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 smarter systems to support sustainable growth.

If you’re a nonprofit leader navigating burnout, limited resources, and siloed teams, this conversation is your permission slip to lead differently, with heart, strategy, and intention.

In this episode:

• [02:52] Luis’s transition from sales to purpose-driven coaching
• [04:39] What “revenue enablement” means for nonprofits
• [05:57] Why donor experience matters as much as fundraising
• [07:53] The mindset blocks leaders must shift to scale without burnout
• [11:41] Building authentic workplace cultures from the top down
• [16:02] How to align core values with everyday leadership
• [20:13] Replacing grind culture with smarter systems
• [22:07] Creating succession and leadership development pathways
• [26:44] Moving from scarcity to abundance in nonprofit leadership
• [28:37] Conscious engagement and feedback for team alignment
• [31:50] A simple yet powerful strategy to build stronger teams

Find Luis’s LinkedIn Learning courses here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/luis-baez

“ I like to think of nonprofits as businesses with a different tax privilege.” - Luis Báez

“ We have to honor the things that intrinsically motivate the people that we hire.” -

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 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 communication systems that align your team, build trust, and strengthen your impact, especially in times of change or crisis.

If you're navigating team disengagement or organizational transitions, or just want to build a more connected and resilient staff culture, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• [02:45] The hidden cost of poor internal communication
• [04:06] Signs your nonprofit culture is misaligned
• [06:02] Why values should shape internal systems
• [08:19] Conditions for a thriving nonprofit workplace
• [10:24] Creating feedback loops that lead to action
• [13:14] Internal comms in hybrid work environments
• [16:33] Crisis communication for nonprofits
• [19:24] Helping staff connect to the organizational vision
• [23:13] How internal communication affects external communication
• [26:40] Measuring the effectiveness of internal comms
• [31:08] Where to start when building a communication plan

CONNECT WITH ALEJANDRA

LinkedIn: Alejandra Ramirez Wells

Instagram: @readycultures

Website: https://www.readycultures.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

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 the path defies logic
• [14:37] What intuition actually is and how to access it
• [17:01] How to make your vision a reality
• [21:15] What to do when your big vision is met with doubt or skepticism
• [26:00] Practices for nonprofit leaders to reconnect with their “why”
• [30:35] Blending intuition with achievable goals and outcomes
• [32:31] Reframing goals as tools for growth - not just checkboxes
• [34:38] One daily writing practice to activate purpose, clarity, and direction

RESOURCES

DM Shimrit on Instagram with the word energy to receive her free meditation.

Learn more about Shimrit’s three-day workshop here.

CONNECT WITH SHIMRIT

LinkedIn: Shimrit Nativ

Website: https

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

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, including the powerful moment that transformed how she approached storytelling forever. We unpack how stories can unintentionally exploit and what true informed consent really looks like.

In this episode:

• [02:52] Diana’s powerful story of publishing with unintended consequences and what it taught her
• [06:18] Ethical storytelling and common nonprofit marketing and communications pitfalls
• [09:36] The 4-step EQUAstory Framework for ethical nonprofit storytelling
• [22:00] Why informed consent is a process, not a form
• [24:18] How to gather and share stories while protecting the dignity and safety of your clients
• [26:56] The role of stock photos, trauma-informed practices, and board education in nonprofit communications
• [32:24] The Ethical Nonprofit Summit

Join the Ethical Nonprofit Summit (June 4 - 6, 2025) and use the code leadwithheart for $20 off.

“ How do I make sure that whatever I publish at the end is something that one, isn't going to put somebody in harm's way? And two, is something that they're proud of?” - Diana Farias Heinrich

“ Informed consent is a process, not a form.” - Diana Farias Heinrich

“  From a marketing perspective, you absolutely need to use photos. It is what drives the in

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

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. If you’ve ever felt like you’re building the plane while flying it, this episode is your permission to pause, document, and scale with intention.

In this episode:

• [03:05] Stephanie’s background in processes and systems
• [05:00] Why so many nonprofits struggle with efficiency
• [08:14] How to create an effective SOP
• [13:45] The value of evaluating and documenting processes
• [19:31] Evaluating processes to move from a reactive to a proactive mindset
• [25:19] How small nonprofit teams can benefit from SOPs
• [27:09] Storing SOPs and the people involved in creating them
• [31:09] Stephanie’s IMPACT method for developing organizational efficiency

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

“ This is not hard. Just take the one thing that is the most important to your staff and the most important to your mission and make sure it's documented.” - Stephanie Sloan

“If we all ceased to exist tomorrow, would the mission move forward? That’s the power of a well-written SOP.” – Stephanie Sloan

CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE

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 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 to pick up the phone and watch your donor engagement level up, join us in this conversation.

How a 5-Minute Fundraising Call Can Boost Mid-Level Donor Engagement - in this episode:

• [04:10] Identifying and engaging with mid-level donors
• [07:48] Key moments in an effective 5 minute fundraising call
• [12:34] Leading a phone call with curiosity
• [15:14] The value of a follow-up
• [19:17] Leaving impactful voicemails
• [23:17] Text messages versus phone calls
• [26:28] Implementing a successful phone call fundraising strategy
• [30:47] Tracking the success of a 5 minute fundraising call

E51: The Art of Fundraising as a Relationship-Building Opportunity with Kel Haney

Gift Range Chart:

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 thrilled to welcome Sean Littman to this episode of Lead with Heart. Sean is a true disruptor in the nonprofit digital space, bringing over a decade of expertise in digital marketing to help organizations grow and scale. He has transformed the way nonprofits leverage Google Grants and email marketing to build stronger communities and increase impact.

We’re diving deep into the importance of digital marketing for nonprofits, effective strategies for email marketing, how to leverage Google Grants, and how to create impactful campaigns.

In this episode:

• [02:51] Sean’s journey into the nonprofit digital space
• [06:38] Offers that nonprofits can use to get people in the door
• [10:38] Mistakes that nonprofits make when leveraging digital tools
• [13:27] Understanding your audience
• [18:49] Leveraging Google Grants
• [20:45] Retention marketing
• [26:29] Effective nonprofit email marketing strategies
• [32:23] Scaling your digital impact without overwhelming your donors

CONNECT WITH SEAN

LinkedIn: Sean Littman

YouTube: @NonprofitAcademy

Podcast: Profiting With Nonprofits

Email: sean@givesuite.com

Website: https://givesuite.com/ & https://catch22nonprofit.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

I am excited and honored to welcome Jeff Schreifels to this episode of Lead with Heart. Jeff is the principal and owner of Veritus Group - a global consulting agency specializing in major gifts and mid-level fundraising strategy. He is a pioneer of relationship-centered fundraising, and under his leadership, Veritus has helped increase mid and major gift revenue and decrease donor value attrition for hundreds of nonprofits worldwide.

We’re exploring the Veritus way of mid and major gifts fundraising, creating a culture of philanthropy within nonprofit organizations, integrating donors into your mission, and so much more.

In this episode:

• [02:36] The Veritus Group’s origin and focus on mid and major gifts
• [11:10] The difference between major and mid-level gifts
• [14:45] Key characteristics of a successful major gifts officer
• [19:11] Building a culture of philanthropy within an organization
• [31:51] Integrating donors into the mission beyond asking for money
• [36:19] Indicators that an organization truly values its employees
• [39:32] Building relationships with major gifts officers and major donors as a leader

RESOURCES

Resources from the Veritus Group: https://veritusgroup.com/resources/

It's NOT JUST about the Money by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels

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