This June on The Discovery Pod, we heard from four dynamic leaders who are navigating some of the most persistent social, economic, and organizational challenges in the social profit sector. Mike DeGagné (Indspire), Amanda Burrows (First United), Christy Holtby (Alberta Cancer Foundation), and Josée Thibault (The Discovery Group) each offer a masterclass in balancing vision, leadership, and partnership. Together, they demonstrate how innovation and integrity can fuel lasting change.
Breaking Barriers to Indigenous Education with Mike DeGagné, Indspire
Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire, leads the largest non-government funder of Indigenous education in the country. In this conversation, he emphasizes the importance of partnering with organizations that share Indspire’s vision to overcome the sector’s largest financial barriers. Beyond financial assistance, Indspire works to indigenize universities by creating Indigenous student centers, elevating cultural supports, and building a stronger academic environment where Indigenous students can thrive.
This episode is perfect for leaders and funders passionate about Indigenous education, student success, and inclusive institutional change.
Leading with Integrity to Drive Policy Change with Amanda Burrows, First United
Amanda Burrows, Executive Director of First United in Vancouver, exemplifies how a 140-year-old organization can remain both deeply rooted and radically relevant. She emphasizes that deep-rooted integrity and a commitment to justice not only sustain donor trust but also fuel powerful partnerships. By continually asking “why” and seeking upstream solutions, First United ensures its work remains both compassionate and catalytic.
This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives, fundraisers, and advocates focused on frontline service, policy reform, and community-driven justice.
Leveraging Philanthropy, Government & Industry with Christy Holtby, Alberta Cancer Foundation
Christy Holtby, Vice President of Development at the Alberta Cancer Foundation, explains how bold partnerships can fuel major growth in healthcare. She shares how the Foundation secured a $1 billion partnership with the Government of Alberta and Siemens Healthineers to strengthen cancer care and research across the province.
This transformative initiative not only advances cutting-edge research and access to technology but also serves as a model for aligning diverse stakeholders around a shared mission. Christy highlights how successful campaigns and partnerships thrive when donors, governments, and private industry rally behind a unified, purpose-driven goal.
Social Innovation, Donor Engagement, and Purpose-Driven Growth with Josée Thibault, The Discovery Group
Josée Thibault, Practice Lead of Philanthropy and Social Innovation at The Discovery Group, offers a unique perspective on how innovation goes far beyond new programs—it starts at the board table. She emphasizes that real progress happens by engaging those who are ready to move forward and by leveraging an organization’s distinct assets.
Josée challenges leaders to build partnerships that go beyond transactional relationships and to tell stories that inspire action, while staying grounded in mission-driven work. Her insights provide a practical roadmap for leaders navigating organizational growth and change in complex environments.
What unites these leaders is a shared commitment to action, innovation, and long-term progress. Whether advancing Indigenous education, addressing systemic poverty, transforming healthcare, or reshaping organizational culture, each leader demonstrates how courage and collaboration can lead to meaningful, lasting outcomes.
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