Blog Posts

You Had Enough. What Now? Three Steps To Get Out

Ever feel like you’ve hit your limit at work? No matter what you do, you’re drained, frustrated, or just done. You’re not alone. Figuring out what to do next is tricky, especially if you’ve read my earlier blog, “ Stick It Out ” , about why sometimes it’s worth staying even when a job isn’t perfect. The idea behind “ Stick It Out! Why Leaving Your Current Job May Not Be the Best Move ” was that le

February 17 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Kristy James

This time, I sat down with Kristy James, President & CEO of the Burnaby Hospital and Community Foundation , to talk about her path into the nonprofit sector, leadership, and what meaningful philanthropy really looks like in practice. 1. Who are you and what do you actually do? I’m Kristy James, President & CEO of the Burnaby Hospital and Community Foundation. If I’m being honest, what it f

February 10 Read more

When Name-Dropping Gets Cringe

I was at the Vancouver Fundraising Day conference last week, catching up with clients, candidates, and former colleagues. We swapped stories about old projects, shared updates on mutual friends, and laughed about memories from past workplaces. I found myself reminiscing with former colleagues and thought, "Wow, I sound really old!" All these memories, all this nostalgia, it was heartwarming, but i

February 4 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Jeff Sodowsky

For today's edition of 7 Questions for a Changemaker, I sat down with Jeff Sodowsky , Vice President, Pacific & Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada . Jeff has years of experience fundraising in the Arts and Healthcare sectors, and is one of the most stylish guys I know! 1. Who are you, and what do you actually do? I'm a guide and partner focused on securing money for charitie

January 27 Read more

Don’t Do This on Your Résumé

A lot has changed in the job-seeking process since 2008, when my recruiting career started. Cover letters are less common, employers are trying their best to make the application process as simple as possible, software like applicant tracking systems are everywhere, and candidates use AI tools to improve their résumés. But even after almost 18 years, some things have not changed, and I still give

January 20 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Sue Griffin

For our next instalment of 7 Questions for a Changemaker , we’re excited to feature Sue Griffin , a seasoned non-profit leader and visionary fundraising strategist with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations grow, adapt, and thrive. Sue has led complex fundraising campaigns for local and national non-profits, raising millions through annual giving, major gifts, and grant writing, w

January 13 Read more

The Unexpected Gift of Gratitude: A Christmas Story from a Recruiter

The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection, both in our personal lives and in the professional world. And this year, I received a little reminder of just how meaningful small gestures can be. Out of the blue, someone in my network sent me a recommendation on LinkedIn. It wasn’t prompted by a request or a milestone. It wasn’t strategic or transactional. It was just… genu

December 22, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Vanessa Abaya

This time, we’re featuring Vanessa Abaya, Senior Vice-President, Philanthropy & Campaign at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. With decades of experience leading large-scale fundraising in health care, Vanessa brings clarity, conviction, and heart to her work. We asked her seven quick questions about leadership, philanthropy, and what drives meaningful change. 1. Who are you, and what do you a

December 17, 2025 Read more

F-Bombs in My Inbox: What Rude Emails Teach Us About Human Nature

Nothing brightens my inbox like an email sprinkled with creative profanity. Yes, the F-word, in all caps, used for maximum dramatic effect… and yes, I actually get those. Thankfully, it's rare, and most of the time, it’s when people think their message isn’t actually going to me. Usually, it’s unsubscribes and people claiming we signed them up when we never do without consent. (Thanks to our tech,

December 9, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Dr. Katherine Pui

Today, we’re spotlighting someone who truly bridges worlds: medicine, philanthropy, and system-level change. Dr. Katherine Pui is not only a practicing medical doctor, but she’s also a seasoned fundraising leader with a long track record of advancing healthcare innovation, research, and patient care. Her work connects clinicians, donors, and communities with purpose, translating complex medical pr

December 2, 2025 Read more

The Art of Job Searching When You’re Not in a Rush

Here’s some news: You’re in the best position to look for a job when you don’t actually need one. You likely already know this, but it’s worth emphasizing. Job hunting while unemployed or under pressure to find a job quickly can be extremely stressful, putting you at a disadvantage. You may find it harder to be selective and could feel pressured to accept any offer that comes your way, which can l

November 24, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Siobhan Aspinall

The next changemaker in my 7 Questions for a Changemaker series is my friend Siobhan Aspinall . A brilliant fundraiser, consultant, surfer (of course she is!!) , and, honestly, one of my favourite people to share a French dinner with. She also makes me laugh like few others can! Siobhan helps charities strengthen their fundraising programs and build confident, capable teams. With deep experience i

November 12, 2025 Read more

The Week I Let Go of Holding It All Together

When Life Stops You in Your Tracks I had one of the toughest weeks recently. The kind where everything suddenly stops, and all you can do is act and cope. It came right in the middle of a busy work week, and as if that wasn’t enough, several other urgent situations unfolded at the same time, including a personal loss. I had to cancel all social and work commitments. In our world of social media an

November 3, 2025 Read more

The Canadian Job Market Is Cooling. Here’s What That Means for Nonprofits and Job Seekers

You’ve probably noticed it: the Canadian job market is slowing down. In August 2025, the unemployment rate moved up to 7.1%, the highest it’s been in years, with the economy shedding 66,000 jobs that month ( Global News ). What Nonprofits Are Feeling Nonprofits like to think of themselves as “different” and often immune, but that’s not the case. Nonprofits are a huge part of Canada’s economy: they

October 20, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Denise Praill

I’ve been chatting with some incredible nonprofit leaders for my 7 Questions for a Changemaker series. Third up is Denise Praill, CEO of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Denise shares her journey, what drives her, and some insights every fundraiser should hear. Who are you, and what do you actually do? I’m Denise Praill. I’m a daughter, wife, and most importantly, a mom to two daughters. I am the

October 15, 2025 Read more