In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we chat with Cheryl Farrow, CEO of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). Cheryl talks about how she guided the association through a big shift in how they operate, focusing on making things more open and getting members more involved. One of the things she’s most proud of is launching “fireside chats,” where OACETT members can ask questions directly. These started small with just over 100 people, but in a few months, they grew to over 800—proof that their new, open approach was really working. Cheryl also shares how they tackled a tough financial challenge in 2022. When the stock market took a hit, it led to some unexpected losses in their investment portfolio. The association had been depending on those returns to balance the budget, so Cheryl and her team moved quickly to make adjustments. They raised membership dues by about 30%. Although they were bracing for some members to leave, the response was surprisingly positive, and they managed to balance the budget without major losses. From handling financial bumps in the road to boosting member engagement, Cheryl’s leadership shows how associations can adapt and thrive when things change. Tune in to hear how she’s leading OACETT with openness and a clear vision.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we’re joined by Jean-François Champagne, President of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA). JF opens up about a major challenge his team faced while trying to launch a certification program for collision repair shops. Despite the support they received and the huge investment—both in time and money—the program struggled due to competition from car manufacturers offering their own certifications. Ultimately, JF made the tough call to shut it down, teaching him a valuable lesson about understanding the market and adapting when things don’t go as planned. JF also shared how embracing technology helped AIA Canada during the pandemic. The organization had already started using remote work tools, which made the shift to fully virtual work much smoother for their 30-person team. This forward-thinking approach not only kept the team productive but also helped them attract and keep top talent during a time when many companies were struggling. A big part of the conversation was JF’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. He shared stories about how AIA Canada’s culture has helped team members, like their VP of Finance, step into leadership roles. For JF, diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about making sure everyone has a chance to succeed. From dealing with tough advocacy challenges to building a strong team, JF’s leadership journey is packed with valuable insights for anyone working in the nonprofit world. Tune in to hear more about how he handles setbacks and leads with purpose.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth Fowler, the Executive Director of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). For Elizabeth, running is more than just a way to stay in shape—it’s her go-to for clearing her mind, reflecting on decisions, and thinking through the big stuff. It’s no surprise she compares leadership to long-distance running: both require endurance, focus, and the grit to push through challenging moments. Elizabeth’s journey to nonprofit leadership wasn’t a straight path. She started out in exercise science before moving into health policy consulting. A pivotal moment came when she chose to walk away from a role she loved because the leadership there wasn’t open to feedback. That experience shifted her approach—now, as a leader, she makes it a point to listen and collaborate. For her, it’s about creating harmony within the team, much like finding your rhythm during a long run. At COS, Elizabeth has led initiatives that extend far beyond day-to-day operations. She’s launched a health fund aimed at supporting employees' physical and mental well-being, working to make COS one of the top places to work in Ottawa. But, like running, leadership has its tough moments—Elizabeth has had to make difficult calls that affect the future of the organization, all while keeping her team motivated and supported. In this episode, we explore how Elizabeth juggles the demands of leading a national nonprofit while staying grounded, both through her running and through the deliberate, thoughtful decisions that help move her organization forward. It’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone trying to find their rhythm in leadership—or in life.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sat down with Tim Hudak, the former CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). After spending over 20 years in politics and even leading Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party, he made a big leap into nonprofit leadership. Making a major career shift can be daunting, and Tim’s journey is full of insights that could help anyone facing similar challenges. When Tim took over at OREA, he walked straight into a big challenge—losing their role as the certification body for real estate agents in Ontario. This wasn’t just a small bump in the road; it meant losing 60% of their revenue. For any nonprofit leader, that’s a nightmare scenario. But instead of letting this crisis knock them down, Tim guided OREA through a careful and resourceful transformation. They had to make tough decisions, including downsizing, but they also refocused on what really mattered. Today, OREA is stronger and more effective than ever. If you’ve ever had to make hard choices to keep your organization afloat, Tim’s experience is both relatable and inspiring. We also talked about OREA’s new insurance program, which has been a hot topic lately. Many real estate agents didn’t have any health or life insurance—a situation a lot of small nonprofits and independent workers can relate to. While there’s been some pushback, Tim is focused on the bigger picture: helping those who really need it. If you’ve ever rolled out a new initiative that didn’t sit well with everyone, you’ll understand the balancing act Tim is doing here. His dedication to doing what’s best for the members, even when it’s tough, really stood out to us. This episode is full of down-to-earth advice and real-world examples of how to turn setbacks into opportunities. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit through challenging times or trying to introduce new programs while dealing with pushback, there’s a lot you can take away from our chat with Tim.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we chat with the Executive Director of Jericho Road, a nonprofit that's all about transforming lives through addiction recovery. What makes his story extra special? He was once a participant in Jericho Road’s program himself. His journey from addiction to recovery now fuels his mission to help others. Under his leadership, Jericho Road has hit some amazing milestones. One of the coolest things he's done is hiring from within. Many of the top and most dedicated employees at Jericho Road are former clients. These folks bring incredible passion and commitment to their roles because they’ve been there and know what it takes. This hiring approach creates a super supportive and empathetic environment for current program members. Former clients who become employees offer invaluable insights and relatable support, making the program even more effective. Since taking the reins, the Executive Director has added an extra house, boosting the organization’s capacity by 20% and cutting down the waiting list. He’s also led successful fundraising events like the Coldest Night of the Year walk, pulling in over $50,000 each year. Plus, by implementing a CRM system, donor retention has jumped by 30%, showing how tech can really help an organization grow.

I am thrilled to welcome Beth McMahon, CEO of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). Beth’s extensive executive experience and dedication to non-profit leadership make her a powerhouse in the sector. Beth’s story is one of bold moves and relentless dedication. Imagine driving across the country for a part-time role that demanded double the effort – that’s how Beth started her journey. She grew an organization from her living room into a major player in the non-profit sector. Connect with Beth McMahon on LinkedIn: Beth McMahon Learn more about CIP: Canadian Institute of Planners When Beth joined CIP in 2016, the organization was on the brink of collapse. Through her visionary leadership, she revitalized CIP, increasing membership by over 40% and significantly boosting financial stability. Beth isn’t just about big-picture ideas; she’s about getting things done.  For this episode, Beth brought in a large laminated table mat, instantly sparking our curiosity.  This mat, she explained, is her secret weapon for keeping her board and management team laser-focused on their strategic plan. This simple yet effective tool has been a game-changer in maintaining cohesion and direction within her organization.   In 2024, Beth received the Social Innovation Leader Award from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE). This award recognizes leaders who are dedicated to exploring new ideas and promoting sustainable inclusive and collaborative practices by adopting innovative and creative strategies and initiatives to leverage CSAE’s community.   Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking for straightforward, actionable advice to boost your non-profit. Tune in to hear Beth’s journey, her challenges, and the incredible success stories that will motivate you to take your organization to the next level..

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of nonprofit leadership with none other than Jason Burggraaf, Executive Director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association (GOHBA).  Jason's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From studying political science at Carleton and volunteering on Parliament Hill to turning GOBHA from a one staff member organization during pandemic (because almost all his staff left for various reasons), to leading GOHBA winning the prestigious Home Builder Association of the Year and he himself winning the Executive Officer of the Year at the Canadian Home Builder Association Leadership Awards, Jason's story is a masterclass in dedication, strategy, and resilience. I’m excited to dive into our conversation today where we’ll explore Jason’s journey, his insights on having the opportunity to build the organization from ground up, strategies that he used to increase membership revenue by 33% and his personal hacks on maintaining his work life balance.

We are thrilled to feature Heather Norris, President and CEO of the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE). Heather is a visionary leader known for her significant contributions to the nonprofit sector. In this episode, she shares her diverse career journey, which spans healthcare management and community impact, leading to her current role at ONFE. Heather discusses various ONFE programs, such as the school breakfast program, indoor classroom garden towers, and initiatives supporting financial literacy and youth facing substance use issues. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic inflation, ONFE continues to serve over 177,000 meals daily, demonstrating resilience and dedication to student welfare. Heather recounts her advocacy efforts, including running 200 laps on Parliament Hill to raise awareness for a national school food program, which led to a historic federal funding commitment. Heather also offers valuable insights into nonprofit leadership, strategic career moves, and the importance of seeking feedback. She discusses transitioning to a hybrid work environment and maintaining organizational culture and collaboration among a diverse team. Connect with Heather Norris on LinkedIn: Heather Norris Learn more about ONFE here: ONFE

In this inaugural episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we welcome Tracy Folkes Hanson, President and CEO of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE). Tracy, a visionary leader with extensive experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, shares her journey from a marketing communications background to her current role in nonprofit leadership. Her diverse career path includes roles at MasterCard International and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce before taking the helm at CSAE in 2017. We dive into Tracy's leadership experiences, the challenges of transitioning from corporate to nonprofit sectors, and the importance of maintaining corporate culture in a virtual environment. Tracy discusses CSAE's adaptation to virtual operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the innovative strategies they have implemented to foster collaboration and inclusivity. She also highlights a new policy at CSAE allowing employees to swap statutory holidays for ones of personal significance, reflecting the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Listen to gain valuable insights into effective nonprofit leadership and the significance of creating a supportive work culture. Tracy’s emphasis on embracing change, recognizing the importance of mental health, and leveraging technology to maintain team cohesion in a virtual setting provides practical takeaways for leaders in the nonprofit sector. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and drive positive organizational change. Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyfolkeshanson/ Learn more about CSAE Here: https://csae.com/