The Discovery Pod

In the first episode of season 9, Douglas Nelson sits down with Alex Wilson to explore the makings of an effective board retreat . Whether you're a CEO preparing for your retreat or a board member seeking insights, this conversation offers valuable advice and practical tips. Douglas Nelson and Alex Wilson share their experiences and strategies to ensure your next board retreat is not only successf...

Breaking down barriers and building bridges, Take A Hike Foundation is a beacon of hope for at-risk youth. In this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, Christoph Clodius speaks with Larissa Hayes , Senior Director of Development, about a new role Director, Individual Giving. Larissa Hayes reveals how Take A Hike Foundation empowers vulnerable youth facing adverse childhood experiences by offering per...

As Season 8 of the Discovery Pod draws to a close, join us for a reflective wrap-up with your host Douglas Nelson and special guest Alex Wilson, Director of Communications and Producer of the Discovery Pod. In this finale, we dive into the heart of the social profit sector, exploring the top challenges leaders face today and the strategic insights from our most inspiring guests. From staff retenti...

In this episode, Douglas Nelson , host, sits down with Jim Hayhurst , a former CEO, social profit founder, philanthropist, community leader, and advisor to discuss the importance of activating capital for social impact and the need for innovative approaches to philanthropy. Drawing from his experience in both the social profit and tech sectors, Jim highlights the value of embracing failure and nor...

On today's episode John Dalrymple , Executive Director of Canada's National Ballet School , joins Douglas Nelson , host, to share how his organization is transforming ballet to be more inclusive. John Dalrymple takes us into Canada's National Ballet School journey in becoming a leader in equity, not just in Canada, but on the world stage. Hear how they're breaking down barriers, creating space for...

Welcome to today's segment of Opportunity Spotlight with the Discovery Pod, where we highlight incredible leadership roles within organizations in the social profit sector. Join us as we sit down with Stephen Anthony, head of West Point Grey Academy , to explore the values, culture, and leadership of this vibrant independent school located in beautiful Point Grey, Vancouver. In this episode, you'l...

Get ready for an inspiring dive into the world of multimedia storytelling with a purpose.  Catherine Winder , CEO of  Wind Sun Sky Entertainment , the creative force behind hit projects like the Angry Birds movies and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, joins Douglas Nelson , host, to discuss her latest venture,  Future Chicken —a groundbreaking, multi-platform project tackling climate chang...

The mission is clear: to advance child rights globally with a focus on empowering girls.  Dedicated to building equity, Plan International Canada translates that mission into action. Join host Douglas Nelson as he speaks with Lindsay Glassco, President & CEO of Plan International Canada , about her organization’s unified global strategy of addressing the challenges faced by girls and comm...

Education isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's also about building bridges between classrooms and boardrooms, between theory and practice, and between students and the careers. In this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, Brian Bowman , AVP, Advancement, of SAIT , shares the future of the organization and the pivotal role that industry engagement will play. SAIT , a renowned polytechnic institu...

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are changing the landscape of charitable giving. On this episode, Mike Todd , Founder of Transform Philanthropy , explores the benefits of DAFs for donors and charities, dispels common myths, and provides actionable strategies to maximize your organization's impact. By educating donors about DAFs and using the term strategically, charities can position themselves to rece...

Today's Opportunity Spotlight dives into the world of The Alex , Calgary's leading community health centre. Joy Bowen-Eyre , CEO, joins us to explore how they provide vital health and social services to vulnerable populations, from youth to seniors. Hear from Joy about their mission to make a real difference in people's lives. We also uncover the unique work culture at The Alex , known for its col...

On today's episode Douglas Nelson , host, speaks with Lisa Hoglund , Executive Director, Delta Hospital & Community Health Foundation , about her organization's innovative approach to improving healthcare. The conversation highlights the importance of building a strong board, fostering a supportive team environment and partnering with community members. Lisa Hoglund shares inspiring stories of...

The Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley was born from a personal experience and a community need. Founded ten years ago, it aimed to build a local hospice facility after a resident faced long travel distances for end-of-life care. Now, the Society has grown from a volunteer-run to a fundraising campaign to build the hospice, expanding palliative care services across the Bow Valley community....

When it comes to mothers, ensuring their well-being and empowerment is crucial for the health of our entire society. Enter Mothers Matter Canada , a national charity dedicated to making this a reality. In this episode, Douglas Nelson warmly welcomes Amy Robichaud , CEO of Mothers Matter Canada , as she sheds light on their mission and shares insights from her leadership journey. Tune in for an emp...

Barbara Grantham , CEO of Care Canada , is back on the show to discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning from leading a regional organization to a global one. Barbara reflects on the evolution of her role, emphasizing the shift from local to international leadership and the complexities she has faced. She shares insights into Care Canada's origins, its mission to empower women globally,...

The UHN Foundation is a global leader in healthcare innovation, and a critical part of that capability is the support given by philanthropic donors. Stepping into her new role as CEO, Julie Quenneville makes sure that donors and prospects understand the measurable impact they’re making with their generous gifts. In this conversation, she shares how she prepares for donor conversations and how she...

Attention all nature enthusiasts and conservation heroes! Join us for an exciting episode of Opportunity Spotlight featuring Allison Colina , the passionate VP of Development, Marketing, and Communications of the Pacific Salmon Foundation . Immerse yourself in the inspiring culture that drives Pacific Salmon Foundation 's mission to protect and restore the wild Pacific salmon. Allison reveals thei...

On today's episode Sharlene Rutherford , CEO, Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation , joins Douglas Nelson , host, to discuss her leadership journey and the creation of the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation . In this episode, she walks us through the challenges of running both organizations, including engaging donors and boards to buy into their initiatives, leading a committed team to excellence, a...

Anxiety disorders have increased dramatically over the past several years. Today we speak with a leader who is making a difference in helping Canadians who are struggling with anxiety.  Judith Law , CEO of  Anxiety Canada , joins host  Douglas Nelson , to share the role anxiety plays in our communities and the commitment Anxiety Canada has made in providing free, reliable and access...

The story of One Girl Can  goes deeper than the transformative power it has had on the lives of girls in underserved communities of Kenya. It’s also an entrepreneurial story, a tale of how one woman used her business acumen and organizational gifts to build an organization that truly makes a difference.  Lotte Davis , Founder,  One Girl Can , joins  Douglas Nelson , host, to sh...

Melissa From , the CEO and President of Calgary Food Bank , joins Douglas Nelson , host, as she candidly shares the experience of taking over a from a long-serving legacy leader. She delves into the principles she follows in building the management team to lead the organization to its new chapter. Melissa From also explains how she aligns the board and her organization in embarking on strategic pl...

Discover the secrets to maintaining a team dedicated to your organization's mission and values with our special guest today, Brian Bowman , AVP, Advancement, at SAIT . In this conversation, Brian Bowman sheds light on the challenges of cultivating a culture of retention within an organization as well as the essential elements required to foster a team that not only cares deeply but remains unwaver...

A thriving community is built upon the well-being of its children. SickKids Foundation supports Canada’s largest research-intensive children's hospital and is responsible for improving the health of countless children. In this enlightening episode, Jennifer Bernard , CEO & President of SickKids Foundation , shares her leadership journey, how she has tackled challenges with unwavering commitmen...

The arts opens pathways for young people to develop enriching lives. In this episode,  Paul Larocque , the CEO and President of  Arts Umbrella , takes us into the growth of Arts Umbrella and how it has stayed true to its purpose in engaging youth in arts education. He also reveals the importance of having extraordinary leadership in fulfilling the mission of inspiring children and impact...

On today’s Opportunity Spotlight, Moira Gookstetter , Executive Director, Vancouver Community College Foundation dives into the role of Associate Director of Advancement. She shares everything the college and foundation provides, from professional development to learning opportunities and growth. If you’re interested and curious, we’re encouraging candidates to come forward and reach out. This may...