Summary

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, David Hutchinson interviews Brad Bell, the President and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Canada. They discuss the vital role of MAF in providing help and healing to remote communities through aviation, the significant contributions of Canadian pilots, and the impact of medical missions.

Brad also shares insights on his transition from the tech industry to non-profit leadership, and the importance of fostering an innovative culture within organizations. The conversation also covers challenges in board governance, recruitment, fundraising, cybersecurity, and the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to enhance organizational performance. Brad emphasizes the need for professional development and succession planning in the non-profit sector, concluding with words of encouragement for leaders navigating uncertain times.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)

03:06 The Role of Canadian Pilots in MAF

06:02 Medical Missions and Community Impact

09:09 Training the Next Generation of Pilots

11:56 Transitioning from IT to Non-Profit Leadership

18:01 Leadership Lessons from Non-Profit Experience

20:47 Board Governance and Recruitment Challenges

26:27 Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Fundraising

27:35 The Complexities of Fundraising in Today's Economy

28:46 Philanthropy vs. Sales: Understanding the Difference

32:20 Cybersecurity: Preparing for the Inevitable

35:25 Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

40:05 The Importance of Professional Development for Leaders

42:11 Succession Planning in the Nonprofit Sector

45:44 Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

Guest Bio: Brad Bell

Brad Bell is the President and CEO of Mission Aviation Fellowship Canada, helping to bring the love of God in tangible ways to thousands of isolated communities around the world. Brad is deeply committed to the Christian community. He began his academic career with a one-year study program at Emmanuel Bible College before studying Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. In 1988, Brad co-founded Campana Systems Inc., a Waterloo based software development company serving the healthcare and auto club industries for 25 years, growing the company organically and through acquisition to an innovative technology-based firm in four countries. Campana was sold in 2014, and Brad was excited to follow God's call in this next stage of his life when he was asked to join MAF as the CEO in 2015.

Connecting with Brad:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradgbell/

MAF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mafcanada/

Website - https://maf.ca/

E-mail: bbell@maf.ca

Summary

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, host David Hutchinson sits down with Janet Noel-Annable, CEO of Karis Disability Services, for a rich and inspiring conversation about disability, inclusion, leadership, and the transformative power of community. Janet shares insights from more than three decades of frontline and executive experience, offering a compelling vision for communities where everyone truly belongs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Karis Disability Services

02:51 Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities

05:23 Service Models and Community Engagement

08:09 Navigating Access to Services

10:37 Funding and Fundraising Strategies

13:42 The Role of Faith in Disability Services

18:08 Leadership Insights and Personal Journey

27:03 Empowering Choice and Control for Disabilities

29:55 Leadership Insights for Aspiring CEOs

35:35 Succession Planning and Emerging Leadership

45:54 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Guest Bio: Janet Noel-Annable

Janet Noel-Annable is the CEO of Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons), a faith-based organization providing services and support to people with developmental disabilities. Janet began her career with Karis in 1988 as a developmental services professional in Ottawa, while attending Carleton University. After various promotions, she was appointed as CEO in 2011. Recently, Janet completed her Master of Business Administration through Ivey Business School.

Under her leadership, Karis supports thousands of people in Ontario and Saskatchewan and partners with others to impact the lives of people with disabilities in developing countries. Janet works energetically and collaboratively with many organizations, communities of faith, governments and others, believing that together we have the strength to promote communities where everybody belongs; communities that recognize the importance of all contributors, including those with disabilities.

Connecting with Janet:

Website: www.karis.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-noel-annable-09073766/

Karis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/karis-disability-services/

Summary

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, David Hutchinson speaks with Jeff Good, a Principal at Cresa, about the intricacies of real estate for nonprofits and charities. They discuss the challenges these organizations face in negotiating real estate, the impact of the pandemic on space utilization, and the importance of hybrid work models. Jeff emphasizes the need for nonprofits to understand their real estate needs, the pros and cons of owning versus leasing, and how to attract talent in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on market trends and predictions for the future of real estate in the GTHA.

Takeaways

• Real estate is often the second largest expense for nonprofits.

• Cresa exclusively represents tenants, avoiding conflicts of interest.

• Nonprofits face unique challenges in real estate negotiations.

• The pandemic has shifted how charities utilize office space.

• Hybrid work models are becoming the norm for many organizations.

• Downsizing or right-sizing office space can lead to significant savings.

• Attracting talent is easier with flexible work arrangements.

• Culture and socialization are crucial for team cohesion in a hybrid environment.

• Market conditions have changed, leading to higher vacancy rates in some areas.

• Flexibility in lease terms is essential for future planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate for Nonprofits

03:12 Understanding Cresa's Role in the Market

05:49 Challenges Nonprofits Face in Real Estate

09:07 The Impact of the Pandemic on Real Estate Needs

11:58 Hybrid Work Models and Space Utilization

17:56 Evaluating Office Space Options

21:49 Ownership vs. Leasing for Nonprofits

26:48 Attracting Talent in a Hybrid Environment

29:55 Culture and Socialization in Nonprofits

38:40 Market Trends and Future Predictions

Guest Bio:

After finishing his undergrad, Jeff spent the next 20 years working with two for-profit organizations, Procter & Gamble and General Mills. In 2005, he moved into the not-for-profit world as a capital campaign fundraiser with the YMCA, and later was recruited to be the President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Ontario. More recently, Jeff has served as Principal in the Charity and Non-Profit real estate practice at Cresa since 2011. This provides entirely new ways to create breakthrough opportunities and solve problems for businesses and charities alike. Now Jeff's passion, skills and experience benefit organizations throughout the province.

Connecting with Jeff:

LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/goodworld/ and Cresa Toronto

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

https://www.cresa.com/Locations/North-America/Ontario-Canada/Toronto-ON

jeff@goodworld.ca

Download the 2025 Nonprofit Benchmarking Report: https://www.cresa.com/Whitepapers/2025-Canadian-Nonprofit-Benchmarking-Report