Cause Leadership Podcast

Dave Hutchinson
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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.

  1. JAN 14

    When Leadership Takes Flight: A Leader's Journey to Mission Aviation

    Summary In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, David Hutchinson interviews Brad Bell, the President and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Canada. They discuss the vital role of MAF in providing help and healing to remote communities through aviation, the significant contributions of Canadian pilots, and the impact of medical missions.  Brad also shares insights on his transition from the tech industry to non-profit leadership, and the importance of fostering an innovative culture within organizations. The conversation also covers challenges in board governance, recruitment, fundraising, cybersecurity, and the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to enhance organizational performance. Brad emphasizes the need for professional development and succession planning in the non-profit sector, concluding with words of encouragement for leaders navigating uncertain times. Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) 03:06  The Role of Canadian Pilots in MAF 06:02  Medical Missions and Community Impact 09:09  Training the Next Generation of Pilots 11:56  Transitioning from IT to Non-Profit Leadership 18:01  Leadership Lessons from Non-Profit Experience 20:47  Board Governance and Recruitment Challenges 26:27  Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Fundraising 27:35  The Complexities of Fundraising in Today's Economy 28:46  Philanthropy vs. Sales: Understanding the Difference 32:20  Cybersecurity: Preparing for the Inevitable 35:25  Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) 40:05  The Importance of Professional Development for Leaders 42:11  Succession Planning in the Nonprofit Sector 45:44  Finding Hope in Uncertain Times Guest Bio: Brad Bell Brad Bell is the President and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship Canada, helping to bring the love of God in tangible ways to thousands of isolated communities around the world. Brad is deeply committed to the Christian community. He began his academic career with a one-year study program at Emmanuel Bible College before studying Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. In 1988, Brad co-founded Campana Systems Inc., a Waterloo based software development company serving the healthcare and auto club industries for 25 years, growing the company organically and through acquisition to an innovative technology-based firm in four countries. Campana was sold in 2014, and Brad was excited to follow God's call in this next stage of his life when he was asked to join MAF as the CEO in 2015.   Connecting with Brad: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradgbell/  MAF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mafcanada/  Website - https://maf.ca/  E-mail: bbell@maf.ca

    45 min

  2. 12/04/2025

    When Everyone Belongs: Janet Noel-Annable on Disability, Community and Faith

    Summary In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, host David Hutchinson sits down with Janet Noel-Annable, CEO of Karis Disability Services, for a rich and inspiring conversation about disability, inclusion, leadership, and the transformative power of community. Janet shares insights from more than three decades of frontline and executive experience, offering a compelling vision for communities where everyone truly belongs.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Karis Disability Services 02:51  Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities 05:23  Service Models and Community Engagement 08:09  Navigating Access to Services 10:37  Funding and Fundraising Strategies 13:42  The Role of Faith in Disability Services 18:08  Leadership Insights and Personal Journey 27:03  Empowering Choice and Control for Disabilities 29:55  Leadership Insights for Aspiring CEOs 35:35  Succession Planning and Emerging Leadership 45:54  International Day of Persons with Disabilities Guest Bio: Janet Noel-Annable Janet Noel-Annable is the CEO of Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons), a faith-based organization providing services and support to people with developmental disabilities. Janet began her career with Karis in 1988 as a developmental services professional in Ottawa, while attending Carleton University. After various promotions, she was appointed as CEO in 2011. Recently, Janet completed her Master of Business Administration through Ivey Business School. Under her leadership, Karis supports thousands of people in Ontario and Saskatchewan and partners with others to impact the lives of people with disabilities in developing countries. Janet works energetically and collaboratively with many organizations, communities of faith, governments and others, believing that together we have the strength to promote communities where everybody belongs; communities that recognize the importance of all contributors, including those with disabilities.   Connecting with Janet: Website:  www.karis.org  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-noel-annable-09073766/  Karis LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/karis-disability-services/

    48 min

  3. 10/28/2025

    Footprint and Flexibility: How Charities Can Rethink Their Workspace

    Summary In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, David Hutchinson speaks with Jeff Good, a Principal at Cresa, about the intricacies of real estate for nonprofits and charities. They discuss the challenges these organizations face in negotiating real estate, the impact of the pandemic on space utilization, and the importance of hybrid work models. Jeff emphasizes the need for nonprofits to understand their real estate needs, the pros and cons of owning versus leasing, and how to attract talent in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on market trends and predictions for the future of real estate in the GTHA.   Takeaways Real estate is often the second largest expense for nonprofits. Cresa exclusively represents tenants, avoiding conflicts of interest. Nonprofits face unique challenges in real estate negotiations. The pandemic has shifted how charities utilize office space. Hybrid work models are becoming the norm for many organizations. Downsizing or right-sizing office space can lead to significant savings. Attracting talent is easier with flexible work arrangements. Culture and socialization are crucial for team cohesion in a hybrid environment. Market conditions have changed, leading to higher vacancy rates in some areas. Flexibility in lease terms is essential for future planning.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Real Estate for Nonprofits 03:12  Understanding Cresa's Role in the Market 05:49  Challenges Nonprofits Face in Real Estate 09:07  The Impact of the Pandemic on Real Estate Needs 11:58  Hybrid Work Models and Space Utilization 17:56  Evaluating Office Space Options 21:49  Ownership vs. Leasing for Nonprofits 26:48  Attracting Talent in a Hybrid Environment 29:55  Culture and Socialization in Nonprofits 38:40  Market Trends and Future Predictions   Guest Bio: After finishing his undergrad, Jeff spent the next 20 years working with two for-profit organizations, Procter & Gamble and General Mills. In 2005, he moved into the not-for-profit world as a capital campaign fundraiser with the YMCA, and later was recruited to be the President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Ontario. More recently, Jeff has served as Principal in the Charity and Non-Profit real estate practice at Cresa since 2011. This provides entirely new ways to create breakthrough opportunities and solve problems for businesses and charities alike. Now Jeff's passion, skills and experience benefit organizations throughout the province.   Connecting with Jeff: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/goodworld/ and Cresa Toronto   https://www.linkedin.com/in/goodworld/  https://www.cresa.com/Locations/North-America/Ontario-Canada/Toronto-ON  jeff@goodworld.ca  Download the 2025 Nonprofit Benchmarking Report: https://www.cresa.com/Whitepapers/2025-Canadian-Nonprofit-Benchmarking-Report

    59 min

  4. 09/02/2025

    Global Values, Local Action: Aki Temiseva's Journey to Purpose-Driven Leadership

    Summary In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, Dave Hutchinson interviews Aki Temiseva, the President and CEO of the United Nations Association in Canada. Aki shares his diverse background, including his upbringing in Zambia and extensive experience in both the corporate and charitable sectors. The conversation explores Aki's leadership journey, the importance of youth engagement in the charitable sector, and the challenges faced by leaders today. Aki emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt and rethink their structures to attract and retain talent, particularly younger generations. He also discusses the role of the United Nations Association in Canada and its mission to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development.   Takeaways Aki's diverse upbringing shaped his worldview and leadership style. Youth need platforms and opportunities to lead in the charitable sector. Transitioning from corporate to nonprofit requires a passion for purpose. Cultural differences impact leadership styles and organizational dynamics. The United Nations Association in Canada focuses on grassroots programs and global values. Engaging youth is crucial for the future of the charitable sector. Organizations must adapt to attract and retain younger talent. Leadership requires a balance of risk-taking and informed decision-making. Building an ecosystem of hope is essential for effective leadership. Core values should never be compromised, even in challenging times.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Aki Temiseva and Leadership Journey 05:56  Early Leadership Experiences and Youth Engagement 11:01  Transition from Corporate to Charitable Sector 18:48  Navigating Cultural Differences in Leadership 26:52  The Role of the United Nations Association in Canada 34:57  Challenges in the Charitable Sector and Future Leadership   Guest Bio: Aki Temiseva, President & CEO, United Nations Association in Canada. Born in Finland and raised in Zambia, Aki Temiseva is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience building businesses and non-profits across four continents. Aki thrives in organizations that, like him, dare to dream big and disrupt the status quo for a reason: to create tangible solutions that measurably improve people's lives and build a more peaceful world for everyone.   Aki was named as the President and CEO of United Nations Association in Canada September (2024). Aki has served as Chief Marketing and Development Officer for Children Believe, a cutting-edge leader in children's education worldwide, where he led their fundraising, marketing, communications and public relations. Before Children Believe, Aki served as Global Vice President, Philanthropy at Right to Play, a Toronto based global INGO using the power of play to transform lives of children and youth across the globe. Before coming to Canada, he ran both local and global corporations and organizations in US, UK and the Nordics, delivering unprecedented growth from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations (Procter & Gamble, Publicis Group) and global development organizations like World Vision and ChildFund, as well as his own consultancy out of London, UK.   Aki excels at turning the seemingly impossible into "we did it." He motivates and unites teams behind a growth vision, simplifying the complex and focusing on what really counts. Aki delivers results founded on innovative, winning strategies, bringing down silos in the process and building bridges where none existed. He has said his current role at UNAC allows him to push his life-long agenda of hope, reconciliation and bringing people together -even from seemingly impossible situations.   Aki holds an MSc in international marketing from Finland's Aalto University. Tri-lingual in Finnish, Swedish and English, he has lived in Africa, Asia, Scandinavia, the U.K. and the U.S.A. prior to making a home with his family in Toronto.   Connecting with Aki: https://www.unac.org/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-nations-association-in-canada/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/akitemiseva/

    41 min

  5. 07/11/2025

    The Giving Report 2024: Exploring the Latest Trends in Charitable Giving

    Summary In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, David Hutchinson engages with Julie Fiorini, General Manager, Donor Services & Brand at CanadaHelps, and Allen Davidov, Senior Vice President & Practice Leader of Environics Analytics. They discuss the recently published 2024 Giving Report and explore unexpected trends in charitable giving, the impact of economic factors on donor behavior, and the significant shift towards local giving.  The conversation also highlights the importance of digital fundraising, geographic patterns in philanthropy, and strategies for improving donor retention. The episode concludes with insights on the future of charitable giving and the role of organizations like CanadaHelps in fostering generosity across Canada.   Takeaways Giving is up overall, but fewer people are donating. The largest year-over-year increase in charitable donations was recorded in 2023. Local giving has seen exponential growth, with donations to local causes increasing significantly. Digital fundraising is becoming essential for charities. Economic uncertainty is affecting donor behavior and spending patterns. Monthly giving is on the rise, indicating better donor engagement. Charities need to understand their donors to tailor their strategies effectively. The Giving Report serves as a vital resource for the charitable sector. Generosity is shifting towards local causes and community support. There is a growing gap in fundraising expertise within the sector.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to the Giving Report 01:21  Unexpected Trends in Charitable Giving 04:12  The Impact of Economic Factors on Donor Behavior 08:10  Shifts in Generosity: Local vs. National Giving 12:41  Digital Transformation in Charitable Donations 23:00  Geographic Patterns in Philanthropy 26:16  Donor Retention vs. Acquisition Strategies 31:58  Metrics for Charity Leaders' Success 33:24  The Rise of Giving Tuesday in Canada 35:44  Insights from the Giving Report 38:31  Understanding Donor Behavior 42:50  Navigating Challenges in the Charitable Sector 44:26  The Importance of Talent in Fundraising

    41 min

  6. 06/02/2025

    Authentic Leadership in Action: From Bargains to Big Impact

    Introduction   As President and CBO (Chief Bargain Officer) of the Bargains Group, Jody Steinhauer has mobilized her award-winning discount wholesale and promotional products company to revolutionize the business landscape.   As a Canadian female entrepreneur, Jody uses her network of resources and leveraged buying power to aid every company and not-for-profit agency that she touches to maximize their buying dollar. Since 1988, Jody has grown Bargains Group from her apartment to a multi-million-dollar-a-year business. She is also often sought out for speaking engagements due to her successful entrepreneurial business experience, and has been featured in various media outlets, and is an official Huffington Post blogger.   Pioneering her belief of "giving back makes good business sense", Jody is a tireless not-for-profit advocate, and the founder of the national charity, Engage and Change, and its two annual initiatives, Project Winter Survival and Project Water. Through these projects, Engage and Change helps thousands of homeless throughout Toronto and the surrounding area survive the extreme weather conditions while engaging and enabling citizens of all ages to donate their time to their local community through sponsored group engagement events.   Jody's business has expanded to include a social enterprise wing: Kits for a Cause. With a focus on social impact, Jody has built a model for companies to support their local community. Kits for a Cause provides turn-key solutions for businesses to engage their employees while solving local community services' needs for resources. Her model of "brokering goodness" has worked with some of the top industry leaders in both the corporate and philanthropic spheres.     Summary In this inspiring episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, host David Hutchinson sits down with social entrepreneur Jody Steinhauer, founder of The Bargains Group and Engage and Change. Jody shares her remarkable journey of building a for-profit, for-purpose business that supports countless charitable organizations and communities across Canada. Together, David and Jody explore the real-world challenges of leading in the social impact space—from navigating post-COVID funding gaps to the importance of resilience and authenticity in leadership. Jody also introduces her groundbreaking initiative, Kits For A Cause, which creatively connects corporations with frontline charities to deliver real, tangible help to those in need. Tune in to learn how purpose-driven leadership, meaningful collaboration, and bold storytelling can drive lasting change—and why encouragement and recognition matter more than ever for those leading the charge. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, or changemaker, this episode offers invaluable insights on how to lead with heart—and make a difference.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Jody Steinhauer and Her Work 03:02 Navigating Leadership and Resilience 05:51 The Bargains Group: A Purpose-Driven Business 08:54 Engage and Change: A Charity with Impact 11:52 Building a Purposeful Team 14:41 Connecting Corporations and Charities 17:40 Stories of Impact and Learning 20:25 Encouraging Leaders in Challenging Times   Connecting with Jody: https://www.bargainsgroup.com/  https://kitsforacause.com/  https://engageandchange.org/    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodysteinhauer/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bargains-group/

    36 min

  7. 04/30/2025

    Navigating Leadership and Change: A Conversation with Michael Braithwaite

    Introduction Michael Braithwaite has over 30 years of experience creating innovative solutions to better support vulnerable people. Michael joined Blue Door in March of 2019 as CEO and has since helped launch Blue Door's first employment social enterprise called Construct, three supportive housing programs including the first safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in York Region, a national housing and homelessness podcast, a merger with Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold, and is currently executing a Solutions Lab in collaboration with SHS Consulting and Habitat for Humanity to explore the journey from homelessness to homeownership.   Previously Michael worked at Raising the Roof and 360kids in York Region. As CEO of the national organization Raising the Roof, Michael launched Reside, a program to transform underutilized properties into affordable housing by engaging the social enterprise Building Up.   As Executive Director at 360kids, Michael lead the development of several innovative and collaborative initiatives including the development of the new Youth Hub, an Anti-Human Trafficking Program, the first Nightstop Housing Program in Canada, and in partnership with the York Region District School Board developed iGrad a classroom-based program whereby a teacher uses an e-learning platform to help youth complete high school.   Summary In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, Dave Hutchinson interviews Michael Braithwaite, the Chief Executive Officer of Blue Door, an organization focused on addressing homelessness and related issues in the North Toronto area. They discuss the challenges and uncertainties faced by nonprofit leaders, the importance of mentorship and governance, and the need for effective succession planning. Michael shares insights on investing in people, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the qualities that make effective leaders. The conversation also highlights Blue Door's innovative programs aimed at tackling homelessness and engaging communities in the trades, as well as the importance of long-term solutions to social issues.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Michael Braithwaite and Blue Door 03:03  Navigating Uncertainty in Nonprofit Leadership 06:22  Mentorship and Support for Emerging Leaders 09:00  The Importance of Succession Planning 12:13  Investing in People and Professional Growth 15:15  Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Leadership 18:09  Qualities of Effective Leaders 21:08  Understanding Blue Door's Mission and Impact 28:09  Addressing Homelessness: Long-Term Solutions 30:12  The Importance of Skilled Trades 35:24  Success Stories in the Construct Program 38:51  Supporting Blue Door: How to Get Involved 41:50  Innovative Fundraising and Community Engagement   Connecting with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-braithwaite-cihcm-76280b34?trk=feed_main-feed-card_feed-actor-image www.bluedoor.ca

    45 min

  8. 04/17/2025

    Leadership for Impact: A Conversation with David Kay

    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 David Kay, Managing Partner of ProVenture Advisors on the topic of Mission-Driven Thinking – Leading with a relentless focus on impact.   In this conversation, David Kay, discusses the complexities of impact in the charitable sector, emphasizing the dual focus on delivering social needs and satisfying funders. He highlights the importance of strategic direction centered on impact, the challenges of measuring and communicating that impact, and the necessity of crisis management in maintaining public perception. David advocates for a relentless focus on impact and radical transparency for charity CEOs to navigate the evolving landscape of nonprofit work.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ProVenture Advisors 03:11 Understanding Impact in Charities 06:24 The Complexity of Strategy and Impact 09:34 Challenges in Measuring Impact 12:11 Managing Crisis and Public Perception 17:11 Insights for Charity CEOs

    17 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Hutchinson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Cause Leadership Inc.
  • Show Website
    Cause Leadership Podcast