Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Smita Challu Tulsani.

Smita is a purpose-driven accomplished executive leader with 20 years of global corporate experience, specializing in data-driven transformative consulting, strategic marketing, and human-centered customer experience. With a sharp focus on digital-first, data-led methodologies, Smita stands out for her proficiency in advising c-suite executives on revenue generation, business strategy, and sustainable business outcomes.

As a Global MarTech Leader, she drives the integration of AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to revolutionize customer experiences and operational efficiency.

With a diverse background spanning sectors like social impact, telecom, manufacturing, and media, Smita's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement shines through her involvement in various boards such as the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation and industry bodies like the Canadian Marketing Association, Women in AI, and the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for her contributions, she has received multiple industry awards and was shortlisted for the Women of the Year award by Women in IT.

Smita holds a Chartered Marketer designation, in addition to her bachelor's degree in engineering and MBA, adding to her well-rounded skillset and dedication to continuous growth.

Summary

In this conversation, David Hutchinson and Smita Challu Tulsani discuss the critical role of digital transformation in the charitable sector. Smita shares her journey from technology to social impact, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for fundraising and communication. They explore the integration of AI in nonprofits, the challenges of cybersecurity, and the need for effective change management. Smita also highlights the importance of talent acquisition and the evolving landscape of skills required in the sector. The discussion concludes with advice for smaller organizations on how to navigate digital transformation effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Digital Transformation in Charities

03:11 Smita's Journey from Technology to Nonprofit

05:38 The Blurring Lines Between CTOs & CMOs

08:53 The Role of AI in the Charitable Sector

11:41 Governance and Ethical Use of AI

14:27 Cybersecurity Concerns in Nonprofits

17:08 Questions for C-Suite and Board Members

24:01 Embracing AI in the Charitable Sector

27:27 Talent Acquisition Challenges in Nonprofits

30:28 Building a Data-Driven Culture

33:43 Competing for MarTech Talent

38:44 Navigating Change Management

41:50 Strategies for Smaller Organizations

Connect with Smita

https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkloop-ai/

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

www.linkloop.ai

Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Jenny Mitchell.

Founder and President of Chavender, Jenny Mitchell (CFRE, DMA), works closely with not-for-profit leaders to change the world - one mission at a time. Chavender assists clients, across Canada and the U.S., to inspire their donors and achieve their fundraising goals through personalized fundraising coaching and training.

Jenny is a speaker, author, executive coach, podcaster, and professional fundraiser who is passionate about inspiring the very best in others. She completed her Executive Coaching Training at Royal Roads University. She has worked with hundreds of CEOs, executive directors, and high-profile executives on boards of directors across Canada. With Jenny’s coaching and consulting help, her clients have raised millions of dollars in support of their charitable missions.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Jenny has presented at major Fundraising Leadership Conferences across North America. She launched her solo podcast in July 2022 entitled Underdog Leadership. Through this platform, she brings stories about the power of leadership, and fundraising as agents of change for the world that we live in. Jenny is a lifelong learner, and actively seeks out people and situations that expand her experiences and her knowledge. Jenny’s book, Embracing Ambition which is available on Amazon, launched in March 2024 and features stories and research from 12 women CEOs across North America.

Before completing her CFRE (certified fund raising executive) Jenny trained as a classical musician and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts. She brings her creative approach, her drive for excellence, and her passion for people to the world of not-for-profits.

Summary:

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, host Dave interviews Jenny Mitchell, an accomplished artist, fundraiser, author, and executive coach. They discuss Jenny's journey from a classical musician to a leader in the nonprofit sector, exploring themes of ambition, underdog leadership, and the complexities of fundraising. Jenny shares experiences as a board chair, her insights on the importance of reflection, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and the significance of adaptability in both personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for bold leadership, the complexities of fundraising, and the evolving definition of ambition, particularly for women in leadership roles.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Jenny Mitchell
03:08 The Journey to Leadership
06:09 The Complexities of Fundraising
08:57 Exploring Underdog Leadership
11:57 Key Lessons from Board Leadership
15:03 The Power of Collective Storytelling
17:53 Embracing Ambition: A New Perspective
20:52 Chavender: A Business of Adaptability
23:59 Advice for Emerging Leaders in Fundraising
26:52 Redefining Ambition in Leadership

Resources Mentioned:

https://chavender.com/embracing-ambition-the-book/

https://chavender.com/the-penthouse/

Connect with Jenny:

https://chavender.com/

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

Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Allen Davidov.

Allen is the Senior Vice President, Sales Practice & Marketing Leader at Environics Analytics, where he focuses on the not-for-profit, energy, transportation, and public sectors. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, analytics, and fundraising, Allen has a proven track record of helping organizations unlock the value of information for smarter decision-making and strategic growth.

Before his role at Environics Analytics, Allen led impactful marketing and fundraising initiatives at esteemed organizations like the Sinai Health Foundation and Habitat for Humanity GTA, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario Region, St. John’s Rehab Hospital Foundation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and North York General Hospital Foundation.

He’s not only a dedicated professional in his field but also an active contributor to the community, serving on the Canadian Marketing Association’s Not-For-Profit Council, volunteering with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, and a member of Seneca College’s Marketing Advisory Council.

Allen holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Commerce from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Creative Advertising diploma from Centennial College, and a Chartered Marketer certificate from the Canadian Marketing Association, showcasing his commitment to excellence in marketing.

Summary:

In this insightful episode, Dave sits down with Allen to explore his career journey through the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing emerging leaders in the charitable space, focusing on how they can make a meaningful impact.

• Importance of Mentorship: Allen emphasizes the significance of mentorship in personal and professional development, especially for those entering the nonprofit field.
  
• Data Analytics in Nonprofits: Dave and Allen discuss the pivotal role of data analytics in understanding donor behaviors and refining fundraising strategies.
  
• Canada Helps Giving Report Insights: Key takeaways from the report are examined, including the decline in donor numbers and evolving giving behaviors, prompting charities to rethink their approaches.
• Connecting with Donors: The importance of personal connections with donors is highlighted, with a focus on effective messaging and visual cues to engage and retain attention.
• Talent Shifts: The conversation addresses the shifting talent landscape in the charitable sector and the emerging opportunities for young professionals.
• Partnerships for Impact: Allen discusses the importance of collaborations between charities and corporations, particularly regarding sustainability and social impact initiatives.
• Reasons for Hope in the Charitable Sector: The episode wraps up with a reflection on the rewarding nature of working in the nonprofit sector and the critical need for career development and mentorship.
  
  

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:13 Challenges and Opportunities for Emerging Leaders

15:18 Environics Analytics and Data Analytics in the Nonprofit Sector

22:11 Key Takeaways from the CanadaHelps Giving Report

27:00 Rethinking Fundraising Strategies and Building Connections

30:27 Understanding Donor Base and Connecting to Their Values

32:19 Talent Shifts and Opportunities in the Charitable Sector

46:23 Partnerships for Sustainability and Social Impact

51:43 Investing in Career Development and Mentorship in the Sector

Resources Mentioned:

Canada Helps Giving Report: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/the-giving-report/

Environics Analytics: https://environicsanalytics.com/en-ca/home

Connect with Allen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allendavidov

E-mail: Allen.Davidov@environicsanalytics.com