Cause Leadership Podcast

Dave Hutchinson
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Cause Leadership Podcast

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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. JUN 2

    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

  3. APR 30

    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

  4. APR 17

    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

  5. APR 17

    Passing the CEO Baton: The Value of a Succession Plan

    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 Dave Prowten, Former CEO of Junior Diabetes Research Foundation Canada on the topic of Legacy & Succession – Building a leadership pipeline for the future.   In this conversation, Dave Prowten shares his experiences as the former CEO of JDRF, discussing the importance of leadership development, succession planning, and building trust within an organization. Having a strong team is critical to the success today and tomorrow. He reflects on his decade-long journey at JDRF, emphasizing the significance of nurturing emerging leaders and the processes involved in transitioning leadership roles. Dave also highlights the feedback received post-transition and offers insights on fostering trust between board members and organizational leaders.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to JDRF and Leadership Journey 03:09  Developing Emerging Leaders 06:13  Succession Planning Insights 09:00  Transitioning Leadership 12:17  Building Trust in Leadership

    12 min

  6. APR 9

    Partnerships in Elder Care: Christie Gardens and U of T's Collaborative Approach

    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 Heather Janes, CEO of Christie Gardens Apartments & Care Community on the topic of Partnership & Influence - Expanding impact through collaboration without losing mission focus.   In this conversation, Heather discusses the mission of empowering elders to live well, the importance of partnerships, particularly Christie Gardens’ partnership with the University of Toronto, and the challenges and innovations in elder care leadership post-COVID. Effective leadership in elder care requires adaptability and boldness. She emphasizes the need for advocacy against ageism and the value of intergenerational connections.     Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Christie Gardens and Elder Care 02:52 Empowering Elders: The Mission of Christie Gardens 05:46 Innovative Partnerships: Collaborating with U of T 07:45 The Impact of COVID-19 on Elder Care Leadership   Connecting with Heather: https://www.christiegardens.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-janes22/

    12 min

  7. APR 9

    Health Partners: A Model for Collaboration & Collective Success

    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 Kimberley Hanson, CEO of Health Partners on the topic of Partnership & Influence - Expanding impact through collaboration without losing mission focus.   In this conversation, Kimberley shares her diverse career journey from financial services to leading Health Partners, a collaborative of national health charities. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships in the charitable sector, especially in light of changing donor demographics and the challenges faced by leaders in the non-profit space. Partnerships are essential for resource stretching in charities. Kimberley discusses the need for innovation and adaptation to engage new generations of donors while maintaining a focus on collective goals and mutual support among member organizations.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Kimberley Hanson and Her Career Journey 05:45  The Role of Health Partners in Charitable Collaboration 10:47  Navigating the Changing Landscape of Philanthropy 14:18  The Future of Mergers and Collaborations in the Nonprofit Sector 15:39  Growth and New Partnerships at Health Partners   Connecting with Kimberley: https://healthpartners.ca/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthpartners-partenairesante/posts/?feedView=all https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-hanson-a7627420/

    17 min

  8. APR 4

    Financial Stewardship in Action: Leading Food Banks through Crisis

    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 Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga on the topic of Financial Stewardship – Navigating funding and sustainability wisely.   In this conversation, Meghan discusses the challenges faced by food banks in the context of rising food insecurity in Canada. She shares insights on leadership, financial stewardship, the importance of community support, and the role of government in addressing the root causes of food insecurity. The conversation highlights the need for authentic communication with boards, the mental health challenges faced by nonprofit leaders, and the potential for mergers and collaborations in the nonprofit sector to enhance sustainability.   Chapters 00:00  Introduction to Foodbanks Mississauga and Leadership Journey 02:15  Challenges of Leading a Food Bank 05:11  Financial Sustainability and Fundraising Strategies 07:52  Mental Health and Support Systems for Nonprofit Leaders 09:42  Advice for Other CEOs in the Nonprofit Sector 11:21  Future of Food Banks: Mergers and Collaborations 14:29  The Role of Government in Food Security 17:48  Current State of Food Banks and Future Concerns

    21 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Cause Leadership Inc.
  • Show Website
    Cause Leadership Podcast

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