Cause Leadership Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Join us as Jason Hildebrand, visionary leader of Presence Creative Arts, shares his inspiring journey of integrating faith and the arts to transform culture. Discover how storytelling, authentic leadership, and spiritual practices are shaping the future of faith-based arts and community engagement.

In this episode:

• Jason details the transition from acting to faith-driven arts, emphasizing collaborative projects and cultural influence

• He shares insights on fundraising as a faith-led journey, trusting divine timing and building donor relationships

• The story behind "The Shepherd and the Sound," a film exploring King David's life and its message of healing

• Creating space for authenticity and silence in a culture overwhelmed by noise

• Tips for leaders and artists to stay creatively and emotionally healthy through spiritual rhythms and practices

• The importance of storytelling in shaping culture and rewriting language around faith for a modern context

• Church, arts education, and mentorship: nurturing the next generation of faith-based creators

Guest Bio: Jason Hildebrand

Creative Principal

Part storyteller, part creative catalyst — Jason leads the team at Presence Creative Arts where he serves as a performer, communication and storytelling coach, theatre and film producer, and writer. For close to 25 years, Jason has partnered with faith-based organizations, film and theatre companies, and educational institutions as an artist/coach around the world. He recently completed a Master of Fine Arts in Performance Creation from York University in Toronto. 

Jason is most recognized for his acclaimed solo and duo theatre performances and coaching of leaders and artists in areas of authentic performance, storytelling, and communication. He and his team have brought artistic direction to multiple The Alliance in Canada's National Assemblies, Hear the Music Ministries' Levite Summit events, as well as numerous Canadian events. Jason has overseen the development and production of many films and a multi-cast radio play. His film THE PRODIGAL TRILOGY has won multiple awards around the globe. His film BREATHE… was developed in partnership with The Salvation Army in Canada, Bermuda and Australia. Through the craft of Spirit-led performance and communication, Jason is passionate about "drawing out the gold" in individuals and groups. He is excited to see them step into the fullness of who they are created to be and significantly impact the world in their care. Jason lives in Toronto, Canada with his wife and four children.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Jason Hildebrand and Presence Creative Arts

01:13  The Journey of Presence Creative Arts

05:52  Fundraising Challenges and Lessons Learned

09:31  Transformative Storytelling in Leadership

12:16  Coaching Executives and Leaders

15:50  The Shepherd and the Sound: A New Film Project

16:20  The Genesis of The Shepherd and the Sound

21:16  The Impact of the Psalms and Community Engagement

31:14  Navigating Chaos: Seeking Peace in a Turbulent World

32:34  Transformative Experiences: Audience Reactions to the Film

35:24  Generational Engagement: Connecting Across Age Groups

37:20  Creative Practices: Staying Emotionally Healthy and Inspired

40:58  Legacy and Impact: Building a Future for the Arts

46:37  Crowdfunding Success: The Chosen and New Storytelling

51:23  Nourishing the Soul: The Future of Faith-Based Arts

Connecting with Jason:

The Shepherd & The Sound Film Project: https://theshepherdandthesoundfilm.com/ 

Website:  https://www.presencecreativearts.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhildebrand/ 

E-mail: https://theshepherdandthesoundfilm.com/contact-us/ 

Reach out to PresenceCreativeArts for event dates for the Canadian launch of The Shepherd & The Sound film and gallery, and for monthly spiritual storytelling experiences together, and more! They are excited to connect with you on your spiritual journey.

Summary

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, David Hutchinson interviews Brad Bell, the President and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Canada. They discuss the vital role of MAF in providing help and healing to remote communities through aviation, the significant contributions of Canadian pilots, and the impact of medical missions. 

Brad also shares insights on his transition from the tech industry to non-profit leadership, and the importance of fostering an innovative culture within organizations. The conversation also covers challenges in board governance, recruitment, fundraising, cybersecurity, and the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to enhance organizational performance. Brad emphasizes the need for professional development and succession planning in the non-profit sector, concluding with words of encouragement for leaders navigating uncertain times.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)

03:06  The Role of Canadian Pilots in MAF

06:02  Medical Missions and Community Impact

09:09  Training the Next Generation of Pilots

11:56  Transitioning from IT to Non-Profit Leadership

18:01  Leadership Lessons from Non-Profit Experience

20:47  Board Governance and Recruitment Challenges

26:27  Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Fundraising

27:35  The Complexities of Fundraising in Today's Economy

28:46  Philanthropy vs. Sales: Understanding the Difference

32:20  Cybersecurity: Preparing for the Inevitable

35:25  Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

40:05  The Importance of Professional Development for Leaders

42:11  Succession Planning in the Nonprofit Sector

45:44  Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

Guest Bio: Brad Bell

Brad Bell is the President and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship Canada, helping to bring the love of God in tangible ways to thousands of isolated communities around the world. Brad is deeply committed to the Christian community. He began his academic career with a one-year study program at Emmanuel Bible College before studying Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. In 1988, Brad co-founded Campana Systems Inc., a Waterloo based software development company serving the healthcare and auto club industries for 25 years, growing the company organically and through acquisition to an innovative technology-based firm in four countries. Campana was sold in 2014, and Brad was excited to follow God's call in this next stage of his life when he was asked to join MAF as the CEO in 2015.

Connecting with Brad:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradgbell/ 

MAF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mafcanada/ 

Website - https://maf.ca/ 

E-mail: bbell@maf.ca 

Summary:

Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges.

At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic.

In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Heather Janes, CEO of Christie Gardens Apartments & Care Community on the topic of Partnership & Influence - Expanding impact through collaboration without losing mission focus.

In this conversation, Heather discusses the mission of empowering elders to live well, the importance of partnerships, particularly Christie Gardens' partnership with the University of Toronto, and the challenges and innovations in elder care leadership post-COVID. Effective leadership in elder care requires adaptability and boldness. She emphasizes the need for advocacy against ageism and the value of intergenerational connections.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Christie Gardens and Elder Care

02:52 Empowering Elders: The Mission of Christie Gardens

05:46 Innovative Partnerships: Collaborating with U of T

07:45 The Impact of COVID-19 on Elder Care Leadership

Connecting with Heather:

https://www.christiegardens.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-janes22/

Summary:

Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges.

At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic.

In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Kimberley Hanson, CEO of Health Partners on the topic of Partnership & Influence - Expanding impact through collaboration without losing mission focus.

In this conversation, Kimberley shares her diverse career journey from financial services to leading Health Partners, a collaborative of national health charities. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships in the charitable sector, especially in light of changing donor demographics and the challenges faced by leaders in the non-profit space. Partnerships are essential for resource stretching in charities. Kimberley discusses the need for innovation and adaptation to engage new generations of donors while maintaining a focus on collective goals and mutual support among member organizations.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Kimberley Hanson and Her Career Journey

05:45  The Role of Health Partners in Charitable Collaboration

10:47  Navigating the Changing Landscape of Philanthropy

14:18  The Future of Mergers and Collaborations in the Nonprofit Sector

15:39  Growth and New Partnerships at Health Partners

Connecting with Kimberley:

https://healthpartners.ca/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthpartners-partenairesante/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-hanson-a7627420/

Summary:

Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges.

At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic.

In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga on the topic of Financial Stewardship – Navigating funding and sustainability wisely.

In this conversation, Meghan discusses the challenges faced by food banks in the context of rising food insecurity in Canada. She shares insights on leadership, financial stewardship, the importance of community support, and the role of government in addressing the root causes of food insecurity. The conversation highlights the need for authentic communication with boards, the mental health challenges faced by nonprofit leaders, and the potential for mergers and collaborations in the nonprofit sector to enhance sustainability.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Foodbanks Mississauga and Leadership Journey

02:15  Challenges of Leading a Food Bank

05:11  Financial Sustainability and Fundraising Strategies

07:52  Mental Health and Support Systems for Nonprofit Leaders

09:42  Advice for Other CEOs in the Nonprofit Sector

11:21  Future of Food Banks: Mergers and Collaborations

14:29  The Role of Government in Food Security

17:48  Current State of Food Banks and Future Concerns

https://causeleadership.com/leadership-podcast/Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges.

At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic.

In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Fred Witteveen, CEO of Children Believe on the topic of Adaptive Resilience – Thriving through change and leading organizational change.

In this conversation, Fred discusses the significant changes and challenges faced by the organization, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares insights on navigating organizational change, adapting culture, and the importance of financial resilience through diversification of funding sources. Fred highlights that embracing uncertainty requires recognizing opportunities amidst challenges and can lead to innovative solutions. He also emphasizes the need for strong leadership, celebrating wins, and fostering a collaborative environment to thrive in uncertain times.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Fred Witteveen and Children Believe
02:08  Navigating Change and Uncertainty
05:45  Adapting Organizational Culture
09:18  Financial Resilience and Diversification
12:47  Leadership Insights and Future Directions

Summary:

Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges.

At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic.

In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Stacey Palmer, President & CEO of Prison Fellowship Canada on the topic of Adaptive Resilience – Thriving through change and uncertainty and overcoming team conflict.

In this conversation, Stacey shares her insights on leadership in the charitable sector, particularly in navigating change and conflict. She discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of innovation, and strategies for fostering a positive organizational culture. Stacey emphasizes the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of external pressures. She highlights the significance of investing in people and relationships as crucial for organizational success. Stacey also stresses the importance of building a positive attitude toward change which leads to better outcomes, and she explains why leaders should prioritize mission over method.

Chapters:

00:00  Introduction to Leadership in Charity
02:56  Navigating Change and Challenges
05:42  Managing Team Conflict
08:03  Innovation and Organizational Change
10:35  Building Resilience and Positive Attitude
13:21  Fostering a Culture of Open Communication
16:17  Future Challenges and Opportunities in the Charitable Sector

Connect with Stacey:

https://prisonfellowship.ca/

The Charity Leader Summit full video:

https://youtu.be/C-cUJQseCUo 

Introduction

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Lacey Kempinski.  

As Founder and CEO of Balanced Good, Lacey and her team works with non-profits and charities to help increase fundraising capacity and help fundraising organizations find balance in their day-to-day and strategic activities. 

Balanced Good provides hands-on parental leave coverage and planning for roles within the non-profit sector. From leadership to generalist "do-it-all" roles, Balanced Good team members integrate into organizations to make sure all deadlines are met and projects are completed. Their objective is for parental leave to be a celebrated life milestone, not a feared employment gap.

Summary

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, Dave Hutchinson interviews Lacey Kempinski, Founder and CEO of Balanced Good, a pioneering organization that provides parental leave coverage in the nonprofit sector. Lacey shares her journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges faced by leaders in the charitable sector, and the importance of supporting employees during maternity leave. The conversation highlights the realities of burnout, the need for realistic workloads, and the significance of creating a supportive work environment for parents. Lacey emphasizes the importance of boundaries and self-care, and discusses how Balanced Good is addressing these issues while fostering a values-driven culture.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Balanced Good and Lacey's Journey
• 02:50 Challenges in the Charitable Sector
• 06:11 Navigating Maternity Leave in Nonprofits
• 09:07 Statistics and Realities of Maternity Leave
• 11:53 Business Model and Team Dynamics at Balanced Good
• 14:55 Skills and Mindset for Nonprofit Professionals
• 17:37 Addressing Burnout in the Nonprofit Sector
• 20:21 Self-Care Strategies for Nonprofit Workers
• 22:46 Entrepreneurship Lessons from Lacey's Experience
• 25:43 Conclusion and How to Engage with Balanced Good

Connect with Lacey:

www.balancedgood.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/balanced-good/ 

https://www.instagram.com/balancedgood/ 

Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Smita Challu Tulsani. 

Smita is a purpose-driven accomplished executive leader with 20 years of global corporate experience, specializing in data-driven transformative consulting, strategic marketing, and human-centered customer experience. With a sharp focus on digital-first, data-led methodologies, Smita stands out for her proficiency in advising c-suite executives on revenue generation, business strategy, and sustainable business outcomes.

As a Global MarTech Leader, she drives the integration of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to revolutionize customer experiences and operational efficiency.

With a diverse background spanning sectors like social impact, telecom, manufacturing, and media, Smita's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement shines through her involvement in various boards such as the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation and industry bodies like the Canadian Marketing Association, Women in AI, and the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for her contributions, she has received multiple industry awards and was shortlisted for the Women of the Year award by Women in IT.

Smita holds a Chartered Marketer designation, in addition to her bachelor's degree in engineering and MBA, adding to her well-rounded skillset and dedication to continuous growth.

Summary

In this conversation, David Hutchinson and Smita Challu Tulsani discuss the critical role of digital transformation in the charitable sector. Smita shares her journey from technology to social impact, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for fundraising and communication. They explore the integration of AI in nonprofits, the challenges of cybersecurity, and the need for effective change management. Smita also highlights the importance of talent acquisition and the evolving landscape of skills required in the sector. The discussion concludes with advice for smaller organizations on how to navigate digital transformation effectively.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Digital Transformation in Charities

03:11   Smita's Journey from Technology to Nonprofit

05:38  The Blurring Lines Between CTOs & CMOs

08:53  The Role of AI in the Charitable Sector

11:41   Governance and Ethical Use of AI

14:27  Cybersecurity Concerns in Nonprofits

17:08  Questions for C-Suite and Board Members

24:01  Embracing AI in the Charitable Sector

27:27  Talent Acquisition Challenges in Nonprofits

30:28  Building a Data-Driven Culture

33:43  Competing for MarTech Talent

38:44  Navigating Change Management

41:50  Strategies for Smaller Organizations

Connect with Smita

https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkloop-ai/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/smitachallutulsani/ 

www.linkloop.ai

Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Jenny Mitchell.

Founder and President of Chavender, Jenny Mitchell (CFRE, DMA), works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world - one mission at a time. Chavender assists clients, across Canada and the U.S., to inspire their donors and achieve their fundraising goals through personalized fundraising coaching and training.

Jenny is a speaker, author, executive coach, podcaster, and professional fundraiser who is passionate about inspiring the very best in others. She completed her Executive Coaching Training at Royal Roads University. She has worked with hundreds of CEOs, executive directors, and high-profile executives on boards of directors across Canada. With Jenny's coaching and consulting help, her clients have raised millions of dollars in support of their charitable missions.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Jenny has presented at major Fundraising Leadership Conferences across North America. She launched her solo podcast in July 2022 entitled Underdog Leadership. Through this platform, she brings stories about the power of leadership, and fundraising as agents of change for the world that we live in. Jenny is a lifelong learner, and actively seeks out people and situations that expand her experiences and her knowledge. Jenny's book, Embracing Ambition which is available on Amazon, launched in March 2024 and features stories and research from 12 women CEOs across North America.

Before completing her CFRE (certified fund raising executive) Jenny trained as a classical musician and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts. She brings her creative approach, her drive for excellence, and her passion for people to the world of not-for-profits.

Summary:

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, host Dave interviews Jenny Mitchell, an accomplished artist, fundraiser, author, and executive coach. They discuss Jenny's journey from a classical musician to a leader in the nonprofit sector, exploring themes of ambition, underdog leadership, and the complexities of fundraising. Jenny shares experiences as a board chair, her insights on the importance of reflection, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and the significance of adaptability in both personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for bold leadership, the complexities of fundraising, and the evolving definition of ambition, particularly for women in leadership roles.

Chapters:

00:00  Introduction to Jenny Mitchell 
03:08  The Journey to Leadership
06:09  The Complexities of Fundraising
08:57   Exploring Underdog Leadership
 11:57   Key Lessons from Board Leadership
15:03   The Power of Collective Storytelling
17:53   Embracing Ambition: A New Perspective
20:52  Chavender: A Business of Adaptability
23:59  Advice for Emerging Leaders in Fundraising
26:52  Redefining Ambition in Leadership

Resources Mentioned:

https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

https://chavender.com/the-penthouse/

Connect with Jenny: 

https://chavender.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chavender/