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The Discovery Pod: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Douglas Nelson
The Discovery Pod features conversations with leaders in non-profit/social sector. Join former CEO Douglas Nelson as he talks with CEOs, Board Chairs, Founders and other senior leaders about how they got started in the sector, how they work with their boards, and what remains to be done. As Managing Director of The Discovery Group, a philanthropy and governance consulting firm based in Vancouver, BC., Doug understands the complexity of leading organizations and institutions and the challenges of aligning governance and philanthropic performance. Doug has been called a ‘fundraising phenom’ by the Vancouver Sun and ‘a true innovator for a sector that can do so much more.’ Learn from the brightest and the best in the industry so you can accomplish what is most important by tuning in to The Discovery Pod today.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago32 min
What We Heard: What It Takes To Get Big Things Done With Jen Rose, Douglas Nelson, Christoph Clodius, And Ainsley Dowle
Transformational change within the social profit sector is not an overnight success story. It requires a strategic plan, deep internal alignment, and courageous preparation long before the public celebration begins. In this episode, host Douglas Nelson joins senior Discovery Group team members Jen Rose, Christoph Clodius, and Ainsley Dowle to unpack key insights from their recent Discovery Dialogues. They explore the critical role of listening, the necessity of repeating the vision, and why effective leadership is often about empowering your people to execute. Whether you are leading a large organization or a small team, this discussion provides the framework you need to move from ambition to action.
- 1 weeks ago19 min
Opportunity Spotlight: VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation With Katherine Pui, Associate Vice-President, Philanthropy
Katherine Pui, the Associate Vice-President of Philanthropy at the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, shares her transition from a medical background to full-time healthcare fundraising. She highlights the strategic importance of major gifts and how they drive innovation within the provincial hospital network. Katherine explains the player-coach model of her new leadership role and why it is critical for meeting ambitious campaign goals. She offers a look into the foundation’s collaborative culture and why this position represents a rare, historic opportunity for a fundraising leader. Listeners get a clear picture of what success looks like in this high-impact, donor-focused environment.
- 3 weeks ago46 min
Preparing For Transformation: What It Takes To Get Big Things Done – The Discovery Dialogues Toronto With Kelly Cole, President & CEO, Sunnybrook Foundation, & Aaron Sanderson, CEO, Kids Help Phone Foundation
Achieving transformational change is a universal goal for nonprofit leaders, but it requires more than just scaling programs or ambitious growth plans. In this episode, we dive into what it actually takes to navigate organizational shifts, build alignment, and sustain momentum. Join us as we sit down with Kelly Cole, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Foundation, and Aaron Sanderson, CEO of Kids Help Phone Foundation. They share their candid insights on leading through transformation, managing board expectations, and the discipline required to move big ideas forward. Whether you are leading a community-based nonprofit or a national organization, discover how to avoid the “trap of more” and stay grounded in your mission while evolving your impact.
- Jun 24, 202633 min
The Human Side Of AI: Strengthening Culture And Leadership In Nonprofits With Tadzio Smith, Co-Founder & CEO, Rapport
It is quite ironic to use AI tools to help human skills, but one company out there is doing exactly just that. Douglas Nelson sits down with Tadzio Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Rapport, where they tap into the human side of AI to increase the emotional intelligence and people skills within organizations. He explains how technology can help build more timely and effective human interaction to prevent burnout, improve collaboration, and boost productivity. Discover why humans still have a great place to work in today’s highly digital world because of their authenticity and clarity.
- Jun 17, 202633 min
Rethinking Philanthropy Through An Indigenous Lens With Emily Cabrera, Executive Director, RAVEN
Traditional philanthropy in Canada has long been defined by transactions, KPIs, and metrics. But what happens when we shift the focus toward relationships, reciprocity, and the long-term stewardship of the next seven generations?Today, we sit down with Emily Cabrera, Executive Director of RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs), to explore what it truly means to be a “philanthropy-forward” leader in the Indigenous-led sector. As we navigate the complex, often clunky systems of charitable giving, Cabrera offers a roadmap for moving beyond the transactional—advocating for a model rooted in accountability, trust, and shared values.Join us as we bridge the gap between conventional giving and Indigenous worldviews. We dive into:The power of relational philanthropyThe indigenous-led legal frontierMoving the needleWhether you are a donor, a leader, or an advocate, it is time to rethink how we mobilize resources. Discover how Indigenous organizations are building a future grounded in justice—and how you can extend your hand to support that movement.
- Jun 10, 202641 min
Bridging Knowledge And Funding Gaps For Indigenous Health With Nathania Fung, CEO, & Ruth Williams, Board Chair, First Nations Health Foundation
Closing the systemic healthcare gap for First Nations communities requires more than government support; it demands a radical shift toward self-determined, community-led philanthropy. In this conversation, we are joined by Nathania Fung, inaugural CEO, and Dr. Ruth Williams, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Foundation, to explore how they are bridging critical funding and knowledge gaps across British Columbia. By grounding their work in holistic wellness, cultural wisdom, and trust-based relationships, they illustrate how a community-driven approach can accelerate infrastructure development and empower Indigenous leadership. Listeners will gain insights into the necessity of moving beyond traditional funding models, the importance of social determinants in holistic health, and the transformative potential of donor partnerships that honor the unique needs and autonomy of First Nations peoples.
- Jun 3, 202629 min
Building Momentum For Reconciliation With Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Building a just future requires commitment, not just a single moment. In this special episode, we sit down with Sarah Midanik, President and CEO of The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, to explore the crucial work of reconciliation in Canada. As a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Sarah is deeply committed to bridging cultural understanding. She discusses the legacy of The Secret Path, the non-linear nature of this work, and how her organization continues building momentum for reconciliation—from classrooms to boardrooms—by providing vital educational tools and fostering “reconcili-actions”. Tune in for a powerful exercise in optimism, hope, and systemic change.
- May 21, 202616 min
Opportunity Spotlight: Canadian Mental Health Association BC With Jonny Morris, CEO
The Canadian Mental Health Association BC (CMHA BC) is at a pivotal moment, having grown into a $65 million powerhouse of community care. Now, they are seeking a highly strategic and mission-driven leader to step into the brand-new Chief Programs Officer (CPO) role.In this exclusive interview, CMHA BC CEO Jonny Morris opens up about the organization’s transformative impact—from innovative, community-led crisis teams that avoid police involvement to provincial-wide employment services. He details why the CPO role is critical, describing it as the “engine of our programs and services,” requiring an agile, strategic collaborator ready to look 7 to 10 years ahead. Discover what it takes to join this leading-edge organization that “does not settle for the status quo.”
About The Discovery Pod
The Discovery Pod features conversations with leaders in non-profit/social sector. Join former CEO Douglas Nelson as he talks with CEOs, Board Chairs, Founders and other senior leaders about how they got started in the sector, how they work with their boards, and what remains to be done. As Managing Director of The Discovery Group, a philanthropy and governance consulting firm based in Vancouver, BC., Doug understands the complexity of leading organizations and institutions and the challenges of aligning governance and philanthropic performance. Doug has been called a ‘fundraising phenom’ by the Vancouver Sun and ‘a true innovator for a sector that can do so much more.’ Learn from the brightest and the best in the industry so you can accomplish what is most important by tuning in to The Discovery Pod today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Discovery Pod as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
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