In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sat down with Tim Hudak, the former CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). After spending over 20 years in politics and even leading Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party, he made a big leap into nonprofit leadership. Making a major career shift can be daunting, and Tim’s journey is full of insights that could help anyone facing similar challenges.

When Tim took over at OREA, he walked straight into a big challenge—losing their role as the certification body for real estate agents in Ontario. This wasn’t just a small bump in the road; it meant losing 60% of their revenue. For any nonprofit leader, that’s a nightmare scenario. But instead of letting this crisis knock them down, Tim guided OREA through a careful and resourceful transformation. They had to make tough decisions, including downsizing, but they also refocused on what really mattered. Today, OREA is stronger and more effective than ever. If you’ve ever had to make hard choices to keep your organization afloat, Tim’s experience is both relatable and inspiring.

We also talked about OREA’s new insurance program, which has been a hot topic lately. Many real estate agents didn’t have any health or life insurance—a situation a lot of small nonprofits and independent workers can relate to. While there’s been some pushback, Tim is focused on the bigger picture: helping those who really need it. If you’ve ever rolled out a new initiative that didn’t sit well with everyone, you’ll understand the balancing act Tim is doing here. His dedication to doing what’s best for the members, even when it’s tough, really stood out to us.

This episode is full of down-to-earth advice and real-world examples of how to turn setbacks into opportunities. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit through challenging times or trying to introduce new programs while dealing with pushback, there’s a lot you can take away from our chat with Tim.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we chat with the Executive Director of Jericho Road, a nonprofit that's all about transforming lives through addiction recovery. What makes his story extra special? He was once a participant in Jericho Road’s program himself. His journey from addiction to recovery now fuels his mission to help others. Under his leadership, Jericho Road has hit some amazing milestones.

One of the coolest things he's done is hiring from within. Many of the top and most dedicated employees at Jericho Road are former clients. These folks bring incredible passion and commitment to their roles because they’ve been there and know what it takes. This hiring approach creates a super supportive and empathetic environment for current program members. Former clients who become employees offer invaluable insights and relatable support, making the program even more effective.

Since taking the reins, the Executive Director has added an extra house, boosting the organization’s capacity by 20% and cutting down the waiting list. He’s also led successful fundraising events like the Coldest Night of the Year walk, pulling in over $50,000 each year. Plus, by implementing a CRM system, donor retention has jumped by 30%, showing how tech can really help an organization grow.

I am thrilled to welcome Beth McMahon, CEO of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). Beth’s extensive executive experience and dedication to non-profit leadership make her a powerhouse in the sector.

Beth’s story is one of bold moves and relentless dedication. Imagine driving across the country for a part-time role that demanded double the effort – that’s how Beth started her journey. She grew an organization from her living room into a major player in the non-profit sector.

Connect with Beth McMahon on LinkedIn: Beth McMahon Learn more about CIP: Canadian Institute of Planners

When Beth joined CIP in 2016, the organization was on the brink of collapse. Through her visionary leadership, she revitalized CIP, increasing membership by over 40% and significantly boosting financial stability.

Beth isn’t just about big-picture ideas; she’s about getting things done. For this episode, Beth brought in a large laminated table mat, instantly sparking our curiosity. This mat, she explained, is her secret weapon for keeping her board and management team laser-focused on their strategic plan. This simple yet effective tool has been a game-changer in maintaining cohesion and direction within her organization.

In 2024, Beth received the Social Innovation Leader Award from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE). This award recognizes leaders who are dedicated to exploring new ideas and promoting sustainable inclusive and collaborative practices by adopting innovative and creative strategies and initiatives to leverage CSAE’s community.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking for straightforward, actionable advice to boost your non-profit. Tune in to hear Beth’s journey, her challenges, and the incredible success stories that will motivate you to take your organization to the next level..