The Shared Brain Podcast

Global Philanthropic Canada

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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

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.