The Discovery Pod

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 needleWhether 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The global landscape of humanitarian aid is facing unprecedented challenges, marked by increasingly complex, protracted crises and massive funding disruptions. How do organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, navigate this new reality, especially when core principles like neutrality are tested and government support is pulled?In this powerful conversation, Sana Bég, Executive Director of MSF Canada, offers a compelling perspective on leading through global crisis and funding disruption. She details the profound ripple effects of crises and cuts—such as the disruption in USAID funding—even on independently funded organizations like MSF.Sana shares her insights on:The critical mission to “bear witness” to suffering, balancing impartiality with the responsibility to speak out.The moral hazards of having to stretch resources to fill gaps left by others, and challenging the assumption that “growth equals impact”.The role of “hopeful optimism” in leadership, and the urgent need to disrupt entrenched mindsets to ignite a new era of truly equitable humanitarianism.Dive into this essential discussion about strategic leadership, maintaining integrity under pressure, and how MSF Canada is mobilizing global action in a world that is attempting to normalize the removal of humanitarian norms.

Imagine a conservation portfolio the size of 180 Stanley Parks, and then imagine being the person tasked with growing it. The Nature Trust of British Columbia is at a critical crossroads, moving from government-heavy funding to a future driven by private philanthropic vision. To lead this evolution, they are searching for a Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications, a role designed for a leader who wants to deliver results that can be seen, felt, and protected for generations.Join CEO Dr. Jasper Lament as he discusses the urgency of the biodiversity crisis and the “conservation toolbox” that makes the Trust unique. From the Salish Sea to the Kootenays, discover how this organization is using data-driven science to pick the “best of the best” lands and why they need a sophisticated communicator to bridge the gap between ecological need and donor passion.Ready to leave a legacy that truly lasts forever? Tune in for an inside look at this rare leadership opening, hosted by Christoph Clodius of The Discovery Group, and find out if you have the vision to help protect the nature of BC before it’s too late.

In the world of sports leadership, few organizations embody dedication, impact, and pure joy like Special Olympics Canada. But what does it take to lead a movement of over 40,000 athletes and 20,000 volunteers across a country as vast as Canada?In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada, to explore her leadership journey. Gail shares how she centers the athletes’ experience, not just on the field of play, but as a catalyst for health, employment, and inclusion across the entire community. Discover how Special Olympics Canada leverages a powerful Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 8.76:1 to transform “charity thinking” into “abundance thinking,” making a compelling case for investment, not just donation.Join us as Gail reveals the power of authentic storytelling, the surprising impact of their Healthy Athletes program, and why a culture rooted in joy and supported by a solid foundation allows her team to boldly say “yes” to new opportunities. This is a masterclass in servant leadership, abundance mindset, and building an organization where the ultimate metric of success is the life-changing impact on every athlete.

In the complex, high-stakes arena of environmental action, how do leaders sustain momentum when public attention shifts and funding remains a challenge? We sat down with Chris Severson-Baker, Executive Director of the Pembina Institute, a leading Canadian clean energy think tank, to explore the critical tension between deep, foundational research and the sustained, repetitive advocacy needed to drive policy change.For decades, Pembina has shaped Canada’s energy landscape, moving from proving the viability of clean tech to actively dismantling the barriers to a net-zero economy. Chris shares his candid insights on navigating the political headwinds, the necessity of integrated fundraising—especially in a competitive philanthropic space—and the surprising discipline required to repeat a message until it finally sticks.Whether you’re a non-profit leader, an advocate for change, or simply interested in how big-picture environmental goals translate into real-world progress, this conversation offers invaluable lessons on strategy, focus, and the art of leading with both science and conviction.

A wish is far more than a fleeting moment of joy; it is a scientifically-backed medical intervention that can fundamentally alter a child’s healing journey. Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Canada, joins the conversation to dismantle the “last wish” myth and replace it with the Wishes are Medicine framework, which highlights the measurable clinical impact of hope on critical illness. Beyond the mission, she offers a candid look at leading a national transformation—moving the organization from a post-pandemic scarcity mindset to a culture of abundance by investing in technology, talent, and a “constellation of leaders.” From the logistical challenge of granting wishes in nearly 700 unique communities to the vulnerability required to lead from the C-suite, this discussion bridges the gap between high-level operational strategy and the raw, emotional heart of the social profit sector.

The landscape of local philanthropy and social change is constantly evolving, requiring organizations to innovate and adapt. Douglas Nelson has a great conversation with Dan Clement, President & CEO of United Way Centraide Canada, about the organization’s unique role as a “local impact, national platform” backbone for social good. Dan shares the three core pillars of their work—engaging Canadians, investing in frontline services, and community planning—and discusses how the movement is strategically renewing its business model to meet current challenges like the national housing crisis and shifting philanthropic trends. He also emphasizes the critical need for an “abundance mindset” within the social profit sector to drive resilient and long-term positive change across the country.