In this powerful episode of the Hart & Hustle podcast, we sit down with Mark Dhooge, President and CEO of Kids In Distress & Family Central, Inc., to explore the realities of leading a nonprofit in today’s challenging landscape. Mark shares his journey from law enforcement to leading a $30M nonprofit, revealing the key strategies for overcoming funding obstacles, building a resilient team, and making a lasting impact on at-risk youth. Discover the importance of kindness, collaboration, and resilience in leadership, and learn how these values can transform communities and drive meaningful change.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Mark Dhooge
01:10 - The Nonprofit Leadership Journey
07:45 - From Deputy Sheriff to CEO
13:02 - Building Trust with At-Risk Youth
18:26 - The Impact of Isolationism
25:52 - Generational Challenges in Leadership
33:44 - Resilience Through Adversity
38:20 - Overcoming Nonprofit Funding Challenges
45:16 - Talent Acquisition in Nonprofits
50:26 - The Role of Kindness in Leadership
54:05 - Final Thoughts and Next Guest Question