From Our Vantage Point shares real conversations with the people shaping BC’s non-profit sector — the leaders, collaborators, and change-makers building stronger communities across the province.
Each episode goes beyond theory to explore the stories, lessons, and lived experiences behind non-profit leadership. From boardrooms to community halls, we talk about what it takes to lead with purpose, strengthen organizations, and turn shared vision into action.
Hosted by Vantage Point, this series connects governance, leadership, and advocacy with the everyday realities of making change that lasts.
Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.
🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is proudly supported by Humanity Financial.
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From Our Vantage Point shares real conversations with the people shaping BC’s non-profit sector — the leaders, collaborators, and change-makers building stronger communities across the province.
Each episode goes beyond theory to explore the stories, lessons, and lived experiences behind non-profit leadership. From boardrooms to community halls, we talk about what it takes to lead with purpose, strengthen organizations, and turn shared vision into action.
Hosted by Vantage Point, this series connects governance, leadership, and advocacy with the everyday realities of making change that lasts.
Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.
🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is proudly supported by Humanity Financial.
Changing and Challenging Times in the Non-Profit Sector
From Our Vantage Point
55 minutes 37 seconds
6 months ago
Changing and Challenging Times in the Non-Profit Sector
Hosted by Vantage Point’s CEO, Zahra Esmail, this episode takes a close look at the challenges of the non-profit sector in our current climate. Zahra meets with President Bacon from UBC, Kevin McCort, CEO of Vancouver Foundation, and Walter Pela, Board Chair of Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, who provide perspectives from the academic, philanthropic, and business sectors.
Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon is the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia. With a PhD in neuropsychology from the University of Montreal and a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Glasgow, Dr. Bacon has held several academic leadership roles, including President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University. His research focuses on the neurophysiological and cognitive bases of visual and multisensory perception. He is also a national advocate for open conversations about mental health and substance use.
Kevin McCort has been the CEO of Vancouver Foundation since 2013, following 25 years of international development work with Canada’s leading global charities. Under his leadership, the Foundation has significantly increased its granting and charitable programs, reaching $2 billion in cumulative grants. McCort also serves on the federal advisory committee on the charitable sector and the Conference Board of Canada.
Walter Pela is KPMG's Regional Managing Partner and the Board Chair of Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. With a 30-year career at KPMG, Walter leads conversations on digital transformation, business model disruption, and sustainability. He is recognized as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants and has been honored as one of BC's Most Influential Leaders. Walter also serves on several boards, including the BC Achievement Foundation and the Pacific Autism Family Network.
Together, they discuss the struggles of the non-profit sector, how their respective sectors are being impacted, and what they are doing to support community organizations.
*Note that this podcast was recorded before the federal election in Canada that was held on April 25, 2025
Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Humanity Financial, for their support of these important conversations!
From Our Vantage Point
From Our Vantage Point shares real conversations with the people shaping BC’s non-profit sector — the leaders, collaborators, and change-makers building stronger communities across the province.
Each episode goes beyond theory to explore the stories, lessons, and lived experiences behind non-profit leadership. From boardrooms to community halls, we talk about what it takes to lead with purpose, strengthen organizations, and turn shared vision into action.
Hosted by Vantage Point, this series connects governance, leadership, and advocacy with the everyday realities of making change that lasts.
Because when non-profits thrive, communities do too.
🎙️ From Our Vantage Point is proudly supported by Humanity Financial.
