Exploring Leadership and Legacy with John Hughes | Volunteer Matters Podcast

Welcome to Volunteer Matters, a podcast coming to you from beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, we sit down with John Hughes, the Executive Director of Craigdarroch Castle, a historic house museum with a rich tapestry of stories and a vital role in the community. Join us as we delve into John's journey from a jewelry designer to a nonprofit leader, the significance of the Castle, and the vibrant culture in Victoria’s nonprofit sector. We also discuss the importance of volunteers, leadership philosophies, and the overarching challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit landscape. John’s insights and experiences offer a compelling narrative for anyone interested in community service, leadership, and heritage preservation. Tune in for an enlightening conversation and discover the heart behind the history of Craigdarroch Castle.

00:00 Welcome to Volunteer Matters

01:05 Introducing John Hughes and Craigdarroch Castle

02:10 The History of Craigdarroch Castle

03:59 Craigdarroch Castle Today

09:29 The Role of Volunteers at Craigdarroch Castle

14:16 John Hughes' Journey to Executive Director

20:25 Starting a Journey in Goldsmithing

20:52 Early Influences and High School Experiences

22:16 Transition to Jewelry Design

23:29 Leadership and Business Skills

25:33 Challenges and Rewards of Leadership

27:54 Balancing Work and Personal Life

30:36 Reviving a Passion for Jewelry Making

32:28 The Future of Goldsmithing

35:02 Non-Profit Sector Insights

37:57 The Importance of Volunteering

41:07 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Meet the Visionaries Behind Voluntoria! In this episode of Volunteer Matters, host George Colussi introduces the young and inspiring creators of Voluntoria—Will Porter, Jude Edgington, and their colleague, Liam Murtagh, who couldn't make it to the podcast. George, dives into a fascinating conversation with Jude and Will about their journey into volunteerism, their passion project Voluntoria, and how they aim to engage the youth in community service. They share insights on the benefits of volunteer work for personal and community growth, discuss their plans for the future, and reflect on the influence of mentorship in their lives. Tune in to learn about these dynamic young changemakers and their vision to make the world a better place through Voluntoria. Plus, get a glimpse of their personal aspirations, favorite travel destinations, and much more. 00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Matters Podcast 00:22 Meet the Hosts and Guests 00:52 The Tech Setup and Humor 02:38 Introducing Jude and Will's Project 04:41 The Importance of Volunteering for Youth 13:25 How to Get Involved and Contact Information 15:41 Fun Personal Questions with Jude and Will 22:18 Discussing Business and Investments 22:37 Tennis Talk: Novak Djokovic's Greatness 24:34 Magic Wand: Changing the World 27:32 Misconceptions About Youth 29:52 Encouraging Youth Volunteering 33:42 Future Plans and Influences 42:57 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Check out Voluntoria at https://www.voluntoria.com/

Scale Collaborative: Transforming Nonprofits with Kristi Rivait

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, we have an in-depth conversation with Kristi Rivait, one of the founders and directors of Scale Collaborative, a transformative organization aiming to build a thriving social change sector. From the offices of Volunteer Victoria in British Columbia, Kristi shares her journey, the impactful work of Scale Collaborative, the shift from scarcity to abundance mindset in the nonprofit sector, and the importance of financial diversification. Tune in to hear Kristi's insights on how nonprofits can better serve their communities and adapt to post-COVID challenges. Plus, hear Kristi’s thoughts on volunteering, her TEDx experience, and how personal passion fuels organizational success.

00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Matters Podcast

00:52 Meet Kristi Rivait and Scale Collaborative

01:54 Scale Collaborative's Mission and Programs

08:01 Challenges and Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector

10:51 Debunking Myths in the Nonprofit Sector

12:55 Kristi's TEDx Experience

17:33 The Joys and Challenges of Nonprofit Work

21:26 Understanding Community and Personal Journey

23:40 A Roundabout Journey to Finding Passion

24:52 Discovering the Power of Politics

25:32 From Politics to Nonprofit Leadership

27:48 The Joy of Volunteering

30:48 Connecting with Scale Collaborative

36:07 Dreams, Inspirations, and Reflections

⁠https://scalecollaborative.ca/⁠

Volunteer Matters: A Conversation with Andrea Pipes on Community Engagement

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, we are delighted to host Andrea Pipes, Director of Volunteer Resources and Engagement at Island Health, in our sunny Victoria office. Andrea shares her extensive experience in volunteer management, detailing her work with Island Health and the various volunteer programs she oversees, including the Step Up Youth program. Join us as we dive into the importance of volunteerism, the diverse roles of volunteers across healthcare facilities, and the inspiring philosophy behind it all. Also, find out how Andrea integrates community involvement into her personal life and leadership style.

00:00 Welcome to Volunteer Matters

00:47 Introducing Andrea Pipes

01:46 Island Health and Volunteer Resources

03:03 Volunteer Roles in Health Services

04:58 Youth Volunteer Programs

06:57 The Importance of Volunteerism

16:16 How to Get Involved

19:48 Andrea's Personal Volunteer Journey

25:43 The Joy of Helping and Making a Difference

26:44 Leadership and Management Style

28:20 Encouraging Volunteerism

30:38 Inclusivity in Volunteering

33:06 Intergenerational Volunteer Program

35:11 Becoming a Volunteer Manager

40:20 Five Questions with Andrea Pipes

45:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Impact of Volunteerism: Exploring Lifetime Networks with Julie Mason & Emily Mayberry

In this edition of Volunteer Matters by Volunteer Victoria, hosts welcome Julie and Emily from Lifetime Networks, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities. Discover the origins of Lifetime Networks, its unique programs, and the powerful impact of unpaid relationships and community integration. Julie and Emily also share their own inspiring journeys. Tune in to explore how this organization enriches the lives of participants and volunteers alike and learn the true essence of building a supportive and inclusive community.

00:00 Welcome to Volunteer Matters

01:47 Introducing Lifetime Networks

02:02 The Origins of Lifetime Networks

04:52 Programs and Services at Lifetime Networks

13:14 Volunteer Roles and Network Friends

19:12 Personal Stories and Impact

22:44 Journey to Lifetime Networks

26:58 Hometown Memories and Early Volunteering

28:39 High School and University Journey

30:02 Career Beginnings and Literacy Research

32:13 Moving to Victoria and New Beginnings

34:12 Working with Lifetime Networks

35:31 Encouraging Volunteerism and Community Involvement

43:45 Final Thoughts and Inclusivity

Volunteer Matters Podcast: Ken Watson's Journey from Engineer to Dedicated Community Volunteer Join us in this insightful episode of the Volunteer Matters podcast as we sit down with Ken Watson, a retired engineer and city manager from Port Alberni, British Columbia. Ken shares his fascinating life journey, starting from his engineering beginnings to taking a leadership role in city management. He discusses his active involvement in community efforts, including his crucial role in the tsunami recovery in Sri Lanka and his current engagement with local organizations like Rotary and the Port Alberni Maritime Heritage Society. Get inspired by Ken's story of volunteerism, community service, and the impact one person can make. Don't miss out on this conversation filled with wisdom and heartwarming anecdotes, hosted by George and co-hosted by Eli Colussi from Proxy AI. 00:00 Introduction to Volunteer Matters Podcast 00:57 Meet Our Guest: Ken Watson 02:38 Ken Watson's Engineering Journey 08:29 Transition to City Management 14:39 Community Involvement and Volunteerism 23:09 Ken's Post-Retirement Activities 30:38 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Volunteer Matters: Exploring Non-profit Leadership with Whitney Ayoub- Goulstone

In this episode of 'Volunteer Matters,' we sit down with Whitney Ayoub Goulstone, the Executive Director of Immunity Canada. Whitney shares her inspiring journey from an aspiring writer to a non-profit leader, detailing her personal experiences and the critical work of Immunity Canada. Learn about the challenges and rewards of working in the non-profit sector, the importance of volunteers, and how organizations can adapt for sustainability. Whitney's authentic storytelling highlights the impact of patient advocacy and how anyone can make a meaningful contribution to their community. Tune in to hear about the transformational efforts in supporting patients with immune deficiencies across Canada.

00:00 Welcome to Volunteer Matters

00:48 Introducing Whitney Ayoub- Goulstone

01:21 Understanding Immunity Canada

05:20 Challenges in Funding for Rare Diseases

09:21 Whitney's Journey to Executive Director

12:52 From Marketing to Non-profit Leadership

18:06 The Long Wait for Surgery

18:48 Taking Initiative to Expand the Unit

19:13 Raising Funds and Making a Difference

20:25 Transitioning to Non-profit Leadership

21:23 The Rewards and Challenges of Non-profit Work

25:42 Volunteering: A Lifelong Commitment

29:55 Encouraging Others to Volunteer

31:43 Opportunities at Immunity Canada

33:44 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Empowering Community Through Volunteerism: A Conversation with Councillor Steve Duck

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, recorded at Volunteer Victoria in British Columbia, the hosts delve into the importance of volunteerism in community building and personal growth. The episode features an engaging conversation with Steve Duck, a proactive city councillor in Sidney, Victoria, who shares his extensive experience in volunteerism, board participation, and his personal journey of giving back to the community through various roles and projects. From founding community groups to operating a travel destination company, Steve underscores the significance of seizing opportunities (Carpe Diem) and the joy found in serving others. The discussion also touches on the impact of volunteer work on personal happiness, the importance of involving youth in board decision-making, and the value of in-person connections in an increasingly digital world. George Colussi, the program's host, also shares his perspective, underscoring the episode's theme of the diverse benefits of volunteer service.

00:00 Welcome to Volunteer Matters: A Deep Dive into Volunteerism

01:16 Meet Steve Duck: A Life Dedicated to Community Service

02:31 The Journey of a Councillor: Insights from Steve Duck

02:57 Exploring the World of Municipal Politics

05:49 The Role of Community Associations in Shaping Our Cities

08:32 Steve Duck's Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Tides Group

15:08 The Importance of Board Participation in Volunteerism

17:52 Steve's First Steps into Volunteering and Its Impact

20:55 Encouraging Youth Participation in Boards and Volunteerism

23:35 The Simple Joy of Volunteering: From Cinema to Cycling Without Age

30:52 Looking Ahead: Steve Duck's Vision for the Future

35:16 Closing Thoughts and the Value of Personal Connection