The Shared Brain Podcast™ Archives | Global Philanthropic Canada

The Hidden Cost of Passion: Preventing Burnout in the Nonprofit Sector | Fundraising Podcast

François Lanthier — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:24:06 +0000

Episode Overview

Passion drives the nonprofit sector forward. It inspires people to serve communities, champion causes, and create meaningful change. But when passion is left unchecked, it can also lead to one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: burnout.

In this episode of The Shared Brain Podcast, Theresa Bolton and Derek Rolstone explore the hidden cost of passion and the growing impact of burnout on nonprofit professionals and leaders. Together, they discuss why burnout is so prevalent in mission-driven organizations, how it often gets mistaken for performance issues, and what leaders can do to protect the people behind the mission.

Drawing from decades of experience in recruitment, human resources, and organizational leadership, Theresa and Derek share practical insights on recognizing the signs of burnout, fostering healthier workplace cultures, encouraging healthy boundaries, and creating sustainable organizations where employees can thrive.

In this episode, Theresa and Derek cover:

• Why burnout is especially common in nonprofit organizations

• The connection between passion, empathy, and overwork

• Key emotional, physical, and workplace signs of burnout

• How leaders can identify burnout in themselves and their teams

• The importance of vacations, boundaries, and recovery

• Why recovery is more than rest and requires intentional recharging

• The role of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and external support

• Practical strategies for building healthier, more resilient workplace cultures

• How organizations can support employee wellbeing without compromising their mission

Whether you are a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, executive director, HR professional, board member, or team member, this episode offers actionable takeaways for creating sustainable impact while protecting the people who make that impact possible.

Featured Speakers

Theresa Bolton

Founder, Customized Recruitment

Theresa Bolton is the Founder and President of Customized Recruitment Ltd., a Canadian talent acquisition management firm. She launched the company in November 2020 after identifying a gap between in-house human resources departments and traditional search firms that left many organizations without affordable recruitment support.

Based in the Greater Winnipeg Metropolitan Area, Customized Recruitment provides flexible, project-based talent acquisition solutions tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, and associations across Canada.

Theresa began her recruiting career in 2009, specializing in sales, marketing, insurance, and agriculture recruitment. She quickly established herself as a top recruiter in Winnipeg before moving into corporate leadership. In 2015, she joined Parrish & Heimbecker Limited, where she built the company’s recruitment division from the ground up and ultimately served as Corporate Director of Recruiting.

Through Customized Recruitment, Theresa collaborates with organizations and HR consulting firms, including Stone HR Strategies, to deliver comprehensive talent acquisition and fractional HR solutions.

Board and Volunteer Leadership

• Chair of the Board, Canadian Association of Agri Retailers

• Vice President, Ag in the Classroom

• Board Member, MS Society of Manitoba

Derek Rolstone

CEO & Founder, Stone HR Strategies

Derek Rolstone is the Founder and President of Stone HR Strategies, a full-service human resources consulting firm headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Since launching the firm in 2014, Derek has helped organizations across North America strengthen their workforce through strategic HR solutions focused on Attraction, Retention, and Engagement.

With nearly 30 years of experience in human resources and industrial relations, Derek has held senior leadership roles with organizations including Suncor Energy, Bell Canada, Nygard, TransX, and Pepsi.

Stone HR Strategies serves more than 200 organizations through a network of specialized consultants, providing expertise in compliance, workforce planning, employee relations, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness.

Derek holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western University and an MBA from the University of Victoria. He has also taught in the Faculty of Business at Red River College and the University of Manitoba.

Areas of Expertise

• Human Resources Strategy

• Executive Coaching

• Career Transition Support

• Compliance Management

• Leadership Development

• Strategic Workforce Planning

Listen to Episode 3 here: https://globalphilanthropic.ca/the-hidden-cost-…nonprofit-sector/

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The Shared Brain Podcast from Global Philanthropic Canada features conversations on Canadian philanthropy, fundraising strategy, and nonprofit leadership. Episodes share practical insights, real-world success stories, and best practices to help mission-driven organizations grow their impact.

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Donor-Advised Funds: Addressing Concerns and Finding Opportunities (Part 2)

François Lanthier — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:34:48 +0000

Episode overview

Are donor‑advised funds holding money hostage — or are they one of the most powerful tools in the charitable sector?
In this episode of The Shared Brain Podcast, we tackle the biggest concerns about DAFs and explore how charities can turn them into real opportunities.

Senior Consultants Jill Nelson and Peter McKinley from Global Philanthropic Canada dig into questions around disbursement quotas, endowments, anonymity, and whether DAFs actually divert money away from frontline charities.
Drawing on decades of experience in gift planning, prospect research, and major campaigns, they unpack the misconceptions that make fundraisers uneasy about DAFs — and outline practical ways to engage this fast‑growing source of revenue.

Whether you’re a fundraising professional, nonprofit leader, or board member trying to make sense of the changing giving landscape, this episode will challenge assumptions and offer concrete next steps for your DAF strategy.

In this episode, Jill and Peter cover:

What the disbursement quota actually is in Canada — and how it applies to DAFs, endowments, and other long‑term funds.
How DAFs differ from traditional endowments, including when capital can be spent down versus held in perpetuity.
Why anonymity is often misunderstood, and how charities can still steward DAF donors and build relationships, even when gifts are routed through a sponsoring organization.
How charities and DAF sponsors can collaborate so smaller organizations can accept complex gifts like insurance policies, private shares, or other non‑cash assets.
Why DAFs are not “the enemy,” and how they may actually help broaden which charities benefit from large, tax‑driven gifts over time.
The case for every charity developing a proactive strategy for DAFs, rather than treating them as an unpredictable add‑on to regular fundraising.

This is Part 2 of our donor‑advised funds series, focusing on addressing concerns and finding opportunities for charities in Canada.

Listen to Episode 1 here: Donor-Advised Funds: What Charities Need to Know | The Shared Brain Podcast | Global Philanthropic Canada

Featured Speakers

Peter McKinley is a Senior Consultant with Global Philanthropic Canada’s Ontario team, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in non-profit management and fundraising across post-secondary education and health care. A pioneer in prospect research and donor pipeline development, Peter built the donor pipeline from scratch at the Ivey Business School at Western — providing critical strategic support for the $78 million Ivey Campaign, the largest single faculty campaign of its time in Canada — and helped drive the $90 million Bold New Brock Campaign at Brock University. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science and a Bachelor of Honours History from Western University, developed a ground-breaking graduate-level course on prospect research and fundraising, and is co-author of the Globe and Mail bestselling book Excellence in Fundraising in Canada. Fun fact: Peter welcomes any major snowfall — snow means snowshoeing!

Book a call with Peter today.

Jill Nelson is a Senior Consultant with Global Philanthropic Canada, bringing over 30 years of fundraising experience specializing in strategic gift planning, legacy marketing, estate administration, and donor stewardship. Known for demystifying gift planning and coaching Boards and staff on integrated programs that lift all revenue streams, Jill spent 18 years as Associate Vice President, Estates and Gift Planning at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and has held senior roles at the Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Paraplegic Association. A dedicated leader in the growth of gift planning in Canada, she has served as CAGP faculty, speaker, and board director, and was honoured with the “Friend of CAGP” award (2014) and the inaugural “CAGP GTA Icon Award” (2024). Fun fact: Jill launched her career as a travel escort, leading groups across England, Scotland, Bermuda, Ontario, and Newfoundland. Book a call with Jill today

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The post Donor-Advised Funds: Addressing Concerns and Finding Opportunities (Part 2) appeared first on Global Philanthropic Canada.

Entrepreneurial Mindset for Nonprofits: Red Deer Food Bank Success | Fundraising Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:31:34 +0000

Episode Overview

Can an entrepreneurial mindset benefit your non-profit? Global Senior Consultant Myles Peake sits down with Mitch Thomson, Executive Director of Red Deer Food Bank Society, to discuss ways to break out of the daily humdrum of fundraising and integrate new ideas to drive maximum reach for your organization. Listen and celebrate with us how Mitch Thomson and his team are using an innovative, inspiring approach to fundraising.

Topics in this non-profit podcast episode include:

What can your organization do differently to move the needle on your important mission?
How can you integrate an entrepreneurial mindset into your daily initiatives to drive funding and engagement?
How can you connect with donors, volunteers and your Board meaningfully and authentically?

Consider helping the Red Deer Food Bank Society reach their fundraising goals.

Featured Speakers

Myles Peak

Myles has extensive professional experience leading top-performing fundraising initiatives in central Alberta, collaboratively raising more than $100 million over the last 11 years through major and planned gifts, sponsorships, capital campaigns, and marketing and communication strategies. Most recently as the Director of Fund & Business Development for the Outreach Centre, Myles established, led, and implemented a fundraising, marketing and communications program that increased the Outreach Centre’s presence in central Alberta and as a result, saw an increase in its revenue by $1,000,000 in just three years. Book a call with Myles today.

Mitch Thomson

Mitch Thomson is the Executive Director of Red Deer Food Bank Society.

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Youth in Philanthropy with Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn, Anthony Enman & Krista Turnbull | Fundraising Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:32:46 +0000

Episode Overview

HOORAY for the next generation of philanthropists! This episode takes us to New Brunswick, where we connect with two inspiring individuals who make the wheels turn for the “Youth in Philanthropy” (YiP) program. This program is designed to inspire, engage and teach youth about the impacts and benefits of being involved with philanthropy through various activities where they learn about the work of non-profits in their communities. The youth leave the program inspired to become young adults who continue to give back to their communities as they venture into adulthood.

Discover how young people are reshaping giving and civic engagement. Insights on youth philanthropy, engagement strategies, and empowering future leaders.

Featured Speakers

Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn

Fluent in English and French, Stacey is an engaging values-based leader. She has held impactful leadership positions with The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Special Olympics Québec, Alberta Cancer Foundation, MacEwan University, and the University of Alberta. As an accredited coach-approach facilitator, a professionally trained, certified and ICF credentialed Professional Certified Coach, and former CFRE, Stacey provides clients with a unique combination of organizational advancement, board governance, leadership, and fund development experience. Book a call with Stacey today.

Anthony Enman

Anthony Enman is the Board Director with the Association of Fundraising Professionals of New Brunswick, as well as Officer with the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.

Krista Turnbull

Krista is the Community Schools Coordinator at Seaside Park Elementary School.

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The post Youth in Philanthropy with Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn, Anthony Enman & Krista Turnbull | Fundraising Podcast appeared first on Global Philanthropic Canada.

The 3 Cs of Fundraising: Culture, Capacity & Competency | Fundraising Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:29:10 +0000

Episode Overview

On this episode, Canadian fundraisers from the West Coast come together to discuss maximizing your non-profit or charity’s potential, efficiency and efficacy and making the most of your fundraising through the concept of the 3Cs: Culture, Capacity & Competency.

With special guests Kirsten Koppang Telford, CEO of The Forum and Barney Ellis-Perry, CEO of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Senior Consultant Jeff Sodowsky hosts this conversation exploring a comprehensive and practical framework for assessing readiness to effectively fundraise, particularly through the lens of both staffing and volunteer leadership.

Unpack these three core pillars of successful fundraising with expert guidance to strengthen your nonprofit’s development strategy.

Dive deeper in Jeff Sodowsky’s article: Using the 3 Cs to Assess Philanthropic Environments in Charities and Nonprofits

Featured Speakers

Jeff Sodwsky

Jeff brings infectious enthusiasm, diverse perspectives and international expertise to assessments, plan development, implementation, and counsel. He works on grassroots efforts as well as multi-million dollar campaigns. He has both led operational expansion and guided organizations through cutbacks and crises. Committed to equity, inclusion and new opportunities, he seeks to empower others. Book a call with Jeff today.

Kirsten Koppang Telford

Kirsten is the CEO of The Forum, a national charity that educates, mentors, and uplifts over 18,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada since 2002.

Barney Ellis-Perry

Barney is the CEO of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.

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The post The 3 Cs of Fundraising: Culture, Capacity & Competency | Fundraising Podcast appeared first on Global Philanthropic Canada.

Mind Matters: Navigating mental health in the workplace | Fundraising Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:58:45 +0000

Episode Overview

On this episode, Canadian fundraisers unite to discuss navigating mental health in the workplace, specifically within the non-profit space.

With special guests Chloe Grondin and Amy O’Leary (Peach Arch Hospital Foundation), and Barb Coates (Dan’s Legacy), Barbara Moore explores mental health in the workplace and the tools your organization can invest in to maximize health and wellness for the betterment of your colleagues and your non-profit’s mission. Topics covered in this episode include:

What can your organization implement today to maximize mental wellness?
As a leader, how can you think differently to support your team to be their best?
How have small changes in the workplace led these fundraisers to notice improvements in their fundraising teams? Does an improvement in mental health and balance really result in fundraising success?

Featured Speakers

Barbara Moore

Chloe Grondin

Chloe is the Marketing & Communications Director for Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.

Amy O’Leary

Amy is the Director of Philanthropy for Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.

Barb Coates

Barb is the Executive Director for Dan’s Legacy.

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The post Mind Matters: Navigating mental health in the workplace | Fundraising Podcast appeared first on Global Philanthropic Canada.

Trust & Interconnectivity in Canadian Fundraising | Fundraising Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:19:26 +0000

Episode Overvivew

In this episode, Global Vice President, Prairies & Territories and Senior Consultant Corrie Fortner dives in and discuss fundraising in Canada with Lisa Dayanandan, CFRE. Lisa is a self-described storyteller, connector and big picture thinker. A former teacher, she found her way into fundraising and never looked back.

If Lisa is a storyteller, connector and big picture thinker, Corrie is an empath, problem-solver extraordinaire and a visionary leader. She is a compassionate and strategic fund development professional with a strong history of success working with donors, leading teams, and supporting organizations to attain and surpass their goals.

Explore how trust and interconnectivity drive fundraising success in Canada, with insights on donor relationships, collaboration, and ethical fundraising practices.

Check out Lisa’s spoken word piece crafted for National Philanthropy Day in Canada.

Featured Speakers

Corrie Fortner

Corrie Fortner is a strategic and relationship-driven fundraising consultant with more than three decades of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. As Vice President with Global Philanthropic Canada, she works closely with executive leaders, Boards, and development teams to build capacity, strengthen infrastructure, and drive long-term sustainability through ethical, donor-centered fundraising practices. Corrie brings extensive experience leading complex fundraising initiatives, particularly in capital campaigns and major gifts. Book a call with Corrie today.

Lisa Dayanandan, CFRE

Lisa works as Philanthropy Advisor with the Edmonton Community Foundation while also volunteering with AFP Edmonton and Area Chapter and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.

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The post Trust & Interconnectivity in Canadian Fundraising | Fundraising Podcast appeared first on Global Philanthropic Canada.

Women Leading Philanthropy: Sofia Janmohamed’s Story | Fundraising Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:32:55 +0000

Episode Overview

We love hearing how leaders “made it”, and women leading philanthropy is no exception. This episode is an honest discussion exploring Sofia Janmohamed’s journey to transform her unique strengths into a successful fundraising career. She is one of six women we profiled in our Knowledge Creation report Women Leading Philanthropy, Based in British Columbia, Sofia is the Executive Director of Development, Advancement & Alumni Engagement at Simon Fraser University. She shares how she embraces empathy, welcomes growth and harnesses her superpowers to lead her organization to success.

Hear Sofia Janmohamed’s inspiring journey in philanthropy: leadership lessons, equity insights, and advice for women driving change in the nonprofit sector.

Go deeper with our full report on Women Leading Philanthropy.

Featured Speakers

Meredith Hand

Sofia Janmohamed

Sofia is is the Executive Director of Development, Advancement & Alumni Engagement at Simon Fraser University.

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Pride & Allyship in Fundraising | Fundraising Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:02:31 +0000

Episode Overview

It’s Pride Season! So let’s dive in. Pssst… May we have an itty bitty chat about the acronym LGBTQ? Or is it LGBTQ+? When do we include the 2S? What does allyship look like from a fundraising perspective? What’s the best approach to pronouns in the workplace? This conversation provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by the queer community and what we can do collectively to drive positive change.

This episode features three leaders in the Canadian fundraising space. Our two guests are Evan Maydaniuk (he/him) and Michaël Robach (he/him). Both Evan and Michaël are Directors of Development at their respective non-profits working alongside the queer community. Michaël works with QMUNITY in Vancouver, and Evan is with Rainbow Resource Centre in Winnipeg.

Located on Treaty One Territory and on the National Homeland of the Red River Metis, Rainbow Resource Centre is Canada’s longest-running 2SLGBTQ+ centre founded in 1973.

QMUNITY is a 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Centre that delivers queer, trans, and Two-Spirit programs & Services across BC.

Evan is a proud Ukrainian-Canadian and citizen of the Red River Métis Nation who is excited to bring his fundraising talents to the Rainbow Resource Centre. He holds a BBA degree from the University of Winnipeg where he focused his studies on non-profit management and has since earned his CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive).

With a focus on education and capacity-building, Michael has dedicated his career to serving marginalized communities within the charitable sector. His past work spans a range of critical issues, including child protection, rare diseases, and reconciliation. Through learning and awareness, Michael seeks to empower individuals to become allies, advocates, and agents of change. He believes that when we educate ourselves and others, we not only promote tolerance but also create a foundation for building a more accepting and inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Resources

Featured Speakers

Pat Estey

Pat has 16 years of fund development experience. He has held leadership roles in post-secondary institutions including the University of British Columbia and Sait Polytechnic. With immense passion for the community and health, Pat has held senior level positions with the United Way, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Alzheimer Society. Pat has completed a Masters in Philanthropy and Development, paired with a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation that he has held since 2012. Book a call with Pat today.

Evan Maydaniuk

Evan is with Rainbow Resource Centre in Winnipeg.

Michaël Robach

Michaël works with QMUNITY in Vancouver.

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The post Pride & Allyship in Fundraising | Fundraising Podcast appeared first on Global Philanthropic Canada.

The Cookie Queens of Canada | Fundraising Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada — Wed, 10 May 2023 13:44:08 +0000

Episode Overview

We’re jetting off to the quaint town of Dunnville, in Ontario’s Niagara peninsula where host Janine Foster chats with Penny Banks, CFRE of the Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation. Penny is the passionate and upbeat Executive Director of the foundation and enthusiastically spends a good portion of Smile Cookie Week elbow-deep in cookie dough.

Penny’s organization teamed up with the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign and the union paid off – literally. Since 1996, $77 million has been raised for organizations through smile cookies, and Dunnville’s tiny hospital foundation has fundraised more money than any other organization in Canada. Dunnville is now the “Cookie Capital of Canada” crowning Penny and her team the “Cookie Queens of Canada”.

Featured Speakers

Penny Banks, CFRE

Penny has been an established event planner and fundraising professional for over 20 years. With extensive experience in annual campaigns, major and corporate giving including sponsorships, Penny’s passion for fundraising exudes when you meet her. She began at a young age and she has held positions in higher education advancement, with a national charity and most recently in hospital foundations. Book a call with Penny today.

Janine Foster

Janine is a fundraising veteran of 20+ years.

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The post The Cookie Queens of Canada | Fundraising Podcast appeared first on Global Philanthropic Canada.