In this episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Susan Ingram, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, shares how her leadership helped turn a small idea into a thriving social enterprise. Thrive Select Thrift started with just three clothing bins and a $5,000 investment in 2015. Today, it has grown into a successful thrift store that has diverted over 1.5 million pounds of clothing from landfills, generated nearly $500,000 in revenue, and provided 4,448 hours of job training for youth. Beyond raising funds, Thrive Select Thrift has become a key part of their mission, offering mentorship and a safe space for young people to learn and grow.

Susan’s leadership played a big role in making this happen. With a background in operations and business, she brought practical skills to the nonprofit world, combining strong planning with a “start small” approach. She credits partnerships with organizations like RBC and a supportive board of directors for helping her overcome challenges. Susan also shares how nonprofits often shy away from risks, but by taking small, thoughtful steps—like piloting with a few bins before opening a store—she was able to build confidence in the project and make it work.

For Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, Thrive Select Thrift is more than just a revenue stream. The store provides a physical space for the community to connect with their mission, meet the youth they support, and see their impact firsthand. Susan explains how this has helped showcase their work, which is often hard to “see” since mentorship relationships happen privately. The store also gives young people real-world job training, helping them build skills and a sense of belonging that will stay with them long after their time in the program.

Are you looking for new ways to support your nonprofit’s mission and diversify your revenue? What small steps could you take to test an idea and build toward something bigger? This episode is full of insights for nonprofit leaders ready to take the leap into social enterprise.

What does it take to advocate for 65,000 grain farmers across Canada? In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of Grain Growers of Canada, to explore the realities of nonprofit leadership and advocacy in a constantly shifting political landscape. Representing farmers who produce 70% of Canada’s grain exports, Kyle shares how his team works tirelessly on Parliament Hill to address issues that directly impact Canadian agriculture.

We discuss Kyle’s journey into nonprofit leadership, his strategies for aligning advocacy with government priorities, and the importance of adapting to change—whether it’s in policies, leadership, or public focus. One standout success Kyle shares is his role in creating the third-ever national college in Canada for intellectual property agents, a multi-year achievement that highlights the power of persistence and collaboration.

Kyle also opens up about the challenges he faced as a young leader, including overcoming age-related biases early in his career. His advice? Trust your expertise and stay confident, even in uncertain times.

If you’ve ever wondered how political change impacts nonprofits—or how to stay focused when the ground shifts beneath you—this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world lessons. Tune in to learn how advocacy evolves and why it matters for everyone

Get ready for an insightful and inspiring episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast! This week we are sitting down with Paul Lansbergen, a Certified Association Executive and seasoned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience in public policy, association management, and advocacy. Paul’s journey is proof that with the right mindset, challenges can turn into opportunities.

Paul shares how volunteering kick-started his career, opening doors to his first major role on Parliament Hill and teaching him the power of building strong networks. He also takes us behind the scenes of his transformative work with the Fisheries Council of Canada, where he revitalized their annual conference—rebranding it, boosting sponsorships, and turning it into a significant revenue driver that grew profits to $50,000. Paul’s strategic decisions also doubled the organization’s budget and increased reserves by 50%, showcasing his ability to balance financial growth with mission-driven work.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Paul opens up about navigating career setbacks, staying resilient through tough transitions, and the lessons he’s learned about persistence and adaptability in nonprofit leadership. He emphasizes the importance of aligning decisions with a clear strategic plan and finding creative ways to make a lasting impact, no matter the resources at hand.

Packed with practical tips, personal stories, and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, executive directors, or anyone passionate about leadership and making a difference. Whether you’re looking to grow your organization, sharpen your leadership skills, or just hear an inspiring career journey, you won’t want to miss this episode.