Taking a Chance on Emerging Leaders

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In this episode, Dave is joined by Jeff Beach, the CEO of Asthma Canada.

Jeff is a seasoned leader in the Canadian non-profit sector with over 25 years of experience in management, community, and fund development. Jeff has held prominent roles in various organizations, including the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. He has also contributed significantly to causes like youth mentoring, arthritis support, breast cancer awareness, and cystic fibrosis advocacy. 

Jeff is deeply committed to volunteering and sits on several boards, including the Women’s Brain Health Initiative and Federated Health Charities. Known for his dedication to empowering individuals facing health and social challenges, Jeff is driven by a passion for helping others achieve their full potential.

 

Summary

Our guest, Jeff Beach, CEO of Asthma Canada, shares his leadership journey and insights into the charitable sector. He emphasizes the importance of having the right people in the right roles and prioritizing the organization’s mission and values.

Jeff and Dave also discuss the evolving landscape of fundraising and the challenges faced by the sector, such as declining giving and increased demand for services. Jeff highlights the need for organizations to adapt to changing donor expectations and build strong relationships. 

Jeff offers advice for emerging leaders, including being open to opportunities and investing in professional development.

Dave and Jeff consider the role of boards and the importance of succession planning. They discuss the need for adding new board members and succession planning in nonprofit organizations. Jeff suggests bringing people onto committees as a way to get to know them and assess their leadership skills before considering them for a board role. 

Jeff and Dave emphasize the need for organizations to consider talent from outside the charitable sector and the potential benefits of mergers and amalgamations. Additionally, they address the issue of sector compensation and the importance of fair compensation for nonprofit professionals. 

Finally, Jeff shares insights into the work of Asthma Canada, including their focus on patient education, advocacy, and research.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction and Background of Jeff Beach

01:45  Embracing Opportunities and Challenges in Your Leadership Journey

06:23  Navigating the Changing Landscape of Fundraising

08:08  Building Strong Relationships with Donors and Volunteers

09:10  Transitioning into Leadership in Today’s Environment

13:45  Advice for Emerging Leaders

21:58  The Importance of Succession Planning in the Charitable Sector

30:15  Succession Planning and Talent Acquisition

32:19  Exploring Mergers and Amalgamations

38:19  Compensation in the Charitable Sector

44:41  Asthma Canada: Patient Education, Advocacy, and Research

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