Hart & Hustle Podcast

Keenan Hart

Details

Hart & Hustle delivers real conversations with nonprofit and healthcare leaders who are scaling mission-driven impact through strategic innovation. Hosted by Efrain Lozada, each 45-minute episode explores leadership, operations, technology adoption, and practical strategies for mission-based organizations. Learn from executives who've transformed accessibility, efficiency, and community engagement while staying true to their values. For nonprofit directors, operations leaders, and healthcare innovators who hustle with heart. New episodes weekly.

Recent Episodes

OCT 9, 2026
Why AI Is Not the Enemy: Dan Stabb on Leveraging Technology in Workforce Development
Dan Stabb from Zip Code Wilmington shares how they are transforming lives through innovative workforce development in tech. This is the story of empowerment and opportunity — and what **mission-driven leaders** can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How Zip Code Wilmington is bridging the skills gap in tech through a unique 12-week program. ✅ The importance of integrating AI into coding education and how to leverage it ethically. ✅ Proven strategies for facilitating transformational learning experiences that cater to diverse backgrounds. This episode is for **mission-driven leaders** who are passionate about creating impactful educational programs that adapt to the evolving job market. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Kickoff: Meet Dan and his journey into game shows 1:00 – The dream of being on a game show 2:00 – Zip Code Wilmington: Workforce development and tech skills 3:00 – The role of AI in coding education 4:00 – The importance of professional development and soft skills 5:00 – Facilitating transformation: Insights from teaching improv 6:00 – The impact of personalized coaching on students' success 7:00 – The significance of empathy in facilitation 8:00 – The challenges and rewards of working in a nonprofit 9:00 – Connecting students to job opportunities 10:00 – Future growth of Zip Code Wilmington 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - A unique approach to workforce development that prioritizes both technical and soft skills. - The integration of AI as a learning tool rather than a replacement in tech education. - Insights on how to facilitate meaningful transformations in students' lives. - The importance of empathy and adaptability in teaching. - A commitment to supporting students until they secure employment. 👤 ABOUT DAN STABB: Dan Stabb is the Director of Admissions and Professional Development at Zip Code Wilmington, known for his innovative approach to workforce training and student empowerment. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danstabb/ 🔗 Organization Website: https://zipcodewilmington.com/ 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #AIinEducation
33 MIN
OCT 8, 2026
How Harold Turner's Passion for Education Transformed His Career Journey
Harold Turner from Ivy Hill Prep shares how he transformed educational experiences for his students through innovative leadership. This is the story of building community and fostering individual growth — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How to create a nurturing environment that prioritizes student welfare ✅ Effective strategies for fostering community involvement in education ✅ Techniques for adapting leadership styles to enhance teaching effectiveness This episode is for mission-driven leaders who seek to improve educational outcomes and create meaningful connections within their communities. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome to Ivy Hill Prep: A Community-Centric Approach 0:45 – The Unique Atmosphere of Brooklyn's Educational Landscape 4:00 – The Role of Community in Shaping Student Experience 7:30 – Understanding the Impact of Class Size on Learning 10:15 – The Importance of Nurturing Educators for Student Success 12:00 – Passion for Education: Insights from Harold's Journey 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Building a supportive community is essential for student success. - Smaller class sizes lead to better understanding and relationships between students and teachers. - Investing time in student curiosity fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. - Leadership style should adapt to meet the needs of both educators and students. - Personal passion for education can inspire transformative practices in schools. 👤 ABOUT HAROLD TURNER: Harold Turner is the Head of School at Ivy Hill Prep, a charter school in Brooklyn dedicated to nurturing the whole child. With years of experience in educational leadership, Harold is passionate about fostering community and individual growth in students. Ivy Hill's mission: Every child will know who they, whose they are, and who they have the potential to become. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroldjturner/ 🔗 Organization Website: https://ivyhillprep.org/ 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #Education #CommunityDevelopment
34 MIN
OCT 7, 2026
From Volunteer Support to Lifesaving Services: The Evergreen Success Story
Karen Towery from Evergreen Life Services reveals how to effectively navigate the complexities of nonprofit leadership during challenging times. This is the story of resilience and innovation — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ The critical importance of advocacy for funding in nonprofit organizations. ✅ Innovative strategies for utilizing volunteers to maximize impact without breaking the bank. ✅ How to pivot your organization’s mission in response to changing circumstances while keeping your purpose intact. This episode is for mission-driven leaders who want to enhance their organization’s effectiveness and ensure they meet the needs of those they serve. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Karen Towery 0:06 – Exciting Updates from the Nonprofit Sector 0:59 – Navigating Challenges in Nonprofit Leadership 1:26 – Advocacy and Funding: A Lifeline for Nonprofits 2:29 – Understanding Evergreen Life Services and Its Mission 3:46 – A Day in the Life of a Nonprofit Leader 5:54 – The Role of Volunteers in Nonprofit Success 9:24 – Creative Problem Solving in Resource-Limited Environments 10:48 – Building a Supportive Team Culture 12:47 – Reflecting on Past Influences and Future Aspirations 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Advocacy for Medicaid funding is crucial for supporting vulnerable populations. - Leveraging community volunteers can significantly enhance your organization’s capabilities. - Adaptability and creativity are key in addressing the challenges faced by nonprofits today. - The importance of maintaining a mission-driven focus even amid operational pivots. - Building a cohesive team culture is vital for sustaining motivation and effectiveness. 👤 ABOUT KAREN TOWERY: Karen Towery is the State Director for Evergreen Life Services in Texas, dedicated to providing essential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 27 years of experience in the field, Karen is known for her passionate advocacy and commitment to enhancing the lives of those she serves. 🔗 Organization Website: https://evergreenlifeservices.org 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #MissionDriven #Advocacy
29 MIN
OCT 5, 2026
Why Most People Misunderstand Their Calling in Life
Deborah Tepley from the Anglican Church in North America shares how she discovered her calling and transformed her career to lead faith-based organizations effectively. This is the story of a remarkable journey from teaching English in Russia to becoming an executive director — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ The pivotal moment that reshaped Deborah's career path ✅ How international experiences broadened her leadership perspective ✅ Concrete strategies to professionalize and elevate faith-based organizations This episode is for mission-driven leaders who aspire to create impactful change within their communities and organizations. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Welcome to the Hart & Hustle Podcast with Deborah Tepley 0:21 – Deborah's passion for purpose-driven work 0:33 – Overview of the Anglican Church in North America 0:50 – Deborah's early calling to ministry 1:47 – The role of the Peace Corps in shaping her outlook 2:29 – Insights from teaching English abroad 3:10 – Understanding the American perspective through global experiences 4:37 – Transitioning to organizational leadership 5:00 – Lessons learned from teaching in a foreign system 6:31 – Day-to-day responsibilities as an executive director 7:23 – Defining a new vision for faith-based service 8:48 – The importance of reevaluating your calling 9:17 – How to elevate your organization through professionalization 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - A transformative experience can lead to unexpected career paths. - Understanding different cultures enhances leadership effectiveness. - Organizational development requires a blend of faith and strategy. - Professionalizing leadership roles can drive mission impact. - Continuous self-evaluation is crucial for fulfilling one's calling. 👤 ABOUT DEBORAH TEPLEY: Deborah Tepley is the Executive Director at the Anglican Church in North America, where she leads efforts to support over a thousand churches across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With a rich background in both education and ministry, she brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and community service. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahtepley/ 🔗 Organization Website: https://acna.org 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #MissionDriven #LeadershipInsights
30 MIN
OCT 2, 2026
The Surprising Truth About Nonprofit Success: Support Systems That Work
Glennda Testone from the Nonprofit Leadership Lab reveals how to navigate challenges in the nonprofit sector with confidence and innovation. This is the story of transforming panic into purpose — and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✅ How to build a supportive community among nonprofit leaders. ✅ Effective strategies for engaging with stakeholders during uncertain times. ✅ Essential resources to empower your nonprofit organization. This episode is for mission-driven leaders who seek actionable insights to enhance their organization’s impact. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – The quiet before the storm: An introduction to Glenda's current situation and the nonprofit landscape. 2:02 – Meet Glennda Testone: CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab and her mission. 3:05 – The importance of trust in nonprofits: Insights from recent studies. 4:20 – Glennda's journey through the nonprofit sector and her commitment to service. 5:32 – Resources available to nonprofit leaders: How to access tools and templates. 7:12 – Building community and communication strategies in a digital-first world. 9:01 – The balance between virtual and in-person connections in nonprofit leadership. 📊 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Building a strong community among nonprofit leaders can lead to shared successes and solutions. - Utilizing available resources can prevent leaders from feeling overwhelmed. - Understanding the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector is crucial for effective leadership. - Trust in nonprofit organizations can enhance engagement and collaboration. - Adapting to a hybrid model of communication is essential for contemporary nonprofit leadership. 👤 ABOUT GLENNDA TESTONE: Glennda Testone is the CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, dedicated to empowering nonprofit leaders with resources and community support. With over 26 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she is a passionate advocate for effective nonprofit leadership. 🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenndatestone/ 🔗 Organization Website: https://nonprofitleadershiplab.com 🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization. Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: - FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityBuilding #MissionDriven
32 MIN