What does it really take to lead a nonprofit successfully and raise millions of dollars for a mission?

In this episode of The Route To Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with veteran nonprofit leader Jake White to talk about leadership, fundraising strategy, and the realities of running mission-driven organizations.

With more than 35 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Jake White has helped organizations raise over $150 million, including a single $5.3 million fundraising ask. In this conversation, he shares practical lessons on building donor relationships, creating strong systems, working with boards, and guiding teams through financial and organizational challenges.

Sara and Jake also discuss the leadership mindset needed to grow nonprofit organizations, how transparency strengthens teams, and why focusing on outcomes rather than activities can transform an organization’s impact.

If you are a nonprofit leader, executive director, board member, fundraiser, or someone interested in mission-driven leadership, this episode offers valuable insights you can apply immediately.

In this episode you’ll learn

• How successful nonprofits build strong fundraising systems
• What it takes to raise major gifts and build donor trust
• The role of board leadership and governance in nonprofit success
• Why transparency and communication matter for strong teams
• How leaders can stabilize organizations during difficult times
• Practical lessons from raising more than $150 million for nonprofits
• Leadership habits that improve culture and team performance

Guest
Jake White
Nonprofit leader with over 35 years of experience in fundraising, leadership, and organizational strategy. Throughout his career, he has helped mission-driven organizations raise more than $150 million and build sustainable development systems.

Connect via https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakewhitemba/

Books mentioned in this episode

• Turn the Ship Around
• Leaders Eat Last
• Extreme Ownership
• It’s Your Ship
• The Fundraiser’s Guidebook by Jake White

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with leaders and professionals working in nonprofit organizations.

About the podcast

The Route To Success is a leadership podcast hosted by Sara Orellana, featuring real conversations with leaders about resilience, growth, leadership, and building organizations that make a meaningful impact.

#NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy #LeadershipPodcast #JakeWhite #SaraOrellana #NonprofitManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #TheRouteToSuccess

Welcome to The Route to Success! 🎙️

In this powerful episode, Sara Orellana sits down in person with Joseph Zolobczuk, Executive Director of the YES Institute, for a thoughtful conversation about resilience, identity, connection, and hope in uncertain times.

For more than three decades, Joseph and the YES Institute have helped transform conversations around gender, orientation, and mental health—creating spaces where youth, families, and communities can build understanding and thrive together.

In this episode, Sara and Joseph explore:

• How small sparks of hope can help us through our darkest moments
• Why community and connection are essential for mental health
• Rethinking resilience as growth and evolution, not just “bouncing back”
• The power of listening in difficult conversations
• How families and communities can rebuild trust and understanding
• Practical ways to navigate burnout, uncertainty, and loneliness

Joseph also shares insights from his own journey at age 18, how one conversation changed his life, and why no one has to face their struggles alone.

This conversation is an honest, compassionate reminder that every person has value, purpose, and the potential to create meaningful connection—even in challenging times.

✨ If you’ve ever struggled with uncertainty, identity, burnout, or feeling disconnected, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Joseph via https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-zolobczuk/

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👍 If you enjoyed this episode:
• Like the video
• Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and personal growth
• Share it with someone who might need a little hope today

#TheRouteToSuccess #SaraOrellana #JosephZolobczuk #YESInstitute #MentalHealth #Resilience #Community #Leadership #Hope

Welcome to The Route to Success with Sarah Orellana.

In this episode, Sarah sits down with David Bakelman, a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of experience leading regional, national, and global organizations. Known for stepping into complex environments and driving transformational growth, David shares practical leadership lessons that apply whether you are early in your career or running a multi million dollar organization.

This conversation dives into what it really takes to scale impact without losing culture, burn out, or clarity.

Inside this episode, you will learn:

• Why infrastructure determines whether growth will succeed or collapse
• What strong nonprofit foundations actually look like behind the scenes
• How to hire high performing teams that align with mission and values
• Why hiring is the most important responsibility of any leader
• How to balance aggressive growth goals with long term stability
• The truth about career transitions and why moving every few years is not failure
• How to avoid complacency and stay challenge driven
• Practical habits that build resilience during layoffs, setbacks, and pressure
• How AI and technology are transforming nonprofit fundraising
• Why data analysis and predictive donor research are game changers
• The role of mentorship in building a sustainable leadership career
• Why leadership can feel lonely and how to protect your mental clarity

David also shares candid reflections on being let go, leaving roles during family caregiving seasons, and how resilience is built through adaptation rather than avoidance. His perspective reframes setbacks as strategic pivots instead of personal defeat.

If you work in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, executive management, or are building your career in mission driven organizations, this episode offers actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Topics covered include nonprofit growth strategy, board development, hiring best practices, fundraising innovation, AI in nonprofits, executive leadership, resilience mindset, work life balance, mentorship, and career development.

Connect with David Bakelman on LinkedIn - [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bakelman-94648610a/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bakelman-94648610a/)

Subscribe to The Route to Success for real conversations on hope, resilience, leadership, and building impact that lasts.

In this special episode of The Route to Success, Sara Orellana shares her journey of leadership through storytelling, resilience, and the importance of hope as a skill. She discusses how her childhood experiences shaped her understanding of leadership and the power of narratives in connecting with others. The dialogue explores the dynamics of leadership, the costs associated with it, and the significance of creating safe spaces for team members. Sara emphasizes the importance of bridging storytelling with data to drive action and the necessity of supporting leaders through challenges. Ultimately, she defines success not by personal achievements but by the positive impact one can have on others.

What you'll learn:

Hope is a skill that can be developed.
Storytelling is a powerful tool in leadership.
Creating safe spaces fosters better leadership.
Leadership often involves making difficult decisions.
Success is defined by the impact on others, not personal gain.
Building resilience requires small, actionable steps.
Investing in others can lead to personal healing.
Data enhances the power of storytelling.
Leadership is about creating environments for solutions.
Courage in leadership often means facing fears.

Connect with Sara via https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-c-orellana/

In this conversation, Toivo E Halvorsen shares his journey as a hospitality entrepreneur shaped by economic challenges and personal growth. He discusses the importance of resilience, the value of human connections in business, and the lessons learned during the pandemic. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of a mission-driven approach to entrepreneurship, the necessity of embracing challenges, and the role of physical movement in leadership.

In this episode, you'll learn :

Toivo's journey reflects the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.
Human connections are crucial for business success, especially during crises.
The pandemic highlighted the value of relationships over mere financial transactions.
A mission-driven business can thrive even in challenging times.
Embracing challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Personal growth is a continuous journey for both individuals and organizations.
Physical movement and mindfulness practices are essential for effective leadership.
Understanding the cycle of life helps in navigating business challenges.
It's important to discern the voice that says you don't have time for self-care.
You are not defined by your thoughts; awareness is key to personal growth.

Connect with Tovio via https://www.linkedin.com/in/toivohalvorsen/

In this conversation, Matt Tanner, Executive Director of United Against Poverty, shares his journey from Peace Corps volunteer to nonprofit leader. He discusses the importance of community relationships, the challenges faced during COVID-19, and the effectiveness of wraparound services in addressing poverty. Matt emphasizes the need for dignity in service, the value of humor in emotionally demanding work, and the lessons learned from diverse experiences that shape his leadership style. He also offers advice for those looking to enter the nonprofit sector, highlighting the importance of due diligence and finding the right fit in volunteer opportunities.

What you'll learn :
Community service is about building relationships and trust.
The Peace Corps experience teaches humility and the importance of listening.
Navigating career transitions can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Wraparound services provide comprehensive support for those in need.
Dignity and respect are essential in service work.
Humor can lighten the emotional weight of challenging work.
Effective leadership involves empowering team members and valuing their strengths.
Continuous professional development is crucial for nonprofit staff.
Not all volunteer experiences are equal; find the right fit.
Community needs are evolving, and organizations must adapt to serve effectively.

Connect with Matt via https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewtanner1/

In this conversation, Mario Articona, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Miami, shares his journey from government and real estate to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the importance of hope, resilience, and community service. He discusses the philosophy of providing a 'hand up' rather than a 'handout' and the emotional impact of homeownership on families. Mario highlights the significance of building a mission-driven culture within his organization, navigating challenges, and maintaining healthy board engagement. He concludes with a call to action for kindness and service in everyday life.

Connect with Mario here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-artecona-3347545/

Takeaways

Mario's journey reflects a commitment to meaningful work over lucrative opportunities.
Habitat for Humanity focuses on providing opportunities, not just housing.
The emotional impact of homeownership can transform families' lives.
Building a strong team culture is essential for nonprofit success.
Navigating challenges requires a supportive and solution-oriented approach.
Healthy board engagement is crucial for organizational effectiveness.
Leaders should prioritize kindness and service in their communities.
Maintaining a clear mission helps prevent burnout and mission drift.
Fostering a nurturing environment leads to low employee turnover.
Acts of kindness can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.

What does it take to bring high-speed internet to communities often overlooked in America’s infrastructure plans?

In this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Colin Garner, an expert in rural broadband and infrastructure, to explore the challenges and transformative opportunities of connecting underserved areas. Colin shares how his journey from mining engineering led him into the world of broadband construction, where geography, cost, and technical hurdles create unique obstacles—but also profound rewards.

Through stories from rural communities, Colin highlights how broadband transforms education, agriculture, and daily life. He emphasizes that resilience, curiosity, and problem-solving are critical to success, and he offers practical advice for aspiring engineers seeking fulfilling careers. Colin also reflects on the future of infrastructure in America, stressing the importance of digital equity and the human impact of connectivity.

In this episode, we cover:

Colin Garner’s path from mining engineering to rural broadband infrastructure

Unique challenges of building broadband networks in underserved areas

The transformative impact of connectivity on education, agriculture, and community life

Lessons in resilience and problem-solving through complex construction projects

Decisions in infrastructure design, like burying lines vs. using existing poles

Heartfelt community reactions to access and connectivity

The future of rural infrastructure and emerging technologies

Advice for aspiring engineers and the importance of finding passion in your work

Why digital equity is critical for thriving communities

The growing dependency on internet connectivity in modern life

Colin reminds listeners that hope alone isn’t enough—it must be paired with skill, persistence, and enjoyment of your work. His insights provide both inspiration and actionable advice for engineers, leaders, and anyone invested in building stronger, connected communities.

👉 Learn more about Colin Garner:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colingarnerpeng/