September brought powerful conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to drive change at scale. Douglas Nelson (The Discovery Pod), Heather McDonald (United Way Greater Toronto), Kirstin Beardsley (Food Banks Canada), and Catherine Fowler (Enactus Canada) shared insights on the evolution of board governance in Canada’s social profit sector, building sustainable organizations, engaging diverse stakeholders, and leading through both opportunity and crisis in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Navigating Transitions & Engaging Boards with Douglas Nelson, Host
Douglas Nelson opened Season 10 with a challenge to retire two phrases that have outlived their usefulness in our sector. His call to eliminate “building the plane while flying it” and “noses in, fingers out” sets the tone for more intentional, sustainable leadership practices. Douglas argues that “noses in, fingers out” reduces boards to evaluators rather than partners in advancing organizational purpose, thus limiting potential rather than unlocking it. Instead, he advocates for boards as active collaborators in shaping strategy and driving impact.
This season opener sets the stage for conversations on transparent leadership, community-driven solutions, and the critical shift from reactive management to deliberate, forward-looking planning.
From Solutions Finder to Systems Change with Purpose with Heather McDonald, United Way Greater Toronto
Heather McDonald’s transition from LOFT Community Services to United Way Greater Toronto exemplifies strategic leadership evolution. As a second-time CEO, McDonald brings valuable perspective on the confidence that comes with experience. Particularly, the ability to pace change thoughtfully rather than trying to prove yourself immediately. Her approach to prioritizing relationship-building in her first 100 days offers a masterclass for any leader entering a new role, especially in organizations where success depends on coalition-building. Heather’s philosophy that United Way should be a “solutions finder” rather than just a convener reflects a broader trend toward more activist leadership in the sector.
What makes Heather’s leadership particularly compelling is her emphasis on hyperlocal listening combined with systems-level thinking. Her insight that “the answers and services that are put in place in Mount Dennis will not serve Cooksville” demonstrates the sophisticated understanding required to lead at scale while remaining responsive to community needs.
Leading Through Crisis with Kirstin Beardsley, Food Banks Canada
Kirstin Beardsley’s leadership at Food Banks Canada during unprecedented demand growth illustrates the delicate balance between crisis response and strategic advocacy. Her organization has witnessed a 90% increase in food bank usage since 2019, yet Kirstin maintains focus on both immediate needs and long-term policy solutions. Her approach to building consensus across diverse provincial networks while still moving forward when necessary offers valuable lessons for any leader managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Most importantly, she champions the principle that “we can serve more when we are well”—a powerful counter-narrative to the burnout culture that we often see plaguing our sector. Her emphasis on being a caring employer, combined with her clear boundaries around work-life balance, demonstrates how sustainable leadership practices actually enhance organizational performance rather than diminish it.
Cultivating Young Talent and Driving Growth with Catherine Fowler, Enactus Canada
Catherine Fowler’s work at Enactus Canada showcases how organizations can create structured pathways for young people to develop real-world impact skills. With nearly 2,300 students creating 313 new businesses in 2024 alone, Enactus proves that providing frameworks for innovation can amplify individual initiative, exponentially. Her leadership style–setting both baseline and stretch goals–creates environments where ambitious young professionals can thrive while still receiving appropriate support.
Catherine’s insights on managing a predominantly young workforce are particularly relevant as our sector grapples with multigenerational workplace dynamics. Her approach of hiring people who bring “new ideas and diversity of thought” rather than repeatedly hiring the same profile speaks to the innovation mindset required in today’s rapidly changing environment.
These September conversations reveal leaders who are moving beyond traditional organizational boundaries to create change that is effective and lasts. Whether through hyperlocal community solutions, national policy advocacy, or structured innovation programs, they demonstrate that sustainable change requires both strategic thinking and operational excellence, supported by engaged boards and well-cared-for teams.
Curious to hear more? Download and subscribe to The Discovery Pod on your favourite podcast platform:
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on Castbox
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