Meet Hannah Zollman

We recently connected with Hannah Zollman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

I was raised to believe that if I’m part of a community, I have a responsibility to help it thrive. That means everything from helping a neighbor shovel their driveway to showing up to pack food bags for the local food pantry. It isn’t about recognition. It’s about showing up. Over time, living in a small-ish New Jersey town with a strong culture of supporting others, I’ve come to see generosity through an even broader lens – as a way of sharing the unique attributes each of us has to offer – my skills, my insight, my encouragement, my connections. When you are surrounded by people who care, it inspires you to keep doing your part.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder and CEO of Mission Driven Consulting, where I work with nonprofit organizations across the country to strengthen their fundraising, tell their stories with clarity and heart, and build sustainable revenue strategies. My team and I partner with organizations of all sizes, but we’re especially focused on small and midsize nonprofits who are doing powerful work with limited resources. We help them build systems that last, hire and keep mission-driven leaders, and bring their impact to life in ways that inspire supporters.

Beyond the consulting work, I’m deeply involved in my local community of South Orange, a vibrant suburban town just outside New York City. I helped launch The Co-Lab at South Orange, a small-business incubator and creative space downtown, and serve on a few local boards. But it’s all connected: whether I’m working with a national nonprofit, working to help South Orange and its small businesses thrive, or even moderating a neighborhood gifting group on Facebook, my goal is the same – strengthening community, deepening connections, and working with others to build something better.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Relationship-building: Whether you are fundraising, coaching, or starting something new, relationships are everything. Taking care to listen well, build trust, and show up consistently has had the biggest impact on my career.

2. Adaptability: Every organization and every project is different. I’ve had to learn how to walk into a situation, ask the right questions, and adapt to what’s needed, without losing sight of the bigger picture.

3. Clarity: One of my superpowers is helping people take complex, messy ideas and turn them into something clear, actionable, and compelling. That’s critical whether you’re crafting a case for support or navigating a board retreat.

My advice for others? Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Ask questions, say yes to opportunities that stretch you, and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. Growth comes from putting yourself in the mix, especially when you’re still figuring it out.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, or when I’m working with nonprofit leaders who are in that space, I ask a simple question out loud: “Will the world end if…” and then finish the sentence. Will the world end if I don’t respond to this email tonight? Will the world end if this report goes out tomorrow instead of today? It usually gets a laugh or a big sigh, but more importantly, it helps reset the moment. It gives us permission to pause and recalibrate.

Overwhelm often comes from trying to hold everything at once. I try to slow things down, figure out what truly is urgent, and just focus on the next right thing. Getting some fresh air helps. Talking it out helps. And reminding myself that I am not a machine is key. Some of the best leadership decisions start with taking a breath and asking yourself, “Will the world end if…”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://missiondrivenconsulting.com/
• Instagram: @hannahinsoma (personal)
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-zollman-690a3421/