The Discovery Pod

Explore various social media strategies with Douglas Nelson in this masterclass episode with Tom Plasteras and Jamie Harrison , seasoned media veterans and the founders of Verito Communications & Media Strategies . Tune in as they explore the most common pitfalls organizations face when marketing themselves and discover effective approaches to conveying your message to your target audience. To...

Douglas Nelson sits down with Christoph Clodius, Vice President of The Discovery Group, to explore the essentials of board recruitment. Together, they delve into how organizations can bring new perspectives to their boards, discussing everything from selecting candidates who reflect the community’s diversity to creating value-added boards that drive impact. Christoph shares practical insights on m...

In this episode, host Douglas Nelson welcomes Nicole Robson, President & CEO of the Surrey Hospitals Foundation, to discuss her journey in healthcare philanthropy and her mission to support the thriving Surrey community. Just seven months into her role, Nicole shares her vision for addressing critical healthcare needs in one of Canada’s most diverse and rapidly growing cities. Learn how Nicole...

Douglas Nelson speaks with Joy Bowen-Eyre , CEO of The Alex Community Health Centre in Calgary, Alberta. The conversation centers on community health and Joy’s insights into leadership, collaboration, and the importance of serving Calgary's most vulnerable populations. Joy shares the inspiring story of how The Alex provides essential health, housing, and social services to over 15,000 individuals...

In 2022, the Royal BC Museum faced major challenges due to the cancellation of the downtown campus rebuild. It fell to Tracey Drake , the museum’s CEO, to also rebuild the trust and reputation of the museum, as well as reinvigorate its connection with the community. In this conversation with Douglas Nelson, she provides a glimpse into the life of a CEO who handles such an overwhelming task. Tracey...

Today, we welcome Maureen Young, Vice President of Social Purpose at Coast Capital Savings, to discuss the evolution of social purpose in business. Coast Capital Savings has integrated social impact into its core business model, shifting away from traditional corporate responsibility. Maureen shares insights on how this approach fosters deeper community partnerships and drives meaningful change. T...

"Leading transformational change in mental health care—are you ready to be part of it?" In this episode, Christoph sits down with Jonny Morris , CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA), to discuss the critical new role of Senior Director of Development and Communications. Jonny shares the vision behind CMHA's work, the personal passion that drives him, and why this inaugu...

BabyGoRound takes center stage as Meghan Neufeld, Executive Director, shares the inspiring journey behind this innovative social-profit organization. Douglas explores how BabyGoRound provides gently used baby gear to low-income families in BC's Lower Mainland, easing household burdens and helping babies thrive. Meghan offers insights into the challenges of working with funders, expanding services,...

In this episode, Doug Nelson interviews Cathryn Wilson, Executive Director of the BC Achievement Foundation. Cathryn shares her insights into the foundation's journey, the importance of storytelling, and how leadership plays a pivotal role in uplifting communities across British Columbia. From growing a team to fostering inclusion and recognition, this conversation delves into the strategies that...

Today, Douglas Nelson sits down with Britt Andersen , the CEO of the Canucks Autism Network . The conversation explores how the Canucks Autism Network is making a profound impact on individuals with autism, ensuring they are understood, accepted, and supported in every community space. Britt shares insights on the organization’s growth, challenges, and the programs they offer, from sports and recr...

Join Christoph Clodius as he sits down with Maria Howard , CEO of Family Services of Greater Vancouver , as they discuss a new opportunity - Director of Development. Maria delves into the agency’s wide range of programs, from youth outreach and family preservation to victim support and financial literacy initiatives, all aimed at assisting the most vulnerable in the community. With nearly a centur...

In this episode, Douglas Nelson welcomes Rowena Veylan to discuss the importance of Indigenous Fundraising Protocols and how they shape the future of fundraising in Canada. As the founder of The New School of Fundraising , Rowena shares her journey and the inspiration behind creating a platform that challenges traditional fundraising methods while promoting ethical practices. Tune in to discover h...

Dive into the inspiring story of the BC Centre for Ability , a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities. In this insightful episode, Douglas Nelson speaks with Josh Myers , the Executive Director of the BC Centre for Ability, about the organization’s journey from its origins in the 1960s to its current role in promoting inclusion and providing vital services. Josh details how the organizat...

In a world that often overlooks women’s health needs, we must advocate for a future where women’s health is prioritized and celebrated. Christoph Clodius is joined by Cally Wesson , BC Women's Health Foundation President & CEO and Women's Health Collective Canada Founding Member & Board Director. They discuss the initiative’s evolution, from its inception to its current role in amplifying...

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...