The Shared Brain Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Non-Profit

The Shared Brain Podcast is produced by Global Philanthropic Canada, a group of Canadian consultants delivering professional and accessible fundraising counsel. We’re forward-thinking experts working alongside hundreds of Canada’s most impactful organizations making a difference in our communities. We want to move the conversation forward about philanthropy in Canada, sharing best practices, client success stories and more. Join in the fun! Let's Elevate Mission Together.Le balado Shared Brain est produit par Global Philanthropic Canada. Nous sommes des experts avant-gardistes canadiens qui travaillent conjointement avec des centaines d’organisations canadiennes les plus influentes qui font une différence au sein de nos communautés.   On célèbre la philanthropie en mettant en lumière divers organismes et personnes inspirantes à travers le Canada, on partage des conseils et des exemples de réussite pour inspirer votre organisation et on s’amuse en apprenant ! Nous travaillons ensemble au service de votre mission.

  1. 2d ago

    Beyond the Ask: The People and Relationships Behind Successful Fundraising

    What if successful fundraising has less to do with asking for money and more to do with building the right relationships? In Episode 17 of The SharedBrain Podcast by Global Philanthropic Canada, we bring together four experienced fundraising professionals for a candid conversation about the people, culture, systems, and stories that make philanthropy thrive. Hosted by Jeff Sodowsky, Corrie Fortner, Stacey Scott-Nykolyshyn, and John McCabe, this conversation explores what it truly takes to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy within nonprofit organizations. Drawing on decades of collective experience across Canada's charitable sector, they share practical insights, personal stories, and lessons learned from working alongside donors, boards, leadership teams, and communities. From understanding why donor relationships take time to recognizing that everyone in an organization has a role in fundraising, this episode challenges the transactional mindset and highlights the importance of trust, collaboration, and meaningful impact. In this episode, we explore: Beyond the ask: Why fundraising is about building long-term relationships, not simply securing donations.Culture is everyone's responsibility: How leadership, board members, program teams, communications staff, and frontline employees contribute to fundraising success.The power of storytelling: Why the most compelling advocates for your mission may be the people who experience its impact firsthand.Donor stewardship that matters: How thoughtful recognition, timely appreciation, and meaningful impact reporting strengthen donor relationships.Systems that sustain relationships: Why CRM tools, shared knowledge, and institutional memory are essential when staff and leadership change.The unexpected paths into philanthropy: Personal reflections on career journeys, memorable experiences, and the moments that remind us why this work matters.Throughout the conversation, our guests share heartfelt stories about meaningful recognition, the ripple effects of generosity, and the lasting difference that philanthropy can make in people's lives. The big takeaway? Fundraising is not a one-person job, a quick win, or a one-time transaction. It is a collective effort built on relationships, shared purpose, and a genuine commitment to advancing missions that matter. Whether you're a nonprofit executive, fundraising professional, board member, volunteer, or emerging philanthropy leader, this episode offers valuable perspectives to help you strengthen your organization's fundraising culture and create lasting impact. 🎧 Listen now and discover why the strongest fundraising programs begin with people. MEET OUR GUESTS John McCabe | Senior Consultant With more than 35 years of experience across arts and culture, faith-based organizations, and healthcare, John has raised over $75 million throughout Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec. His expertise includes campaign management, major gifts, fund development planning, and donor stewardship. 🔗 Meet John McCabe Jeff Sodowsky, MBA, MA, CFRE | Vice President, Pacific & Senior Consultant Jeff brings more than 30 years of experience across healthcare, post-secondary education, arts and culture, and other nonprofit sectors. He helps organizations strengthen fundraising strategies, build capacity, and develop a culture that supports philanthropic success. 🔗 Meet Jeff Sodowsky Corrie Fortner, CFRE | Vice President, Prairies & Territories & Senior Consultant With more than 35 years of experience, Corrie works with nonprofit leaders, boards, and fundraising teams to strengthen organizational capacity, build sustainable fundraising programs, and cultivate meaningful donor relationships. 🔗 Connect with Corrie Fortner Stacey Scott-Nykolyshyn, CEC, PCC | Vice President, Atlantic & Senior Consultant Stacey combines more than 30 years of experience in community and social services, healthcare, and post-secondary education with expertise in leadership coaching, governance, strategic planning, and fund development. 🔗 Meet Stacey Scott-Nykolyshyn READY TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FUNDRAISING STRATEGY? At Global Philanthropic Canada, we help charities and nonprofit organizations build fundraising capacity, strengthen donor relationships, and advance the missions that matter most. Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our experts: Jeff SodowskyCorrie FortnerStacey Scott-NykolyshynLearn more at globalphilanthropic.ca. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague, board member, or nonprofit leader who believes in the power of philanthropy. Subscribe to The SharedBrain Podcast for more conversations, insights, and ideas that move philanthropy forward. #TheSharedBrainPodcast #GlobalPhilanthropicCanada #Fundraising #Philanthropy #NonprofitLeadership #DonorStewardship #FundDevelopment Watch our story unfold here!  Global's Website Global's LinkedIn Page Global's Facebook Page Global's BlueSky Global's YouTube

    Beyond the Ask: The People and Relationships Behind Successful Fundraising

  2. Oct 1

    Beyond Home and Work: The Power of Third Places

    Where do people go to feel connected, inspired, and part of a community? In this episode of The SharedBrain Podcast, we explore the growing importance of “third places”—the spaces beyond home and work where people gather, build relationships, exchange ideas, learn, and develop a sense of belonging. From libraries, parks, theatres, museums, and galleries to community gardens and cultural centres, third places can play a powerful role in strengthening communities and supporting individual and collective well-being. But what does this have to do with philanthropy? Our hosts explore how third places are evolving, why they matter in a time of increasing disconnection, and how philanthropy can help protect, strengthen, and reimagine these vital community spaces. The conversation also explores: • Why libraries and cultural organizations are much more than the services they traditionally provide • How third places can support connection, learning, mental well-being, and intergenerational knowledge sharing • The importance of preserving and reimagining existing community infrastructure • How philanthropy can help address critical infrastructure gaps • Why organizations should look beyond their traditional audiences when identifying potential supporters • How partnerships can create new opportunities for fundraising and community impact • Why organizations need to move beyond a scarcity mindset • The importance of knowing your people and building meaningful relationships • How curiosity, bold thinking, storytelling, and collaboration can strengthen fundraising • Why organizations should start where they are, use what they have, and do what they can At the heart of this conversation is a powerful question: What can we do to strengthen the places that bring us together? Meet the Hosts John McCabe, Senior Consultant With more than 35 years of experience across arts and culture, healthcare, faith-based organizations, and community services in Atlantic Canada, John has raised more than $75 million throughout his career. His consulting expertise includes major gifts, campaigns, board development, fund development planning, sponsorship, and donor relations. Jeff Sodowsky, MBA, MA, CFRE — Vice President, Pacific & Senior Consultant Jeff brings more than 30 years of experience across arts and culture, post-secondary education, healthcare, and community organizations. His work spans strategic planning, major gifts, campaigns, board development, communications, and data-informed fundraising. Corrie Fortner, CFRE — Vice President, Prairies & Territories & Senior Consultant With more than three decades of experience, Corrie works with leaders, Boards, and development teams to strengthen organizational capacity and long-term sustainability through strategic, ethical, donor-centred fundraising. Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn, CEC, PCC — Vice President, Atlantic & Senior Consultant Stacey brings more than 30 years of experience in community and social services, healthcare, hospice and palliative care, and post-secondary education. A bilingual, professionally certified coach, she combines leadership, governance, organizational advancement, and fund development expertise. Connect with Global Philanthropic Canada Looking to strengthen your organization's fundraising strategy, build capacity, or develop deeper relationships with your community? Book a free 30-minute consultation with our team: John McCabe — https://globalphilanthropic.ca/experts/john-mccabe/ Jeff Sodowsky — https://globalphilanthropic.ca/experts/jeff-sodowsky/ Corrie Fortner — https://globalphilanthropic.ca/experts/corrie-fortner/ Stacey Scott Nykolyshyn — https://globalphilanthropic.ca/experts/stacey-scott-nykolyshyn/ Learn more about Global Philanthropic Canada: https://globalphilanthropic.ca/ 🎧 Listen to Episode 16 of The SharedBrain Podcast and discover how third places, philanthropy, and stronger communities are deeply connected. Watch our story unfold here!  Global's Website Global's LinkedIn Page Global's Facebook Page Global's BlueSky Global's YouTube

    Beyond Home and Work: The Power of Third Places

  3. Aug 10

    Is Your Organization Ready to Raise More? The Truth About Fundraising Readiness

    Is Your Organization Ready to Raise More? What does it really take to grow a nonprofit fundraising program? In this episode of The Shared Brain Podcast, François Lanthier sits down with Adrienne Nolan, CFRE, Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada, for an insightful conversation about fundraising readiness, organizational capacity, and sustainable growth. Adrienne draws on more than 35 years of experience in healthcare and post-secondary fundraising, including leadership roles with organizations such as the University of British Columbia, SickKids Hospital Foundation, University of Regina, and Royal University Hospital Foundation. She has also worked on major campaigns totaling $1.9 billion. Together, François and Adrienne explore why an organization's need for funding and its ability to raise that funding are two very different things. They discuss how nonprofits can assess whether they are ready to grow, including: • Aligning fundraising goals with organizational capacity • Building a culture where fundraising is everyone's responsibility • Engaging boards and leadership in meaningful ways • Developing a strong and realistic donor pipeline • Strengthening donor stewardship and relationships • Investing in the right people, systems, technology, and processes • Using CRM and centralized information to support sustainable growth • Avoiding burnout and protecting organizational momentum • Preparing small and grassroots organizations to expand their fundraising capacity • Understanding how donor expectations and fundraising have changed over time Adrienne also shares why fundraising is a team sport and why simply hiring a fundraiser isn't enough to build a successful program. Book a free consultation with Adrienne Nolan, CFRE and explore where your organization can build capacity, strengthen fundraising, and unlock new opportunities. 👉 Connect with Adrienne and book your free call: Book a Free Consultation with Adrienne Nolan Whether you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, board member, development professional, or part of a grassroots organization, this episode offers practical insights to help you take an honest look at where you are today—and identify what needs to change before you pursue your next big fundraising goal. 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of The Shared Brain Podcast and discover what fundraising readiness really looks like. Learn more about Global Philanthropic Canada and connect with our team for support in strengthening your organization's fundraising strategy and capacity. Watch our story unfold here!  Global's Website Global's LinkedIn Page Global's Facebook Page Global's BlueSky Global's YouTube

    Is Your Organization Ready to Raise More? The Truth About Fundraising Readiness

  4. Jul 15

    The Human-Centred Leadership Strategies Every Nonprofit Needs to Know

    What does it take to build a workplace where people don't just stay—but truly thrive? In this episode of the Shared Brain Podcast, host Corrie Fortner, Vice President at Global Philanthropic Canada, sits down with Lauren Wheeler, Strategic Services Director at the Alberta Museums Association, for an insightful conversation about creating human-centred nonprofit organizations. Together, they explore the leadership practices that strengthen workplace culture, improve staff retention, prevent burnout, and prepare the next generation of leaders. From innovative ideas like Focus Fridays to investing in professional development, succession planning, and flexible HR policies, Lauren shares practical strategies that have helped foster a resilient and people-first organizational culture. Whether you're leading a nonprofit, serving on a board, managing a team, or shaping organizational strategy, this episode offers actionable insights to help you build healthier workplaces where both people and missions can flourish. In this episode, you'll discover: Why leadership can—and should—be developed at every level of an organizationPractical ways to prevent burnout and support employee wellbeingHow workplace culture influences staff engagement and retentionWhy succession planning starts long before leadership transitionsThe role of professional development in building resilient organizationsHow people-first HR policies create stronger teams and long-term organizational sustainabilityIf you're ready to move beyond policies and build a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Listen now and discover how investing in people creates stronger organizations—and greater impact. Watch our story unfold here!  Global's Website Global's LinkedIn Page Global's Facebook Page Global's BlueSky Global's YouTube

    The Human-Centred Leadership Strategies Every Nonprofit Needs to Know

  5. Jun 23

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

    Passion is one of the nonprofit sector’s greatest strengths. It fuels missions, inspires change, and drives people to make a difference every day. But what happens when that same passion becomes the very thing putting people at risk? In this episode of The Shared Brain Podcast, Theresa Bolton, Founder of Customized Recruitment, and Derek Rolstone, CEO & Founder of Stone HR Strategies, take an honest look at burnout in the nonprofit sector and why it has become one of the most pressing challenges facing organizations today. Together, they explore the realities behind the statistics, the warning signs leaders often miss, and why burnout is frequently mistaken for performance issues, disengagement, or lack of commitment. From emotional exhaustion and decision fatigue to quiet quitting, absenteeism, and presenteeism, this conversation uncovers how burnout affects both individuals and organizations. Theresa and Derek also share practical strategies nonprofit leaders can implement to create healthier workplaces, support employee well-being, encourage healthy boundaries, and build sustainable organizational cultures where people can thrive without sacrificing themselves for the mission. Whether you're a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, HR professional, board member, manager, or frontline team member, this episode offers valuable insights to help you recognize burnout early and protect the people behind the cause. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why burnout is so prevalent in the nonprofit sector • The difference between passion and overwork • Key emotional, physical, and workplace signs of burnout • How leaders can identify burnout in themselves and their teams • Why vacations, boundaries, and recovery matter more than ever • Practical ways to create a healthier workplace culture • How Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and external support can help One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation: "Healthy organizations are built by healthy people." Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice, real-world experience, and actionable takeaways for anyone committed to creating a sustainable future for nonprofit work. Watch our story unfold here!  Global's Website Global's LinkedIn Page Global's Facebook Page Global's BlueSky Global's YouTube

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

  6. Apr 30

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

    Are donor-advised funds holding money hostage — or are they one of the most powerful tools in the charitable sector? In Part 2 of our DAF series, Senior Consultants Jill Nelson and Peter McKinley tackle the real concerns and common misconceptions surrounding how donor-advised funds operate. From disbursement quotas and endowment comparisons to anonymity, stewardship barriers, and complex gift vehicles, Jill and Peter bring clarity, nuance, and a healthy dose of optimism to a topic that is reshaping charitable giving in Canada. In this episode, they explore: What the disbursement quota is and why it matters to DAF givingWhether money in DAFs is really "languishing" — and what the data showsHow charities can still steward DAF donors, even when anonymity is involvedWhy DAFs are not the enemy — and how charities and DAFs can collaborateHow DAFs may be growing the pie of charitable giving, not just redirecting itWhat's coming next in the Global Philanthropic Canada DAF podcast seriesStay tuned — colleagues Amy Lindenberger and Derek Fraser will be joining future episodes to share case studies and practical strategies your organization can put to work. Watch our story unfold here!  Global's Website Global's LinkedIn Page Global's Facebook Page Global's BlueSky Global's YouTube

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

  7. Apr 16

    Donor-Advised Funds: What Charities Need to Know | The Shared Brain Podcast

    What if there were billions of dollars already earmarked for charitable giving — just waiting for your organization to tap in? That's the reality of donor-advised funds, and in this episode of the Shared Brain Podcast, we're breaking down everything you need to know. Hosts Peter McKinley and Jill Nelson, both Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, sit down for an in-depth conversation on one of the fastest-growing sources of charitable revenue in Canada. From a real-life story of a couple who saved hundreds of thousands in taxes while making a $2 million community gift, to the surprising role DAFs played in sustaining charitable giving during COVID-19 — this episode is packed with eye-opening insights. Together, Peter and Jill cover: What a donor-advised fund (DAF) is and how it worksHow DAFs differ from private foundations — and why that mattersKey stats from CRA data: over 180,000 DAFs in Canada, giving $1.9 billion to charities last yearWhy DAF holders are among the most valuable donor prospects your organization can identifyHow DAFs may be reshaping the giving landscape even as the number of individual receipted donors declinesWhether you're a fundraising professional, a nonprofit leader, or someone exploring smarter ways to give, this episode will change how you think about charitable dollars — and how to connect with them. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Peter and Jill continue the conversation. Subscribe, like, and share to stay up to date with new episodes. Learn more about Global Philanthropic Canada's expert consulting services at globalphilanthropic.ca or book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our award-winning senior consultants. Let's elevate mission together. Watch our story unfold here!  Global's Website Global's LinkedIn Page Global's Facebook Page Global's BlueSky Global's YouTube

    Donor-Advised Funds: What Charities Need to Know | The Shared Brain Podcast

  8. 11/25/2025

    Navigating Political Resilience in the Canadian Philanthropic Sector

    In this episode, two expert Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, Corinne Rusch-Drutz, PhD, and Jason Muscant, MA, discuss political resilience within Canada's charitable sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impact of crises, maintaining a clear mission, and developing effective communication strategies. They explore how organizations can navigate the political landscape, build relationships with political partners, and advocate for their causes while remaining focused on their core mission. You will hear practical advice to enhance your organization's resilience and adapt to changing circumstances. To book your 30-minute complimentary session with either of these Senior Consultants, click their name above and get started! To download the free report on political resilience for Canadian non-profits , click here. Also available in French. Watch our story unfold here!  Global's Website Global's LinkedIn Page Global's Facebook Page Global's BlueSky Global's YouTube

    Navigating Political Resilience in the Canadian Philanthropic Sector
See All (18)

About

The Shared Brain Podcast is produced by Global Philanthropic Canada, a group of Canadian consultants delivering professional and accessible fundraising counsel. We’re forward-thinking experts working alongside hundreds of Canada’s most impactful organizations making a difference in our communities. We want to move the conversation forward about philanthropy in Canada, sharing best practices, client success stories and more. Join in the fun! Let's Elevate Mission Together.Le balado Shared Brain est produit par Global Philanthropic Canada. Nous sommes des experts avant-gardistes canadiens qui travaillent conjointement avec des centaines d’organisations canadiennes les plus influentes qui font une différence au sein de nos communautés.   On célèbre la philanthropie en mettant en lumière divers organismes et personnes inspirantes à travers le Canada, on partage des conseils et des exemples de réussite pour inspirer votre organisation et on s’amuse en apprenant ! Nous travaillons ensemble au service de votre mission.

Information

  • Creator
    Global Philanthropic Canada
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Shared Brain Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Shared Brain Podcast