In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Jaime Klein, Founder and CEO of Inspire Human Resources. Jaime shares how she pioneered the concept of fractional HR before it became a mainstream strategy, building a flexible, mission-driven business around real-life challenges. We dive into the future of HR, how DEI, AI, and return-to-office trends are reshaping the workplace, and why authentic leadership is more critical than ever. If you’re a business leader, founder, or HR ...
May 07, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 177
In this powerful episode of Hart and Hustle, we sit down with Karen Rubel, CEO of Nathan Adelson Hospice, to explore leadership, resilience, and the true meaning of purpose-driven business. Karen shares her inspiring journey from teacher to nonprofit leader, how she pivoted careers with courage, and why culture beats strategy every time. We also dive deep into the growing challenges of the hospice industry—and how Karen is fighting back to protect quality end-of-life care. If you're passionate a...
May 06, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 176
In this episode of Hart and Hustle, we sit down with Erin Ryan, CEO of Shore Community Services, to explore leadership, innovation, and building community impact. Erin shares her journey from leading as the eldest of six siblings to reshaping a 75-year-old nonprofit to meet the evolving needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We dive into lessons on leading through uncertainty, building collaboration across teams, and creating scalable, community-first solutions. Whethe...
May 02, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 175
In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Kelley St Clair, CEO of Clarity ABA, to explore how leading with kindness, clarity, and purpose can transform businesses and communities. Kelley shares how she scaled Clarity ABA from her kitchen table to serving 18+ communities, all while staying true to compassionate, trauma-informed care. We dive into the future of ABA therapy, the emotional challenges of scaling responsibly, and how AI could reshape behavioral health. Tune in to hear pow...
May 01, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 174
In this episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we dive deep with Steve McFarland, CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Silicon Valley and Los Angeles. Steve shares lessons from fighting international fraud, leading teams with heart, and handling over 1,100 scam complaints daily. From saving lives as a teen to building a family-like work culture, Steve reveals how trust, leadership, and resilience shape business success. We also explore how AI is impacting fraud prevention and consumer p...
Apr 29, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 173
What happens when purpose meets community? In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Malana Maher, founder of Aging Connections, to explore how she transformed a simple networking circle into a 200+ member, multi-chapter nonprofit supporting seniors. From being raised by her grandparents to leaving healthcare during COVID, Malana shares her journey, leadership lessons, and how tech and AI are reshaping aging care. If you're building a mission-driven organization or suppo...
Apr 25, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 172
What happens when you combine wilderness, mentorship, and mission-driven leadership? In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, Melissa Millward, President of Trails Youth Initiatives, shares how she scaled a life-changing nonprofit from $500K to $2.5M while preserving its heart-centered mission. We dive into emotional regulation, long-term youth development, unplugging from tech, and what it truly takes to lead a high-impact nonprofit. If you’re a purpose-driven leader, working in youth ...
Apr 24, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 171
What does it really mean to lead with authenticity in today’s world? In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Wendi Williams, President-Elect of the American Psychological Association, to unpack leadership beyond titles. From the power of relational leadership to the ethical complexities of AI in mental health, Dr. Williams shares real, unfiltered insights on owning your voice, navigating purpose, and redefining power. Whether you're a business leader, executive coa...
Apr 22, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 170
In this inspiring Hart & Hustle episode, we sit down with John Temple, CEO of Guideposts, to explore how he's blending faith, storytelling, and AI to scale hope across millions. From his career as a prosecutor to leading a nonprofit rooted in spiritual growth and emotional healing, John shares powerful personal stories—including a life-saving moment with his newborn—and how AI is transforming nonprofit leadership. Whether you're a founder, faith-based leader, or purpose-driven professional, ...
Apr 21, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 169
In this powerful Hart & Hustle episode, Doug Tennant, CEO of UNITI, shares how a personal encounter with discrimination inspired a 30+ year mission to redefine inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. From leading a $20M nonprofit to pioneering inclusive housing models and pushing AI innovation in the sector, Doug breaks down what it takes to lead with purpose and values. Discover how UNITI empowers self-advocates to lead, not just participate. Whether you're a business leader o...
Apr 17, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 168
What makes a 26-year-old turn down Wall Street for the west side of Chicago? In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Ike Muzikowski—President and Principal of Chicago Hope Academy—to unpack why he walked away from Ivy League prestige to lead a faith-driven, community-centered high school. Ike shares powerful insights on education reform, building inclusive school culture, raising $5M annually, and teaching kids through dance, discipline, and deep relationships. From TikTok viralit...
Apr 16, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 167
In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Christy Pietryga, CEO of Hearth, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit supporting mothers and children escaping homelessness and domestic violence. Christy shares how a middle school volunteer experience ignited her lifelong mission, her transition from COO to CEO, and the power of long-term healing over short-term shelter stays. We also dive into leadership growth, affordable housing, generational impact, and how AI is reshaping nonprofi...
Apr 16, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 166
On this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Joel Paquette, CEO of Spark Lifecare, to explore how he's redefining healthcare through people-first leadership, operational innovation, and personal resilience. From his transition as an occupational therapist to leading a national healthcare brand, to battling cancer and embracing AI, Joel shares raw insights on integrity, impact, and scaling without losing your soul. Whether you’re a founder, healthcare professional, or purpos...
Apr 11, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 165
In this episode of the Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Mike Moss, CEO of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), to explore how nonprofit leaders can thrive through systems thinking, ecosystem collaboration, and a mindset of abundance. Mike shares insights from 34 years in leadership, how AI is transforming operations at SCUP, and why curiosity should fuel every mission-driven organization. If you're navigating change, leading in the nonprofit world, or exploring the ...
Apr 10, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 164
In this episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Jamie Hunt, CEO of TopKare Hospice, to uncover how she’s transforming end-of-life care through technology, compassion, and leadership. From integrating AI into medical documentation to launching a nonprofit that helps families navigate financial burdens, Jamie shares her journey from ICU nurse to tech-savvy founder. We explore common misconceptions about hospice, how to lead with heart, and why meaningful conversations about death ...
Apr 08, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 163
What’s really wrong with leadership today? In this episode of Hart and Hustle, we sit down with David Castro, founder of I-LEAD and author of The Inward Sun, to break down the decline of integrity, the myth of “born leaders,” and how real leadership is rooted in values—not power. From personal accountability to the role of vision in community change, this conversation is a must-watch for any professional looking to lead with authenticity. David shares actionable strategies to lead without a titl...
Apr 07, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 162
In this inspiring episode of the Hart and Hustle podcast, we sit down with Sereka Barlow, CEO of YWCA El Paso, to explore her journey from military brat to healthcare executive to nonprofit powerhouse. Sereka opens up about leading through crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting from a poverty mindset to a business-driven nonprofit model, and why she chose purpose over profit. We discuss leadership, resilience, digital transformation in nonprofits, and redefining what success really means....
Apr 04, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 161
In this inspiring episode of Hart and Hustle, we sit down with Chris Simonsen, CEO of Orangewood Foundation, who left a high-powered $3B corporate finance career to serve youth in the foster care system. Chris shares why he made the bold leap into nonprofit leadership, how Orangewood is innovating with AI, and what it truly takes to support young people overcoming trauma, homelessness, and trafficking. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job that lacks purpose, this episode will challenge and empower...
Apr 03, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 160
In this episode of Hart & Hustle, we sit down with Hugh Evans, co-founder of Global Citizen, who’s helped mobilize $49 billion in global impact and transformed 1.3 billion lives. From his eye-opening experience in Manila’s slums to building one of the world’s most influential advocacy platforms, Hugh shares how bold leadership, creative activism, and relentless grit can move world leaders, celebrities, and everyday people to end extreme poverty. We dive into nonprofit innovation, policy refo...
Apr 02, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 159
In this episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with John Sneath, founder of Tribute Home Care, who scaled a mission-driven business to $30M in revenue. John opens up about overcoming failure, leading with love, and the spiritual and emotional journey that shaped his leadership. From building caregiver-first systems to the power of forgiveness and humility, this episode is a masterclass in building a business that’s both profitable and deeply human. If you care about purpose-driven l...
Apr 01, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 158
When the elder care system failed her parents, Frances Reaves turned heartbreak into hustle. In this inspiring episode of Hart and Hustle, Frances shares how she fought insurance giants, cared for loved ones with dementia, and built her advocacy business, Parent Your Parents. From legal battles to life lessons, she breaks down the realities of aging in America—and why even “the best” elder care isn’t enough. Whether you're navigating care for loved ones or planning your future, this episode is p...
Mar 31, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 157
Foster care, mental health, and disability services are often seen as broken systems—but Renee Brown, CEO of DePaul Community Resources, is proving they can be transformed with the right leadership. In this episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, Renee shares how her unique blend of engineering logic and clinical compassion is driving change across social services. She opens up about imposter syndrome, equity in foster care funding, leadership lessons, and how nonprofits can embrace innovation t...
Mar 28, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 156
Adoption is beautiful—but it’s also layered with trauma, identity challenges, and untold complexity. In this heartfelt episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with adoption coach and adoptee Sharon Butler-Obazee, who shares her powerful journey from corporate life to leading healing work in the adoption triad. Sharon dives deep into the biggest misconceptions adoptive parents have, how coaching differs from therapy, and why love alone isn’t always enough. If you’re a parent, adoptee,...
Mar 27, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 155
In this episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Renee Allison-Riley, CEO and franchise owner of Senior Care Authority, who left an 18-year corporate career to revolutionize senior care. Renee shares the emotional and logistical challenges families face when navigating elder care—and how fragmented systems are failing them. From building a values-based business to using AI in healthcare, she reveals how proper planning, mindset shifts, and real advocacy can save families time, mo...
Mar 26, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 154
In this powerful episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Heather Marie-Ogburn Stokes, Founder and CEO of Serenity Light Recovery. Heather shares her emotional journey from addiction to recovery, the moment that changed her life forever, and how she built a purpose-driven recovery center focused on healing, hope, and second chances. She opens up about breaking the stigma around addiction, the power of faith and leadership, and how her business balances mission with margin. If you...
Mar 25, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 153
In this episode of the Hart and Hustle podcast, we sit down with Jill Evenocheck, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest. Jill shares what it really takes to lead a $7M nonprofit, how she blends heart and hustle, and why running a nonprofit is just like running a business. From volunteer strategy and AI innovation to board governance and fundraising creativity, Jill reveals powerful lessons for nonprofit leaders and business professionals alike. If you're building imp...
Mar 24, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 152
In this powerful episode of The Hart & Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Mindy Mintz, President & CEO of the Esophageal Cancer Action Network, to discuss the hidden dangers of acid reflux, esophageal cancer awareness, and how AI is transforming cancer prevention and treatment. Mindy shares her personal journey of loss, the challenges of raising awareness, and how her relentless advocacy has helped drive millions in research funding. Learn how you can protect your health and make a differe...
Mar 21, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 151
In this episode of the Hart and Hustle Podcast, we sit down with Russell Robinson, CEO of the Jewish National Fund, to uncover the business strategies that drive successful nonprofits. Russell shares how he transitioned from the private sector to nonprofit leadership, the challenges of scaling a global organization, and how AI and technology are reshaping philanthropy. Learn how nonprofits can operate like businesses, engage younger donors, and maximize impact. If you’re a business leader or ent...
Mar 20, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 150
In this episode of Hart and Hustle, we sit down with Arturo Rosario, a tech leader turned senior care entrepreneur, to uncover the challenges and innovations shaping the future of home healthcare. As a CTO and franchise owner of A Place at Home, Arturo shares how AI, technology, and leadership are transforming the senior care industry. We dive into the growing aging population crisis, the role of AI in caregiving, and how businesses can scale while staying human-focused. If you're a business lea...
Mar 18, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 149
In this episode of Hart and Hustle, we sit down with Dr. Austin Chiang, a trailblazing physician, social media influencer, and Chief Medical Officer at Medtronic. Dr. Chiang shares his journey from gastroenterology to corporate leadership, the power of leveraging social media in healthcare, and how a viral TikTok video led to real-life medical impact. We also explore the future of AI in healthcare, the role of innovation in medical technology, and the challenges of balancing medicine, content cr...
Mar 17, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 148
