Introduction:

The Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Andy Harrington, the Executive Director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15 Canadian church denominations and agencies with a goal to end global hunger. Partnering with locally based organizations in majority world countries, the organization seeks to meet emergency food needs in crisis situations, achieve long term sustainable solutions to hunger, and works to foster informed action by Canadians and governments to support relief and development efforts around this international cause.

Andy has over thirty five years of experience working in international development and with youth and young adults around the world. Prior to joining the Foodgrains Bank, he was the CEO of the Wellspring Foundation for Education, an organization with a mission to transform education in East Africa and to foster vibrant communities that address poverty in all its forms. He and his wife Helen along with their two children spent two years during the conflict in Croatia and Bosnia, working with children traumatized by the war, and he has led projects in a number of other countries, including as part of the relief efforts for the Asian Tsunami disaster.

Andy, writes and speaks extensively on a number of issues including the need for a just society and respectful leadership. He has a Masters degree in Missiology and can regularly be found motorbiking or hiking in places like Alaska and Africa.

Summary

Our guest, Andy Harrington, the Executive Director of the Canadian Food Grains Bank, discusses his role and the organization's mission to end global hunger. He shares his career journey in the charitable sector, from working with at-risk youth to leading education initiatives in Africa.

Andy highlights the challenges and opportunities in the charitable sector, including the breakdown of civil discourse and the need for flexibility, authenticity, and trust in organizations. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging younger generations in leadership roles and board positions to ensure the future success of charities.

Dave and Andy discuss the importance of leadership in the nonprofit sector. Andy emphasizes the need for leaders to engage their teams and build trust, especially during times of crisis. Harrington shares his experiences in Sri Lanka and Bosnia, highlighting the importance of caring for the team while dealing with a crisis.

Dave and Andy also speak about the significance of self-care for leaders and offer advice on transitioning into a new leadership role. Harrington concludes by discussing the value of mentorship and how younger leaders can seek guidance and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Andy Harrington's Role and Canadian Food Grains Bank

13:03 Challenges in the Charitable Sector

15:47 Opportunities in the Charitable Sector

18:15 Engaging Younger Generations in Leadership Roles

21:38 The Importance of Flexibility, Authenticity, and Trust in Leadership

25:39 Diversity and Effective Governance in Charities

28:19 Engaging Teams and Building Trust

30:07 Leadership in Extreme Situations

34:29 Caring for Staff in Charitable Work

36:44 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

39:18 The Importance of Self-Care

42:56 Transitioning into a New Leadership Role

50:56 The Value of Mentorship