The Discovery Pod

Anxiety disorders have increased dramatically over the past several years. Today we speak with a leader who is making a difference in helping Canadians who are struggling with anxiety. Judith Law, CEO of Anxiety Canada, joins host Douglas Nelson, to share the role anxiety plays in our communities and the commitment Anxiety Canada has made in providing free, reliable and accessible tools. She also reveals how the organization grew from being BC-based to a national organization improving the lives of thousands. Tune in to listen to the work that Judith Law is leading with Anxiety Canada.

The story of One Girl Can goes deeper than the transformative power it has had on the lives of girls in underserved communities of Kenya. It’s also an entrepreneurial story, a tale of how one woman used her business acumen and organizational gifts to build an organization that truly makes a difference. Lotte Davis, Founder, One Girl Can, joins Douglas Nelson, host, to share the story of how she made her vision come true through perseverance. She also shares real stories of the girls that One Girl Can serves and the work that is left to do. Tune in for more!

Melissa From, the CEO and President of Calgary Food Bank, joins Douglas Nelson, host, as she candidly shares the experience of taking over a from a long-serving legacy leader. She delves into the principles she follows in building the management team to lead the organization to its new chapter. Melissa From also explains how she aligns the board and her organization in embarking on strategic planning. Check out this episode to collect more nuggets of wisdom from Melissa From. 

Discover the secrets to maintaining a team dedicated to your organization's mission and values with our special guest today, Brian Bowman, AVP, Advancement, at SAIT. In this conversation, Brian Bowman sheds light on the challenges of cultivating a culture of retention within an organization as well as the essential elements required to foster a team that not only cares deeply but remains unwaveringly committed to a shared purpose. Additionally, Brian Bowman provides a sneak peek into the exciting developments ahead for SAIT. Don't miss out on the wealth of knowledge shared in this episode – join us now and dive into the enriching discussion with Brian Bowman.

A thriving community is built upon the well-being of its children. SickKids Foundation supports Canada’s largest research-intensive children's hospital and is responsible for improving the health of countless children. In this enlightening episode, Jennifer Bernard, CEO & President of SickKids Foundation, shares her leadership journey, how she has tackled challenges with unwavering commitment, and what keeps her inspired. As a seasoned CEO, she underscores the significance of preparation before embarking on a leadership role, how to build capacity in your teams, and the importance of trust and empowerment. Join us in this dynamic conversation with Jennifer Bernard and Douglas Nelson, where valuable insights await, shaping a brighter future for children's health.

The arts opens pathways for young people to develop enriching lives. In this episode, Paul Larocque, the CEO and President of Arts Umbrella, takes us into the growth of Arts Umbrella and how it has stayed true to its purpose in engaging youth in arts education. He also reveals the importance of having extraordinary leadership in fulfilling the mission of inspiring children and impact in has had in the community. Holding onto the organization’s purpose leads to the growth and success of the organization. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Join Paul Larocque and Douglas Nelson, host, in this insightful episode on the significance of youth creativity, exploration, and expression.

On today’s Opportunity Spotlight, Moira Gookstetter, Executive Director, Vancouver Community College Foundation dives into the role of Associate Director of Advancement. She shares everything the college and foundation provides, from professional development to learning opportunities and growth. If you’re interested and curious, we’re encouraging candidates to come forward and reach out. This may be the opportunity you’re looking for!

The Sarah McLachlan School Of Music offers an inclusive barrier-free musical program to more than a thousand kids. Dan Cleland, Executive Director, joins Christoph Clodius, VP, The Discovery Group, to discuss an exciting new opportunity at this world-class organization. Now, to support the School’s planned growth and ensure its long-term sustainability, the Sarah McLachlan School Of Music is recruiting a new Director of Development to lead all of its fundraising efforts.

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.

In this episode we dive deep into employment trends and best practices with Christoph Clodius, VP, The Discovery Group. Christoph delves into the issues of recruitment retention and career building while providing insights into what leaders should do to recruit qualified and committed employees and board members. Before you look for a job, listen to Christoph as he shares elements of what makes a great candidate. Join Douglas Nelson and Christoph Clodius in this lively discussion about employment in the social profit sector.

In today's episode of The Discovery Podcast we bring you into the financial back office of a social profit organization. Douglas Nelson welcomes Omar Visram, the CEO and Co-Founder of Enkel Backoffice Solutions, to take us into the delicate and essential relationship between finance committees, board directors, CEOs and CFOs. Omar talks about how leaders in the social profit sector can better engage their treasurers, recruit members and lead the board while underscoring the importance of financial literacy. Join Douglas Nelson and Omar Visram today as they unlock more insights into the role of finance.