Philanthropy Friday

Philanthropy Friday

In this inspiring episode, Mark Halpern sits down with Chuck Downs, founder of Epic Success Coaching, to talk about how professional advisors can overcome burnout, break limiting beliefs, and unlock higher levels of fulfillment, productivity, and purpose. With more than 25 years in the insurance and financial services industry, Chuck shares how neuroscience and mindset transformation can help advisors “sharpen the ax” working smarter, not harder and rediscover the joy and meaning behind their work. Together, they explore how rewiring your mental operating system can elevate both your...

Philanthropy Friday

In this cross-border episode, Mark Halpern is joined by Jeff Hammer, Founder of Forte Impact Advisors, based in Richmond, Virginia. Together, they explore the differences between Canadian and U.S. approaches to philanthropy, estate planning, and tax strategies for high-net-worth families. Jeff brings a unique background from leading major business units in aerospace, IT, and banking, to now helping families, entrepreneurs, and creators maximize impact through holistic planning and strategic philanthropy. With trillions of dollars in generational wealth transfer underway, Jeff shares how U.S....

Philanthropy Friday

In this eye-opening episode, Mark Halpern is joined by Glen Gumalka, CEO of The Mississauga Foundation, to uncover one of the best-kept secrets in Canadian philanthropy: community foundations and donor-advised funds (DAFs).        If you’ve ever thought that philanthropy is only for the ultra-wealthy or those with private foundations, this conversation will change your mind. Glen explains how donor-advised funds make it simple, efficient, and cost-effective for anyone from business owners to families to young donors to create a lasting charitable legacy. In...

Philanthropy Friday

In this inspiring episode, Mark Halpern is joined by Amy Stein, Executive Director of The Pixel Foundation (formerly the Henry’s Foundation). Amy shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a 114-year-old family business (Henry’s Cameras) to leading a national conversation about mental health and corporate philanthropy. If you’re a family business owner, an advisor helping multi-generational enterprises, or simply passionate about mental health advocacy, this episode will show you how to turn lived experience into meaningful, measurable impact. In This Episode, We Cover: ✔️...

Philanthropy Friday

This heartfelt episode of Philanthropy Friday brings together three passionate advocates for strategic philanthropy: Luke Carter (President & CEO of CAP Advisors), renowned advisor and son of one of my closest mentors, late Graham Carter,  and Aneil Gokhale (Director of Philanthropy, Toronto Foundation). Together with Mark Halpern, they explore how families can transform grief into lasting impact through memorial funds and donor-advised funds (DAFs). Luke shares his deeply personal journey of honoring his late father, renowned advisor Graham Carter, by establishing the Graham Carter...

Philanthropy Friday

In this must-listen episode, Mark Halpern is joined by two national experts Peter Nicholson (Founder of WCPD) and Ken Stern (Philanthropic Advisor at Capital Ideas) to break down one of the most misunderstood and underutilized tax planning tools in Canada: flow-through shares. If you’re a generous donor, financial advisor, or charitable organization looking to maximize impact while minimizing tax, this episode will radically shift your perspective on what's possible. With the right strategy, flow-through shares can allow you to give $100,000 to charity for as little as $1,000 out of pocket....

Philanthropy Friday

In this powerful episode of Philanthropy Friday, Mark Halpern sits down with Ed Sluga, President of PGgrowth, to unpack the incredible potential of planned legacy giving for charities, donors, and professional advisors alike. Ed shares how PGgrowth helps nonprofits from grassroots organizations to national institutions, design and implement sustainable legacy giving programs that drive long-term mission impact. Whether you're a fundraiser, advisor, or HNW donor, this conversation will reframe the way you think about strategic philanthropy and legacy planning. If you're wondering where to...