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PODCAST

The Discovery Pod

The Discovery Pod features conversations with leaders in non-profit/social sector. Join former CEO Douglas Nelson as he talks with CEOs, Board Chairs, Founders and other senior leaders about how they got started in the sector, how they work with their boards, and what remains to be done. As Managing Director of The Discovery Group, a philanthropy and governance consulting firm based in Vancouver, BC., Doug understands the complexity of leading organizations and institutions and the challenges of

business non-profit

All Episodes

15:02

Opportunity Spotlight: BC Cancer Foundation With...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/10/01

Building an impactful philanthropic strategy requires visionary leadership at the intersection of donor insights and data science. Selecting the right leader to drive research and prospect analytics is essential for elevating fundraising pipelines and accelerating mission-critical initiatives. In this Opportunity Spotlight episode, Becky Yost, Executive Director of Development at the BC Cancer Foundation, breaks down the key priorities for the Associate Director, Research and Prospect Analytics

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30:54

Finding The Right Pace As A New CEO With Brian...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/09/30

Stepping into a major leadership role is a thrilling milestone, but finding the right pace can be one of the greatest challenges for any incoming executive. Striking the balance between executing bold, decisive actions and taking the time to listen, learn, and absorb organizational history is crucial for long-term sustainability. In this episode, host Douglas Nelson sits down with Brian Torrance, the President and CEO of ParticipACTION, to discuss the delicate art of executive transition. Brian

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34:26

AI, Creativity, And The Future Of Art Education: Dr....

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/09/23

As post-secondary institutions navigate a rapidly changing landscape, leaders are called to think outside the box to secure a sustainable future. Leading Canada’s number-one art and design institution, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, requires a unique blend of creativity and strategic foresight. In this episode, host Douglas Nelson sits down with Dr. Trish Kelly, President and Vice Chancellor of Emily Carr University, to explore the intersection of practice-based education and

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32:38

Donor Advised Funds In Canada With Jo-Anne Ryan, VP,...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/09/16

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

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34:03

Building For The Future With Andrea Seale, CEO Of The...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/09/09

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

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28:33

Donor Research In The Age Of AI With Elanna Giang,...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/09/02

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

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13:45

Season 10 Reflections: 4 Themes That Will Shape The...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/08/19

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

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51:52

The Exceptional Series: Leadership And Learnings From...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/08/05

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

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32:07

What We Heard: What It Takes To Get Big Things Done...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/07/22

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

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19:55

Opportunity Spotlight: VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/07/20

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

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46:55

Preparing For Transformation: What It Takes To Get...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/07/08

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

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33:54

The Human Side Of AI: Strengthening Culture And...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/06/24

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

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33:38

Rethinking Philanthropy Through An Indigenous Lens...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/06/17

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

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41:13

Bridging Knowledge And Funding Gaps For Indigenous...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/06/10

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

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29:20

Building Momentum For Reconciliation With Sarah...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/06/03

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

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16:53

Opportunity Spotlight: Canadian Mental Health...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/05/21

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

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31:21

Redefining What Social Profit Innovation Looks Like...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/05/20

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

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32:44

Building A Culture Of Giving With Chad Holtum, Head...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/05/13

Are you looking to transform your organization’s financial future and embed philanthropy into its DNA?Today, we sit down withChad Holtum, Head of School atGlenlyon 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

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42:09

Preparing For Transformation: What It Takes To Get...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/05/06

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

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34:07

Quiet Champions: A Way Forward For Mentors In...

The Discovery Pod ·

2026/04/29

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 practitionerIan 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,

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340 results

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