This April on The Discovery Pod, we had the privilege of speaking with five leaders driving change in healthcare, climate, and innovation. Our guests, Alexa Pitoulis (BC Family Doctors), Cory Witter (Youth Climate Lab), Serena Nguyen (CILAR), Vanessa Paesani (Pond-Deshpande Centre), and Rick Smith (Canadian Climate Institute), shed light on what it takes to lead effectively during times of disruption.
Their stories emphasize the value of staying grounded in purpose, building collaborative systems, and keeping space for learning along the way. Below, we share some of the insights and takeaways from each of their episodes.
Managing Change in High-Pressure Environments with Alexa Pitoulis, BC Family Doctors
As Executive Director of BC Family Doctors, Alexa is leading through a major shift in the provincial healthcare system. Her role in developing the Longitudinal Family Physician Payment Model is helping stabilize family practice. With a focus on member advocacy, real-time iteration, and reflective leadership, Alexa offers a fresh perspective on change management in high-pressure environments.
Facilitating Youth-Led Climate Action with Cory Witter, Youth Climate Lab
Cory leads an international movement where youth drive climate action, building systems of support, creativity, and “radical rest” to sustain momentum in tough advocacy work. Cory’s focus on long-term impact and shifting organizational culture makes this conversation especially relevant for purpose-driven leaders.
Transforming Innovation Through Equity with Serena Nguyen, CILAR
Serena Nguyen is leading a bold transformation at the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Advancing Respect (CILAR), evolving it from a traditional coalition into a dynamic platform for driving equity in Canada’s innovation economy. Her focus on building scalable partnerships, advancing inclusive leadership, and reframing diversity as a source of prosperity reflects a pragmatic yet inspiring approach. Serena reminds us that meaningful change is possible when intention is paired with action—and when respect becomes a strategic priority.
From Strategy to Connection with Vanessa Paesani, Pond-Deshpande Centre
Vanessa brings a systems lens and deep relational focus to social innovation in Atlantic Canada. At the Pond-Deshpande Centre, she challenges conventional definitions of success by centering trust, learning, and curiosity over rigid metrics. Her leadership emphasizes that meaningful change emerges from the spaces between people—not just the strategies on paper. Vanessa’s approach is a powerful reminder that transformation is as much about mindset as it is about method.
Evidence Meets Empathy with Rick Smith, Canadian Climate Institute
Rick outlines how climate policy must include everyone to succeed. By anchoring strategy in science and storytelling, and grounding policy in evidence, his team helps bridge political divides. His insights into trust-building and public engagement offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating polarized issues or leading systemic change.
These five episodes are a blueprint for what transformative leadership looks like across sectors, whether you’re in healthcare, climate, innovation, community development or another area of focus. Each one offers a helpful reminder of how strategic, inclusive leadership can move big systems forward.
Curious to hear more? Download and subscribe to The Discovery Pod on the following platforms:
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