Today, we sit down with Chad Holtum, Head of School at Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS), to uncover the secrets behind their monumental fundraising success. Chad shares the journey of transforming GNS’s parent participation in annual giving from a modest 10% to over 60%, culminating in the successful completion of a $27 million capital campaign.

Whether you are starting a fundraising program or planning your next multi-million-dollar initiative—like GNS’s forthcoming $30 million Momentum Campaign—you will gain actionable lessons, centered on three core elements: purpose first, person by person, and projects that benefit everyone.

Discover how a clear “why” and a commitment to authenticity can turn fundraising into a celebration of community pride and a powerful mechanism for lasting transformation.

From spearheading a $65 million capital expansion and doubling bed space to leading major institutional development and fundraising for new institutes, Angela and Deb reveal the essential ingredients for long-term momentum. Discover the crucial steps: having a clear “why,” aligning your entire organization to a “North Star” strategy, and balancing necessary urgency with the often-whispered P-word: patience.

Tune in to discover what it takes to get big things done and set your team up for genuine, lasting transformation.

Today, we connect with Paul Rossmann, President and CEO of the Calgary Health Foundation. Paul leads one of Alberta’s most significant healthcare fundraising organizations. He reveals how his team is strategically bringing together donors and clinicians to drive profound improvements in patient care and outcomes. Paul discusses his journey from financial services to post-secondary, and now into the rewarding, high-impact world of major gift fundraising in health. He shares the secrets to fostering a culture of giving—one grounded not in transactional asks, but in genuine, long-term relationship-building. Learn how the Foundation is prioritizing opportunities based on where they can achieve the biggest impact and why donations are essential for funding the innovation that goes ‘beyond the daily operation of the healthcare system.’

If you’re interested in building a successful social profit organization, or if you simply want to understand the powerful link between community support and cutting-edge health delivery, you won’t want to miss Paul’s candid insights on leadership, collaboration, and his ambitious plans for growing the Calgary Health Foundation to secure a better future for healthcare in Calgary and beyond.

In this essential conversation about the future of mental health leadership, Akela shares her insights on transforming the national approach to mental health. She emphasizes the urgency of collaboration among organizations, advocating for “authentic points of intersection” to achieve collective impact. Akela also discusses how leaders can foster a resilient workforce by embracing flexibility as a key element of mental wellness, drawing on MHRC’s experience of going fully decentralized in 2025, and the critical role of data and evidence-based digital solutions in meeting the country’s rising mental health needs.

In this powerful conversation, Sana Bég, Executive Director of MSF Canada, offers a compelling perspective on leading through global crisis and funding disruption. She details the profound ripple effects of crises and cuts—such as the disruption in USAID funding—even on independently funded organizations like MSF.

Sana shares her insights on:

• The critical mission to “bear witness” to suffering, balancing impartiality with the responsibility to speak out.
• The moral hazards of having to stretch resources to fill gaps left by others, and challenging the assumption that “growth equals impact”.
• The role of “hopeful optimism” in leadership, and the urgent need to disrupt entrenched mindsets to ignite a new era of truly equitable humanitarianism.

Dive into this essential discussion about strategic leadership, maintaining integrity under pressure, and how MSF Canada is mobilizing global action in a world that is attempting to normalize the removal of humanitarian norms.

Discover how CSI evolved from a simple idea about shared space into a pioneering Collaborative Infrastructure Organization (CIO), designed to build the trust, relationships, and social capital needed to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Learn why Tonya believes the future of social impact lies in moving beyond convening to true collective action—and why investing in long-term infrastructure is key to creating regenerative, movement-building solutions.

If you’re a leader, social innovator, or simply someone trying to make a difference, explore the power of intentional community design—and how strengthening social capital can shift the sector from scarcity to abundance.

Join CEO Dr. Jasper Lament as he discusses the urgency of the biodiversity crisis and the “conservation toolbox” that makes the Trust unique. From the Salish Sea to the Kootenays, discover how this organization is using data-driven science to pick the “best of the best” lands and why they need a sophisticated communicator to bridge the gap between ecological need and donor passion.

Ready to leave a legacy that truly lasts forever? Tune in for an inside look at this rare leadership opening, hosted by Christoph Clodius of The Discovery Group, and find out if you have the vision to help protect the nature of BC before it’s too late.

In an exclusive interview, LGHF President and CEO Judy Savage shares why now is the time for this new role, how a $25 donor once became a $10 million one, and what it takes to join a culture built on unwavering trust, transparency, and a shared passion for making a tangible difference.

Are you ready to broker transformational gifts, lead a program with a proven track record, and work alongside one of the most respected leaders in Canadian philanthropy? Tune in for the insights you need to know about this rare and compelling leadership opportunity.

In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada, to explore her leadership journey. Gail shares how she centers the athletes’ experience, not just on the field of play, but as a catalyst for health, employment, and inclusion across the entire community. Discover how Special Olympics Canada leverages a powerful Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 8.76:1 to transform “charity thinking” into “abundance thinking,” making a compelling case for investment, not just donation.

Join us as Gail reveals the power of authentic storytelling, the surprising impact of their Healthy Athletes program, and why a culture rooted in joy and supported by a solid foundation allows her team to boldly say “yes” to new opportunities. This is a masterclass in servant leadership, abundance mindset, and building an organization where the ultimate metric of success is the life-changing impact on every athlete.

Are you ready to join a passionate, “fun, nerdy, quirky, cool” team of professionals dedicated to solving some of Canada’s most pressing challenges? In this spotlight episode, CSLA President Matthew Mills and Board Member Teri Cantin peel back the layers on the profession and the association, revealing why this is a unique leadership opportunity.

Discover how the new Executive Director will:

• Lead a Profession in Demand: Navigate rapid growth and the urgent need to train the next generation of Landscape Architects.
• Drive National Impact: Spearhead initiatives touching on climate change, urban health, reconciliation, and social equity.
• Embrace Volunteer Addiction: Work with a high-functioning, nationally collaborative board characterized by high passion and low ego.

If you are a collaborative leader eager to leverage a strong organizational foundation to “springboard into the next echelon” and make a tangible difference in the built and natural environments, your time is now.

Listen to our full interview with Matthew Mills and Teri Cantin to hear more about the CSLA’s exciting strategic vision, the importance of culture alignment, and why the time for landscape architecture in Canada is now.

For decades, Pembina has shaped Canada’s energy landscape, moving from proving the viability of clean tech to actively dismantling the barriers to a net-zero economy. Chris shares his candid insights on navigating the political headwinds, the necessity of integrated fundraising—especially in a competitive philanthropic space—and the surprising discipline required to repeat a message until it finally sticks.

Whether you’re a non-profit leader, an advocate for change, or simply interested in how big-picture environmental goals translate into real-world progress, this conversation offers invaluable lessons on strategy, focus, and the art of leading with both science and conviction.

In this exclusive Opportunity Spotlight, we sit down with Vanessa Abaya, Senior Vice President for Philanthropy and Campaign, to discuss the foundation's culture, its expansive impact, and the pivotal responsibilities of this "air traffic controller" position. Discover how you can leverage your strategic vision and operational excellence to bridge fundraising strategy with tactical execution, working across all teams (from Major Gifts to IT) to drive success for a campaign that will redefine healthcare in British Columbia. If you thrive on complexity, collaboration, and the chance to leave a legacy, this is the deep dive you need to read.

Today, we sit down with Amanda Burrows, Executive Director of First United, a cornerstone of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. From providing essential services like food, water, and shelter to driving real policy change through data-backed advocacy, Amanda shares how First United continues to evolve—without ever compromising its values.

We explore the tension between frontline service and systemic reform, celebrate community resilience, and dig into how their legal advocacy led to groundbreaking housing legislation in BC. Plus, Amanda unpacks how deep-rooted integrity builds bridges with donors and fuels their powerful partnerships in the fight against poverty.

Tune in to hear how one organization blends compassion, courage, and conviction to make meaningful impact—generation after generation.

Join us as we speak with Liza Jerome, Senior Vice President of Community Giving and Engagement, and Samantha Rogers, Director of Community Giving. Together, they offer a compelling look at the foundation’s culture of collaboration, innovation, and impact—and introduce a pivotal new role: the Associate Director of Legacy Giving.

You’ll hear how this opportunity isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about shaping donor journeys, building deep community connections, and becoming a strategic voice in legacy and planned giving. Whether you’re a seasoned development professional or curious about working at the intersection of philanthropy and healthcare, this conversation offers a rare peek inside a mission-driven team with heart and vision. Tune in to discover how you could be the next chapter in this legacy.

In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Jason McBride, Head of Pearson College UWC, to explore how this remarkable institution shapes young leaders from across the globe. Together, they discuss the vital role of the new Director of Advancement and External Relations in advancing the college's mission and amplifying its global reach.

Discover what sets Pearson College UWC apart in international education as Jason shares powerful insights into crafting transformative student experiences, celebrating cultural diversity, and preparing the next generation of changemakers for a more connected and sustainable future.

Whether you're an advancement leader or someone passionate about education and global impact, this episode is your gateway to understanding—and possibly joining—a mission that’s truly changing the world.

Tamarack Institute is a leading organization dedicated to making community action toward lasting societal transformation. Danya Pastuszek, its president and CEO, joins Douglas Nelson to share her bold vision to end poverty. Learn how Tamarack Institute is igniting real action within various communities and transforming systems to create a more equitable world. Danya also shares her insights on the importance of collaboration, challenging traditional narratives, and embracing transparency in leadership.

Dan talks about their leadership approach and a culture that perfectly balance creativity and professionalism, giving children a positive space to develop their musical talents. He also discusses how they conduct various fundraising initiatives to establish sustainable funding and ensure that the noble efforts of their school can continue for many years to come. Tune in to learn more about this amazing organization and the incredible opportunity to be a part of the team.

nicolawealth.com

https://www.teresavirani.com/

clementscentre.org

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.

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! 

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

Please listen, subscribe and review!

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.

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.

Audio & Video Links

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Edit NotesPlease add intro to beginning of interview

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.

On that note, technology and the COVID pandemic accelerated change. The crisis pushed everyone to think if there are better ways to do things. Dr. Jodi believes that when you have a crisis, you need to understand and manage it, and also see the benefit that can come from it. Tune in!