Advertise on podcast: The Discovery Pod

How do we move from simple, transactional giving to creating real, lasting change in our communities? The answer lies in the shift toward relational philanthropy, a concept that is redefining how modern foundations operate and support their partners. Host Douglas Nelson is joined by Hilary Pearson, the founding president of Philanthropic Foundations Canada and author of the 2022 book From Charity to Change: Inside the World of Canadian Foundations. In this episode, Hilary unpacks the transition from traditional, top-down funding models to a collaborative approach built on trust, shared learning, and deep community partnerships. They explore the unique role of foundations as catalysts and conveners, the generational shift in sector leadership, and how working together differently can solve complex social issues. Discover how shifting the focus to deeper relationships can elevate your organization’s impact.

How can we shift the perception of the social profit sector from being seen as a charitable afterthought to essential civic infrastructure? At the forefront of this movement is the Nonprofit Chamber, which is driving groundbreaking research and partnerships to demonstrate the indispensable role organizations play in community development. Host Douglas Nelson is joined by Angie Gélinas, the President and CEO of the Nonprofit Chamber, to explore how data and advocacy can transform public perception. In this episode, they discuss the innovative “Invisible Anchor” project, which models the economic and social impact of nonprofits on local real estate, and delve into a historic partnership with the Calgary mayor’s office. Tune in to learn why the future of community building relies on treating the social profit sector as vital civic infrastructure.

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 role. She discusses how this reconfigured position will lead business intelligence initiatives, empower fundraising teams, and leverage modern donor analytics. Tune in to discover what makes this strategic leadership role an extraordinary opportunity for a data-driven philanthropy expert.

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 shares his personal reflections on taking the helm of an iconic Canadian national charity, managing board dynamics, and the critical importance of a “cadence check” to ensure the entire team is aligned. He also outlines how ParticipACTION is connecting with a new generation of Canadians through “new nostalgia” and family-centered physical activity initiatives.

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 organizational leadership. They discuss how the rise of artificial intelligence is shaping art and design education, the value of community-centered connection, and how institutions can preserve humanity in the digital age. Dr. Trish Kelly also shares invaluable advice for new presidents, highlighting why patience and trust are essential to driving meaningful change.

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 philanthropyThe indigenous-led legal frontierMoving 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.