The Unfiltered Non-Profit: Leaders Share It All

In this episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Susan Ingram, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, shares how her leadership helped turn a small idea into a thriving social enterprise. Thrive Select Thrift started with just three clothing bins and a $5,000 investment in 2015. Today, it has grown into a successful thrift store that has diverted over 1.5 million pounds of clot...

What does it take to advocate for 65,000 grain farmers across Canada? In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of Grain Growers of Canada, to explore the realities of nonprofit leadership and advocacy in a constantly shifting political landscape. Representing farmers who produce 70% of Canada's grain exports, Kyle shares how his team wor...

Get ready for an insightful and inspiring episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast! This week we are sitting down with Paul Lansbergen, a Certified Association Executive and seasoned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience in public policy, association management, and advocacy. Paul's journey is proof that with the right mindset, challenges can turn into opportunities. Paul shares how...

In this episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sit down with Lori Prospero, the CEO of Rising Oaks Early Learning Ontario. Lori's career didn't exactly follow a straight line—she started out thinking she'd be a chemist, but a few twists and turns later, she found herself leading a nonprofit that serves 15,500 families. Along the way, she picked up her Certified Association Executive (CAE)...

In this episode, Cherry sits down with Steven Heckbert, the Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council. Steven's journey is nothing short of inspiring—he's got over 15 years of teaching experience and 20 years working in communications. We talk about how he made the leap from being a professor to leading in the nonprofit world and why he believes communication and genuine connections are at t...

On this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry Chan dives into a candid conversation with Peter Braid, CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC). Peter didn't always lead a nonprofit—he actually started in politics, winning his first election by a nail-biting 17 votes! That experience taught him a lot about persistence and connecting with people, lessons he's carried i...

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, I'm sitting down with Krista Gionet, the Chief Executive Officer at the helm of the Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors. Having been with this organization for more than 35 years, Krista will share an amazing career path—from age 18 in the MLS Department to over 21 years as CEO. Her story is one of hard work, adaptability, and giving ba...

In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we chat with Cheryl Farrow, CEO of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). Cheryl talks about how she guided the association through a  big shift  in how they operate, focusing on making things more open and getting  members more involved . One of the things she's most proud of is launching "fire...

In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we're joined by Jean-François Champagne, President of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA). JF opens up about a major challenge his team faced while trying to launch a certification program for collision repair shops. Despite the support they received and the huge investment—both in time and money—the program struggled due to c...

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth Fowler, the Executive Director of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). For Elizabeth, running is more than just a way to stay in shape—it's her go-to for clearing her mind, reflecting on decisions, and thinking through the big stuff. It's no surprise she compares leadership to long-dista...

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sat down with Tim Hudak, the former CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). After spending over 20 years in politics and even leading Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party, he made a big leap into nonprofit leadership. Making a major career shift can be daunting, and Tim's journey is full of insights that could help anyone facin...

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we chat with the Executive Director of Jericho Road, a nonprofit that's all about transforming lives through addiction recovery. What makes his story extra special? He was once a participant in Jericho Road's program himself. His journey from addiction to recovery now fuels his mission to help others. Under his leadership, Jericho Road has hit s...

I am thrilled to welcome Beth McMahon, CEO of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). Beth's extensive executive experience and dedication to non-profit leadership make her a powerhouse in the sector. Beth's story is one of bold moves and relentless dedication. Imagine driving across the country for a part-time role that demanded double the effort – that's how Beth started her journey. She grew...

Today, we're diving deep into the world of nonprofit leadership with none other than Jason Burggraaf, Executive Director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association (GOHBA).  Jason's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From studying political science at Carleton and volunteering on Parliament Hill to turning GOBHA from a one staff member organization during pandemic (because almost all his...

We are thrilled to feature Heather Norris, President and CEO of the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE). Heather is a visionary leader known for her significant contributions to the nonprofit sector. In this episode, she shares her diverse career journey, which spans healthcare management and community impact, leading to her current role at ONFE. Heather discusses various ONFE programs, such as th...

In this inaugural episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we welcome Tracy Folkes Hanson , President and CEO of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) . Tracy, a visionary leader with extensive experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, shares her journey from a marketing communications background to her current role in nonprofit leadership. Her diverse career path i...