Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast where we dive into the world of charity leadership. Join us as we explore the journeys of CEOs, Executive Directors, Fundraisers, and other leaders in the sector. Hear about career journeys and gain insights on leadership, fundraising, and talent.
Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, tune in and subscribe to join us on this leadership journey.
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Thriving in Uncertainty: The Key to Transformational Leadership
Season 1 · Episode 10
Friday, April 4, 2025 • Duration 18:47
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
Adaptive Resilience in Charity Leadership
Season 1 · Episode 9
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 • Duration 17:59
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
Balancing Good: Supporting Parental Leave and Strengthening Organizations
Season 1 · Episode 8
Saturday, February 1, 2025 • Duration 25:58
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
From Digital to Intelligent: The AI-Driven Future of Transformation
Season 1 · Episode 7
Friday, January 3, 2025 • Duration 46:27
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.
Embracing Ambition
Season 1 · Episode 6
Saturday, November 30, 2024 • Duration 44:44
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.
Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics in Fundraising
Season 1 · Episode 5
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 53:06
Introduction:
Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Allen Davidov.
Allen is the Senior Vice President, Sales Practice & Marketing Leader at Environics Analytics, where he focuses on the not-for-profit, energy, transportation, and public sectors. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, analytics, and fundraising, Allen has a proven track record of helping organizations unlock the value of information for smarter decision-making and strategic growth.
Before his role at Environics Analytics, Allen led impactful marketing and fundraising initiatives at esteemed organizations like the Sinai Health Foundation and Habitat for Humanity GTA, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario Region, St. John’s Rehab Hospital Foundation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and North York General Hospital Foundation.
He’s not only a dedicated professional in his field but also an active contributor to the community, serving on the Canadian Marketing Association’s Not-For-Profit Council, volunteering with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, and a member of Seneca College’s Marketing Advisory Council.
Allen holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Commerce from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Creative Advertising diploma from Centennial College, and a Chartered Marketer certificate from the Canadian Marketing Association, showcasing his commitment to excellence in marketing.
Summary:
In this insightful episode, Dave sits down with Allen to explore his career journey through the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing emerging leaders in the charitable space, focusing on how they can make a meaningful impact.
Engaging Next Gen Leaders in Charity
Season 1 · Episode 4
Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 53:19
Introduction:
The Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Andy Harrington, the Executive Director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 Canadian church denominations and agencies with a goal to end global hunger. Partnering with locally based organizations in majority world countries, the organization seeks to meet emergency food needs in crisis situations, achieve long term sustainable solutions to hunger, and works to foster informed action by Canadians and governments to support relief and development efforts around this international cause.
Andy has over thirty five years of experience working in international development and with youth and young adults around the world. Prior to joining the Foodgrains Bank, he was the CEO of the Wellspring Foundation for Education, an organization with a mission to transform education in East Africa and to foster vibrant communities that address poverty in all its forms. He and his wife Helen along with their two children spent two years during the conflict in Croatia and Bosnia, working with children traumatized by the war, and he has led projects in a number of other countries, including as part of the relief efforts for the Asian Tsunami disaster.
Andy, writes and speaks extensively on a number of issues including the need for a just society and respectful leadership. He has a Masters degree in Missiology and can regularly be found motorbiking or hiking in places like Alaska and Africa.
Summary
Our guest, Andy Harrington, the Executive Director of the Canadian Food Grains Bank, discusses his role and the organization's mission to end global hunger. He shares his career journey in the charitable sector, from working with at-risk youth to leading education initiatives in Africa.
Andy highlights the challenges and opportunities in the charitable sector, including the breakdown of civil discourse and the need for flexibility, authenticity, and trust in organizations. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging younger generations in leadership roles and board positions to ensure the future success of charities.
Collaboration, Digital Transformation & Sustainable Growth for Charities
Season 1 · Episode 3
Thursday, June 27, 2024 • Duration 45:30
Introduction
The Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Duke Chang, President and CEO of CanadaHelps.
Duke is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in financial services and technology, transforming businesses through innovation and product-led growth. Before joining CanadaHelps, Duke served as the Worldwide Head of Product, Business Development, and Customer Experience for Lenovo Solutions and Services Group where he built and scaled the broad solution portfolio to support Lenovo's $3 billion business.
Duke He has endless enthusiasm to diversify the impact of CanadaHelps’ technologies and drive innovation. He focuses his priorities at CanadaHelps on enhancements that will empower Canadians to easily support their favourite causes and delivering real value in particular to small- and medium-sized charities, allowing them to grow their fundraising results and advance on their digital transformation journeys.
Summary
Our guest, Duke Chang, President and CEO of CanadaHelps, discusses his transition from the corporate space to the charitable sector and the challenges and opportunities he has encountered.
Dave and Duke speak about the need for collaboration and centralization in the charitable sector, and the goal of CanadaHelps to assist with economies of scale for charities. Duke also highlights the importance of digital skills and capabilities in the sector, particularly in terms of cybersecurity.
Dave and Duke discuss the talent pool in the charitable sector and the need for organizations to offer meaning, purpose, and work-life balance to attract and retain talent. They also address the leadership transition from Boomers to Millennials and the role of mentorship in developing emerging leaders.
Taking a Chance on Emerging Leaders
Season 1 · Episode 2
Monday, June 3, 2024 • Duration 50:34
Introduction
The Cause Leadership Podcast with host, Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Jeff Beach, the CEO of Asthma Canada.
Jeff is a seasoned leader in the Canadian non-profit sector with over 25 years of experience in management, community, and fund development. Jeff has held prominent roles in various organizations, including the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. He has also contributed significantly to causes like youth mentoring, arthritis support, breast cancer awareness, and cystic fibrosis advocacy.
Jeff is deeply committed to volunteering and sits on several boards, including the Women's Brain Health Initiative and Federated Health Charities. Known for his dedication to empowering individuals facing health and social challenges, Jeff is driven by a passion for helping others achieve their full potential.
Summary
Our guest, Jeff Beach, CEO of Asthma Canada, shares his leadership journey and insights into the charitable sector. He emphasizes the importance of having the right people in the right roles and prioritizing the organization's mission and values.
Jeff and Dave also discuss the evolving landscape of fundraising and the challenges faced by the sector, such as declining giving and increased demand for services. Jeff highlights the need for organizations to adapt to changing donor expectations and build strong relationships.
Jeff offers advice for emerging leaders, including being open to opportunities and investing in professional development.
Dave and Jeff consider the role of boards and the importance of succession planning. They discuss the need for adding new board members and succession planning in nonprofit organizations. Jeff suggests bringing people onto committees as a way to get to know them and assess their leadership skills before considering them for a board role.
Growing Your Team Internally
Season 1 · Episode 1
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 • Duration 37:58
Introduction
The Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Sandra Hawken, the CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.
Sandra is a values-based leader, who is dedicated to inclusivity and empowerment. Since joining Holland Bloorview in 2015, Sandra together with her team has spearheaded remarkable growth, increasing the supporter base by over 1000% and doubling annual fundraising.
Her visionary leadership launched ground-breaking initiatives like the Capes for Kids program, raising over $7 million dollars and inspiring a national movement for disability inclusion.
With a track record of raising over $150 million for equity-focused charities, Sandra's impact resonates beyond her role at Holland Bloorview.
Sandra shares her career progression from the private sector to the charitable sector, specifically in feminist organizations and the transition into healthcare philanthropy. She discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning to the healthcare sector and the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership.
We asked Sandra to share about her hiring practices, including the focus on values alignment and creating growth opportunities for younger talent. She emphasizes the need for organizations to invest in their employees' careers and cultivate a culture of belonging. Sandra shares her perspective on leadership in the charitable space today and the complexities it entails.
We discuss the importance of building a strong organizational culture and investing in leadership development. Sandra emphasizes the value of open communication, mentorship programs, and continuous learning opportunities. We also address the challenge of compensation in the charitable sector and learn how Holland Bloorview addresses it through transparency and non-monetary benefits.
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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
Importance of Mentorship: Allen emphasizes the significance of mentorship in personal and professional development, especially for those entering the nonprofit field.
Data Analytics in Nonprofits: Dave and Allen discuss the pivotal role of data analytics in understanding donor behaviors and refining fundraising strategies.
Canada Helps Giving Report Insights: Key takeaways from the report are examined, including the decline in donor numbers and evolving giving behaviors, prompting charities to rethink their approaches.
Connecting with Donors: The importance of personal connections with donors is highlighted, with a focus on effective messaging and visual cues to engage and retain attention.
Talent Shifts: The conversation addresses the shifting talent landscape in the charitable sector and the emerging opportunities for young professionals.
Partnerships for Impact: Allen discusses the importance of collaborations between charities and corporations, particularly regarding sustainability and social impact initiatives.
Reasons for Hope in the Charitable Sector: The episode wraps up with a reflection on the rewarding nature of working in the nonprofit sector and the critical need for career development and mentorship.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:13 Challenges and Opportunities for Emerging Leaders
15:18 Environics Analytics and Data Analytics in the Nonprofit Sector
22:11 Key Takeaways from the CanadaHelps Giving Report
27:00 Rethinking Fundraising Strategies and Building Connections
30:27 Understanding Donor Base and Connecting to Their Values
32:19 Talent Shifts and Opportunities in the Charitable Sector
46:23 Partnerships for Sustainability and Social Impact
51:43 Investing in Career Development and Mentorship in the Sector
Dave and Andy discuss the importance of leadership in the nonprofit sector. Andy emphasizes the need for leaders to engage their teams and build trust, especially during times of crisis. Harrington shares his experiences in Sri Lanka and Bosnia, highlighting the importance of caring for the team while dealing with a crisis.
Dave and Andy also speak about the significance of self-care for leaders and offer advice on transitioning into a new leadership role. Harrington concludes by discussing the value of mentorship and how younger leaders can seek guidance and support.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Andy Harrington's Role and Canadian Food Grains Bank
13:03 Challenges in the Charitable Sector
15:47 Opportunities in the Charitable Sector
18:15 Engaging Younger Generations in Leadership Roles
21:38 The Importance of Flexibility, Authenticity, and Trust in Leadership
25:39 Diversity and Effective Governance in Charities
28:19 Engaging Teams and Building Trust
30:07 Leadership in Extreme Situations
34:29 Caring for Staff in Charitable Work
36:44 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
39:18 The Importance of Self-Care
42:56 Transitioning into a New Leadership Role
50:56 The Value of Mentorship
In this conversation, Duke discusses the challenges and opportunities in the charitable sector. He emphasizes the importance of leadership during times of adversity and highlights the need for leaders to have a clear North Star for their teams.
Dave and Duke also review the key elements of success for fundraisers, including the ability to communicate the impact of donations and the importance of diversifying revenue streams. They explore the value of corporate partnerships and the alignment between sustainability and the charitable sector.
Duke concludes by sharing his excitement about CanadaHelps' mission to build generosity in Canada and make the sector more operationally efficient.
00:00 Navigating the Transition: Corporate Space to Charitable Sector
02:25 Challenges and Opportunities in the Charitable Sector
06:15 The Impact of Technology and Digital Skills
12:40 Talent Market Dynamics in the Charitable Sector
25:30 Navigating Adversity: Leading Teams Through Tough Times
29:00 The Future of Fundraising: Key Elements of Success
30:30 Corporate Partnerships: Building True Alliances
35:15 Revenue Diversification and Talent Development in the Charitable Sector
Jeff and Dave emphasize the need for organizations to consider talent from outside the charitable sector and the potential benefits of mergers and amalgamations. Additionally, they address the issue of sector compensation and the importance of fair compensation for nonprofit professionals.
Finally, Jeff shares insights into the work of Asthma Canada, including their focus on patient education, advocacy, and research.
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01:45 Embracing Opportunities and Challenges in Your Leadership Journey
06:23 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Fundraising
08:08 Building Strong Relationships with Donors and Volunteers
09:10 Transitioning into Leadership in Today’s Environment
13:45 Advice for Emerging Leaders
21:58 The Importance of Succession Planning in the Charitable Sector
30:15 Succession Planning and Talent Acquisition
32:19 Exploring Mergers and Amalgamations
38:19 Compensation in the Charitable Sector
44:41 Asthma Canada: Patient Education, Advocacy, and Research
Hear about Holland Bloorview’s mission to increase disability inclusion and reduce stigma, and the impact they make through healthcare, research, and community programs. Sandra's leadership and collaborative approach contribute to the success of Holland Bloorview and the sector as a whole.
Chapters
05:50 - What is it like to lead in the charitable space today?
09:20 - Advice for those looking to make the shift into senior executive roles in the charitable sector.
10:50 - Perspectives & practices for growing talent & hiring from within.
15:20 - Attracting younger talent and helping them transition to this space.
23:20 - Addressing the limiting factor of charity budgets.
