This episode is sponsored by:
I am so excited to welcome leadership coach Jen Recla to the Lead with Heart Podcast. Jen helps senior nonprofit leaders break free from burnout, reclaim their clarity and energy, and build teams that thrive even in seasons of complexity and change.
In this episode, we dig into one of the most common and corrosive habits in the nonprofit sector: saying “I’m too busy.” Jen shares why this phrase keeps leaders stuck in survival mode, how urgency culture erodes team confidence, and how you can shift from reactive leadership to intentional leadership without adding more to your plate.
If you’re ready to lead with more calm, clarity, and confidence, this conversation is for you.
In this episode:
- 00:00:00 The Power of Supportive Leadership
- 00:09:07 Intentional Feedback Skills
- 00:15:56 Overcoming Overwhelm Patterns
- 00:26:34 Strategy Building in Leadership
- 00:29:11 Leadership in Action
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES
“Taking a step back and understanding the stories that you’re telling yourself can help to lessen the emotion that’s attached to them because that’s what’s really driving our emotions.” – Jen Recla
“One of the root causes of overwhelm is our addiction to urgency. It is really hard for us to get out of urgency mode.” – Jen Recla
“ Think about the impact that you not saying no has on the people around you.” – Jen Recla
RESOURCES
The Lead with Heart Summit is not just another conference. It’s a powerful, purpose-driven experience created specifically for nonprofit fundraisers who are feeling burned out, stretched thin, and in need of real, meaningful support. April, 2026.
E8: Create The Transformation You Seek in Your Life & Relationships with Stephanie Courtillier
The Illustrated Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
The EmC Masterclass developed by Dr. Lola Gershfeld is for everyone looking to enhance their communication and collaboration skills to raise more revenue for their mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations like ICF HRCI, and SHRM. Use the code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a generous 10% discount.
Imagine a fundraising partner that not only helps you raise more money but also supports you in retaining your donors. A partner that helps you raise funds both online AND on-location. Donorbox is a comprehensive suite of tools, services, and resources that gives fundraisers, just like you, a custom solution to tackle your unique challenges. Helping you…help others. Visit donorbox.org to learn more.
CONNECT WITH JEN
LinkedIn: Jennifer Recla
Website: https://www.jenrecla.com/
CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
This episode is sponsored by Donorbox
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.
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