Afleveringen
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Achieving transformational change is a universal goal for nonprofit leaders, but it requires more than just scaling programs or ambitious growth plans. In this episode, we dive into what it actually takes to navigate organizational shifts, build alignment, and sustain momentum. Join us as we sit down with Kelly Cole, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Foundation, and Aaron Sanderson, CEO of Kids Help Phone Foundation. They share their candid insights on leading through transformation, managing board expectations, and the discipline required to move big ideas forward. Whether you are leading a community-based nonprofit or a national organization, discover how to avoid the âtrap of moreâ and stay grounded in your mission while evolving your impact.
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It is quite ironic to use AI tools to help human skills, but one company out there is doing exactly just that. Douglas Nelson sits down with Tadzio Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Rapport, where they tap into the human side of AI to increase the emotional intelligence and people skills within organizations. He explains how technology can help build more timely and effective human interaction to prevent burnout, improve collaboration, and boost productivity. Discover why humans still have a great place to work in todayâs highly digital world because of their authenticity and clarity.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Traditional philanthropy in Canada has long been defined by transactions, KPIs, and metrics. But what happens when we shift the focus toward relationships, reciprocity, and the long-term stewardship of the next seven generations?
Today, we sit down with Emily Cabrera, Executive Director of RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs), to explore what it truly means to be a âphilanthropy-forwardâ leader in the Indigenous-led sector. As we navigate the complex, often clunky systems of charitable giving, Cabrera offers a roadmap for moving beyond the transactionalâadvocating for a model rooted in accountability, trust, and shared values.
Join us as we bridge the gap between conventional giving and Indigenous worldviews. We dive into:
The power of relational philanthropyThe indigenous-led legal frontierMoving the needleWhether you are a donor, a leader, or an advocate, it is time to rethink how we mobilize resources. Discover how Indigenous organizations are building a future grounded in justiceâand how you can extend your hand to support that movement.
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Closing the systemic healthcare gap for First Nations communities requires more than government support; it demands a radical shift toward self-determined, community-led philanthropy. In this conversation, we are joined by Nathania Fung, inaugural CEO, and Dr. Ruth Williams, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Foundation, to explore how they are bridging critical funding and knowledge gaps across British Columbia. By grounding their work in holistic wellness, cultural wisdom, and trust-based relationships, they illustrate how a community-driven approach can accelerate infrastructure development and empower Indigenous leadership. Listeners will gain insights into the necessity of moving beyond traditional funding models, the importance of social determinants in holistic health, and the transformative potential of donor partnerships that honor the unique needs and autonomy of First Nations peoples.
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Building a just future requires commitment, not just a single moment. In this special episode, we sit down with Sarah Midanik, President and CEO of The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, to explore the crucial work of reconciliation in Canada. As a proud member of the MĂ©tis Nation of Alberta, Sarah is deeply committed to bridging cultural understanding. She discusses the legacy of The Secret Path, the non-linear nature of this work, and how her organization continues building momentum for reconciliationâfrom classrooms to boardroomsâby providing vital educational tools and fostering âreconcili-actionsâ. Tune in for a powerful exercise in optimism, hope, and systemic change.
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The Canadian Mental Health Association BC (CMHA BC) is at a pivotal moment, having grown into a $65 million powerhouse of community care. Now, they are seeking a highly strategic and mission-driven leader to step into the brand-new Chief Programs Officer (CPO) role.
In this exclusive interview, CMHA BC CEO Jonny Morris opens up about the organizationâs transformative impactâfrom innovative, community-led crisis teams that avoid police involvement to provincial-wide employment services. He details why the CPO role is critical, describing it as the âengine of our programs and services,â requiring an agile, strategic collaborator ready to look 7 to 10 years ahead. Discover what it takes to join this leading-edge organization that âdoes not settle for the status quo.â
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In the social profit sector, solving the worldâs âknottiest problemsâ requires more than just good intentionsâit demands true social profit innovation. But what happens when proven, life-saving solutions exist, yet never reach the millions who need them most?
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Karlee Silver, President and CEO of Grand Challenges Canada, an organization that has marshaled over $500 million to support game-changing ideas, touching 100 million lives globally. Dr. Silver challenges the conventional view of innovation, defining it as a broad spectrum that includes social and business ingenuityânot just technology.
Discover their unique platform approach, which focuses on identifying critical barriers and mastering the discipline of making the best next investment to move an innovation along. From attracting âunusual suspectsâ like an Argentine car mechanic who developed a life-saving birth tool, to building a nationally owned âUber ambulanceâ system in Tanzania, learn how Grand Challenges Canada systematically de-risks bold ideas so they can achieve massive, sustainable impact at scale.
The advice and conversation can be applied to social profit organizations across the country and the globe, offering a blueprint for redefining what social profit innovation looks like.
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Are you looking to transform your organizationâs financial future and embed philanthropy into its DNA?
Today, we sit down with Chad Holtum, Head of School at Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS), to uncover the secrets behind their monumental fundraising success. Chad shares the journey of transforming GNSâs parent participation in annual giving from a modest 10% to over 60%, culminating in the successful completion of a $27 million capital campaign.
Whether you are starting a fundraising program or planning your next multi-million-dollar initiativeâlike GNSâs forthcoming $30 million Momentum Campaignâyou will gain actionable lessons, centered on three core elements: purpose first, person by person, and projects that benefit everyone.
Discover how a clear âwhyâ and a commitment to authenticity can turn fundraising into a celebration of community pride and a powerful mechanism for lasting transformation.
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Is your organization truly ready for the big leap? While every leader desires transformation, many are unprepared for the complex commitment it truly demands. In this powerful conversation, two top-tier leaders who have successfully navigated monumental changeâAngela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, and Deb Lester, CEO of Covenant House Vancouverâshare their candid stories. They delve into the distinction between simply wanting change and being strategically prepared to get big things done.
From spearheading a $65 million capital expansion and doubling bed space to leading major institutional development and fundraising for new institutes, Angela and Deb reveal the essential ingredients for long-term momentum. Discover the crucial steps: having a clear âwhy,â aligning your entire organization to a âNorth Starâ strategy, and balancing necessary urgency with the often-whispered P-word: patience.
Tune in to discover what it takes to get big things done and set your team up for genuine, lasting transformation.
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In todayâs fast-paced world full of unnecessary noise and grind, mentors are expected to give the breather everyone desperately needs. Douglas Nelson is joined by coach, social entrepreneur, and leadership practitioner Ian Chisholm, who explains why mentorship requires silence and calmness. He discusses why mentors should create spaces where everyone can learn with intention, purpose, and gratitude. Ian also talks about the service-first mentality, the Cinderella moment, the Athena signature, Zugunruhe, and other powerful concepts that make mentorship an essential stepping stone towards becoming a more empowered version of yourself.
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The role of a Campaign Director is a rare opportunity to move beyond traditional fundraising and lead a transformative shift in how a community addresses mental health and housing stability. Keir Macdonald, CEO of Coast Mental Health, joins the conversation to detail how this specific leadership position will bridge the gap between provincial support and philanthropic vision to create a first of its kind integrated care model. This position is designed for a collaborative strategist ready to move past reactionary crisis response and toward a legacy of prevention and long term recovery. It is a call for someone who values deep connection and innovation to help build a foundation that will serve the community for decades to come.
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In a world where public funding for healthcare often covers the essentials but leaves a gap for transformative growth, how can philanthropy become the true catalyst for change?
Today, we connect with Paul Rossmann, President and CEO of the Calgary Health Foundation. Paul leads one of Albertaâs most significant healthcare fundraising organizations. He reveals how his team is strategically bringing together donors and clinicians to drive profound improvements in patient care and outcomes. Paul discusses his journey from financial services to post-secondary, and now into the rewarding, high-impact world of major gift fundraising in health. He shares the secrets to fostering a culture of givingâone grounded not in transactional asks, but in genuine, long-term relationship-building. Learn how the Foundation is prioritizing opportunities based on where they can achieve the biggest impact and why donations are essential for funding the innovation that goes âbeyond the daily operation of the healthcare system.â
If youâre interested in building a successful social profit organization, or if you simply want to understand the powerful link between community support and cutting-edge health delivery, you wonât want to miss Paulâs candid insights on leadership, collaboration, and his ambitious plans for growing the Calgary Health Foundation to secure a better future for healthcare in Calgary and beyond.
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In an era where healthcare demands are outpacing traditional capital and public funding, philanthropic organizations must evolveâand fast. The Oakville Hospital Foundation is doing just that. Join us as CEO Mary McPherson shares the blueprint for their massive revenue growth, transforming from a post-campaign slump of $8-9 million to nearly $23 million annually. Discover how a strategic pivot to Major Gifts and innovative approaches to Planned Giving became the engine of their success. Mary discusses the vital importance of authentic donor conversations, a âno BSâ team culture, and a pioneering method of âunlocking assetsâ to build sustainable, long-term funding for clinical excellence, research, and technology, proving that a margin of excellence is always within reach.
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The current landscape of mental health support in Canada is more critical and complex than ever, with Canadians continuing to struggle under economic pressures and global uncertainty. To explore the path forward, weâre joined by Akela Peoples, CEO of Mental Health Research Canada and a leader twice recognized as one of Canadaâs most powerful women.
In this essential conversation about the future of mental health leadership, Akela shares her insights on transforming the national approach to mental health. She emphasizes the urgency of collaboration among organizations, advocating for âauthentic points of intersectionâ to achieve collective impact. Akela also discusses how leaders can foster a resilient workforce by embracing flexibility as a key element of mental wellness, drawing on MHRCâs experience of going fully decentralized in 2025, and the critical role of data and evidence-based digital solutions in meeting the countryâs rising mental health needs.
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The global landscape of humanitarian aid is facing unprecedented challenges, marked by increasingly complex, protracted crises and massive funding disruptions. How do organizations like Médecins Sans FrontiÚres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, navigate this new reality, especially when core principles like neutrality are tested and government support is pulled?
In this powerful conversation, Sana BĂ©g, Executive Director of MSF Canada, offers a compelling perspective on leading through global crisis and funding disruption. She details the profound ripple effects of crises and cutsâsuch as the disruption in USAID fundingâeven on independently funded organizations like MSF.
Sana shares her insights on:
The critical mission to âbear witnessâ to suffering, balancing impartiality with the responsibility to speak out.The moral hazards of having to stretch resources to fill gaps left by others, and challenging the assumption that âgrowth equals impactâ.The role of âhopeful optimismâ in leadership, and the urgent need to disrupt entrenched mindsets to ignite a new era of truly equitable humanitarianism.Dive into this essential discussion about strategic leadership, maintaining integrity under pressure, and how MSF Canada is mobilizing global action in a world that is attempting to normalize the removal of humanitarian norms.
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Tired of working in silos? For over two decades, the Center for Social Innovation (CSI) has shown that collaborationâand the power of social capitalâis the engine of change. In this deep-dive conversation, CSI Co-founder and CEO Tonya Surman shares the journey of building one of the worldâs first co-working spacesâa home for changemakers where âthe chaos is everywhereâ and âthe forks do not match.â
Discover how CSI evolved from a simple idea about shared space into a pioneering Collaborative Infrastructure Organization (CIO), designed to build the trust, relationships, and social capital needed to tackle the worldâs biggest challenges. Learn why Tonya believes the future of social impact lies in moving beyond convening to true collective actionâand why investing in long-term infrastructure is key to creating regenerative, movement-building solutions.
If youâre a leader, social innovator, or simply someone trying to make a difference, explore the power of intentional community designâand how strengthening social capital can shift the sector from scarcity to abundance.
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Imagine a conservation portfolio the size of 180 Stanley Parks, and then imagine being the person tasked with growing it. The Nature Trust of British Columbia is at a critical crossroads, moving from government-heavy funding to a future driven by private philanthropic vision. To lead this evolution, they are searching for a Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications, a role designed for a leader who wants to deliver results that can be seen, felt, and protected for generations.
Join CEO Dr. Jasper Lament as he discusses the urgency of the biodiversity crisis and the âconservation toolboxâ that makes the Trust unique. From the Salish Sea to the Kootenays, discover how this organization is using data-driven science to pick the âbest of the bestâ lands and why they need a sophisticated communicator to bridge the gap between ecological need and donor passion.
Ready to leave a legacy that truly lasts forever? Tune in for an inside look at this rare leadership opening, hosted by Christoph Clodius of The Discovery Group, and find out if you have the vision to help protect the nature of BC before itâs too late.
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In the high-stakes world of healthcare philanthropy, few opportunities offer the chance to build a legacy from the ground up. Lions Gate Hospital Foundation (LGHF)âa small but mighty team responsible for massive capital campaigns like the $127 million Paul Myers Towerâis creating a Director of Philanthropy role. This isnât just a job; itâs an opportunity to shape the future of major gift fundraising and transform patient care for the entire North Shore community.
In an exclusive interview, LGHF President and CEO Judy Savage shares why now is the time for this new role, how a $25 donor once became a $10 million one, and what it takes to join a culture built on unwavering trust, transparency, and a shared passion for making a tangible difference.
Are you ready to broker transformational gifts, lead a program with a proven track record, and work alongside one of the most respected leaders in Canadian philanthropy? Tune in for the insights you need to know about this rare and compelling leadership opportunity.
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In the world of sports leadership, few organizations embody dedication, impact, and pure joy like Special Olympics Canada. But what does it take to lead a movement of over 40,000 athletes and 20,000 volunteers across a country as vast as Canada?
In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada, to explore her leadership journey. Gail shares how she centers the athletesâ experience, not just on the field of play, but as a catalyst for health, employment, and inclusion across the entire community. Discover how Special Olympics Canada leverages a powerful Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 8.76:1 to transform âcharity thinkingâ into âabundance thinking,â making a compelling case for investment, not just donation.
Join us as Gail reveals the power of authentic storytelling, the surprising impact of their Healthy Athletes program, and why a culture rooted in joy and supported by a solid foundation allows her team to boldly say âyesâ to new opportunities. This is a masterclass in servant leadership, abundance mindset, and building an organization where the ultimate metric of success is the life-changing impact on every athlete.
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The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) is searching for its next Executive Directorâa pivotal role that goes far beyond traditional association management.
Are you ready to join a passionate, âfun, nerdy, quirky, coolâ team of professionals dedicated to solving some of Canadaâs most pressing challenges? In this spotlight episode, CSLA President Matthew Mills and Board Member Teri Cantin peel back the layers on the profession and the association, revealing why this is a unique leadership opportunity.
Discover how the new Executive Director will:
Lead a Profession in Demand: Navigate rapid growth and the urgent need to train the next generation of Landscape Architects.Drive National Impact: Spearhead initiatives touching on climate change, urban health, reconciliation, and social equity.Embrace Volunteer Addiction: Work with a high-functioning, nationally collaborative board characterized by high passion and low ego.If you are a collaborative leader eager to leverage a strong organizational foundation to âspringboard into the next echelonâ and make a tangible difference in the built and natural environments, your time is now.
Listen to our full interview with Matthew Mills and Teri Cantin to hear more about the CSLAâs exciting strategic vision, the importance of culture alignment, and why the time for landscape architecture in Canada is now.
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