PhilanthroThink – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Visit Our Website

MPNL Website

https://www.carleton.ca/mpnl/

Follow Us on Social Media

• Twitter: https://x.com/mpnlcarleton

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carletonmpnl/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpnlcarleton

Host and Co-hosts

Megan Skyvington

Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganskyvington/

Fengwen Yu

Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fengwen-yu-891504131/

Emily Goodwin

Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-goodwin-/

Daniel H. Lanteigne

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

Production

Keenlii

• Website: www.keenlii.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/

Subscribe 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.

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.

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:

Megan SkyvingtonLinkedIn Fengwen YuLinkedIn

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.

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

MPNL Website

Follow Us on Social Media

Twitter | LinkedIn | InstagramCredits

Host and Co-hostsMegan Skyvington - LinkedInFengwen Yu - LinkedIn Emily Goodwin -LinkedIn Daniel H. Lanteigne - LinkedIn

Production:Keenlii

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.

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 Communities
34:07 Humility and Institutional Change
36:34 What Gives Wanda Hope
38:43 Inviting a Trust-Based Approach
40:17 Learning, Unlearning, and Showing Up
44:13 Looking Ahead: A Question for Future Generations

VISIT OUR WEBSITE
https://carleton.ca/mpnl

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: https://x.com/mpnlcarleton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carletonmpnl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpnlcarleton/

CREDITS
Hosts:
Megan Skyvington – https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganskyvington/
Emily Goodwin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-goodwin-/
Fengwen Yu – https://www.linkedin.com/in/fengwen-yu-891504131/
Daniel H. Lanteigne – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhlanteigne

Production: Keenlii – https://keenlii.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/
Producer: Barry Keegan – https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrykeegan

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.