The Discovery Pod

What does it take to lead meaningful change in healthcare philanthropy? In this episode, we go behind the scenes of one of BC’s premier healthcare foundations with two powerhouse leaders shaping the future of giving at  VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation . Join us as we speak with Liza Jerome, Senior Vice President of Community Giving and Engagement, and Samantha Rogers, Director of Community...

The Canadian Climate Institute is at the forefront of research and policy solutions for a sustainable future. In this episode, Douglas Nelson welcomes Rick Smith , President of the Canadian Climate Institute, for a compelling conversation on the future of climate policy in Canada. As a leading voice in environmental advocacy, Rick shares insights on the urgent actions needed to drive meaningful ch...

Ready for impact? Journey with us into the heart of the Pond-Deshpande Centre , where groundbreaking ideas ignite real-world change! In this captivating episode, Douglas Nelson sits down with the dynamic Vanessa Paesani , the Pond-Deshpande Centre's Executive Director, to unravel the powerful connection between innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Prepare to discover how they're foster...

Dive into the world of university development and philanthropic partnerships at the University of Victoria . In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, Christoph Clodius speaks with Jane Potentier , Associate Vice President, Alumni and Development, and Laura Milligan , Director of University Development. They discuss the new Associate Director, Philanthropic Partnerships position and UVic's strategic...

CILAR isn't just a name—it’s a movement. In this episode, Douglas Nelson engages in a compelling conversation with Serena Nguyen , Founding Executive Director of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Advancing Respect (CILAR). Delve into the captivating story of CILAR's evolution into a dynamic platform actively shaping a better future. Serena candidly shares the ambitious vision, the challenges enc...

What happens when you center youth voices in the climate movement? In this episode,  Cory Witter , Executive Director of  Youth Climate Lab , shares how the organization empowers young leaders to drive systemic change. Cory breaks down the principles of radical collaboration — from fostering creativity to intentionally disrupting the status quo — and explains how Youth Climate Lab partne...

Navigating change in healthcare requires bold leadership, deep empathy, and a commitment to ongoing evolution. In this episode, Alexa Pitoulis , Executive Director of BC Family Doctors , shares her experience leading an organization at the forefront of family medicine advocacy. She dives into the longitudinal family physician payment model, the rapid transformations sparked by the pandemic, and th...

Community engagement and strategic communication are essential for building trust and a lasting reputation. In this episode,  Aleece Laird , CEO of  Amplify Consulting Inc. , shares her insights on helping organizations connect with their stakeholders and turn feedback into meaningful change. She breaks down the three key steps to effective engagement: being brave enough to hear the hard...

At the heart of this episode is Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), where Douglas Nelson talks with CAIS Executive Director Anand Mahadevan . Anand paints a vibrant picture of CAIS as a diverse archipelago united by excellence, continuous improvement, and a strong belief in student empowerment. He shares the unique qualities that define CAIS schools, emphasizing their focus on fosterin...

Ever wonder how real environmental change takes root? In this episode, Douglas Nelson talks with Carolyn Scotchmer , Executive Director of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF), about their unique, donor-driven approach to supporting hands-on environmental projects across Canada. Carolyn shares how TD FEF funds grassroots initiatives, emphasizing community engagement and the importance...

In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, Christoph Clodius is joined by  Adrienne Carruthers , Co-Chair of the  Midwives Association of British Columbia  (MABC). She shares how she advocates for midwives’ access to proper health benefits, liability insurance, and training opportunities. Adrienne also explains MABC’s work for indigenous midwives and their current search for a new execu...

Brilliant minds, global challenges, collaborative solutions – these are the power of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) . In this episode, Douglas Nelson speaks with their President and CEO Stephen Toope who unveils how CIFAR is breaking down research silos to tackle the world's most complex problems, one brilliant collaboration at a time. He shares their approach to bringing tog...

A strong community can shape the future of healthcare, and Jennifer Gillivan , President and CEO of IWK Foundation , knows this firsthand. Their organization has become a driving force in improving specialized care for women, children, and families across the Maritimes. In this conversation, Jennifer shares how the foundation connects donors with bold healthcare initiatives, the power of community...

Change is inevitable, but resistance does not have to be. In this episode, Douglas Nelson speaks with Jan Kaderly , author of Change Killers: Managing Resistance So People and Organizations Thrive . Together, they dive into the human factors that often stand in the way of organizational transformation and how to better navigate these obstacles with confidence. Jan also shares eye-opening insights...

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities has been a cornerstone of youth support in Canada for two decades. In this episode, Douglas Nelson talks with Marco Di Buono , President of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, about the organization's 20-year history of supporting Canadian youth through sport and recreation. Marco highlights the importance of centering youth voices in program design, Jumpstart's in...

The Child Development Institute is making waves in youth mental health and early intervention today, addressing complex challenges many children and their families are struggling with in a post-pandemic world. Douglas Nelson speaks with their CEO Andrew Reddin about their innovative programs that equip young people with essential skills to improve their mental health care. Together, they delve int...

The social economy is a powerful driver for systemic change and inclusion in any community, and this is the central focus of this conversation. Douglas Nelson sits down with Victor Beausoleil , a dedicated leader in the social profit sector, to discuss innovative ways to build resilient communities. From addressing economic inequities to fostering collaboration, the executive director of Social Ec...

Pearson College UWC is more than an educational institution—it's a vibrant global community dedicated to fostering peace, sustainability, and opportunity through diversity. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Jason McBride , Head of Pearson College UWC, to explore how this remarkable institution shapes young leaders from across the globe. Together, they dis...

Due to an earlier than planned release of this podcast, Seeds of Transformation: a loving framework for equity, reconciliation and belonging is not yet available. Watch Tamarack's social media, website and newsletters for its release soon, or reach out to tamarack@tamarackcommunity.ca if you'd like to be alerted when it posts. Tamarack Institute is a leading organization dedicated to making commun...

How do you lead with purpose and compassion when faced with complex challenges like mental health issues, poverty, and homelessness? Douglas Nelson answers this big question with Wayne Leslie , Executive Director of the non-profit organization The Kettle Society . He shares how their Vancouver-based team provides crucial support and housing assistance to those facing mental illnesses, struggling w...

This 2025 offers a lot of opportunities for social profit leaders to make a real difference in their communities and even the entire world. In this episode, Douglas Nelson dives deep into his expertise in the social profit sector to share valuable insights on elevating leadership and driving positive change. He shares seven powerful resolutions designed to help maximize your impact and lead your e...

What does it take to empower aspiring women leaders to pursue global education opportunities? The Ching Tien Foundation for Women is dedicated to this very mission, providing scholarships and support to help women access education and become leaders and changemakers. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Ching Tien , the foundation’s founder, and Ashleigh Au...

Trust and reconciliation take center stage in this conversation between Douglas Nelson and Bruce Miller as they explore the transformative power of Indigenous people’s resilience. Bruce, a leader with the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund , shares how restoring fractured relationships and addressing chronic underfunding can unlock opportunities for Indigenous communities. Together, they discuss t...

Protecting our planet requires legal power, and Ecojustice is leading the charge. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Tracy London , Executive Director of Ecojustice, to discuss the organization's critical work in defending nature, combating the climate crisis, and fighting for a healthy environment for all. Tracy sheds light on Ecojustice's impactful legal...

Strong leadership and a commitment to community can transform lives, and this episode dives deep into the power of immigrant services to do just that. Douglas Nelson welcomes Jonathan Oldman , CEO of Immigrant Services Society of BC , to explore the vital work of supporting newcomers in building secure futures in Canada. Together, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of delivering resettlement...