The Discovery Pod

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 H...

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 pre...

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 “philan...

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 a...

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 Métis Nation of Alberta, Sarah is deeply committed to bridging cultural understanding. She discusses the legacy of The Secret P...

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 organization’s transformative impact—from innovative, commun...

In the social profit sector, solving the world’s “knottiest problems” requires more than just good intentions—it 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...

Are you looking to transform your organization’s 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 GNS’s parent participation in annual giving from a modest 10% to over 60%, culminati...

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 change—Angela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, and Deb Lester, CEO of Covenant House Vancouver—share their candid...

In today’s 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 g...

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 creat...

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 Alberta’s most significant healthcare fundraising organizations. He reveals how his team is strategic...

In an era where healthcare demands are outpacing traditional capital and public funding, philanthropic organizations must evolve—and 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 ho...

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, we’re joined by  Akela Peoples , CEO of  Mental Health Research Canada  and a leader twice recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful women. In this essential conversation...

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 Frontières (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,&nbs...

Tired of working in silos? For over two decades, the  Center for Social Innovation  (CSI) has shown that collaboration—and the power of social capital—is the engine of change. In this deep-dive conversation, CSI Co-founder and CEO  Tonya Surman  shares the journey of building one of the world’s first co-working spaces—a home for changemakers where “the chaos is everywhere” and...

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...

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)—a small but mighty team responsible for massive capital campaigns like the $127 million Paul Myers Tower—is creating a Director of Philanthropy role. This isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of major gi...

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 shar...

The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) is searching for its next Executive Director—a pivotal role that goes far beyond traditional association management. Are you ready to join a passionate, “fun, nerdy, quirky, cool” team of professionals dedicated to solving some of Canada’s most pressing challenges? In this spotlight episode, CSLA President Matthew Mills and Board Member Teri Cant...

In the complex, high-stakes arena of environmental action, how do leaders sustain momentum when public attention shifts and funding remains a challenge? We sat down with  Chris Severson-Baker , Executive Director of the  Pembina Institute , a leading Canadian clean energy think tank, to explore the critical tension between deep, foundational research and the sustained, repetitive advocac...

What does it take to build the right social impact partnerships? Douglas Nelson talks all about it with  Sarah Saso , VP of ESG & Social Impact at  Meridian Credit Union . She explains the importance of strategically aligning core business interests and maintaining open communication at all times in developing fruitful partnerships in the social profit sector. Sarah also talks about...

A wish is far more than a fleeting moment of joy; it is a scientifically-backed medical intervention that can fundamentally alter a child’s healing journey.  Meaghan Stovel McKnight , Chief Executive Officer of  Make-A-Wish Canada , joins the conversation to dismantle the “last wish” myth and replace it with the  Wishes are Medicine  framework, which highlights the measurable c...

Nearly one in three Canadians reported having their human rights violated in 2024. Because of this alarming reality, the mission of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has never been more important. Douglas Nelson sits down with  Mena Gainpaulsingh , CEO of the  Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights , to share their fundraising efforts for this national institution fighting fo...

The landscape of local philanthropy and social change is constantly evolving, requiring organizations to innovate and adapt. Douglas Nelson has a great conversation with  Dan Clement , President & CEO of  United Way Centraide Canada , about the organization’s unique role as a “local impact, national platform” backbone for social good. Dan shares the three core pillars of their work—e...