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 leads her team to stay aware and ready so they can create maximum impact. Tune in for more!

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 their latest and most innovative campaign yet, outlining how you can become a vital part of the solution...

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, and doing advocacy work for better healthcare provision. Join in for an exciting conversation!

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 accessible tools. She also reveals how the organization grew from being BC-based to a national organization improving the...

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 share the story of how she made her vision come true through perseverance. She also shares real stories of the girls that One...

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 planning. Check out this episode to collect more nuggets of wisdom from Melissa From. 

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 unwaveringly committed to a shared purpose. Additionally, Brian Bowman provides a sneak peek into the...

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 commitment, and what keeps her inspired. As a seasoned CEO, she underscores the significance of preparation...

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 in has had in the community. Holding onto the organization’s purpose leads to the growth and success of the...

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 be the opportunity you’re looking for!

The Sarah McLachlan School Of Music offers an inclusive barrier-free musical program to more than a thousand kids. Dan Cleland, Executive Director, joins Christoph Clodius, VP, The Discovery Group, to discuss an exciting new opportunity at this world-class organization. Now, to support the School’s planned growth and ensure its long-term sustainability, the Sarah McLachlan School Of Music is recruiting a new Director of Development to lead all of its fundraising efforts. Dan talks about their...

In this episode we dive deep into employment trends and best practices with Christoph Clodius, VP, The Discovery Group. Christoph delves into the issues of recruitment retention and career building while providing insights into what leaders should do to recruit qualified and committed employees and board members. Before you look for a job, listen to Christoph as he shares elements of what makes a great candidate. Join Douglas Nelson and Christoph Clodius in this lively discussion about...

In today's episode of The Discovery Podcast we bring you into the financial back office of a social profit organization. Douglas Nelson welcomes Omar Visram, the CEO and Co-Founder of Enkel Backoffice Solutions, to take us into the delicate and essential relationship between finance committees, board directors, CEOs and CFOs. Omar talks about how leaders in the social profit sector can better engage their treasurers, recruit members and lead the board while underscoring the importance of...

For the past 23 years, CanadaHelps has been the leading online platform for charitable donations, assisting Canadians in discovering and supporting causes close to their hearts. Join Douglas Nelson in conversation with Duke Chang, the CEO and President of CanadaHelps, as they delve into the organization's pivotal role in the sector. Duke shares insights on fundraising strategies and the digital tools provided to empower Canadians in garnering donor support. Explore the challenges and...

In this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, Adrienne Skinner, Executive Director of Development at UBC Okanagan, joins Christoph Clodius to discuss an exciting new leadership role - Associate Director of Development. UBC Okanagan campus has the remarkable advantage of having a world-class university in the Okanagan, an unparalleled experience in Canada. Based in Kelowna, is a comprehensive, research-intensive learning community embracing bold new ways of thinking that attract exceptional...

In this episode, Teresa Virani, the Executive Director of Philanthropy, Nicola Wealth, discusses the main pillars of Nicola Wealth, the significance of corporate philanthropy, and the changes it has undergone. She emphasizes the importance of presenting a positive story to attract attention and donations for their cause and sheds light on how Nicola Wealth collaborates with the organizations it supports. Be inspired by her words to make a positive impact in the world and work towards a...

Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare philanthropy, visionary leadership serves as the compass towards a brighter and healthier future for all. Kelly Cole, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Foundation, joins Douglas Nelson, host, to share insights into her journey from post-secondary to healthcare. Together, they dive into Sunnybrook Foundation's strategic growth plan and fundraising, emphasizing the importance of aligning values and fostering collaboration within the team. Kelly...

On this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, Dominic Rockall, CEO, Clements Centre for Families, joins Christoph Clodius to discuss an exciting new role, Director of Development. Clements Centre for Families is creating a community in which all individuals are included, valued, and celebrated, supporting people “from twinkle to twilight” - living with disabilities from birth through adulthood to live their best lives in our communities. If you’re interested or curious to know if this could be...

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario is improving Ontario’s mental health and addiction services for youth by providing the right services at the right time through an impressive a network of 22 hubs. In this episode, Dr. Jo Henderson, Executive Director of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, discusses how the organization balances program fidelity and community customization. They share advice on dealing with false efficiency narratives, their journey in the social profit sector and the future of mental...

Foundry is revolutionizing mental health treatment for young people by taking a holistic approach. In this episode, we have Dr. Steve Mathias, Executive Director, discuss the pioneering work of Foundry, a groundbreaking initiative in British Columbia that is leading the way of how young people receive mental health care. Dr. Steve Mathias speaks with Douglas Nelson, host, about the origins of the organization and his personal journey in the sector. He also shares his sources of...

Reflecting on 2023: Where others see weakness, we find strength. In the social profit sector, challenges are opportunities, diversity is power, and authenticity builds lasting impact. Join us for a special year-end episode where our Host, Douglas Nelson, and our Director of Communications & Producer, Alex Wilson, take a look back at the remarkable year that was 2023. Together, they reflect on the highs and lows, the trends, and the lessons learned in the social profit sector. Douglas and...

What does it take to build a next-level social profit organization? Dr. Chris Lambert, CEO and Founder of the Detroit based Life Remodeled, joins the podcast to share how he built an innovative organization through four essential elements: team unity, a compelling vision, a sound strategy, and efficient execution. In his book, Next Level Nonprofit, breaks down the strategies that he applied. Prepare to get into the nitty-gritty because Dr. Lambert is not at all hesitant to share the worst...

Created by the Houssian family in 2005, The Houssian Foundation is one of the few private foundations that practices trust-based philanthropy. Douglas Nelson, host, is joined by Mira Oreck, Executive Director, to discuss how she is leading the foundation through the lens of trust and partnership. She talks about the foundation’s three portfolios and how they help raise awareness about society’s most pressing issues. Mira also shares insights about the negative stories and the common...

Granting wishes isn't just about creating moments; it's about igniting a lifetime of hope, one heartfelt dream at a time. Join us in exploring Make-A-Wish Canada with Christie Buono, the dedicated Chapter Director of BC & Yukon. In this episode, Christie shares her magical journey from the high-stakes world of sports marketing to the heartwarming and impactful field of social profit. Christie opens up about her experiences, the stories that have touched her heart, and the transformational...