Investing in the Next Generation: Why the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation Is All In

How Building Trust Can Accelerate Impact

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Clare Durrett and Dr. Terri Thompson of Answer ALS about how trust, collaboration, and shared data can accelerate meaningful impact. Answer ALS began after a powerful summit led by Steve Gleason and Team Gleason, where patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and advocates came together to rethink how ALS research could move forward with fewer barriers and greater urgency. Clare and Terri share how Answer ALS developed Neuromine, a globally accessible research platform designed to help researchers explore clinical, genomic, biological, and multi-omic data in one place. Their conversation offers valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders on building trust with stakeholders, protecting community-centered values, scaling ambitious work, and creating systems that make collaboration easier than working in isolation. Key Topics Include: * How Steve Gleason and the ALS community helped spark the creation of Answer ALS * Why traditional disease research often gets slowed down by data silos and limited access * How Neuromine helps researchers access, compare, and use complex ALS data more efficiently * The importance of patient partnership, dignity, and agency in nonprofit and medical research models * How Answer ALS balances global accessibility with privacy, security, and scientific rigor * Why trust with donors, researchers, and the community is essential for long-term impact * Lessons for nonprofit leaders on collaboration, transparency, data stewardship, and scaling a mission Mentioned in This Episode: * Answer ALS: https://www.answerals.org [https://www.answerals.org/] * Neuromine: https://www.answerals.org/neuromine [https://www.answerals.org/neuromine] * Answer ALS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/answer-als [https://www.linkedin.com/company/answer-als] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox: https://donorbox.org [https://donorbox.org/] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com [http://robharter.com] * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast] * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com [rob@robharter.com] Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Investing in the Next Generation: Why the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation Is All In

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Jay-Williams-681x1024.jpeg]Jay Williams In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Jay Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation. Jay shares his leadership journey from banking and public service to becoming the first African American and youngest mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, serving in the Obama administration, and now leading one of Connecticut’s major community foundations. Rob and Jay discuss how philanthropy, nonprofit partnerships, workforce development, and education can come together to create lasting community impact. Jay explains why the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is investing deeply in the next generation through its Greater Futures Scholarship partnership with Hartford Promise, helping students access college, wraparound support, and the opportunity to graduate with little to no student loan debt. Key Topics Include: * Jay Williams’ journey from banking and public service to nonprofit and philanthropic leadership * Why community foundations must use data, partnerships, and local insight to address inequity * The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s five strategic priorities: basic human needs, employment, thriving neighborhoods, civic resident engagement, and arts and culture * How student loan debt impacts local economies, workforce development, homeownership, and long-term community growth * The Greater Futures Scholarship partnership with Hartford Promise and its potential to provide up to $100,000 over four years * Why wraparound services are essential for helping first-generation college students succeed * Leadership lessons on building strong teams, creating a collaborative culture, and taking responsibility when challenges arise Mentioned in This Episode: * Greater Hartford Gives Foundation [https://greaterhartfordgives.org/] * Greater Futures Scholarship Fund [https://greaterhartfordgives.org/greater-futures-scholarship-fund/] * Hartford Promise [https://www.hartfordpromise.org/] * Hartford Promise Scholarship [https://www.hartfordpromise.org/ourscholarship.html] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com [http://robharter.com] * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast] * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com [rob@robharter.com] Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

From Heartbreak to Impact: Channeling Loss Into a Movement for Positive Change

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Madison-Dubiski-e1781549819955-1024x715.jpg] In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Michelle Dubiski, mother of Madison Dubiski, who tragically lost her life during the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston. Michelle shares Madison’s servant-hearted spirit, her deep love for others, and how an organic movement called #PinkBowsForMadison became a symbol of love, remembrance, and hope. Rob is also joined by Steve Allen, an event management and crowd safety expert who has partnered with the Pink Bows Foundation to help create global standards for show-stop procedures and live event safety. Together, Michelle and Steve share how grief has been transformed into advocacy, education, safe spaces, and a growing movement to prevent future tragedies at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other large gatherings. Key Topics Include: * The story of Madison Dubiski and the tragedy that inspired the Pink Bows Foundation * How the #PinkBowsForMadison movement spread from Houston across the world * Why nonprofits can grow powerful movements through community support, clarity of mission, and collaboration * The foundation’s three pillars: philanthropic giving, safe spaces at events, and show-stop safety training * How Steve Allen and Dr. Mark Hamilton helped develop an internationally accredited show-stop procedure course * Why live event safety protocols matter at concerts, festivals, stadiums, and large public gatherings * How the Pink Bows Foundation is partnering with global experts, venues, promoters, and public safety leaders to create lasting change Mentioned in This Episode: * Pink Bows Foundation [https://pinkbowsfoundation.org/] * About the Pink Bows Foundation [https://pinkbowsfoundation.org/about/] * Pink Bows Foundation: Madison Dubiski’s family turns tragedy into advocacy [https://pinkbowsfoundation.org/madison-dubiskis-family-turns-tragedy-into-advocacy-with-pink-bows-foundation-after-astroworld-tragedy/] (Pink Bows Foundation [https://pinkbowsfoundation.org/madison-dubiskis-family-turns-tragedy-into-advocacy-with-pink-bows-foundation-after-astroworld-tragedy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Email the Pink Bows Foundation: info@pinkbowsfoundation.org [info@pinkbowsfoundation.org] * Follow the Pink Bows Foundation on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Pink-Bows-For-Madison-111368818186248/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pinkbowsfoundation/], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pink-bows-foundation] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com [http://robharter.com] * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast] * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com [rob@robharter.com] Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

What is the essence of effective leadership?

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hanna-Bauer-843x1024.jpeg]Hanna Bauer In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Hanna Bauer, founder of HEARTnomics®, about what it really means to lead with clarity, courage, and service. Hanna shares how her childhood battle with heart disease, including a groundbreaking heart ablation surgery, shaped the way she thinks about uncertainty, resilience, and servant leadership. Drawing from her work as a leadership strategist, consultant, coach, and speaker, Hanna explains how nonprofit leaders can move beyond reactive decision-making and build sustainable organizations rooted in vision, values, accountability, and trust. She also introduces her HEART leadership framework and BEAT method as practical tools for helping leaders align people, purpose, performance, and long-term impact. Key Topics Include: * How Hanna’s childhood experience with heart disease shaped her leadership philosophy * Why effective leadership begins with service and a clear vision * The importance of values-based leadership for nonprofit culture and trust * How the HEART framework helps leaders build alignment, sustainability, and impact * Why founder-led nonprofits often struggle with sustainability and succession * How nonprofit leaders can recognize burnout and create healthier rhythms of leadership * Moving from reactive leadership to proactive, values-driven decision-making Mentioned in This Episode: * Hanna Bauer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna] * HEARTnomics: https://heartnomics.com [https://heartnomics.com/] * HEARTnomics Leadership Profile: https://heartnomics.com/heartnomics-leadership-profile/ [https://heartnomics.com/heartnomics-leadership-profile/] * Ser Familia: https://serfamilia.org [https://serfamilia.org/] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Why you need to know what motivates the “Mission Generation”

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Arun-Gupta-Headshot-scaled-e1780350761624-1024x808.jpeg]Arun Gupta In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach Foundation, venture capitalist, Stanford lecturer, Georgetown entrepreneurship professor, and bestselling author of The Mission Generation. Arun shares how his work across entrepreneurship, technology, public policy, venture finance, and social impact has shaped his belief that today’s workforce is increasingly seeking purpose, mission, and public impact in their careers. Rob and Arun discuss how the pandemic, geopolitical instability, artificial intelligence, and rapid social change have caused many people across generations to rethink what they want from work. Arun explains why “stability is the new risk,” why mission-driven careers are no longer limited to one generation or one sector, and how nonprofit leaders can foster innovation, experimentation, and cross-sector collaboration without losing sight of their mission. Key Topics Include: * Why emerging and established leaders are increasingly seeking purpose, impact, and mission in their work * What Arun means by the “Mission Generation” and why it is a posture, not simply an age group * The four major barriers to mission-driven careers: internal, relational, societal, and institutional * How nonprofit leaders can help staff connect personal ambition with civic responsibility * Why social impact organizations need to embrace experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation * The importance of cross-sector careers that move between nonprofit, business, government, and technology * Why trust, talent, and interdependence will be critical for the future of mission-driven leadership Mentioned in This Episode: * The Mission Generation [https://www.themissiongeneration.com]: * NobleReach Foundation [https://www.noblereach.org]: This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh]: Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!