Summary

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, host David Hutchinson sits down with Janet Noel-Annable, CEO of Karis Disability Services, for a rich and inspiring conversation about disability, inclusion, leadership, and the transformative power of community. Janet shares insights from more than three decades of frontline and executive experience, offering a compelling vision for communities where everyone truly belongs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Karis Disability Services

02:51 Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities

05:23 Service Models and Community Engagement

08:09 Navigating Access to Services

10:37 Funding and Fundraising Strategies

13:42 The Role of Faith in Disability Services

18:08 Leadership Insights and Personal Journey

27:03 Empowering Choice and Control for Disabilities

29:55 Leadership Insights for Aspiring CEOs

35:35 Succession Planning and Emerging Leadership

45:54 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Guest Bio: Janet Noel-Annable

Janet Noel-Annable is the CEO of Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons), a faith-based organization providing services and support to people with developmental disabilities. Janet began her career with Karis in 1988 as a developmental services professional in Ottawa, while attending Carleton University. After various promotions, she was appointed as CEO in 2011. Recently, Janet completed her Master of Business Administration through Ivey Business School.

Under her leadership, Karis supports thousands of people in Ontario and Saskatchewan and partners with others to impact the lives of people with disabilities in developing countries. Janet works energetically and collaboratively with many organizations, communities of faith, governments and others, believing that together we have the strength to promote communities where everybody belongs; communities that recognize the importance of all contributors, including those with disabilities.

Connecting with Janet:

Website: www.karis.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-noel-annable-09073766/

Karis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/karis-disability-services/

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 the future of real estate in the GTHA.

Takeaways

• Real estate is often the second largest expense for nonprofits.

• Cresa exclusively represents tenants, avoiding conflicts of interest.

• Nonprofits face unique challenges in real estate negotiations.

• The pandemic has shifted how charities utilize office space.

• Hybrid work models are becoming the norm for many organizations.

• Downsizing or right-sizing office space can lead to significant savings.

• Attracting talent is easier with flexible work arrangements.

• Culture and socialization are crucial for team cohesion in a hybrid environment.

• Market conditions have changed, leading to higher vacancy rates in some areas.

• Flexibility in lease terms is essential for future planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate for Nonprofits

03:12 Understanding Cresa's Role in the Market

05:49 Challenges Nonprofits Face in Real Estate

09:07 The Impact of the Pandemic on Real Estate Needs

11:58 Hybrid Work Models and Space Utilization

17:56 Evaluating Office Space Options

21:49 Ownership vs. Leasing for Nonprofits

26:48 Attracting Talent in a Hybrid Environment

29:55 Culture and Socialization in Nonprofits

38:40 Market Trends and Future Predictions

Guest Bio:

After finishing his undergrad, Jeff spent the next 20 years working with two for-profit organizations, Procter & Gamble and General Mills. In 2005, he moved into the not-for-profit world as a capital campaign fundraiser with the YMCA, and later was recruited to be the President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Ontario. More recently, Jeff has served as Principal in the Charity and Non-Profit real estate practice at Cresa since 2011. This provides entirely new ways to create breakthrough opportunities and solve problems for businesses and charities alike. Now Jeff's passion, skills and experience benefit organizations throughout the province.

Connecting with Jeff:

LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/goodworld/ and Cresa Toronto

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

https://www.cresa.com/Locations/North-America/Ontario-Canada/Toronto-ON

jeff@goodworld.ca

Download the 2025 Nonprofit Benchmarking Report: https://www.cresa.com/Whitepapers/2025-Canadian-Nonprofit-Benchmarking-Report

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 generations. He also discusses the role of the United Nations Association in Canada and its mission to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

Takeaways

• Aki's diverse upbringing shaped his worldview and leadership style.

• Youth need platforms and opportunities to lead in the charitable sector.

• Transitioning from corporate to nonprofit requires a passion for purpose.

• Cultural differences impact leadership styles and organizational dynamics.

• The United Nations Association in Canada focuses on grassroots programs and global values.

• Engaging youth is crucial for the future of the charitable sector.

• Organizations must adapt to attract and retain younger talent.

• Leadership requires a balance of risk-taking and informed decision-making.

• Building an ecosystem of hope is essential for effective leadership.

• Core values should never be compromised, even in challenging times.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aki Temiseva and Leadership Journey

05:56 Early Leadership Experiences and Youth Engagement

11:01 Transition from Corporate to Charitable Sector

18:48 Navigating Cultural Differences in Leadership

26:52 The Role of the United Nations Association in Canada

34:57 Challenges in the Charitable Sector and Future Leadership

Guest Bio: Aki Temiseva, President & CEO, United Nations Association in Canada.

Born in Finland and raised in Zambia, Aki Temiseva is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience building businesses and non-profits across four continents. Aki thrives in organizations that, like him, dare to dream big and disrupt the status quo for a reason: to create tangible solutions that measurably improve people's lives and build a more peaceful world for everyone.

Aki was named as the President and CEO of United Nations Association in Canada September (2024). Aki has served as Chief Marketing and Development Officer for Children Believe, a cutting-edge leader in children's education worldwide, where he led their fundraising, marketing, communications and public relations. Before Children Believe, Aki served as Global Vice President, Philanthropy at Right to Play, a Toronto based global INGO using the power of play to transform lives of children and youth across the globe. Before coming to Canada, he ran both local and global corporations and organizations in US, UK and the Nordics, delivering unprecedented growth from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations (Procter & Gamble, Publicis Group) and global development organizations like World Vision and ChildFund, as well as his own consultancy out of London, UK.

Aki excels at turning the seemingly impossible into "we did it." He motivates and unites teams behind a growth vision, simplifying the complex and focusing on what really counts. Aki delivers results founded on innovative, winning strategies, bringing down silos in the process and building bridges where none existed. He has said his current role at UNAC allows him to push his life-long agenda of hope, reconciliation and bringing people together -even from seemingly impossible situations.

Aki holds an MSc in international marketing from Finland's Aalto University. Tri-lingual in Finnish, Swedish and English, he has lived in Africa, Asia, Scandinavia, the U.K. and the U.S.A. prior to making a home with his family in Toronto.

Connecting with Aki:

https://www.unac.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-nations-association-in-canada/

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