Impact Conversations

In this episode, we speak with Anna Hill & Andrew Lusztyk. They are co-directors and co-founders of the Together Project: a community-led project that connects refugee newcomers and Canadians, to build stronger, more integrated communities. We discuss the evolution of this grassroots citizens' initiative, including their fit in the broader network of settlement and integration services, and how their volunteers are supporting newcomers' own self-defined goals.

In this special episode, we speak with Kasha Huk, Country Manager for Canada at B Lab. Kasha shares with us the purpose of the global B Corp movement, and how they are changing what it means to be a good business. Our conversation includes examples from organizations you may be familiar with, tips on how to recognize products and services from B Corps. B Corps have benefits for businesses and consumers alike, tune in to find out more!

David Cork, Executive Director of Tapestry Community Capital, is an expert on community bonds. He tells us how Tapestry supports other not-for-profit organizations and co-ops to issue and manage community bonds, when a community bond is appropriate, and the three ingredients of a bond-worthy project.

Jonathan Bennett of Laridae Communications speaks with Sally about his firm's values. He tells us the ways in which Laridae's mission and culture are aligned with B Corp principles, and he explains why consulting is about listening and relationships. Jonathan and Sally also discuss Laridae’s experiences learning from first nations.

Sally chats with Julie Werry, an expert fundraiser and consultant advising nonprofits and philanthropists. Julie shares the power of storytelling to educate donors, and the importance of trusting organizations to achieve their intended impact. Find out more about our work at Social Impact Advisors: www.socialimpactadvisors.ca

Lynn interviews Mike Mikulak from the United Way of Halton & Hamilton. Their conversation delves into the responsibilities of funder organizations and the benefits of collective impact projects. Mike speaks candidly about the tensions amongst the United Way's funding priorities.

In this brief episode, Sally, Lynn and Cameron reflect on their experiences in podcasting. We also discuss the intention behind our podcast, and what's to come in 2019. We'll take a break for the holidays and resume with a new episode on Thursday January 10th. Happy holidays!

Sally interviews Shelley Zuckerman of the North York Community House, an organization that supports its community members to settle, thrive and lead. They discuss the process of defining NYCH's intended impact and aligning the organization to its impact in the broader community. Shelley also tells us about NYCH's continuous effort to measure its impact, revise its Theory of Change and maintain alignment as internal and external circumstances change.

Sally interviews Robin Cory, of Colbeck Strategic Advisors. They talk about how organizations which focus on impact, and align their financial resources and organizational capabilities, can build strong strategy that achieves results. They talk about how to decide what not to do and why that is often difficult in the not-for-profit sector. They also talk about the importance of funding organizational competencies like measurement- so that organizations can adapt and build their impact.

Sally interviews Ryan Conway, Program Director at Innoweave. Innoweave is a project of the McConnell Foundation. Together they discuss the meaning and importance of direct and indirect impact in complex systems. Ryan tells us how Innoweave empowers community sector leaders, and how Innoweave’s thinking has evolved. Ryan also praises collaboration, explaining how coaches and consultants act as a mechanism to share issues and experiences across sectors and regions.

In this episode, Sally and Lynn discuss what impact is and why it's important in developing strategy. Social impact is the effect an organization's actions has on its community. With examples, Sally and Lynn show that defining an intended impact makes it easier to develop a great strategy. Learn more at www.socialimpactadvisors.ca