The Discovery Pod

Philanthropy is undergoing a major shift across Canada as donor preferences evolve and strategic giving structures become essential. Navigating options like donor advised funds allows individuals, families, and organizations to maximize their long-term impact on the causes they care about most. In this episode, Jo-Anne Ryan , Vice President, Philanthropic Advisory Services at TD Wealth and Executive Director of the Private Giving Foundation, shares invaluable insights into the rapidly expanding role of DAFs in the Canadian charitable sector. She breaks down actionable strategies for board members and social profit leaders to cultivate DAF-friendly organizations, engage financial advisors effectively, and adapt to emerging trends driven by self-made donors and women in philanthropy.

Navigating a complex healthcare landscape requires bold leadership, strategic clarity, and a deep commitment to collective action. As CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society , Andrea Seale has guided the organization through a transformative era to maximize its national reach and impact. In this conversation, Andrea shares how her team crafted an ambitious strategic plan aimed at increasing cancer survival, expanding prevention efforts, and improving the quality of life for millions facing a diagnosis. She offers valuable insights into balancing long-term research investments with immediate advocacy wins and building diversified, sustainable funding models. Tune in to discover how visionary social profit leadership can unite partners coast to coast to tackle one of Canada’s greatest health challenges.

Nonprofit leaders often struggle to identify and engage the right supporters, leaving valuable philanthropic opportunities untapped. Building sustainable donor growth requires a grounded approach to prospect research that goes far deeper than net worth or basic online search results. In this episode, Elanna Giang , Director of Research and Analytics at The Discovery Group , shares actionable insights on how fundraising teams can transform raw data into meaningful relationships. She explores the practical applications and hidden dangers of AI in donor identification, why values alignment outweighs financial capacity, and how involving researchers in early strategy sessions empowers organizations to connect with confidence.

The social profit sector is undergoing significant shifts, demanding that leaders distinguish between what is truly important and what is merely urgent. In this final episode of season 10, host Douglas Nelson reflects on the core themes that have surfaced throughout the season, offering a roadmap for organizations ready to embrace transformation. By anchoring in abundance and rethinking board governance, leaders can move beyond scarcity and build for long-term impact. Join us as we explore how these insights can help your organization find its next gear and thrive in a dynamic environment.

Mastering nonprofit leadership strategies requires a unique blend of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and governance expertise. In this episode, we sit down with four distinguished nonprofit CEOs— Jennifer Gillivan ( IWK Foundation ), Sharon Avery ( Toronto Foundation ), Michael McKnight ( United Way of British Columbia ), and Wendy Beauchesne ( Alberta Cancer Foundation )—to explore how the CEO role has evolved over recent years. From navigating the complexities of post-pandemic hybrid work to building trust-based relationships with volunteer boards, these leaders share candid advice on what it truly takes to succeed. Discover the power of creating a “North Star,” the importance of strategic patience, and the art of delegating for impact in this insightful look at the future of organizational management.

Transformational change within the social profit sector is not an overnight success story. It requires a strategic plan, deep internal alignment, and courageous preparation long before the public celebration begins. In this episode, host Douglas Nelson joins senior Discovery Group team members Jen Rose, Christoph Clodius, and Ainsley Dowle to unpack key insights from their recent Discovery Dialogues. They explore the critical role of listening, the necessity of repeating the vision, and why effective leadership is often about empowering your people to execute. Whether you are leading a large organization or a small team, this discussion provides the framework you need to move from ambition to action.

Katherine Pui, the Associate Vice-President of Philanthropy at the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, shares her transition from a medical background to full-time healthcare fundraising. She highlights the strategic importance of major gifts and how they drive innovation within the provincial hospital network. Katherine explains the player-coach model of her new leadership role and why it is critical for meeting ambitious campaign goals. She offers a look into the foundation’s collaborative culture and why this position represents a rare, historic opportunity for a fundraising leader. Listeners get a clear picture of what success looks like in this high-impact, donor-focused environment.

Achieving transformational change is a universal goal for nonprofit leaders, but it requires more than just scaling programs or ambitious growth plans. In this episode, we dive into what it actually takes to navigate organizational shifts, build alignment, and sustain momentum. Join us as we sit down with Kelly Cole , President and CEO of Sunnybrook Foundation , and Aaron Sanderson , CEO of Kids Help Phone Foundation . They share their candid insights on leading through transformation, managing board expectations, and the discipline required to move big ideas forward. Whether you are leading a community-based nonprofit or a national organization, discover how to avoid the “trap of more” and stay grounded in your mission while evolving your impact.

It is quite ironic to use AI tools to help human skills, but one company out there is doing exactly just that. Douglas Nelson sits down with Tadzio Smith , Co-Founder and CEO of Rapport , where they tap into the human side of AI to increase the emotional intelligence and people skills within organizations. He explains how technology can help build more timely and effective human interaction to prevent burnout, improve collaboration, and boost productivity. Discover why humans still have a great place to work in today’s highly digital world because of their authenticity and clarity.

Traditional philanthropy in Canada has long been defined by transactions, KPIs, and metrics. But what happens when we shift the focus toward relationships, reciprocity, and the long-term stewardship of the next seven generations? Today, we sit down with Emily Cabrera , Executive Director of RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs), to explore what it truly means to be a “philanthropy-forward” leader in the Indigenous-led sector. As we navigate the complex, often clunky systems of charitable giving, Cabrera offers a roadmap for moving beyond the transactional—advocating for a model rooted in accountability, trust, and shared values. Join us as we bridge the gap between conventional giving and Indigenous worldviews. We dive into: The power of relational philanthropy The indigenous-led legal frontier Moving the needle Whether you are a donor, a leader, or an advocate, it is time to rethink how we mobilize resources. Discover how Indigenous organizations are building a future grounded in justice—and how you can extend your hand to support that movement.

Closing the systemic healthcare gap for First Nations communities requires more than government support; it demands a radical shift toward self-determined, community-led philanthropy. In this conversation, we are joined by Nathania Fung , inaugural CEO, and Dr. Ruth Williams, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Foundation , to explore how they are bridging critical funding and knowledge gaps across British Columbia. By grounding their work in holistic wellness, cultural wisdom, and trust-based relationships, they illustrate how a community-driven approach can accelerate infrastructure development and empower Indigenous leadership. Listeners will gain insights into the necessity of moving beyond traditional funding models, the importance of social determinants in holistic health, and the transformative potential of donor partnerships that honor the unique needs and autonomy of First Nations peoples.

Building a just future requires commitment, not just a single moment. In this special episode, we sit down with Sarah Midanik, President and CEO of The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, to explore the crucial work of reconciliation in Canada. As a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Sarah is deeply committed to bridging cultural understanding. She discusses the legacy of The Secret Path, the non-linear nature of this work, and how her organization continues building momentum for reconciliation—from classrooms to boardrooms—by providing vital educational tools and fostering “reconcili-actions”. Tune in for a powerful exercise in optimism, hope, and systemic change.

The Canadian Mental Health Association BC (CMHA BC) is at a pivotal moment, having grown into a $65 million powerhouse of community care. Now, they are seeking a highly strategic and mission-driven leader to step into the brand-new Chief Programs Officer (CPO) role. In this exclusive interview, CMHA BC CEO Jonny Morris opens up about the organization’s transformative impact—from innovative, community-led crisis teams that avoid police involvement to provincial-wide employment services. He details why the CPO role is critical, describing it as the “engine of our programs and services,” requiring an agile, strategic collaborator ready to look 7 to 10 years ahead. Discover what it takes to join this leading-edge organization that “does not settle for the status quo.”

In the social profit sector, solving the world’s “knottiest problems” requires more than just good intentions—it demands true social profit innovation. But what happens when proven, life-saving solutions exist, yet never reach the millions who need them most? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Karlee Silver , President and CEO of Grand Challenges Canada, an organization that has marshaled over $500 million to support game-changing ideas, touching 100 million lives globally. Dr. Silver challenges the conventional view of innovation, defining it as a broad spectrum that includes social and business ingenuity—not just technology. Discover their unique platform approach, which focuses on identifying critical barriers and mastering the discipline of making the best next investment to move an innovation along. From attracting “unusual suspects” like an Argentine car mechanic who developed a life-saving birth tool, to building a nationally owned “Uber ambulance” system in Tanzania, learn how Grand Challenges Canada systematically de-risks bold ideas so they can achieve massive, sustainable impact at scale. The advice and conversation can be applied to social profit organizations across the country and the globe, offering a blueprint for redefining what social profit innovation looks like.

Are you looking to transform your organization’s financial future and embed philanthropy into its DNA? 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.

Is your organization truly ready for the big leap? While every leader desires transformation, many are unprepared for the complex commitment it truly demands. In this powerful conversation, two top-tier leaders who have successfully navigated monumental change—Angela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, and Deb Lester, CEO of Covenant House Vancouver—share their candid stories. They delve into the distinction between simply wanting change and being strategically prepared to get big things done. 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.

In today’s fast-paced world full of unnecessary noise and grind, mentors are expected to give the breather everyone desperately needs. Douglas Nelson is joined by coach, social entrepreneur, and leadership practitioner Ian Chisholm , who explains why mentorship requires silence and calmness. He discusses why mentors should create spaces where everyone can learn with intention, purpose, and gratitude. Ian also talks about the service-first mentality, the Cinderella moment, the Athena signature, Zugunruhe, and other powerful concepts that make mentorship an essential stepping stone towards becoming a more empowered version of yourself.

The role of a Campaign Director is a rare opportunity to move beyond traditional fundraising and lead a transformative shift in how a community addresses mental health and housing stability. Keir Macdonald , CEO of Coast Mental Health , joins the conversation to detail how this specific leadership position will bridge the gap between provincial support and philanthropic vision to create a first of its kind integrated care model. This position is designed for a collaborative strategist ready to move past reactionary crisis response and toward a legacy of prevention and long term recovery. It is a call for someone who values deep connection and innovation to help build a foundation that will serve the community for decades to come.

In a world where public funding for healthcare often covers the essentials but leaves a gap for transformative growth, how can philanthropy become the true catalyst for change? 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 an era where healthcare demands are outpacing traditional capital and public funding, philanthropic organizations must evolve—and fast. The Oakville Hospital Foundation is doing just that. Join us as CEO Mary McPherson shares the blueprint for their massive revenue growth, transforming from a post-campaign slump of $8-9 million to nearly $23 million annually. Discover how a strategic pivot to Major Gifts and innovative approaches to Planned Giving became the engine of their success. Mary discusses the vital importance of authentic donor conversations, a “no BS” team culture, and a pioneering method of “unlocking assets” to build sustainable, long-term funding for clinical excellence, research, and technology, proving that a margin of excellence is always within reach.