In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Megan Carlson shares how she’s transforming the nonprofit landscape through her work at Pair Team. From cancer care navigation to health tech innovation, Megan dives into how for-profit startups can drive real impact for underserved communities. Learn how Pair Team is using AI, local partnerships, and purpose-driven leadership to help nonprofits survive funding freezes, scale services, and deliver whole-person care. If you're passionate about hea...
Jun 27, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 207
In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Ketty Hsieh shares her courageous leap from corporate finance into mission-driven leadership as CEO of Kin On. Discover how she’s reshaping senior care by blending culturally rooted services, language accessibility, and AI-driven operations to serve Asian elders with dignity. Ketty unpacks the challenges of navigating regulated healthcare, what makes Kin On unique, and why culturally competent care is the future. If you're a leader seeking purpos...
Jun 26, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 206
In this powerful Hart & Hustle Podcast episode, Dr. James Campbell shares his journey from East Oakland to executive leadership—trading paychecks for purpose. Discover how one question shifted his entire life trajectory, why he walked away from the restaurant industry, and how he's now building one of Massachusetts’ most impactful disability support nonprofits. Dr. Campbell dives into fatherhood, legacy, systemic challenges in nonprofit leadership, and why AI and authenticity matter in today...
Jun 25, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 205
In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Jill Chuculate shares how walking away from a six-figure VP role led her to build Joyful Connections—a thriving caregiving agency with only 3% turnover in an industry known for burnout. Jill breaks down how radical leadership, grace over fear, and trusting her vision helped her reshape caregiver culture, implement AI, and drive unmatched loyalty. If you’re a founder, leader, or innovator tired of the status quo and ready to lead with both heart a...
Jun 24, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 204
In this powerful episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Ellen McGuirk shares how she turned a collapsing nonprofit into a thriving $50 million mission. From leading through the devastating loss of her husband to implementing AI and flipping traditional leadership models, Ellen reveals the mindset, faith, and operational strategies behind her growth. Discover how she blends heart, hustle, and innovation to empower her team, serve over 5,000 youth, and lead with purpose. If you're a mission-dri...
Jun 23, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 203
In this inspiring episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Topher Hansen, outgoing CEO of CenterPointe, to explore how he transformed a $3M nonprofit into an $18M powerhouse serving thousands through integrated mental health and substance use care. Topher shares the 5 life rules that shaped his leadership, the bold pivots that redefined his success, and a powerful story of redemption that changed his perspective forever. If you're a business leader seeking meaning in your mission...
Jun 20, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 202
In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Rachel Hutchisson, President & CEO of Common Impact, to explore how professionals can create meaningful social impact—without leaving their 9-to-5. Rachel shares her 30+ year journey from the tech world to nonprofit leadership, the power of skills-based volunteerism, and how AI is reshaping nonprofit efficiency. She dives into actionable strategies for corporate engagement, leadership through listening, and how every skill ca...
Jun 19, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 201
In this episode of Hart and Hustle, we sit down with Helen Johnson, CEO of Helen Newberry Joy Hospital & Healthcare Center, to explore what it means to lead with purpose in rural healthcare. From getting lost on her way to math class and discovering nursing, to now championing innovation and AI in medicine—Helen’s journey is anything but ordinary. She opens up about balancing motherhood with leadership, empowering frontline staff, and staying grounded in community values. Whether you’re a he...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 200
In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Shara Cohen, CEO of Carallel, to explore how family caregivers are the hidden engine of our healthcare system. Shara unpacks the massive disconnect between innovation and implementation in healthcare, why caregivers hold untapped power in patient outcomes, and how technology can enhance human connection—not replace it. From AI-powered care coordination to emotional burnout, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate...
Jun 17, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 199
In this episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Lindsay Gramlich, President & CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis. From growing up with two principals as parents to leading one of the most impactful youth organizations in Indiana, Lindsay shares her path from unpaid intern to nonprofit executive. We dive into leadership, scaling programs for thousands of girls, the power of mentorship, and why fathers matter in girl empowerment. She also reveals how her team uses AI, g...
Jun 16, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 198
Dr. Vilicia Cade, CEO of Child Guidance Resource Centers, shares her powerful journey from foster care to boardroom leadership in this inspiring Hart & Hustle episode. She unpacks her love-driven leadership philosophy, the "flow, force, or float" framework, and how faith and resilience helped her overcome trauma and loss. Dr. Cade also discusses leading through mental health crises, innovating with technology, and pushing equity-driven change in education and behavioral health. If you're a m...
Jun 13, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 197
In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Marcus Johnson—Chief Innovation Officer at Children’s Home Society of Florida—shares how he transitioned from a 20-year military career to leading tech-driven impact for Florida’s most vulnerable children and families. Marcus opens up about integrating faith, AI, and leadership to serve over 80,000 lives annually. From building authentic relationships to designing predictive data tools for social good, this conversation is packed with leadership ...
Jun 12, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 196
In this powerful Hart & Hustle episode, Debbie Simmons, CEO of Anchor Point, shares how unimaginable loss became the catalyst for a $1.4M nonprofit transforming thousands of lives. From losing quadruplets to adopting nine children and launching a trauma-informed ministry, Debbie opens up about resilience, leadership, and building legacy. She unpacks how Anchor Point helps families break cycles through healing, parenting support, and hope-driven innovation—and how she’s cautiously embracing A...
Jun 11, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 195
In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with David Wollman, a former corporate executive who left it all behind to launch a thriving senior care agency. David shares how caregiving filled the void left by corporate success, why mission-driven leadership matters, and what sets his low-turnover agency apart in a high-burnout industry. We dive into challenges with staffing, integrating AI in elder care, and what it really takes to lead with heart. If you're a business leader considering a...
Jun 10, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 194
In this powerful episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Cindy Odom, CEO of New City Kids, to explore how she went from pre-med dreams to purpose-driven nonprofit leadership. Cindy shares how New City Kids transforms youth through teen employment, music, mentorship, and leadership development. We talk about confidence-building, authentic leadership, using AI in nonprofits, and the power of second chances. If you're a business leader, nonprofit pro, or just believe in the poten...
Jun 06, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 193
What happens when a casino exec becomes a small-town mayor and then redefines how a Chamber of Commerce serves its people? In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Bruce Flax, President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and former Mayor of Groton, Connecticut. From leading 24/7 operations at Foxwoods to launching the viral “Five Things in Mystic” series, Bruce shares how he’s blending business strategy, community impact, and AI innovation to turn Mystic into a m...
Jun 05, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 192
In this heartfelt episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Korrie Mae Wiszniak, CEO of Kids at Churchill Park, to explore what it really takes to raise resilient, emotionally intelligent kids in today’s chaotic world. Korrie shares powerful insights on redefining childcare as early education, shifting nonprofit mindsets, honoring parental roles, and building values-driven teams. From family dynamics to AI in nonprofit operations, this episode delivers deep wisdom for leaders, p...
Jun 04, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 191
Join us for an inspiring Hart & Hustle episode with Brad Kinkema, CEO of the YMCA of Martinsville-Henry County, as he redefines what it means to lead a nonprofit with heart and strategy. From coaching swim teams to championing a $28M community center build, Brad shares how he’s transforming the “gym and swim” perception of the YMCA into a hub for mental health, mentorship, and connection. Discover how AI is reshaping nonprofit operations, why storytelling beats fundraising pitches, and how t...
Jun 03, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 190
In this inspiring episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Tiffany Hamilton, CEO of YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, shares her journey from teen motherhood and tech to nonprofit leadership. Discover how she turned adversity into advocacy, the power of saying “yes” to purpose, and how she navigates DEI challenges in today’s climate. Tiffany dives deep into leading with faith, authenticity, and heart—while embracing AI, equity, and disruption. If you’re a purpose-driven leader, this ...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 189
What happens when a leader refuses to play it safe? In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Danielle Sanders, CEO of Good Samaritan Home, an 83-year-old nonprofit, shares how she turned burnout, near-homelessness, and a multiple sclerosis diagnosis into fuel for impact. Learn how Danielle rebuilt a crumbling organization, ditched government funding, leveraged AI for grant writing, and restructured her board to drive real change. From bold leadership moves to balancing grit with empathy...
May 31, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 188
In this episode of Hart & Hustle, Angela Calzone, CEO of Inroads to Opportunities, shares her journey from the corporate world to leading one of New Jersey’s most innovative nonprofits serving individuals with disabilities. Angela dives into redefining impact, scaling nonprofit operations with business discipline, embracing neurodiversity, and building emotionally intelligent teams. Discover how she fosters curiosity, takes smart risks, and uses tech—including AI—to future-proof services. If...
May 30, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 187
In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Lisa Tepper Bates, CEO of United Way of Connecticut, to explore her incredible journey from U.S. diplomat to nonprofit leader. Lisa shares what it means to lead with empathy, scale crisis response using AI, and support the “invisible majority” struggling to stay afloat. From mental health hotlines to AI-powered training and bold public policy reform, this is a masterclass in modern leadership. If you're a business leader, policymaker, or non...
May 29, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 186
What happens when a volunteer crisis counselor becomes the $15M CEO of one of Maryland’s most vital nonprofits? In this powerful Hart & Hustle episode, Tim Jansen, CEO of Community Crisis Services, shares his 30-year journey from hotline nights to leading life-saving programs across shelters, suicide prevention, and trauma response. Tim opens up about leadership, LGBTQ+ advocacy, growing through COVID, using AI without losing the human touch, and creating a legacy built on empathy. If you’re...
May 28, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 185
What happens when a Broadway-trained performer leads a rural tech revolution? Meet Keralee Clay, CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation, who’s redefining nonprofit leadership in the Texas Panhandle. In this episode of Hart and Hustle, we dive into donor myths, AI-powered equity, disaster resilience, and the real cost of doing good in overlooked communities. From fighting broadband deserts to leveraging AI for grant writing, Keralee shares raw insights on purpose-driven leadership, fundraising innov...
May 27, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 183
What happens when a successful businesswoman trades profit for purpose? In this episode of Hart and Hustle, we sit down with Jennifer Mylenek, Executive Director of CASA in Southern Oregon, to explore her bold leap from corporate life to nonprofit leadership. Jennifer shares hard-earned lessons on fundraising, volunteer engagement, burnout prevention, and how she's using AI to scale impact—even after losing critical staff. From facing payroll panic on day one to rallying an entire community for ...
May 26, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 182
Lindsey Schiro went from pediatric nurse to powerhouse CEO of 51Vets.org, a nonprofit helping elite special operations veterans transition into high-impact careers. In this episode of Hart & Hustle, Lindsey opens up about imposter syndrome, scaling 51 Vets from 120 to over 500 members, navigating fundraising as a woman in a male-dominated space, and why she’s eyeing public office next. We talk about nonprofit leadership, strategic partnerships, and how purpose fuels her mission. If you’re bu...
May 25, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 181
What does it really take to break cycles of poverty, addiction, and homelessness? In this powerful Hart & Hustle episode, we sit down with Dr. Julie Hayden, CEO of East County Transitional Living Center, to unpack her faith-driven journey building one of California’s most impactful nonprofits. From trauma-informed leadership to scaling with for-profit discipline, Dr. Hayden shares hard-won insights on virtual therapy, AI in education, and family-centered recovery. Whether you're leading a mi...
May 24, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 180
What happens when a top banking executive trades corner office success for a faith-driven mission? In this episode of Hart & Hustle, Rick Boxx shares how he left the corporate world to launch a nonprofit dedicated to bringing biblical wisdom into the workplace. From nearly going broke to building a global movement reaching over 1 million business leaders by 2027, Rick gets real about fear, obedience, fundraising, AI in faith-based business, and redefining leadership. If you’re a purpose-driv...
May 23, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 179
What happens when you lead with mission, scale like a startup, and treat donors like investors? In this episode, Cathe Dykstra, CEO of Family Scholar House, shares how she turned a local nonprofit into a $20M nationwide force across 48 states. We explore how modular housing, AI-powered platforms, and a business-minded nonprofit model are reshaping generational poverty. From serving four clients to building housing out of green steel, Cathe drops gems on leadership, innovation, and sustainable im...
May 21, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 184
In this inspiring episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Joseph Tornello, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Staten Island. With over 40 years of community leadership, Joseph shares how he scaled a small nonprofit into a powerhouse operation serving thousands without a waiting list. We dive into lessons on sustainable growth, volunteer management, leadership mindset, and how staying mission-driven creates lasting impact. Joseph also shares insights on overcoming funding c...
May 09, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 178
