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/⁠