In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we chat with Cheryl Farrow, CEO of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).

Cheryl talks about how she guided the association through a big shift in how they operate, focusing on making things more open and getting members more involved. One of the things she’s most proud of is launching “fireside chats,” where OACETT members can ask questions directly. These started small with just over 100 people, but in a few months, they grew to over 800—proof that their new, open approach was really working.

Cheryl also shares how they tackled a tough financial challenge in 2022. When the stock market took a hit, it led to some unexpected losses in their investment portfolio. The association had been depending on those returns to balance the budget, so Cheryl and her team moved quickly to make adjustments. They raised membership dues by about 30%. Although they were bracing for some members to leave, the response was surprisingly positive, and they managed to balance the budget without major losses.

From handling financial bumps in the road to boosting member engagement, Cheryl’s leadership shows how associations can adapt and thrive when things change. Tune in to hear how she’s leading OACETT with openness and a clear vision.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we’re joined by Jean-François Champagne, President of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA). JF opens up about a major challenge his team faced while trying to launch a certification program for collision repair shops. Despite the support they received and the huge investment—both in time and money—the program struggled due to competition from car manufacturers offering their own certifications. Ultimately, JF made the tough call to shut it down, teaching him a valuable lesson about understanding the market and adapting when things don’t go as planned.

JF also shared how embracing technology helped AIA Canada during the pandemic. The organization had already started using remote work tools, which made the shift to fully virtual work much smoother for their 30-person team. This forward-thinking approach not only kept the team productive but also helped them attract and keep top talent during a time when many companies were struggling.

A big part of the conversation was JF’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. He shared stories about how AIA Canada’s culture has helped team members, like their VP of Finance, step into leadership roles. For JF, diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about making sure everyone has a chance to succeed.

From dealing with tough advocacy challenges to building a strong team, JF’s leadership journey is packed with valuable insights for anyone working in the nonprofit world. Tune in to hear more about how he handles setbacks and leads with purpose.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth Fowler, the Executive Director of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). For Elizabeth, running is more than just a way to stay in shape—it’s her go-to for clearing her mind, reflecting on decisions, and thinking through the big stuff. It’s no surprise she compares leadership to long-distance running: both require endurance, focus, and the grit to push through challenging moments.

Elizabeth’s journey to nonprofit leadership wasn’t a straight path. She started out in exercise science before moving into health policy consulting. A pivotal moment came when she chose to walk away from a role she loved because the leadership there wasn’t open to feedback. That experience shifted her approach—now, as a leader, she makes it a point to listen and collaborate. For her, it’s about creating harmony within the team, much like finding your rhythm during a long run.

At COS, Elizabeth has led initiatives that extend far beyond day-to-day operations. She’s launched a health fund aimed at supporting employees' physical and mental well-being, working to make COS one of the top places to work in Ottawa. But, like running, leadership has its tough moments—Elizabeth has had to make difficult calls that affect the future of the organization, all while keeping her team motivated and supported.

In this episode, we explore how Elizabeth juggles the demands of leading a national nonprofit while staying grounded, both through her running and through the deliberate, thoughtful decisions that help move her organization forward. It’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone trying to find their rhythm in leadership—or in life.