Episode 18. Joan Fisk is learning a whole lot as a non-profit CEO of the United Way in the Waterloo region. It has given her a unique perspective around the “underbelly” of the community and a chance to see all the people who fall through the cracks differently.

Joan’s career is full of great stories. In the 1970s and 1980s, she battled stereotypes and sexism in her position, while the fashion industry was being transformed as China built up its industry to eventually take-over. Still, as President of Tiger Brand Knitting she ran a successful company for many years until eventually when the company had to be sold.

In this interview with host Greg Martin, she describes the state of the charity sector in Canada along with the thirst for talent, money and all the people in need. Joan calls the current job at the United Way as a “giving back” role. What’s best and rewarding - it allows her to have an impact on the community in a completely new way.