects approximately 1 in 5 children across the United States. Lynn is the founder and CEO o…

1
What traits are most important for a nonprofit leader? 33:45

11M ago33:45

33:45

To understand the people you are leading, you must first understand yourself. Truly becoming curious about who you are and being honest with yourself, will help you embody important traits needed to be a great leader. Today’s guest, Brenda Jimenez, describes the three traits she believes are most important for a nonprofit leader to have. Rob’s gues…

1
Can AI help your nonprofit? 24:00

12M ago24:00

24:00

How can AI help your nonprofit? Today’s guests are going to continue a conversation I had a few months back with Justin Spelhaug of Microsoft. The topic is AI, and more specifically the good use of AI to benefit your nonprofit. So how can AI be used for good to help you and your organization? Rob’s guests are going to talk about just a few of the w…

1
How to mitigate the staff retention challenge 35:10

12M ago35:10

35:10

According to the 2024 Social Impact Staff Retention Report, three out of every four nonprofit employees are looking for a new job. More than half of those people are unsure they will continue working in the nonprofit sector. Rob’s guest, Julia Devine, shares what nonprofit leaders can do to alleviate this retention issue. Julia is the Co-founder of…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Rob Harter Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen