Welcome to PhilanthroThink, a new podcast series that complements our existing discussion series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers to discuss the real challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the sector both at home and abroad.
Whether you're a nonprofit insider, a passionate changemaker, or simply curious about how impactful giving is reshaping our communities, you won’t want to miss an episode of PhilanthroThink.
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Rethinking Trust-Based Philanthropy: A Conversation with Linsey Sherman-Zekulin
Saison 1 · Épisode 1
lundi 10 mars 2025 • Durée 47:54
In our first episode, Megan and Daniel sat down with Linsey Sherman-Zekulin—a dynamic nonprofit leader and philanthropist based in Ottawa. Linsey is the co-founder of Happy Roots Foundation and formerly of Sororal, a femme-focused travel and advocacy brand committed to advancing gender equality and fighting gender-based violence. At Happy Roots Foundation, a private charitable foundation based in Ottawa, she's championing a trust-based approach to philanthropy and grant-making.
Whether you're deep in the nonprofit world, passionate about making change, or just curious about how giving shapes our communities - trust us, you'll want to tune in!
Join us as we uncover the insights and stories behind impactful change.
Takeaways
Happy Roots focuses on children’s mental health, using a finite, strategic funding model to make a difference in the community.
Trust-based philanthropy, rooted in collaboration and transparency, challenges traditional power imbalances.
Innovative, entrepreneurial strategies are key for supporting high-risk, early-stage projects.
Embracing curiosity, humility, and learning from mistakes is vital for evolving philanthropy to meet today’s needs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
01:13 Lindsay's Journey into Philanthropy
05:26 The Birth of Happy Roots Foundation
10:13 Strategic Philanthropy and Community Impact
15:24 Reflections on Challenges and Joy in Philanthropy
23:11 Women in Philanthropy and Gender Equity
26:23 Trust-Based Philanthropy: Building Relationships
35:29 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Philanthropy
43:53 Advice to Younger Self and Future Reflections
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave us a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.
Help us bring more insightful stories to you by sharing this episode with fellow nonprofit enthusiasts and changemakers.
Support Our Podcast Help us bring more insightful stories to you by sharing this episode with fellow nonprofit enthusiasts and changemakers.
About PhilanthroThink
PhilanthroThink is a new podcast series that complements our existing discussion series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers to dig into the real challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the sector both at home and abroad.
Suits, Salutes & Service: Blake Goldring on Leaving His Mark
Saison 1 · Épisode 2
lundi 7 avril 2025 • Durée 41:28
In this episode, we sit down with Blake Goldring—business leader, philanthropist, and Executive Chairman of AGF Management. Blake shares how his career in finance shaped a lifelong commitment to service, spanning education, health care, the arts, and support for military families.A natural storyteller, he reflects on early impressions from his family and following in their philanthropic footsteps, the founding of Canada Company, and why real impact comes from time, talent, and treasure—not just a cheque. It’s a thoughtful conversation on leadership, legacy, and building a life of purpose across sectors.Takeaways-Philanthropy requires a holistic approach, integrating time, talent, and treasure.-Family influences can shape one's philanthropic journey significantly.-Corporate culture plays a crucial role in shaping philanthropic efforts.-Engagement with causes should be personal and meaningful.-Legacy in philanthropy is about creating lasting impact and connections.-Learning from experiences in philanthropy is essential for growth.-Philanthropy is not just about financial contributions; it's about connection.-Young professionals should seek opportunities to engage in philanthropy early on.-The evolution of organizations like Canada Company reflects community needs.-Saying no to opportunities can be as important as saying yes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership01:24 Blake Goldring's Journey in Business and Philanthropy04:31 The Influence of Family and Education on Philanthropy10:35 The Corporate Culture of Philanthropy at AGF18:12 Exploring Legacy and Philanthropic Impact27:01 Canada Company's Evolution and Community Engagement36:08 Advice for Young Philanthropists40:10 Final Thoughts and Questions for Future GuestsMPNLVisit Our WebsiteMPNL Website - https://www.carleton.ca/mpnl/Follow Us on Social MediaTwitterLinkedInInstagramHost and Co-hosts:
"What Makes a Philanthropist?" – Manjit Basi’s Take on Giving Back
Saison 2 · Épisode 3
mardi 13 mai 2025 • Durée 48:44
In this episode of PhilanthroThink, Manjit Basi shares her unique perspective on philanthropy, offering insights from her journey across Ottawa’s business, public, and nonprofit sectors. Manjit reflects on a defining moment early in her career when she was first called a philanthropist and how she wrestled with the label. She also discusses the idea of expanding the classic “three-legged stool” of time, treasure, and talent to include a fourth leg. Tune in to hear how Manjit’s approach to giving back challenges traditional views and why anyone can be a philanthropist—no label needed.Takeaways-Manjit’s journey into philanthropy began with influential mentors.-The term 'philanthropist' can carry heavy connotations that need unpacking.-Understanding the root meaning of philanthropy as 'love of humanity' can provide clarity.-Personal accountability drives commitment to community work.-Small acts of kindness can have a significant ripple effect.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Manjeet Bassey and Her Impact01:04 The Journey to Philanthropy: Early Influences04:54 Reckoning with the Term 'Philanthropist'07:28 Personal Accountability and Commitment to Community09:12 Cultural Background and Early Lessons in Generosity12:55 The Role of Business in Community Engagement18:30 Taking Risks in Philanthropy and Business21:26 Founding Synapsity: Creating Spaces for Change24:57 Empowering Civic Engagement through Boot Camps27:10 The Power of Community Ownership28:51 Creating Spaces for Generosity and Connection30:47 A Personal Story of Connection and Generosity33:17 Shaping Philanthropy for Systemic Change37:28 Encouraging Action and Community Involvement40:20 The Balance of Time, Talent, and Treasure46:44 Tethering Philanthropy to Future Generations
Host and Co-hostsMegan Skyvington - LinkedInFengwen Yu - LinkedIn Emily Goodwin -LinkedIn Daniel H. Lanteigne -
Two-Eyed Seeing: Rethinking Power and Trust in Philanthropy
Saison 1 · Épisode 4
jeudi 19 juin 2025 • Durée 51:52
In this episode of PhilanthroThink, we sit down with Wanda Brascoupé, a leader in Indigenous philanthropy whose work has reshaped how giving happens in Canada.
Wanda shares how she was invited into this work by her community, and how the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund was built on trust, relationships, and plain language—rather than traditional grantmaking.
We talk about power, humility, and the importance of rethinking who decides what’s valuable. It’s a generous conversation with clear takeaways for funders, community leaders, and anyone looking to do better work.
TAKEAWAYS
Land acknowledgments are a crucial starting point for meaningful giving
Wanda Brascoupé’s journey shows how change begins in community
Decolonizing philanthropy means rethinking who holds power—and who defines value
Indigenous-led models shift how generosity and impact are understood
Trust-based philanthropy prioritizes relationships, not money
Two-eyed seeing bridges Indigenous and Western ways of working
Philanthropy must adapt to better serve communities on the ground
Safe, respectful processes build lasting trust
Non-Indigenous organizations can be better partners by listening and showing up
More Indigenous leadership in philanthropy isn’t just hopeful—it’s essential
CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to PhilanthroThink and Land Acknowledgment 02:25 Wanda Brascoupé’s Journey into Philanthropy 05:23 Decolonizing Philanthropy: Rethinking Power 07:09 Indigenous-Led Models: Shifting the Landscape 12:54 Building the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund 20:09 Trust-Based Philanthropy: Relationships Over Money 24:40 Staying Grounded in Community 27:23 Daily Reflections and Philanthropic Practice 29:56 Saying No with Care and Accountability 31:51 Working with Indigenous Communities34:07 Humility and Institutional Change36:34 What Gives Wanda Hope38:43 Inviting a Trust-Based Approach40:17 Learning, Unlearning, and Showing Up44:13 Looking Ahead: A Question for Future Generations
A Future Built on Recognition at the Bhayana Family Foundation
Saison 2 · Épisode 2
jeudi 18 décembre 2025 • Durée 53:30
In this episode of PhilanthroThink, Megan Skivington and Fengwen Yu speak with Raksha Bhayana, CEO and co-founder of the Bhayana Family Foundation, about recognition in the nonprofit sector and why it matters. Raksha reflects on her early career in social work, her family’s values, and how those experiences shaped the Foundation’s focus on celebrating frontline nonprofit workers across Canada through partnerships with United Way. She also discusses the advocacy behind nonprofit appreciation initiatives in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia, and how the next generation is helping guide new priorities, including awards recognizing entire emergency department teams in Toronto hospitals.
A grounded conversation on advocacy, leadership, and sustaining family philanthropy over time.
TAKEAWAYS
Frontline nonprofit workers often carry invisible pressure and limited recognition
Awards can serve as catalysts for broader awareness and change
Advocacy for the nonprofit sector requires persistence and collaboration
Family foundations evolve when leadership is shared across generations
Whole-team recognition strengthens healthcare and community systems
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to PhilanthroThink
00:40 Introducing Raksha Bhayana
02:30 Family roots and values in giving
05:00 Frontline experience and recognition gaps
07:10 Awards with United Way across Canada
09:15 Next-generation involvement
11:45 Emergency department recognition
15:20 Advocacy and nonprofit appreciation initiatives
Mobilizing Wealth for Public Impact with Eric Peterson
Saison 2 · Épisode 3
jeudi 19 février 2026 • Durée 38:26
In this episode, we speak with Eric Peterson, co-founder and co-director of the Tula Foundation and founder of the Hakai Institute. Eric reflects on selling his medical imaging company, Mitra, and choosing to mobilize nearly all of the proceeds into science-driven initiatives focused on coastal research in British Columbia and public health programs in Guatemala.
He shares why he sees himself as an operator rather than a philanthropist, why he believes wealth should be put to work rather than preserved, and how long-term relationships with local communities and First Nations have shaped his approach.
A thoughtful conversation on wealth mobilization, leadership, and building public impact in an unpredictable world.
This episode also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the podcast, with Jonathan Harline, Titilayo Adedeji, Mandy Pui, and Mekayla Dionne joining as new hosts for the season.
TAKEAWAYS -Eric Peterson transitioned from a tech entrepreneur to philanthropy -He emphasizes the importance of personal involvement -Building relationships with communities is crucial for lasting results -Collaboration with Indigenous Nations strengthens project success -Wealth mobilization can create more impact than wealth preservation -Philanthropy is about putting resources to work efficiently -Collaboration plays a central role in addressing global challenges -Planning for the future is complex in an unpredictable world -People are central to successful initiatives -Work should be meaningful and enjoyable
CHAPTERS
00:00 Journey from Tech to Philanthropy 02:44 Transitioning from Donor to Operator 05:29 The Importance of People in Philanthropy 08:10 Building Relationships with First Nations 10:50 Collaborative Science and Community Engagement 19:28 Empowering Organizations Through Modern Techniques20:27 The Philosophy of Spending Down23:28 Investment vs Philanthropy: Understanding the Ecosystem26:01 Rejecting Labels: The True Nature of Philanthropy29:33 Reflections on Life Choices and Future Generations
Money, Mission and Change: Rethinking Nonprofit Finance with Cherry Chan
Saison 2 · Épisode 1
jeudi 20 novembre 2025 • Durée 42:47
In this episode, we speak with entrepreneur, CEO, podcaster and changemaker Cherry Chan, founder of Nonprofit CFO and CEO of OTUS Financial Solutions. Cherry shares how her background in real estate, accounting and community work shaped her commitment to helping nonprofits build financial stability. She talks about her goal to help organizations raise 50 million dollars over the next decade, why revenue planning matters, and how leaders can move beyond constant funding stress to create stronger long-term models. A thoughtful conversation on money, mission and what financial sustainability can look like in the nonprofit sector.
TAKEAWAYS -Cherry's cultural background influences her approach to finance and philanthropy. -Raising funds for nonprofits is often more challenging than expected. -Maximizing impact is essential for nonprofit sustainability. -Nonprofits can generate profit in unique ways to support their missions. -Adapting to market changes is important for long term success. -Diversifying revenue streams helps organizations stay stable. -Starting with small, manageable projects can open the door to bigger ideas. -Sharing stories consistently can strengthen community engagement. -Creative fundraising can lead to major sponsorship opportunities. -Future nonprofit leaders will need courage to make necessary changes.
CHAPTERS
Another Way: Annabelle White on Inheritance and Putting Wealth to Work for Good
Saison 2 · Épisode 4
mardi 31 mars 2026 • Durée 38:27
In this episode of PhilanthroThink, Jonathan Harline and Titilayo Adedeji speak with Annabel White, founder and co-CEO of Dragonfly Ventures. Annabel reflects on inheriting family wealth at a young age, learning how finance works over time, and building a more values-led approach to philanthropy and investing.
The conversation explores impact investing, environmental and human health, trust-based philanthropy, unrestricted funding, and blended finance. Annabel also shares why she believes community-led solutions matter and why capital should be put into motion where it can do the most good.
Thank you to IG Private Wealth Management for a grant to make the PhilanthroThink Podcast series possible.
Takeaways
-Annabel White inherited family wealth through a trust structure linked to a media business in London, Ontario. -She learned finance slowly and practically by asking questions and showing up to meetings. -Dragonfly Ventures grew from her belief that wealth could be managed differently. -Her work connects environmental health, human health, and community well-being. -Dragonfly screens out investments that do not align with its values. -A blended finance partnership in Clyde River stands out as one of her most meaningful examples of community-led work. -She believes unrestricted funding helps organizations respond to real needs. -Her wider view is that money should circulate more broadly to support stronger communities.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to PhilanthroThink 00:42 Introducing Annabelle White and Dragonfly Ventures 01:26 Inheriting wealth at 19 04:10 Learning finance and taking responsibility 08:22 Trust structures, autonomy, and family wealth 10:13 Why Dragonfly Ventures took a different path 12:30 Environmental health, land, and mission 17:09 Screening investments through values 18:53 Sponsor segment: IG Private Wealth Management 22:31 Environmental health and public health24:58 Community-led solutions and blended finance29:11 Unrestricted funding and trust-based philanthropy30:12 How to build trust-based relationships32:13 Annabel’s view on capital and circulation35:04 Eric Peterson’s question on long-term action37:22 Annabelle’s question for the next guest38:02 Closing reflections
Lisa Wolverton on Family Philanthropy, Forward Global, and Giving with Trust
Saison 2 · Épisode 5
jeudi 14 mai 2026 • Durée 53:09
In this episode of PhilanthroThink, Jonathan Harline and Mekayla Dionne speak with Lisa Wolverton, President of Forward Global and Director of the Wolverton Foundation, about family philanthropy, giving with trust, and how wealth holders can move more resources toward urgent work. Lisa shares how her path began with community-based work focused on families and children, and later grew through board service, foundation work, and her role helping build Forward Global’s Canadian community.
A key part of the conversation is the idea of “enoughness”: asking what families truly need, what they want to leave behind, and what capital they can move now. Lisa explains how that reflection can help open up more funding for climate, Indigenous-led solutions, women’s leadership, and community-led change, while also challenging funders to think differently about power, legacy, accountability, and trust.
Takeaways
-Philanthropy often starts at the family table.
-Communities know what communities need.
-Trust-based giving is about partnership, not stepping away.
-“Enoughness” can help families move more capital now.
-Peer learning can shift how wealth holders think and act.
-Long-term support helps organizations grow with confidence.
-Legacy doesn’t always mean holding capital forever.
-More resources need to reach the people closest to the work.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to PhilanthroThink
00:59 Lisa Wolverton's Journey into Philanthropy
04:01 The Impact of Arts and Music on Communities
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Emily GoodwinLinkedInDaniel H. LanteigneLinkedIn Production:KeenliiWebsite: www.keenlii.comInstagramSubscribe and Engage
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave us a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.Support Our PodcastHelp us bring more insightful stories to you by sharing this episode with fellow nonprofit enthusiasts and changemakers.About PhilanthroThink:PhilanthroThink is a new podcast series that complements our existing discussion series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers to dig into the real challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the sector both at home and abroad.
www.keenlii.comInstagramSubscribe and EngageIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave us a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.Support Our PodcastHelp us bring more insightful stories to you by sharing this episode with fellow nonprofit enthusiasts and changemakers.About PhilanthroThinkPhilanthroThink is a new podcast series that complements our existing discussion series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers to dig into the real challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the sector both at home and abroad.
Investment Group Wealth Management - Disclaimer for Mini-EpisodeTimestamp: 19:25-21:26This is a general source of information only. It is not intended to provide personalized tax, legal or investment advice, and is not intended as a solicitation to purchase securities. For more information on this topic or any other financial matter, please contact an IG Wealth Management Advisor. The IG Wealth Management Charitable Giving Program is offered together with the Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation, which operates independently from IG Wealth Management. Donations are irrevocable and vest with the Foundation. This information is general in nature and not intended to be professional tax advice. Please read the Program Guide for complete details, including fees and expenses.
SUBSCRIBE AND ENGAGE If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you listen—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube—and leave a review. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next.
SUPPORT OUR PODCAST Help us bring more thoughtful conversations to the sector by sharing this episode with friends, peers, and changemakers.
ABOUT PHILANTHROTHINK PhilanthroThink is a podcast series from Carleton University’s Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. In each episode, we sit down with philanthropic leaders, wealth creators, and changemakers to explore the real challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in Canada and beyond.
19:45 Leadership and future priorities
29:55 Advice for emerging changemakers
32:10 Closing thoughts
GUEST
Raksha Bhayana
CEO and Co-Founder, Bhayana Family Foundation
Website: https://bhayanafoundation.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmb1/
Foundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bhayana-family-foundation/posts/?feedView=all
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and leave a review. Let us know what topics you would like us to explore next.
SUPPORT OUR PODCAST
To help us bring more thoughtful conversations to the sector, please consider sharing this episode with friends, peers, and changemakers.
ABOUT PHILANTHROTHINK
PhilanthroThink is a podcast series from Carleton University’s Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) program. Each episode features conversations with philanthropic leaders and changemakers exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in Canada and beyond.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and leave a review. Let us know what topics you would like us to explore next.
SUPPORT OUR PODCAST
Help us bring you more insightful stories by sharing this episode with fellow nonprofit leaders and changemakers.
ABOUT PHILANTHROTHINK
PhilanthroThink complements Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program. In each episode, we sit down with wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers to explore the real challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the sector at home and abroad.
For more information, visit: www.igprivatewealth.com
SUBSCRIBE AND ENGAGE If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube and leave a review. Let us know what topics you want us to explore next.
SUPPORT OUR PODCAST Share this episode with colleagues, friends and anyone interested in nonprofit work.
ABOUT PHILANTHROTHINK PhilanthroThink is a podcast series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program. Each episode features wealth creators, philanthropic leaders and innovative thinkers sharing practical insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in Canada and beyond.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and leave a review. Let us know what topics you would like us to explore next.
Support our podcast
Share this episode with colleagues, friends, and anyone interested in nonprofit work.
About PhilanthroThink
PhilanthroThink is a podcast series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program. Each episode features wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in Canada and beyond.
10:17 Family Philanthropy: Values and Legacy
14:08 Building Community and Navigating Power Dynamics
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and leave a review. Let us know what topics you would like us to explore next.
Support our podcast
Share this episode with colleagues, friends, and anyone interested in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.
About PhilanthroThink
PhilanthroThink is a podcast series from Carleton University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program. Each episode features wealth creators, philanthropic leaders, and innovative thinkers sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector in Canada and beyond.
