Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Jenny Mitchell.

Founder and President of Chavender, Jenny Mitchell (CFRE, DMA), works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world - one mission at a time. Chavender assists clients, across Canada and the U.S., to inspire their donors and achieve their fundraising goals through personalized fundraising coaching and training.

Jenny is a speaker, author, executive coach, podcaster, and professional fundraiser who is passionate about inspiring the very best in others. She completed her Executive Coaching Training at Royal Roads University. She has worked with hundreds of CEOs, executive directors, and high-profile executives on boards of directors across Canada. With Jenny’s coaching and consulting help, her clients have raised millions of dollars in support of their charitable missions.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Jenny has presented at major Fundraising Leadership Conferences across North America. She launched her solo podcast in July 2022 entitled Underdog Leadership. Through this platform, she brings stories about the power of leadership, and fundraising as agents of change for the world that we live in. Jenny is a lifelong learner, and actively seeks out people and situations that expand her experiences and her knowledge. Jenny’s book, Embracing Ambition which is available on Amazon, launched in March 2024 and features stories and research from 12 women CEOs across North America.

Before completing her CFRE (certified fund raising executive) Jenny trained as a classical musician and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts. She brings her creative approach, her drive for excellence, and her passion for people to the world of not-for-profits.

Summary:

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, host Dave interviews Jenny Mitchell, an accomplished artist, fundraiser, author, and executive coach. They discuss Jenny's journey from a classical musician to a leader in the nonprofit sector, exploring themes of ambition, underdog leadership, and the complexities of fundraising. Jenny shares experiences as a board chair, her insights on the importance of reflection, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and the significance of adaptability in both personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for bold leadership, the complexities of fundraising, and the evolving definition of ambition, particularly for women in leadership roles.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jenny Mitchell
03:08 The Journey to Leadership
06:09 The Complexities of Fundraising
08:57 Exploring Underdog Leadership
11:57 Key Lessons from Board Leadership
15:03 The Power of Collective Storytelling
17:53 Embracing Ambition: A New Perspective
20:52 Chavender: A Business of Adaptability
23:59 Advice for Emerging Leaders in Fundraising
26:52 Redefining Ambition in Leadership

Resources Mentioned:

https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

https://chavender.com/the-penthouse/

Connect with Jenny:

https://chavender.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chavender/

Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Allen Davidov.

Allen is the Senior Vice President, Sales Practice & Marketing Leader at Environics Analytics, where he focuses on the not-for-profit, energy, transportation, and public sectors. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, analytics, and fundraising, Allen has a proven track record of helping organizations unlock the value of information for smarter decision-making and strategic growth.

Before his role at Environics Analytics, Allen led impactful marketing and fundraising initiatives at esteemed organizations like the Sinai Health Foundation and Habitat for Humanity GTA, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario Region, St. John’s Rehab Hospital Foundation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and North York General Hospital Foundation.

He’s not only a dedicated professional in his field but also an active contributor to the community, serving on the Canadian Marketing Association’s Not-For-Profit Council, volunteering with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, and a member of Seneca College’s Marketing Advisory Council.

Allen holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Commerce from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Creative Advertising diploma from Centennial College, and a Chartered Marketer certificate from the Canadian Marketing Association, showcasing his commitment to excellence in marketing.

Summary:

In this insightful episode, Dave sits down with Allen to explore his career journey through the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing emerging leaders in the charitable space, focusing on how they can make a meaningful impact.

• Importance of Mentorship: Allen emphasizes the significance of mentorship in personal and professional development, especially for those entering the nonprofit field.
  
• Data Analytics in Nonprofits: Dave and Allen discuss the pivotal role of data analytics in understanding donor behaviors and refining fundraising strategies.
  
• Canada Helps Giving Report Insights: Key takeaways from the report are examined, including the decline in donor numbers and evolving giving behaviors, prompting charities to rethink their approaches.
• Connecting with Donors: The importance of personal connections with donors is highlighted, with a focus on effective messaging and visual cues to engage and retain attention.
• Talent Shifts: The conversation addresses the shifting talent landscape in the charitable sector and the emerging opportunities for young professionals.
• Partnerships for Impact: Allen discusses the importance of collaborations between charities and corporations, particularly regarding sustainability and social impact initiatives.
• Reasons for Hope in the Charitable Sector: The episode wraps up with a reflection on the rewarding nature of working in the nonprofit sector and the critical need for career development and mentorship.
  
  

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:13 Challenges and Opportunities for Emerging Leaders

15:18 Environics Analytics and Data Analytics in the Nonprofit Sector

22:11 Key Takeaways from the CanadaHelps Giving Report

27:00 Rethinking Fundraising Strategies and Building Connections

30:27 Understanding Donor Base and Connecting to Their Values

32:19 Talent Shifts and Opportunities in the Charitable Sector

46:23 Partnerships for Sustainability and Social Impact

51:43 Investing in Career Development and Mentorship in the Sector

Resources Mentioned:

Canada Helps Giving Report: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/the-giving-report/

Environics Analytics: https://environicsanalytics.com/en-ca/home

Connect with Allen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allendavidov

E-mail: Allen.Davidov@environicsanalytics.com

Introduction:

The Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Andy Harrington, the Executive Director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 Canadian church denominations and agencies with a goal to end global hunger. Partnering with locally based organizations in majority world countries, the organization seeks to meet emergency food needs in crisis situations, achieve long term sustainable solutions to hunger, and works to foster informed action by Canadians and governments to support relief and development efforts around this international cause.

Andy has over thirty five years of experience working in international development and with youth and young adults around the world. Prior to joining the Foodgrains Bank, he was the CEO of the Wellspring Foundation for Education, an organization with a mission to transform education in East Africa and to foster vibrant communities that address poverty in all its forms. He and his wife Helen along with their two children spent two years during the conflict in Croatia and Bosnia, working with children traumatized by the war, and he has led projects in a number of other countries, including as part of the relief efforts for the Asian Tsunami disaster.

Andy, writes and speaks extensively on a number of issues including the need for a just society and respectful leadership. He has a Masters degree in Missiology and can regularly be found motorbiking or hiking in places like Alaska and Africa.

Summary

Our guest, Andy Harrington, the Executive Director of the Canadian Food Grains Bank, discusses his role and the organization's mission to end global hunger. He shares his career journey in the charitable sector, from working with at-risk youth to leading education initiatives in Africa.

Andy highlights the challenges and opportunities in the charitable sector, including the breakdown of civil discourse and the need for flexibility, authenticity, and trust in organizations. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging younger generations in leadership roles and board positions to ensure the future success of charities.

Dave and Andy discuss the importance of leadership in the nonprofit sector. Andy emphasizes the need for leaders to engage their teams and build trust, especially during times of crisis. Harrington shares his experiences in Sri Lanka and Bosnia, highlighting the importance of caring for the team while dealing with a crisis.

Dave and Andy also speak about the significance of self-care for leaders and offer advice on transitioning into a new leadership role. Harrington concludes by discussing the value of mentorship and how younger leaders can seek guidance and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Andy Harrington's Role and Canadian Food Grains Bank

13:03 Challenges in the Charitable Sector

15:47 Opportunities in the Charitable Sector

18:15 Engaging Younger Generations in Leadership Roles

21:38 The Importance of Flexibility, Authenticity, and Trust in Leadership

25:39 Diversity and Effective Governance in Charities

28:19 Engaging Teams and Building Trust

30:07 Leadership in Extreme Situations

34:29 Caring for Staff in Charitable Work

36:44 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

39:18 The Importance of Self-Care

42:56 Transitioning into a New Leadership Role

50:56 The Value of Mentorship