Archive for the ‘10 Minutes With’ Category

10 Minutes with Richard Pass – CEO, Ronald McDonald House BC

Peter Reek

Peter Reek
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 at 11:30 am

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RichardPass

1.  Why did you pursue a career in the NFP sector? Why did you say ‘yes’ to working for the organization you are currently representing?

Growing up, I was involved as a volunteer at a Not for Profit organization. I participated in helping teach children about the positive affects of physical activity and taught skills that included gymnastics, sports and swimming. This participation progressed as I got older and my volunteerism turned into part time work as an instructor. Following high school, I received a work placement and bursary to continue to work for that organization. I graduated from university and began a career in the governmental social service sector and then received a cold call from the Not for Profit suggesting a Program Director position in another province suggesting that I would be perfect for the position. I interviewed and accepted the position and for the next 20 years worked my way up that organization first on the prairies and then in British Columbia.

I was posting a position on the Charity Village website in 2006 and saw the posting for my current position and had an “Ah Ha” moment. I read the posting and just knew it was a fit for me both professionally and personally, based on the mission and values of the organization. I applied and was interviewed and also “interviewed” the new organization to ensure it was a fit for both me and for them. It was, and now I am and have been CEO for Ronald McDonald House BC since 2006.

2.  How have you become well equipped to be a leader in your organization?

The many and varied experiences that I had through my education and the years moving up the ranks in the first organization prepared me for the leadership in my current role. I have also always continued to take courses when I could and have read to keep up with new thoughts and or trends.

3.  How would you say the ‘face’ of the Non-Profit world is changing (or needs to change)?

Not for profit is about serving the mission and serving the needs of the community at large while connecting with and building new stakeholders. Its about transparency and integrity and stewardship. There are so many worthy NFP’s all searching and competing for the donated dollar, all working hard to get their story heard. I think the challenge of NFP’s is to find new ways to get to the top of mind for their stakeholder community and once they have their ear, to keep them engaged and to maximize that relationship to broaden their connectivity web.

4.  How do you stay current and ‘in the know’ when it comes to Non-Profit trends/leadership?

Staying current to me means reading and listening to others and asking for information. Being of the opinion that you are strongest when you are surrounded by strength and support, building relationships in very broad terms and communicating well within the network of NFP’s and non-NFP’s will help keep leaders up to new trend speed. Leadership must be open to and embrace change.

5.  What is your organization doing to ensure that they are forward thinking/ahead of the curve?

Organizationally, we stay very connected with the other Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada and Global. We proactively look for ways to improve our systems and services so that families and seriously ill children are better served each and every day. We also continue to network with other agencies to ensure good, forward-thinking communication.

6.  Name two or three Non-profits that are launching initiatives you feel are noteworthy?

New initiatives for Ronald McDonald Houses are the Family Rooms within local hospitals and the RMH Care Mobile program for rural areas. Organizations that are constantly re-evaluating themselves and their program offerings are the ones who moving forward will continue to stay relevant.

7.  Books (or other reading material) you have read/are reading that offer(ed) some lasting value?

There are so many good books that focus on a huge variety of different skill sets. “Good to Great” by Jim Collins, “Execution” Lawrence Bossidy + Ram Charan, “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell, “Leading Change” by John Kotter, and “The 7 Habits of Effective People” by Stephen Covey are examples of what I think are excellent books.

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10 Minutes with Ron Kuehl – VP, Revenue Development, Canadian Cancer Society

Peter Reek

Peter Reek
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 at 11:30 am

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RonKuehlRon Kuehl brings a successful and diverse background to his role as the VP, Revenue Development at the Canadian Cancer Society. With a proven track record in securing major and corporate gifts, Ron has already identified a high level donor to assist with a cornerstone contribution for a major capital project in northern BC, and secured a partnership with a national corporation to deliver prevention and support messaging and significant financial support.

Before joining the Canadian Cancer Society, Ron worked as the senior vice-president for external relations at Trinity Western University, was the senior director of development with Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, the vice-president for advancement with Tabor College, and a marketing manager with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Ron holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Economics from Tabor College, Kansas, and honorary Doctorate from Regent University and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and has over 20 years of fundraising experience in the public and non-profit sectors.

1.  Why did you pursue a career in the NFP sector? Why did you say ‘yes’ to working for the organization you are currently representing?

Initially, I was drawn to the NFP sector because I wanted to make a difference by using my skills to advance mission rather than developing strengthened shareholder value for a corporation.  I chose to work for the Canadian Cancer Society because of the opportunity to help people and a context of a personal journey.

2.  How have you become well equipped to be a leader in your organization?

I have had some strong mentors in my life who have pushed me to develop and refine my skills while providing strong impressions and understanding of organizational culture and how it must interface with the marketplace.  I was fortunate to be able to have a strong leader mentoring me as I transitioned to the NFP as it took me some time to adjust to the culture and understanding of how the NFP must cash flow its operations.

3.  How would you say the ‘face’ of the Non-Profit world is changing (or needs to change)?

Increasingly, the NFP world must understand that mission fulfillment depends upon business success and that business success depends upon missional giving.  Everything hangs upon the mission, on what the charity does.

4.  How do you stay current and ‘in the know’ when it comes to Non-Profit trends/leadership?

I love talking to leaders who are successful and learning from them in addition to all the trade publications.  I also like focusing outside in and talking to lead donors and asking them about their perspectives of how charities should behave and how we can more effectively generate mission moments for them.

5.  What is your organization doing to ensure that they are forward thinking/ahead of the curve?

We want to cultivate a culture of innovation.  We are reinventing the way that we serve people by listening to our more than 22,000 volunteers and by improving constantly the way that we engage people.  We want to lead through our mission and the distinct ways that we serve people and to bring our supporters and those we serve directly into the grand scheme of ideating our mission.

6.  Name two or three Non-profits that are launching initiatives you feel are noteworthy?

Hard not to brag about the Canadian Cancer Society so I will resist.

7.  Books (or other reading material) you have read/are reading that offer(ed) some lasting value?

“A Sense of Urgency“ by John Kotter and “Execution, the Discipline of Getting things Done“ by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan.

8.  If you were beginning your career over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing…. I would again begin a career in the for profit and end up in the NFP.  Everything that happened to me in my career path has prepared me to serve where I am today.

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10 Minutes with Bruce Robinson – Executive Director, UrbanPromise

Peter Reek

Peter Reek
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 at 11:30 am

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BruceRobinson

Bruce brings an eclectic array of experience to his portfolio. He’s directed two residential recreational camps, lived and worked in China and India, taught at the post secondary level, and managed in the NFP sector, now as the Executive Director at UrbanPromise.

Passionate about many aspects of life, Bruce enjoys spending time with his fabulous wife and two incredible daughters,  being with friends, gourmet cooking, and dragonboating – of course.  Among his passions is the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.

1.  Why did you pursue a career in the NFP sector? Why did you say ‘yes’ to working for the organization you are currently representing?

As I reflect on why, a few reasons come to mind.

-  Being in the NFP sector offers lots of opportunities “to do” in a wide variety of areas. So a great sector to gain a range of experiences.

-  The NFP sector allowed me an opportunity to work with and keep connected with people at the grass roots level.

-  I could make a difference that was tangible. I could see results in a short period of time.

I was attracted to the challenges/opportunities to do what I listed above. I liked the mission and vision of UrbanPromise.  When I joined, the organization was at the start-up stage of development and I wanted to be part of making it sustainable.

2.  How have you become well equipped to be a leader in your organization?

I talk with others involved and experienced in the wider NFP sector. I seek out new ideas and methods. I have a fantastic career coach.

3.  How would you say the ‘face’ of the Non-Profit world is changing (or needs to change)?

Not sure it is a change or is something new, but people’s time continues to be a valuable resource especially with so many options available.  Commitment is also a huge challenge, especially when you don’t have fame or fortune to offer in return.

4.  How do you stay current and ‘in the know’ when it comes to Non-Profit trends/leadership?

I network/discuss with others on what they are doing / have done. I also read articles, books, and other resources, etc.

5.  What is your organization doing to ensure that they are forward thinking/ahead of the curve?

Be proactive in being aware of what’s happening in the community. Be connected with people working in other areas of the community. Listen, look, read, discuss.

6.  Name two or three Non-profits that are launching initiatives you feel are noteworthy.

I’m not here to sound self serving but UrbanPromise has started an International arm of the organization. The focus is on developing leadership of NGO’s and NFP in other countries. Currently, the focus is on Malawi, Africa.

I like organizations led by people who see a need and have a passion to do something about it. A local organization that comes to mind is called Blind Beginnings. They focus on working with families that have children born without sight.

7.  Books (or other reading material) you have read/are reading that offer(ed) some lasting value?

The first would be the “Bible” and I am serious, as it’s the written basis/source of my values, priorities and mission in life. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell, and more recently “Built to Change” by Edward Lawler and Christopher Worley.

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10 Minutes with Scott Campbell – Director of Fundraising and Communications, Bulembu

Peter Reek

Peter Reek
Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 11:00 am

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ScottCampbellWith a decade of experience working in key leadership positions with not for profits, Scott has real world experience getting an organization’s message out, and presently as the Director of Fundraising and Communications at Bulembu.

Scott is a relational, dedicated, results-producing professional with experience taking the lead to expand organizational effectiveness and capacity. If you have the pleasure to chat with Scott, you will probably find yourself quickly laughing – he’s got a sharp sense of humor.

1. Why did you pursue a career in the NFP sector? Why did you say ‘yes’ to working for the organization you are currently representing?

Life in general—I often lead with my heart and so it was an obvious choice to build my career around something that was a heart connect.  Working for a pay cheque was never going to be enough.  On top of that, I like to work.  I’m not a hobbyist.  Keep me busy, give me a challenge, show me the opportunity to make real change and I’ll give you everything I’ve got.

I am drawn to opportunities where I can see what isn’t there but could be.  I like building, and the role I’m in now didn’t exist before I came along.  The opportunity to define what communications and fundraising was within the organization was very appealing.  Plus, my Executive Director is a dynamic, visionary leader who is quite willing to resource a good idea.  He’s not afraid to experiment.  The organization itself is also doing exciting work and has the possibility of redefining more than a few out of date operating systems or organizational philosophies that many NFP’s are still using.  I like innovating.

2. How have you become well equipped to be a leader in your organization?

Trial and error.   Trying something, having it work (or not) and building from that.  I’m also a collaborator by both nature and training so I enjoy casting a vision, setting a direction and then giving everyone the freedom and resources to do what they do well.  I like working with people who are smarter than me.  They make me look good.

3. How would you say the ‘face’ of the Non-Profit world is changing (or needs to change)?

From a fundraising point of view we need to stop trying to find new ways to ask donors for money.  And we need to banish the idea that people give to need.  People give to vision.  They give to a story that connects with their experience, worldview or vision of themselves or who they want to be.  When an NFP figures out what it can give to its constituents instead of just take, I think that organization is heading in a good direction.

4. How do you stay current and ‘in the know’ when it comes to Non-Profit trends/leadership?

I am a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) which puts out information that is often helpful.  I look for professional development opportunities, especially ones that are not necessarily directly related to my field but have transferable applications.  But I find the most useful resource is connecting with other development professionals and chatting about what is working and what is not and emerging trends or communication opportunities.

5. What is your organization doing to ensure that they are forward thinking/ahead of the curve?

Visioning, dreaming, planning, experimenting.  I think many NFP’s get so caught up in the immediate funding needs of the organization (putting out fires), that they don’t take time to look to plan for the future, to ask themselves “what can we do to ensure the fires we are having to put out today aren’t the same fires we have to deal with a year or 3 years from now?”  I often find myself asking “what stories do we want to tell, who do we want to tell them to, and how are we going to tell them?”

6. Name two or three Non-profits that are launching initiatives you feel are noteworthy?

Locally, Union Gospel Mission is finding new ways to connect with the people who will find the work they do meaningful.  They are finding ways to dialogue with their constituents and are resourcing new communication channels.  They are trying things and learning how to move forward based on what’s working and what’s not.

Globally, Charity: Water seems to have come out of nowhere and they are really leveraging web and video, etc. to gain critical mass which is moving their messaging around the globe efficiently and with a lot of sticking power.

7.  If you were beginning your career over again, what would you do differently?

Not much.  Everything I’ve done to date has been a benefit to what I am doing today.  Even when it doesn’t seem like the job or experience directly relates.  I have learned so much about myself and how I work and where my strengths are and what I do less well.

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10 Minutes with Jae Kim – President, Streetohome

Peter Reek

Peter Reek
Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 10:30 am

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A lawyer by training, Jae brings a diverse background in finance, government, and fundraising to her work as President of Streetohome.

Prior to joining Streetohome, she headed up strategic partnerships at the Department of Economic Development for New York State focusing on re-branding of I ♥ NY, and creating public/private partnerships.

JaeKim

A graduate of Oxford University law schoolshe was a litigator for six years, handling complex civil litigation including white collar crime.

During this time, she handled pro bono cases on death row reprieves, political asylum for refugees, and women’s issues such as advocating for sex trafficking legislation.

Jae also volunteered on the board of the Women’s Leadership Forum Network, a Democratic Party committee, concentrating on engaging young women in politics and fundraising initiatives.

While earning her B.A. in Economics and International Relations at Brown University, she received the President’s Community Service Award for founding a gang prevention program.

1.  Why did you pursue a career in the NFP sector? Why did you say ‘yes’ to working for the organization you are currently representing?

After working on social justice causes on the side through pro-bono work while in the private sector, as well as in government positions, I came across the opportunity to devote myself completely to a major social issue through Streetohome – which is something I hadn’t done since college when I ran a gang prevention program for youth at risk.

I accepted the offer to lead Streetohome as it presented a unique opportunity to shape the direction of the organization from the outset. In other words, I would be able to contribute to its strategic direction instead of simply being tasked with implementing a model that had already been set.

In addition, the issues of addiction and mental health have been issues of personal interest as I have witnessed people I cared about struggle with them and fall through the cracks – these two challenges are inextricably intertwined with homelessness – thus Streetohome presented a unique opportunity to make an impact in a public policy area of personal interest.

2.  How have you become well equipped to be a leader in your organization?

I have had exposure to many different sectors and industries, which I believe has equipped me with the ability to not get lost in translation. This is important to lead the work of Streetohome, which by its nature and mandate, must operate in the intersection of government agencies, private sector and non-profit service providers. There are “cultural” differences amongst these sectors especially around process, so it’s imperative to be able to translate these values and bring them into balance.

3.  How would you say the ‘face’ of the Non-Profit world is changing (or needs to change)?

First, I think non-profits need to adopt certain practices from the private sector around accountability and evidence-based practices. Second, I think non-profits focus too much on perfecting operational planning and their own internal processes rather than impact-driven practices. And third, I think non-profits should more actively combine advocacy and program delivery in order to have the greatest impact.

4.  How do you stay current and ‘in the know’ when it comes to Non-Profit trends/leadership?

I make sure to follow not just local thinkers and leaders in the area, but internationally renowned social entrepreneurs, especially those focusing on sustainable solutions to social issues rather than the old approach to charity. You need only browse the international press for examples of cutting edge work, or walk through your local bookstore. There are lots of great ideas out there, the challenge is in keeping up with them.

5.  What is your organization doing to ensure that they are forward thinking/ahead of the curve?

First, don’t reinvent the wheel. We were clear about what our mission is, and we knew there were other organizations with the same mission, so we did our research and tried to learn from others that had had success nationally and internationally.

Second, forge alliances with the other non-profits. It’s a mistake to see others in your area as competition and get lost in your narrow-minded vision of just securing resources for your own survival. The better longer-term strategy is to have the greater mission guide your decisions, as the organization will take care of itself if you can bring about real impact.

Third, pursue pragmatic idealism. As Leslie Crutchfield coined it “No permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.” There is a need for a plethora of different approaches and voices to influence change in the area of homelessness. It’s important to know who you are and what your role in the spectrum is in order to make a contribution and have impact.

6.  Name two or three Non-profits that are launching initiatives you feel are noteworthy? (please share a few details)

I am a great admirer of Bill Strickland’s work in Pittsburgh – what he has been able to do for youth at risk in the worse crime infested area in that city – is truly inspirational. I know Mr. Strickland would like to see his model implemented here in Vancouver and I hope he can harness enough local support to get it done. His model works, and has been copied and supported by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, so let’s not re-invent the wheel, let’s implement an evidence-based practice that works.

I think Bulembu is another noteworthy project from a sustainability perspective; it’s focus is on orphans in the town of Bulembu is Swaziland and it’s long term vision is to create a sustainable community in a formerly mining town that has suffered economic and public health catastrophes leaving thousands of kids orphaned fending for themselves.

7.  Books (or other reading material) you have read/are reading that offer(ed) some lasting value?

Gabor Mate’s, “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts”
Leslie Crutchfield’s, “Forces for Good”
Malcolm Gladwell’s, “The Tipping Point”

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