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 philanthropy. You'll also learn how to overcome your internal barriers and start helping others today.

In this episode:

• [01:55] How Nick started blending venture capitalism and philanthropy
• [06:01] How to overcome the barriers to a more sustainable food system
• [08:28] What nonprofits can do to advocate for a  better food system
• [12:14] What the ideal sustainable food system looks like
• [13:58] Two innovations that will reshape how the world eats
• [16:16] How investments and philanthropy can make food accessible for all
• [19:11] Nick's latest book and the high cost of inaction
• [21:25] Some internal barriers we face to helping others
• [26:44] Three strategies to start building your charitable muscles today
• [32:43] Choose how you use money for greater impact

Discover Nick's books, including his latest, What We Don't Do.

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

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 and shutting down a charity that wasn't delivering results, to focusing on what really matters to create impact, to spotting the unexpected qualities that make founders thrive.

In this episode:

• [02:45] How Ben found his own way to create social impact
• [05:12] Why Ben is focusing on international development
• [07:12] Ben's journey to building a nonprofit in West Africa
• [10:46] Navigating the vast cultural differences around family planning
• [16:03] Ben's brave decision to shut down his nonprofit
• [21:06] What founders must keep in mind when starting a nonprofit
• [24:40] Measuring what really matters in delivering real change
• [33:17] The traits behind excellent nonprofit founders
• [36:53] Advice for aspiring nonprofit founders to take the first step

Learn more about Charity Entrepreneurship, the incubator for nonprofits

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

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, whether you're an individual donor, part of a foundation, or part of a nonprofit, you will find practical strategies that will help you create greater impact.

In this episode:

• [02:44] Sara's 25+ year journey of thriving in philanthropy
• [06:27] What philanthropy is really about
• [07:18] What the role of a philanthropic advisor looks like
• [08:10] Help family foundations evolve past checkbook giving
• [11:07] How trust-based philanthropy can lead to greater impact
• [12:42] Ways nonprofits can build trust with family foundations
• [15:21] Strategies to navigate different generations' giving priorities
• [20:45] Transparency is critical for nonprofits
• [23:52] Effective ways to engage the next generation
• [26:54] Serving nonprofits and foundations with Elwood Advisors
• [29:02] Anyone can be a philanthropist

Catch up with my talk with Jenn Klein in episode 24 of Lead With Heart.

CONNECT WITH SARA

LinkedIn: Sara Garske

Website: elwoodadvising.com

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

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 confidence-building, especially for under-resourced youth.

In this episode:

• [02:43] From litigator to culinary leader: Catherine’s career pivot
• [05:21] The Foundation for Culinary Arts and the Yes Chef Culinary Camp
• [08:34] The value of networking
• [10:32] Career opportunities in the culinary world
• [14:12] Nonprofit leadership lessons
• [18:02] The barriers young chefs face
• [22:12] Listening to youth feedback to evolve programming
• [26:53] Personal branding and authenticity in the culinary world
• [29:03] Seizing imperfect opportunities

CONNECT WITH CATHERINE

LinkedIn: Catherine De Orio

Instagram: @catdeorio & @yeschefcamp

Website: https://foundationforculinaryarts.org/

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

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, how to build lasting donor trust, and why authentic storytelling matters - especially in healthcare philanthropy. Whether you're a major gifts officer, executive director, or emerging nonprofit leader, Ron’s insight into patient-centered funding and nonprofit resilience will leave you inspired and empowered.

In this episode:

• [03:00] Ron’s path from politics to nonprofit fundraising
• [04:03] Leveraging a political background for nonprofit advocacy
• [05:00] How philanthropy drives medical advancement and enhances patient care
• [08:34] Building lasting donor relationships in today’s fundraising landscape
• [11:47] The power of patient-centered funding initiatives
• [13:44] Ron’s journey with CLL and its impact on his work
• [16:03] How to build strong donor relationships
• [18:07] The role of donor funding in research and treatment innovation
• [20:36] Ethical storytelling in healthcare fundraising
• [24:02] Key takeaways for emerging nonprofit professionals
• [26:06] Universal principles that apply across nonprofit sectors

E62: Turning Personal Loss Into Community Impact with Susan Combs from Pancakes for Roger

CONNECT WITH RON

LinkedIn:

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

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 it means to meet women donors where they are and how fundraisers can adapt to support more values-aligned, inclusive philanthropy.

In this episode:

• [02:40] Jacqueline’s personal journey into women’s philanthropy
• [05:37] The research process behind WPI’s donor data
• [09:25] How women’s giving differs from men’s giving
• [13:10] Why affinity trumps capacity in donor engagement
• [16:29] Collective giving and how giving circles work
• [21:29] The value of engaging a giving circle
• [23:29] The case for affinity-based fundraising groups
• [26:13] Gen Z and cause-driven giving trends
• [31:05] One simple step to engage women donors more effectively
• [35:00] Addressing women correctly in donor communications

Women Give 2021 report on how households make charitable decisions

WPI's

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

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 Zoom counseling sessions. We explore how emotional intelligence, real communication, and parent-teen connection can create protective factors against the alarming rise in teen suicide.

In this episode:

• [02:47] The loss that sparked a movement
• [05:34] Early warning signs of teen depression and suicidal thoughts
• [08:07] How social media affects teen self-worth
• [11:04] The hidden epidemic of cyberbullying
• [14:53] Practical strategies for emotionally connecting with teens
• [17:57] Programs at A Brighter Day - from text lines to Zoom therapy
• [21:14] The power of nonprofit partnerships
• [22:55] Destigmatizing suicide and mental health struggles
• [28:33] Elliot’s vision for reaching 37 million high schoolers
• [33:51] Leadership lessons from scaling a grief-born mission

Teen Crisis Text Line: Text “BRIGHTER” to 741741

CONNECT WITH ELLIOT

LinkedIn: Elliot Kallen

Instagram: @abrighterdaycharity

Website: https://abrighterday.info/

Email: elliot@abrighterday.info

Phone: 510 206 1103

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms

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 where people feel seen, valued, and safe to contribute their gifts, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode:

• [02:50] Susan’s unexpected journey to transformational coaching
• [07:11] Learning from Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, Pema Chödrön, and more
• [08:39] The difference between being and doing in leadership
• [10:14] How somatic and heart intelligence drive nonprofit team performance
• [17:58] Defining heart intelligence
• [20:08] Five leadership shifts to help leaders lead multigenerational teams
• [27:57] Building a culture of belonging in your nonprofit
• [34:52] A simple yet powerful practice to start leading with heart today

Leadership’s Perfect Storm by Susan Inouye

CONNECT WITH SUSAN

LinkedIn: Susan Inouye

Instagram: @susan_inouye

Send Haley a suggestion or request via text HERE!

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more. Learn more at donorbox.org

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), Stress Management Coach, and EmC trainer. She founded The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business, and has experience with nonprofits in human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. Specializing in EmC, leadership, board development, and fundraising, Haley is dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders to create thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com

Produced by Ideablossoms