Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Haley Cooper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Haley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My journey into the world of fundraising and nonprofit work began with a deep-rooted sense of care and a passion for promoting health. Caring for others was a value instilled in me from a young age, and it became the driving force behind my decision to graduate with a bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, Health, and Human Performance from Saint Mary’s College of California. My goal was clear—to teach people the importance of valuing their physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.
After college, I didn’t hesitate to dive headfirst into the nonprofit sector. At the age of 24, I found myself in Malawi, founding a nonprofit organization and even learning the ins and outs of building a peanut butter factory. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, exposing me to the diverse world of nonprofit setups and teaching me valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.
Upon returning to the United States, I became a vital part of a dynamic development team in Orange County, CA. The journey continued, and with each step, I accumulated a wealth of experiences, from the joys of successful fundraising campaigns to the trials of navigating intricacies in the nonprofit sector.
Despite the incredible experiences, I couldn’t ignore the darker side of the nonprofit world—turnover and burnout. I witnessed firsthand the toll it took on individuals passionate about making a difference. What struck me the most was the sense of loneliness, the feeling of being stuck without a clear starting point for resolution.
As a front-line fundraiser, I found myself facing the challenging dynamics of donor relations. Late-night calls and blurred boundaries began to erode my personal space. The pressure to please donors and meet unrealistic goals took a toll on my well-being.
Transitioning into a role as a nonprofit executive brought a new set of challenges. Micromanagement became a constant presence in my professional life, leaving me feeling uncertain about expectations until my annual performance review. The imposter syndrome crept in, and I grappled with the fear of being exposed as a fraud.
It was in these moments of struggle that the mission of the Savvy Fundraiser was born within me. I realized that the issues I faced were not unique to my experience but were prevalent in the nonprofit sector as a whole. Determined to make a difference, I set out on a mission to provide a solution—a guide for individuals navigating the challenges of fundraising and nonprofit leadership.
The Savvy Fundraiser became a platform where I shared my experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for overcoming the obstacles that contribute to burnout in the nonprofit world. Through workshops, coaching, and consulting resources, I found a way to transform the challenges I faced into an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those dedicated to making a difference in the world. My personal story of navigating the highs and lows of the nonprofit sector has become the driving force behind a mission to transform every person and organization suffering from burnout and compassion fatigue, so they can fully flourish and create an even greater impact from the inside out.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Haley, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC Train the Trainer, stands at the helm of The Savvy Fundraiser—a nonprofit consulting and coaching business dedicated to empowering and elevating nonprofit leaders. With a fervent commitment to making a positive impact, Haley has become a seasoned professional in the nonprofit sector, driven by a mission to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Her journey into the world of nonprofits began with the establishment of PB+J in Malawi, Africa, in 2012—a testament to her early dedication to making a tangible difference in communities. This venture not only revealed Haley’s entrepreneurial spirit but also laid the foundation for her profound understanding of the challenges and rewards inherent in nonprofit work.
Over the years, Haley has honed her skills and expertise through diverse experiences in both small and large nonprofit teams, specifically in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors. These experiences have given her a comprehensive view of the intricacies of nonprofit operations.
As the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, Haley brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, specializing in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising strategy. Her journey as a CFRE showcases her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in the field of fundraising.
Beyond traditional fundraising strategies, she recognizes the importance of stress management in the often demanding nonprofit environment. Her certification as a Stress Management Coach underscores her dedication to fostering a holistic approach to leadership—one that prioritizes the well-being of nonprofit professionals.
Additionally, Haley’s certification as a Certified EmC Train the Trainer highlights her proficiency in Emotional and Cultural Intelligence, a skill set that proves invaluable in navigating the diverse landscapes of the nonprofit sector.
Through workshops, coaching sessions, and tailored consulting services, Haley aims to empower nonprofit leaders to overcome challenges, elevate their organizations, and drive lasting impact in their communities.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
In the bustling world of nonprofit consulting, where passion and purpose intersect, I found myself wearing a multitude of hats. As the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, my dedication to making a positive impact led me to say “yes” to every opportunity that came my way, mirroring the multitasking tendencies I had honed in the nonprofit sector.
The first year and a half of my business were marked by a whirlwind of activity. Juggling diverse projects and responsibilities, I was determined to do it all. I believed that wearing every hat was a testament to my commitment —a way to make the most revenue and provide comprehensive support to my clients.
However, amidst the hectic schedule and the constant influx of opportunities, I began to notice the toll it was taking on both me and my clients. The once clear vision of The Savvy Fundraiser’s mission became blurred amid the chaos of trying to be everything to everyone. Burnout loomed on the horizon, and the quality of service I offered began to suffer.
It was a pivotal moment when I realized that saying “yes” to every opportunity, regardless of its alignment with my passion and services, was not sustainable. In the nonprofit sector, the impulse to take on every challenge was ingrained, a badge of honor worn by those who believed in the cause. However, in the realm of business, this approach was doing more harm than good.
Taking a step back, I embarked on a journey of self-reflection. I needed to redefine my boundaries, clarify my services, and establish a more focused approach. It was time to unlearn the habit of saying “yes” to everything and instead, cultivate a strategic mindset.
With newfound clarity, I delved into an assessment of my strengths, values, and the unique value proposition that The Savvy Fundraiser brought to its clients. I identified the core services that resonated most with her passion and expertise—fundraising, board development, EMC training, and coaching.
I started saying “no” to opportunities that didn’t align with my core services and mission. It was a transformative shift that allowed me to focus on what truly mattered. Saying “no” became a powerful tool for preserving her energy, maintaining the quality of my work, and serving my clients more effectively.
My commitment to my core services not only strengthened my brand but also deepened the impact I could have on my clients and ultimately raising more revenue.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
The insights shared in “Leading Well from Within” by Dr. Daniel Friedland have had a profound impact on my approach to work and leadership. The book’s central message, that the solution lies not in merely trying harder or eliminating stress but in increasing awareness and leveraging inner resources, resonated deeply with me.
The concept of becoming a Conscious Leader, as outlined by Dr. Friedland, provided a fresh perspective on navigating the challenges of leadership in the nonprofit sector. The idea that mindfulness can be a powerful tool in cultivating effective leadership struck a chord with my own experiences. It prompted me to reevaluate my approach to stress and challenges in the nonprofit workplace, viewing them not merely as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and development.
Dr. Friedland’s incorporation of neuroscience to support the principles of Conscious Leadership added a layer of credibility and depth to the concepts presented. Understanding the science behind mindfulness and its impact on leadership effectiveness further solidified my belief in its potential transformative power.
One of the most valuable takeaways for me was the introduction of the 4 in 4 Framework™. This practical, four-step process became a guiding light in navigating the complexities of leadership. It provided a structured approach to incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine, allowing me to not only manage stress but also to proactively enhance my leadership capabilities.
The emphasis on self-awareness and leveraging stress as an asset rather than a liability has allowed me to approach challenges with a newfound resilience and clarity. The result has been a more conscious and intentional leadership approach, fostering better outcomes and more meaningful connections with my clients.
In essence, “Leading Well from Within” has not only expanded my understanding of Conscious Leadership but has also provided practical tools that I continue to apply in my daily work. It has been a transformative journey, influencing not just how I lead, but also how I navigate the complexities of the professional landscape with a greater sense of purpose and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesavvyfundraiser.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesavvyfundraiser/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-cooper-cfre/