Introduction

The Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Sandra Hawken, the CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.

Sandra is a values-based leader, who is dedicated to inclusivity and empowerment. Since joining Holland Bloorview in 2015, Sandra together with her team has spearheaded remarkable growth, increasing the supporter base by over 1000% and doubling annual fundraising.

Her visionary leadership launched ground-breaking initiatives like the Capes for Kids program, raising over $7 million dollars and inspiring a national movement for disability inclusion.

With a track record of raising over $150 million for equity-focused charities, Sandra's impact resonates beyond her role at Holland Bloorview.

If you would like to support Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, visit Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

Summary

Sandra shares her career progression from the private sector to the charitable sector, specifically in feminist organizations and the transition into healthcare philanthropy. She discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning to the healthcare sector and the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership.

We asked Sandra to share about her hiring practices, including the focus on values alignment and creating growth opportunities for younger talent. She emphasizes the need for organizations to invest in their employees' careers and cultivate a culture of belonging. Sandra shares her perspective on leadership in the charitable space today and the complexities it entails.

We discuss the importance of building a strong organizational culture and investing in leadership development. Sandra emphasizes the value of open communication, mentorship programs, and continuous learning opportunities. We also address the challenge of compensation in the charitable sector and learn how Holland Bloorview addresses it through transparency and non-monetary benefits.

Hear about Holland Bloorview’s mission to increase disability inclusion and reduce stigma, and the impact they make through healthcare, research, and community programs. Sandra's leadership and collaborative approach contribute to the success of Holland Bloorview and the sector as a whole.

Chapters

05:50 - What is it like to lead in the charitable space today?

09:20 - Advice for those looking to make the shift into senior executive roles in the charitable sector.

10:50 - Perspectives & practices for growing talent & hiring from within.

15:20 - Attracting younger talent and helping them transition to this space.

23:20 - Addressing the limiting factor of charity budgets.

26:37 - Non-monetary incentives for employees.

Mentioned in this Show

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

Cause Leadership Inc.