In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we’re joined by Jean-François Champagne, President of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA). JF opens up about a major challenge his team faced while trying to launch a certification program for collision repair shops. Despite the support they received and the huge investment—both in time and money—the program struggled due to competition from car manufacturers offering their own certifications. Ultimately, JF made the tough call to shut it down, teaching him a valuable lesson about understanding the market and adapting when things don’t go as planned.

JF also shared how embracing technology helped AIA Canada during the pandemic. The organization had already started using remote work tools, which made the shift to fully virtual work much smoother for their 30-person team. This forward-thinking approach not only kept the team productive but also helped them attract and keep top talent during a time when many companies were struggling.

A big part of the conversation was JF’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. He shared stories about how AIA Canada’s culture has helped team members, like their VP of Finance, step into leadership roles. For JF, diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about making sure everyone has a chance to succeed.

From dealing with tough advocacy challenges to building a strong team, JF’s leadership journey is packed with valuable insights for anyone working in the nonprofit world. Tune in to hear more about how he handles setbacks and leads with purpose.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth Fowler, the Executive Director of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). For Elizabeth, running is more than just a way to stay in shape—it’s her go-to for clearing her mind, reflecting on decisions, and thinking through the big stuff. It’s no surprise she compares leadership to long-distance running: both require endurance, focus, and the grit to push through challenging moments.

Elizabeth’s journey to nonprofit leadership wasn’t a straight path. She started out in exercise science before moving into health policy consulting. A pivotal moment came when she chose to walk away from a role she loved because the leadership there wasn’t open to feedback. That experience shifted her approach—now, as a leader, she makes it a point to listen and collaborate. For her, it’s about creating harmony within the team, much like finding your rhythm during a long run.

At COS, Elizabeth has led initiatives that extend far beyond day-to-day operations. She’s launched a health fund aimed at supporting employees' physical and mental well-being, working to make COS one of the top places to work in Ottawa. But, like running, leadership has its tough moments—Elizabeth has had to make difficult calls that affect the future of the organization, all while keeping her team motivated and supported.

In this episode, we explore how Elizabeth juggles the demands of leading a national nonprofit while staying grounded, both through her running and through the deliberate, thoughtful decisions that help move her organization forward. It’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone trying to find their rhythm in leadership—or in life.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sat down with Tim Hudak, the former CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). After spending over 20 years in politics and even leading Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party, he made a big leap into nonprofit leadership. Making a major career shift can be daunting, and Tim’s journey is full of insights that could help anyone facing similar challenges.

When Tim took over at OREA, he walked straight into a big challenge—losing their role as the certification body for real estate agents in Ontario. This wasn’t just a small bump in the road; it meant losing 60% of their revenue. For any nonprofit leader, that’s a nightmare scenario. But instead of letting this crisis knock them down, Tim guided OREA through a careful and resourceful transformation. They had to make tough decisions, including downsizing, but they also refocused on what really mattered. Today, OREA is stronger and more effective than ever. If you’ve ever had to make hard choices to keep your organization afloat, Tim’s experience is both relatable and inspiring.

We also talked about OREA’s new insurance program, which has been a hot topic lately. Many real estate agents didn’t have any health or life insurance—a situation a lot of small nonprofits and independent workers can relate to. While there’s been some pushback, Tim is focused on the bigger picture: helping those who really need it. If you’ve ever rolled out a new initiative that didn’t sit well with everyone, you’ll understand the balancing act Tim is doing here. His dedication to doing what’s best for the members, even when it’s tough, really stood out to us.

This episode is full of down-to-earth advice and real-world examples of how to turn setbacks into opportunities. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit through challenging times or trying to introduce new programs while dealing with pushback, there’s a lot you can take away from our chat with Tim.