The Discovery Pod

Pearson College UWC is more than an educational institution—it's a vibrant global community dedicated to fostering peace, sustainability, and opportunity through diversity.

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.

Due to an earlier than planned release of this podcast, Seeds of Transformation: a loving framework for equity, reconciliation and belonging is not yet available. Watch Tamarack's social media, website and newsletters for its release soon, or reach out to [email protected] if you'd like to be alerted when it posts.

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.

How do you lead with purpose and compassion when faced with complex challenges like mental health issues, poverty, and homelessness? Douglas Nelson answers this big question with Wayne Leslie, Executive Director of the non-profit organization The Kettle Society. He shares how their Vancouver-based team provides crucial support and housing assistance to those facing mental illnesses, struggling with substance use, and lacking their own homes. Wayne shares his personal connection to the Kettle Society's mission and the unique challenges of leading this complex organization. Discover how this non-profit balances government funding with private donations while staying focused on the people they serve.

This 2025 offers a lot of opportunities for social profit leaders to make a real difference in their communities and even the entire world. In this episode, Douglas Nelson dives deep into his expertise in the social profit sector to share valuable insights on elevating leadership and driving positive change. He shares seven powerful resolutions designed to help maximize your impact and lead your entire organization to success. From rethinking the end of your fiscal year, connecting with two donors per week, to slaying your lingering "zombie issues," Douglas offers practical advice and fresh perspectives that will truly inspire and empower social profit leaders everywhere.

What does it take to empower aspiring women leaders to pursue global education opportunities? The Ching Tien Foundation for Women is dedicated to this very mission, providing scholarships and support to help women access education and become leaders and changemakers. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Ching Tien, the foundation’s founder, and Ashleigh Au, the current part-time Executive Director, to discuss their vision and mission, their most impactful programs (including their global scholarship program and leadership development initiatives), and their exciting search for a full-time Executive Director to lead them into the future. Discover how the Ching Tien Foundation for Women is transforming lives and building a legacy of global impact by investing in women's education and fostering the next generation of female leaders.

Trust and reconciliation take center stage in this conversation between Douglas Nelson and Bruce Miller as they explore the transformative power of Indigenous people’s resilience. Bruce, a leader with the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund, shares how restoring fractured relationships and addressing chronic underfunding can unlock opportunities for Indigenous communities. Together, they discuss trust-based philanthropy, cultural safety, and the practical steps needed to move from acknowledgment to action. Whether you're interested in philanthropy or building inclusive relationships, this episode offers inspiring insights and actionable ideas.

Protecting our planet requires legal power, and Ecojustice is leading the charge. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, host Christoph Clodius sits down with Tracy London, Executive Director of Ecojustice, to discuss the organization's critical work in defending nature, combating the climate crisis, and fighting for a healthy environment for all. Tracy sheds light on Ecojustice's impactful legal actions, collaborative partnerships, and the crucial role of philanthropy in driving their mission forward. Discover how Ecojustice is making a real difference in protecting our planet and how you can get involved.

Strong leadership and a commitment to community can transform lives, and this episode dives deep into the power of immigrant services to do just that. Douglas Nelson welcomes Jonathan Oldman, CEO of Immigrant Services Society of BC, to explore the vital work of supporting newcomers in building secure futures in Canada. Together, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of delivering resettlement and integration programs, adapting to policy shifts, and fostering collaboration within the social profit sector. Discover how values-driven leadership and a focus on organizational culture create lasting impact for individuals and communities alike.

Explore various social media strategies with Douglas Nelson in this masterclass episode with Tom Plasteras and Jamie Harrison, seasoned media veterans and the founders of Verito Communications & Media Strategies. Tune in as they explore the most common pitfalls organizations face when marketing themselves and discover effective approaches to conveying your message to your target audience. Tom and Jamie also emphasize the importance of storytelling, targeted messaging, and a holistic approach that touches both traditional and digital media. Master these efficient tools to transform your media strategies and amplify your organization’s impact.

Douglas Nelson sits down with Christoph Clodius, Vice President of The Discovery Group, to explore the essentials of board recruitment. Together, they delve into how organizations can bring new perspectives to their boards, discussing everything from selecting candidates who reflect the community’s diversity to creating value-added boards that drive impact. Christoph shares practical insights on modern recruitment practices, explaining why boards should be intentional and proactive in their approach. Whether you are a part of a nonprofit or looking to strengthen your organization’s leadership, this episode offers valuable advice on building a committed and dynamic board.