The Discovery Pod

Education isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's also about building bridges between classrooms and boardrooms, between theory and practice, and between students and the careers. In this episode of Opportunity Spotlight, Brian Bowman, AVP, Advancement, of SAIT, shares the future of the organization and the pivotal role that industry engagement will play. SAIT, a renowned polytechnic institute in Canada with a 100-year history of excellence, is seeking a passionate leader as its first-ever Director of Industry Engagement. This is your chance to build a career by creating something entirely new. Be a part of shaping the future of education and industry collaboration. Tune in to learn more!

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are changing the landscape of charitable giving. On this episode, Mike Todd, Founder of Transform Philanthropy, explores the benefits of DAFs for donors and charities, dispels common myths, and provides actionable strategies to maximize your organization's impact. By educating donors about DAFs and using the term strategically, charities can position themselves to receive more charitable contributions. Learn how to cultivate relationships with DAF advisors and unlock a new revenue stream for your organization. Join Mike Todd and Douglas Nelson to learn how to harness the power of donor-advised funds.

Today's Opportunity Spotlight dives into the world of The Alex, Calgary's leading community health centre. Joy Bowen-Eyre, CEO, joins us to explore how they provide vital health and social services to vulnerable populations, from youth to seniors. Hear from Joy about their mission to make a real difference in people's lives. We also uncover the unique work culture at The Alex, known for its collaborative spirit, positive vibes, and dedication to its clients. Whether you're looking for a career change or simply want to be inspired by community heroes, this episode is for you!

On today's episode Douglas Nelson, host, speaks with Lisa Hoglund, Executive Director, Delta Hospital & Community Health Foundation, about her organization's innovative approach to improving healthcare. The conversation highlights the importance of building a strong board, fostering a supportive team environment and partnering with community members. Lisa Hoglund shares inspiring stories of leadership and philanthropy, along with practical insights in how to create deep meaningful relationships with donors.

The Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley was born from a personal experience and a community need. Founded ten years ago, it aimed to build a local hospice facility after a resident faced long travel distances for end-of-life care. Now, the Society has grown from a volunteer-run to a fundraising campaign to build the hospice, expanding palliative care services across the Bow Valley community. Joining us today to tell us more about the Palliative Care Society is Theresa Radwell, the CEO. Theresa also opens up about a unique opportunity to be part of the organization, a pivotal role in making a real difference in the lives of those facing end-of-life challenges.

When it comes to mothers, ensuring their well-being and empowerment is crucial for the health of our entire society. Enter Mothers Matter Canada, a national charity dedicated to making this a reality. In this episode, Douglas Nelson warmly welcomes Amy Robichaud, CEO of Mothers Matter Canada, as she sheds light on their mission and shares insights from her leadership journey. Tune in for an empowering conversation on the importance of maternal advocacy, the transformative power of community support, and social profit leadership.

Barbara Grantham, CEO of Care Canada, is back on the show to discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning from leading a regional organization to a global one. Barbara reflects on the evolution of her role, emphasizing the shift from local to international leadership and the complexities she has faced. She shares insights into Care Canada's origins, its mission to empower women globally, and the dynamic landscape of humanitarian work. In a world fraught with challenges, Barbara navigates discussions on risk management, cybersecurity, and safeguarding, shedding light on the multifaceted responsibilities of leading a global NGO. With transparency and resilience, Barbara embodies a commitment to nurturing future leaders, delivering significant impact, and advocating for the sector.

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 as Director of Development. Learn if the Pacific Salmon Foundation is your next career move.

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!