The Discovery Pod

The fight for reproductive justice is an ongoing struggle that continues to face political and philosophical challenges despite the rise of movements in support of this cause. As the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Toronto, Mohini Datta-Ray is at the forefront of carrying out programs that aim to advance reproductive health and the overall well-being of young people. In this episode, she sits down with Douglas Nelson to share what it takes to sustain leadership in a challenging environment. Mohini lets us in on her experience leading this organization in the current context, where we are seeing the rolling back of reproductive rights in the United States. Leading through complexity, she also talks about serving from the zone of excellence and learning when to hand over the reins when the season for your leadership is over. Join this conversation and find out how a youth-driven, culturally-responsive community health centre overcomes towering issues and moves forward in the name of reproductive justice.

A warrior’s quest to defeat mental illness can be quite tough, especially if you are a lone warrior. But having someone behind your back, providing you with the essential pillars of recovery makes a difference. Leading the quest is Keir Macdonald, the CEO of Coast Mental Health, who brings valuable insights into what it’s like to be a new CEO at one of BC's most respective social profit organizations. He also delves into the organization by looking at the strategic planning process and working with an energized, professional team. Tune in to this episode to hear how mental illness is impacting our communities and the work being done to fight it!

Empowering African youth to thrive against all odds, Asante Africa Foundation pioneers change through education, leadership, and a shared vision for a brighter future. In this episode, Erna Grasz, CEO of Asante Africa Foundation, takes us through the evolution of an organization that's changing lives in East Africa, one community at a time. Erna reveals their pioneering model, a Global Alliance of local nonprofits working in harmony to empower individuals from ages nine to twenty-four. Through education, life skills, and livelihood development, Asante Africa equips youth to drive change within their communities. With a remarkable track record of impacting over a million lives and engaging with nearly 500 schools, the organization's achievements are inspiring, to say the least. Erna also explores the concept of "good philanthropy" and how mutual trust and co-creation drive lasting change. Join the vision of a future where African youth lead the charge toward economic empowerment and innovation. Tune in now!

Today on Opportunity Spotlight, host Christoph Clodius is joined by the CEO of Beacon Community Services, Tricia Gueulette to discuss a brand new opportunity - Director of Development. Tricia shares her vision for Beacon Community Services and the critical role the Director of Development will play in its future. Tune in now, and find out if this opportunity should be yours!

A community transforms and thrives when everyone's health are top priority. Strengthening that foundation enables children, families, and seniors to thrive in the future. In this enlightening episode, Heidi Worthington, CEO and President of YMCA BC, vividly illustrates efforts to create vibrant and healthy communities by bringing everyone equal access to health. Covering a broad spectrum of regions and guided by a comprehensive leadership approach that caters to the unique needs of each community, the YMCA BC's mission is clear. In her role as CEO, Heidi invites us into the heart of the YMCA BC community, where the transformative power of health equity takes centre stage. Tune in to discover how you can stand as a pillar of support alongside the YMCA BC, championing the cause of health equity for all.

We are kicking off season 8 with a Canadian icon – the Terry Fox Foundation. In this episode, we are joined by Michael Rossi, the Chair of the Terry Fox Foundation, to discuss the foundation's enduring legacy and the remarkable impact it continues to make in cancer research and treatment. As an experienced leader in both the corporate and social sectors, Michael sheds light on the parallels between sports and charitable work. He reveals how creating emotional connections and engaging narratives can elevate not only sports but also the charitable sector. Michael also offers valuable advice on recruiting passionate board members and fostering a culture of trust. Tune in to discover how Michael and the Terry Fox Foundation are driving change, uniting communities, and making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

JDRF has a bold vision of creating a world without suffering from Type 1 diabetes. It does this by funding world-class research that will lead humanity to better management of the disease. In this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, host Christoph Clodius is joined by JDRF Canada VP Development, Kim Lacombe to share JDRF's history, its vision and an exciting new role - Regional Director. The role of Regional Directors is discussed, emphasizing the responsibility for relationship-building, leading a team and meeting fundraising goals. Kim emphasizes the importance of collegiality, innovation, work-life balance, and staff growth within the organization, offering compelling reasons for candidates to join JDRF Canada's mission to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. Tune in to learn more!

Through their unwavering commitment to fundraising for the betterment of healthcare in the South Okanagan region, the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation (SOS Medical Foundation) has bridged the gap between aspiration and realization, channeling our collective strength to build a healthier future for all. In this episode, Peter Steele, the esteemed Chair of the Foundation's board, takes us on a journey through its impactful initiatives, its future aspirations and its current need of a new CEO. Peter Steele and host Christoph Clodius discuss the exciting opportunities awaiting the new CEO and the culture of collaboration that the board has fostered. Listen to this episode of Opportunity Spotlight to discover if this could be your future leadership role!

Discover the inspiring world of Royal Roads University as your host Christoph Clodius sits with Rebecca Sharma, the Director of Advancement, to discuss the university's growth, it's ambitious plans and a new role - Manager, Major Gifts. Rebecca shares the dynamic team culture, transformative projects, and the crucial role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. She also talks about her journey as a former student at the university, where she discovered her own leadership practice and redefined her approach. Royal Roads University fosters a culture of appreciation and leverages the strengths of each team member through appreciative inquiry, empowering them with a distributed leadership model. With exciting new projects on the horizon and a team of caring, creative, and courageous individuals, the opportunity of Manager, Major Gifts is one of meaningful impact. Join us in this conversation and prepare to seize your next opportunity for growth.

The Director of Advancement at Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School will have the power to kindle the flames of opportunity, spark the spirit of innovation, and lead the way to a future where every student can reach their full potential. Today, we have a special guest Suzanne MacLeod, the Head of School at Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School joining host Christoph Clodius to discuss a new role to the school — Director of Advancement. In this episode, she breaks down the details of this innovative position and explains how it will help shape the future of the school, foster growth, and create extraordinary opportunities for the entire Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School community. Join us as we dig into the heart of the matter, uncovering the motivations and vision behind the introduction of this groundbreaking role.

It seems like it was just yesterday when the Discover Pod started and now, we’re down to the final episode of our seventh season! We have gained so much wisdom from our guests who have joined us from around the world sharing their insights, challenges, and successes. What better way to wrap up the season than to reflect on the lessons we have learned! In this special finale episode, Host Douglas Nelson and Producer Alex Wilson look back on some of the highlights of the season along with their collective realizations on what truly makes an incredible leader in the social profit sector. Join them in this conversation as we celebrate the breadth and depth of the knowledge gained from season 7!

On this episode Mike Peters, the CEO of the International Paralympic Committee, joins host Douglas Nelson from Germany to explain the role that his organization plays in the world of sports and inclusion. Mike’s unique experience of being a former athlete and as a highly educated executive, has provided him with the leadership tools to create an exceptional organization. He shares his perspective on the future of the disability movement, his approach to diversity and how to align your team with the greater vision. Tune in to this episode to hear what great leadership looks like.

In the social profit sector, there can be an aversion to the word “profit.” But this week’s guest on The Discovery Pod believes profit is a critical component in addressing societal issues that should not be ignored.

Virginia Wilson, CEO of Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong, shares how aligning profit with purpose is a better route for making systemic change. In this episode, she joins host Douglas Nelson to enlighten us more about the meaning of shared value, how it differs from corporate social responsibility, and why it is the way to go. Tune in to this conversation to learn fresh insights on leadership in the social profit sector.

The social profit sector is the backbone of Canadian society. As its champion, Imagine Canada is committed to helping its leaders navigate the challenges and changes they face. In this episode, Bruce MacDonald, CEO of Imagine Canada, joins host Douglas Nelson as he delves into the state of the social profit sector in Canada. With years of experience, Bruce discusses the challenges facing leaders and shares his unique perspective of the sector. He offers advice on how to navigate these challenges and emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changing landscape. Bruce emphasizes that the end goal is finding innovative solutions that strengthen the sector while continuing to make positive impacts communities. Listen to learn more about the social profit sector's current situation and how its leaders can guarantee that their organizations prosper in the future.

As the largest foundation in Canada and the fifth largest in the world, the Mastercard Foundation seeks a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. With this ambitious mission, it may not come as a surprise to find an equally aspirational leader. In this episode, Douglas Nelson is joined by CEO and President, Reeta Roy, to tell us about the important work the Mastercard Foundation is doing in areas of education and finances. Reeta shares the development of the foundation and the strategies they employ in communities from Sub-Saharan Africa to across Canada. At the heart of it, she highlights the importance of co-creation, of understanding that you don’t have all the answers, and, therefore, you must learn to listen. She also discusses her journey as a leader, the people that helped her along the way, and the lessons she learned on what excellence looks like in the social profit sector. Full of great wisdom on leadership and serving, this conversation is not something you would want to miss!

In this episode, Febe Voth, the Author of The Case for Your Cause, offers advice on messaging, storytelling, and writing a support case. She shares some examples to walk us through the framework she presents from her book. This episode is for individuals who need to craft a case as a tool to move donors and create a bigger impact on those who benefit from the work of the organization. Take notes from this conversation to receive the full value of Febe Voth’s guidance in writing a case for your cause.

The establishment of Canada's first Chinese Canadian Museum showcases how cultural institutions can uphold and honour the diversity of our communities. It shows the importance of representation in shaping our shared history. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee shares the significance of the Chinese Canadian Museum and her passion for startup organizations in the cultural space. As a female leader, Dr. Lee discusses the importance of setting an example for her two daughters as a working mom. She also discusses her strategies for building great organizations from a human-centred perspective. Tune in to hear how all about this historical cultural initiative.

In anticipation of the Coronation of King Charles III, Douglas Nelson sits down with Farah Mohamed, CEO of the Prince’s Trust Canada. She talks about their development programs for veterans leaving active service and equity-deserving youth looking for employment. Farah explains how their work investing in these amazing people helps them pursue promising opportunities and serve society in fulfilling ways. She also discusses how leaders should approach the war for talent and why she prefers the term social profit over nonprofit.

Being in the social profit sector requires embracing the ever-changing needs of the community. You must be nimble in order to respond to create a bigger impact. Younger foundations have the advantage of embodying these qualities. They can navigate the present and future without the weight of history. One of the new entrants as a community foundation here in Canada is the Toronto Foundation. In this episode, Douglas Nelson is joined by its CEO, Sharon Avery, to discuss how she has been challenging traditional notions of fundraising and philanthropy throughout her career. Sharon shares the changes she has implemented, particularly on the shift of focus from funds to impact. She also talks about seeking young philanthropists, keeping her team in a state of hustle, being focused on your vision and values, and ensuring inclusivity and representation. All of these things are an effort to keep the community foundation evolving and relevant. Tune in and discover how Sharon is championing “new philanthropy” with her work at Toronto Foundation. Gain lessons that will help you navigate the changing needs of your community and more!

“Mothers are the first teachers” - they are the initial figures in a child’s life who nurture and prepare them for the world. In this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, Christoph Clodius is joined by Bruce Flexman and Julia Kim Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of Mothers Matter Centre. Together, they share the important work being done across Canada in support of vulnerable mothers. They also discuss the exciting opportunity to lead the organization as they search for a CEO. Listen to this conversation and discover if this CEO opportunity could be your next role!

Leaders in social profit have a unique opportunity to drive positive change and create a better future for all. Through philanthropy and education, we can inspire the next generation of leaders to make a difference in the world and leave a lasting impact on our communities. In this episode, Douglas Nelson speaks with Dr. Jacline Nyman, Vice President of External Relations at the University of Ottawa on the importance of philanthropy in higher education and how it can drive positive change in society. Tune in to learn from one of the most respected leaders in Canadian higher education.

Building a strong and inclusive community requires expanding our services to support all newcomers and to meet the evolving needs of those we serve, overcoming challenges with resilience. In this episode, we have Michael Itti, Executive Director of the Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC Seattle) in Seattle, Washington join us for a discussion on the evolution of social profits and adapting to changing environments. Michael shares how CISC Seattle has expanded its services to support all new immigrants, and the challenges they've faced during the current pandemic. He also discusses how he's brought together a coalition of organizations and the board to meet the needs of their community. Michael generously shares valuable insights and advice for anyone building organizations that serve their community. Tune in now and learn from Michael's experience and leadership in the social profit sector.

"As a fundraiser at a university, there's everything…It provides this incredible opportunity to be a matchmaker between the needs of an institution and the philanthropic aspirations and goals of donors." - Erin Morantz.

Erin Morantz, Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Engagement of Simon Fraser University, shares what it's like to build a coalition of collaboration and philanthropy for a significant comprehensive campaign. She highlights the value of the connection between leaders and those outside the organization to share experiences and gain advice. If you are interested in knowing what it takes to lift a large campaign and build an exceptional team, then don't miss this opportunity. Tune in to find Erin's expertise in fundraising and team-building in this episode! 

In this episode, Christine McIver Founder and CEO of Kids Cancer Care Foundation, shares how the programs she started over 28 years ago has helped thousands of kids and families on their cancer journey. She provides some insights on how she leads and sets the standards on board governance. Leading a social profit organization can be challenging, but Christine always gets the job done. Be inspired by this amazing leader by tuning in to this powerful conversation today. 

As one of the largest serving agencies in Metro Vancouver, YWCA Metro Vancouver provides a wide range of services to help address the economic, social and physical challenges facing women. Erin Seeley, CEO joins host Douglas Nelson to share how the YWCA Metro Vancouver continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the region. With over 200 employees and 75 programs, Erin leads a large, diverse organization committed to achieving gender equality. Listen as she shares about her career journey, the lessons she has learnt along the way and her transition into role of CEO. 

Building strong communities is key to driving better outcomes in the social profit sector. By bringing together essential partners, boards, and teams, we can create a unified force to make a meaningful impact in the world. In this episode, Zahra Esmail, the CEO of Vantage Point, shares her invaluable insights into leading communities in the social profit sector. Zahra emphasizes the importance of bringing the BC social profit community together and explores the creation of a BC non-profit network. Zahra provides advice for business leaders on how to bring together their team, their board, and their community partners to better serve their mission. Throughout the conversation, Zahra stresses the significance of community building and how it can drive better performance and outcomes for organizations. Join us as we learn from Zahra’s vast experience and knowledge of leading communities in the social profit sector. Tune in now!

In honour of International Women's Day, Paulette Senior CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation joins the podcast to discuss empowering women to assert their rights and advocating for gender justice. Paulette shares the unique ways her organization have helped women from vulnerable sectors, as well as her career journey through her work in women’s shelters to leadership roles in the Canadian government. Tune in to listen to Paulette's story and learn how you can take part in the movement to push for better women’s rights.

In this special Ask Me Anything episode, Alex Wilson, Director of Communications of The Discovery Group, sits down with Douglas Nelson to ask him questions submitted from our listeners. Doug shares the insights and wisdom that he has gathered over his 20 year career in the social profit sector. The two touch on the recession, donor communication and the best approach in recruiting and retaining qualified talent.

On this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, we shine a light on the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island with special guest Shelley Engelhardt, Director of Development. Shelley Engelhardt joins Christoph Clodius to discuss an exciting new leadership opportunity – Events & Annual Giving Manager. Listen as they delve into the details of the role and the critical work that the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is providing for children and youth on Vancouver Island who are living with physical and mental health challenges.

If this role and organization align with your values and experience please reach out to Christoph Clodius.

Please listen, subscribe and review!

On today’s show, we are joined by Mark Korthuis, President and CEO of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation in Edmonton, Alberta. Glenrose is Canada's largest freestanding rehabilitation facility. Its mission is “enabling patients with impairments or disabilities to reach and achieve their optimal physical, sensory, psychological, spiritual, and social functional levels.” Mark takes us on a vivid tour of the Glenrose Hospital while giving us insights on his experience in leadership and philanthropy. Tune in and find out how the Glenrose Hospital gives hope to people seeking rehabilitation from illness and injury!

Dr. Anson Wong is the Campaign Director at The Discovery Group. He joins this episode to discuss exceptional Asian fundraising strategies influenced by his lifetime of experience. Joining Douglas Nelson, Dr. Wong shares insights guided by positive impact and social change on building an effective Asian fundraising program in your organization. He also delicately dives into the art and science of engaging donors with respect and finesse. If you are thinking of raising money in Asia or working with Asian donors, you don’t want to miss this insightful episode with Dr. Wong. Tune in now!

Our food distribution system is broken. It is time that we take action and fix it. In this episode, David Long, the CEO of Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and Stuart Lilley, Founder of ReFeed, share their insights on how to fix food systems through the Zero-Loss Model to feed future generations. The partnership of Greater Vancouver Food Bank and ReFeed has created a positive impact on mitigating food waste. They share with Douglas Nelson some unique challenges and the remarkable accomplishments they have achieved over the past years. Stay tuned to hear the story of an innovative partnership making a meaningful impact on their community!

In this episode, Neelam Sahota, CEO of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society joins Douglas Nelson to discuss the value of immigration to all Canadians. Neelam touches on the Canadian immigration system, the services desperately needed, and the importance of alignment and strong governance in any social profit organization. Tune in now to learn how DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society helps newcomers and diverse communities thrive in 2023.

Join Christoph Clodius, Vice President at The Discovery Group, and Dee Dee Sung, Executive Director, Development at UBC, as they discuss UBC’s campaign FORWARD and the important role the Assistant Dean, Faculty of Education, will play in this project. Discover if this role is right for you!

The Faculty of Education at UBC was established more than 60 years ago. It is celebrated today as one of the world's leading education faculties. They are part of what makes UBC a global centre for research and teaching.

It is widely acknowledged that philanthropy has played a critical role in both developed and developing societies. However, today philanthropic acts or so-called “do-gooders” are being criticized, mocked, and even attacked by journalists and academics. Where are all these criticisms coming from? And what is the truth about philanthropy’s intentions? Together with Dr. Beth Breeze, this episode examines the validity of criticism against philanthropy and discusses the subject’s real purposes and contributions to society. Dr. Beth Breeze is the Director of the Centre for Philanthropy and a reader in Social Policy at the University of Kent. Join us in addressing the critics and taking an honest look at philanthropy’s role in society!

Over 30% of food is lost or wasted each year, which is striking, given the large number of hungry people worldwide. This wasted resource is a social justice issue that we should mitigate. In this episode, Tristan Jagger of Food Runners and Victoria Della Rocca of Food Rescue Hero share their insights on how these organizations help control the issue of food waste. The technology behind Food Runners and Food Rescue Hero has made a great deal of impact in engaging volunteers and holding onto them. This episode is an exciting way to approach engaging the next generation and volunteerism, and there's much to learn in this conversation. So take the path to help mitigate food waste by tuning in to this episode to learn more!

Institute of Corporate Directors is a not-for-profit organization that inspires directors to make meaningful contributions in the boardroom. The conversations that take place in the board rooms are very important for any organization. As the CEO, it's your job to make sure that every chair is aligned with each other. Join Douglas Nelson as he talks to the CEO of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Rahul Bhardwaj. Join in the conversation to learn more about governance and how it can be improved in the social profit sector. Find out what makes effective relationships between board members and CEOs. Know how to engage with your board today so you can lead your organization to success.

The year of adjusting to the new normal and organizational shifts is almost over. 2022 is just about over and it's time to start thinking about the future that is 2023. Join your host Douglas Nelson and his special guest Alex Wilson as they reflect back on some of The Discovery Group's 2022 achievements. Also, get a snippet of what's in store in philanthropy for 2023. 

Women in the workforce have been experiencing challenges in the social leaders’ profit sector- even up to this day! Women are still seen as unworthy of leadership opportunities and incapable of being instruments for social impacts, even when they have repeatedly proven the exact opposite. That’s why companies like Minerva are crucial to empower women in breaking the cycle of re-offending and ultimately making huge impacts on the issues of gender equity in society. In this episode, Tina Strehlke shares her own experience and background that brought her to the social profit sector and inspired her to enter Minerva, a Vancouver-based charity dedicated to advancing economic and leadership opportunities for women. Tina is the CEO of Minerva with 15 years of experience in designing, delivering, and creating programs for different people with different needs. Tune in and get a rich sense of the skillset, mindset, and ambitious goals Tina delivers for Minerva and how it all may become a game-changer to society! 

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The Surrey Board of Trade attracts and supports businesses in Surrey. They believe that transportation and education are the two economic foundations of building our city. In today's episode, social profit leader Anita Huberman, the President of Surrey Board Of Trade, shares her tips for working with boards, her idea about leadership, and how to get things done. She also shares some advice on bringing people together around a common purpose. You will want to listen to this conversation if you're responsible for engaging the community in any organization. So tune in!

To earn the award AFP Outstanding Corporation, one must demonstrate an outstanding commitment to supporting the community financially and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement. In today’s episode, Lawrence Eade, the President of Purdy’s Chocolatier, shares many of his insights about the connection between community and building community and being an effective organizational leader. He also shares why giving back to the community is good for business. Adding value to your community also gives value to your organization. So, if you are a leader, you may want to listen to his insights and get a sense of how Purdy’s Chocolatier approaches giving back to the community.

Sports undeniably bring people together. Ryan Tattle knows this, and it inspired him to start a fundraising campaign through hockey games – which surprisingly did well than he expected. He joins Douglas Nelson to share the story behind Score for Cancer, a project that raises money on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society. He looks back on how they amassed more than a hundred thousand dollars through hockey games thanks to the community's burning support, earning him the AFP Outstanding Youth Philanthropist award. Ryan opens up on how her parents made him a strong philanthropist and what motivates him to give back to the community.

Welcoming a baby into the world is a blessing. However, raising them can pose some challenges if you're struggling to fulfill their needs. That is why having a foundation in a community that supports parents in raising their babies in different ways is very valuable today. In this episode, Sam Drier, the Director of Finance at BabyGoRound, makes a difference by assisting mothers and families with necessities for their children because she believes that entry to motherhood is challenging. The foundation has had tons of success creating a solid, stable platform moving forward as a grassroots organization. The BabyGoRound is built with excellent board dynamics and culture that continues to stand tall and positively impact new mothers with newborn babies. Tune in to this conversation now to learn more about it!

Does your institution set a strategic plan to build a healthier place to work and study for you? In this episode, Richard Horbachewski from Vancouver Island University shares how the university is set to help prepare students for success in every aspect of life. Richard is a fundraising professional and the Chief Advancement Officer and AVP of External Relations at the university. He talks about trust-based leadership and how working collaboratively makes a big difference. He also discusses the values and efforts made by his team during VIU's growth stage to help it scale. If you are interested in big data and making a big difference, you will want to listen to this episode.

Do you love skiing and look forward to competing in this sport? Then immerse yourself in an organization with a culture of excellence. Freestyle BC offers freestyle skiing programs in British Columbia, focusing on delivering ski programs that enable the athlete to succeed at the highest level of competition. In today’s episode, Josh Dueck, an aspiring professional skier and coach, shares his ordeals of being a professional skier and his path to becoming a coach. He also shares his insights on how his concept, “Safe Sports, Safe Athlete,” plays out for sports worldwide over the next couple of years. We’re changing culture and how people act and operate across the board regarding coaching and mentoring to protect these athletes with programs that value their physical and mental well-being. Tune in to The Discovery Pod to hear more from this inspirational episode.

It takes great effort and dedication to take a cause forward and more than a strategy to earn a donor’s trust. In this episode, the CEO of the KPU Foundation and Vice President of External Affairs at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Randall Heidt, joins Douglas Nelson as he shares the impact of donors on their institution and any organization. Their insightful conversations take us to the different factors contributing to the success of their initiatives to raise funds to help students reach their educational, career, and life goals. Randall talks about how to effectively manage the expectations of highly motivated leaders and the importance of communicating with them to be on the same page and get them involved in the process to help them secure the resources they need. He also shares how awareness and building connections are key to finding the alignment between your vision and your donor’s passion.

Public health covers many different areas that are crucial to address. Equally crucial are the partners involved. In this episode, Kristy Kerr, the Executive Director of BCCDC Foundation for Public Health shares how the foundation, BCCDC, upholds to serve the community through disease surveillance, detection, treatment, prevention, and consultation. Strengthening the hallmarks of a strong and inclusive community and workforce is crucial in this sector. So how did the foundation fortify these hallmarks to serve the community better and protect the country’s asset, the public’s health? Tune in to this episode with Kristy Kerr to hear more from her!

Taking the philanthropic road can be challenging, especially when finding the resources to support your mission. One of those is the power imbalance between a funder and the charitable sector. Our guest in this episode found a way around it through trust-based philanthropy. Susan Byrom, the Executive Director of First West Foundation, joins Douglas Nelson to share how they are embracing that at First West. She shares the unique challenges of working with a credit union along with removing the barriers between funders and charities. Susan then talks about how they are creating a safe space for partners to have open and candid conversations, particularly around the accelerator program versus the granting program. Are you ready to explore a potential partnership with trust-based philanthropy? Don't miss out on this conversation as Susan tells us more!

In this world full of trials, shining light and supporting others who are facing huge ordeals is a great thing we could do. After all, the world is much bigger than us, so we must contribute and give back to the world. In this episode, Chantelle Krish, a passionate and experienced community leader, talks about her work in bringing people together to reach out and serve the community. Chantelle is the Executive Director of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, a non-profit organization providing volunteer mentors to Lower Mainland girls needing a positive role model. Big Sisters is on the cusp of some significant changes. Tune in to this inspiring episode to find out what more needs to be done in the social profit sector and what Big Sisters is looking forward to.

The demand for workers in British Columbia is much higher than the supply of workers. Migrants and those who leave the school system to enter the labor market for the first time are critical components of the new labor supply. In this episode, Patrick MacKenzie, the CEO of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC, shares the story of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC and the outstanding efforts he and his team did.

Some studies show that when revenues go up, profitability increases as you hire a more diverse workforce, which drives employers to hire immigrants to diversify their workforce. To help mitigate the problems of employers being fully staffed, IECBC helps integrate immigrants into the labor market at a level that utilizes their skills, training, and education. To learn more about the role that newcomers to Canada play in the economy, hit that play button.