Navigating Leadership and Change: A Conversation with Michael Braithwaite
Release Date: 04/30/2025
Footprint and Flexibility: How Charities Can Rethink Their Workspace
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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...
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Global Values, Local Action: Aki Temiseva’s Journey to Purpose-Driven Leadership
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Summary In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, Dave Hutchinson interviews Aki Temiseva, the President and CEO of the United Nations Association in Canada. Aki shares his diverse background, including his upbringing in Zambia and extensive experience in both the corporate and charitable sectors. The conversation explores Aki’s leadership journey, the importance of youth engagement in the charitable sector, and the challenges faced by leaders today. Aki emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt and rethink their structures to attract and retain talent, particularly younger...
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The Giving Report 2024: Exploring the Latest Trends in Charitable Giving
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Summary In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, David Hutchinson engages with Julie Fiorini, General Manager, Donor Services & Brand at CanadaHelps, and Allen Davidov, Senior Vice President & Practice Leader of Environics Analytics. They discuss the recently published 2024 Giving Report and explore unexpected trends in charitable giving, the impact of economic factors on donor behavior, and the significant shift towards local giving. The conversation also highlights the importance of digital fundraising, geographic patterns in philanthropy, and strategies for...
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Authentic Leadership in Action: From Bargains to Big Impact
Cause Leadership Podcast
Introduction As President and CBO (Chief Bargain Officer) of the Bargains Group, Jody Steinhauer has mobilized her award-winning discount wholesale and promotional products company to revolutionize the business landscape. As a Canadian female entrepreneur, Jody uses her network of resources and leveraged buying power to aid every company and not-for-profit agency that she touches to maximize their buying dollar. Since 1988, Jody has grown Bargains Group from her apartment to a multi-million-dollar-a-year business. She is also often sought out for speaking engagements due to...
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Navigating Leadership and Change: A Conversation with Michael Braithwaite
Cause Leadership Podcast
Introduction Michael Braithwaite has over 30 years of experience creating innovative solutions to better support vulnerable people. Michael joined Blue Door in March of 2019 as CEO and has since helped launch Blue Door’s first employment social enterprise called Construct, three supportive housing programs including the first safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in York Region, a national housing and homelessness podcast, a merger with Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold, and is currently executing a Solutions Lab in collaboration with SHS Consulting and Habitat for Humanity to explore the journey...
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Leadership for Impact: A Conversation with David Kay
Cause Leadership Podcast
Summary: Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges. At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic. In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with David Kay, Managing Partner of ProVenture Advisors on the topic of Mission-Driven Thinking – Leading with a relentless focus on impact. In...
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Passing the CEO Baton: The Value of a Succession Plan
Cause Leadership Podcast
Summary: Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges. At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic. In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Dave Prowten, Former CEO of Junior Diabetes Research Foundation Canada on the topic of Legacy & Succession – Building a leadership pipeline for the...
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Partnerships in Elder Care: Christie Gardens and U of T's Collaborative Approach
Cause Leadership Podcast
Summary: Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges. At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic. In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Heather Janes, CEO of Christie Gardens Apartments & Care Community on the topic of Partnership & Influence - Expanding impact through collaboration...
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Health Partners: A Model for Collaboration & Collective Success
Cause Leadership Podcast
Summary: Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges. At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic. In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Kimberley Hanson, CEO of Health Partners on the topic of Partnership & Influence - Expanding impact through collaboration without losing mission focus....
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Financial Stewardship in Action: Leading Food Banks through Crisis
Cause Leadership Podcast
Summary: Hosted on March 27, 2025, the purpose of The Charity Leader Summit was to provide charity leaders with examples of the best mindsets for overcoming leadership challenges. At Cause leadership, we have helped 100s of charities find their next senior leader, and we have learned firsthand how the right leadership mindsets help shape the strongest team cultures and dynamic. In this episode, Dave Hutchinson speaks with Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga on the topic of Financial Stewardship – Navigating funding and sustainability wisely. In this...
info_outlineIntroduction
Michael Braithwaite has over 30 years of experience creating innovative solutions to better support vulnerable people. Michael joined Blue Door in March of 2019 as CEO and has since helped launch Blue Door’s first employment social enterprise called Construct, three supportive housing programs including the first safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in York Region, a national housing and homelessness podcast, a merger with Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold, and is currently executing a Solutions Lab in collaboration with SHS Consulting and Habitat for Humanity to explore the journey from homelessness to homeownership.
Previously Michael worked at Raising the Roof and 360kids in York Region. As CEO of the national organization Raising the Roof, Michael launched Reside, a program to transform underutilized properties into affordable housing by engaging the social enterprise Building Up.
As Executive Director at 360kids, Michael lead the development of several innovative and collaborative initiatives including the development of the new Youth Hub, an Anti-Human Trafficking Program, the first Nightstop Housing Program in Canada, and in partnership with the York Region District School Board developed iGrad a classroom-based program whereby a teacher uses an e-learning platform to help youth complete high school.
Summary
In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, Dave Hutchinson interviews Michael Braithwaite, the Chief Executive Officer of Blue Door, an organization focused on addressing homelessness and related issues in the North Toronto area. They discuss the challenges and uncertainties faced by nonprofit leaders, the importance of mentorship and governance, and the need for effective succession planning. Michael shares insights on investing in people, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the qualities that make effective leaders. The conversation also highlights Blue Door's innovative programs aimed at tackling homelessness and engaging communities in the trades, as well as the importance of long-term solutions to social issues.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michael Braithwaite and Blue Door
03:03 Navigating Uncertainty in Nonprofit Leadership
06:22 Mentorship and Support for Emerging Leaders
09:00 The Importance of Succession Planning
12:13 Investing in People and Professional Growth
15:15 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Leadership
18:09 Qualities of Effective Leaders
21:08 Understanding Blue Door's Mission and Impact
28:09 Addressing Homelessness: Long-Term Solutions
30:12 The Importance of Skilled Trades
35:24 Success Stories in the Construct Program
38:51 Supporting Blue Door: How to Get Involved
41:50 Innovative Fundraising and Community Engagement
Connecting with Michael: